CALITZDORP TOURISM
News Letter Nr. 14 5 September 2013
P O Box 190 CALITZDORP 6660
Phone: (044) 213-3775 Fax: 086 569 1447 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.calitzdorp.org.za
Matjiesvlei
Message from the chair: Mrs Moira Strauss
Light refreshments will be served after the meeting, cash bar available.
Maak seker dat julle net na die I N D E X Algemene Jaarvergadering 'n draai gaan maak by Die Handelshuis om die Includes: goeie fliek te sien wat Gaye beplan om Weather for the week Brain Teaser of the week te wys. Recipe for the week Joke of the week 'n Vol program word verwag vir Photo of the week Erfenis dag. Jan Vlok se gewilde stap Famous quotes Dear Readers, in die Rooibergpas val ook onder een Birthday Wishes van hierdie gewilde items. Bespreek From the Calitzdorp Art Meander I would like to remind all Calitzdorp Calitzdorp Wine asseblief vroegtydig om teleurstelling Birds of the Klein Karoo Tourism members that our Annual te voorkom. Mense kom van ver af om Dream Project General Meeting will be held on die stap mee te maak. Saterdagoggendmark Wednesday 25 September 2013 at 17:30 a the Calitzdorp Station. Indien jy nie lus is vir te veel News o AGM Calitzdorp Tourism opwinding op Erfenis dag nie, geniet o Veiling: 21 Sep 2013 The AGM is an important event for gerus 'n braai saam met vriende en o KBU se nuwe webblad every member of Calitzdorp Tourism. It familie tuis, wetende 'n groot deel van o Kunsuitstalling – Erfenisdag – Cal. Museum gives its members, the general public die land braai saam met jou. o Training: Emerging Accommodation and the committee a broad overview of business owners o List your specials – no cost involve the organisation's current directions and o Die Handelshuis: dinner & a movie financial health and confirms its Geniet hierdie week se uitgawe. o Heritage Day and National Braai day purpose. It is also the time to revitalise o Smitswinkel: stap met Jan Vlok the organisation through the official o Art exhibitions in Calitzdorp o Cultural routes in the Klein Karoo engagement of members into key Moira Strauss o Power of One Roadshow elected positions. This should be a Calitzdorp Tourism Chair positive experience, ensuring you to go Events Calendar away firmly committed to Calitzdorp Tel: 044 2133 402 Advertisements Tourism and its goals.
News Reports of recent events, previously unknown information and things having a specified influence or effect
News items below
o AGM Calitzdorp Tourism / AJV Calitzdorp Toerisme o Veiling: 21 Sep 2013 o Kannalandse Belastingbetalers Unie se nuwe webblad o Kunsuitstalling – Erfenisdag – Calitzdorp Museum o Training: Emerging Accommodation business owners o List your specials – no cost involve o Die Handelshuis: dinner & a movie o Heritage Day and National Braai day o Smitswinkel: stap in Rooibergpas met Jan Vlok o Art exhibitions in Calitzdorp over heritage weekend o Cultural routes in the Klein Karoo o Power of One Roadshow
o AGM Calitzdorp Tourism / AJV Calitzdorp Toerisme
Date/Datum: 25 September 2013 Any member who wants to include his proposal on the agenda Time/Tyd: 17:30 must inform the secretary (Erina Meiring) in writing 3 days Place/Plek: Calitzdorp Railway Station before AGM.
RSVP: Before /Voor 20 September 2013 Enige lid wat 'n voorstel wil plaas op die agenda, moet die Tel: (044) 2133 775 (Erina Meiring / Jadé sekretaresse (Erina Meiring) skriftelik in kennis stel 3 dae voor Williams) AJV. Email: [email protected] The AGM is held for the good of Calitzdorp Tourism. Your This is to inform you that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) attendance is welcomed. for this year will be held at the Old Station on 25 September 2013. The meeting will commence at 5.30 p.m. sharp. Die AJV word gehou tot Calitzdorp Toerisme se voordeel. U teenwoordigheid word verwelkom. Hiermee word u in kennis gestel dat die Algemene Jaarvergadering (AJV) vir hierdie jaar gehou sal op by die Ou Thank you/Dankie. Stasie op die 25ste September 2013. Die vergadering sal stiptelik begin om 5.30nm. Moira Strauss Chair/Voorsitter
o Smitswinkel: stap in Rooibergpas met Jan Vlok
SMITSWINKEL 24 SEPTEMBER 2013
Stap in ROOIBERGPAS
In die Klapperbos woud saam met Jan Vlok
Ligte middag ete ingesluit. Vertrek vanaf Smitswinkel om 08H30
R 150.00 per persoon, eie vervoer Kontak Irene of Christine by 044 213 3801 om te bespreek
Smitswinkel binnekort in Oudtshoorn!!!
o Veiling: 21 Sep 2013 o Kannalandse Belastingbetalers Unie se nuwe webblad Verander oortollige goed in kontant!
Change unwanted goods into cash! Ter inligting die Kannalandse Belastingbetalers Unie se nuwe webblad Veiling van losgoedere en meubels wat in ontwikkeling is. Besigtig dit gerus. U kommentaar is welkom
WAAR: Voortrekkerstraat – Calitzdorp (By Blue Door Restaurant) FYI the Kannaland Ratepayers Union's new webaddress which is WANNEER: Saterdag 21 September 2013 om 10h00 under development. Have a peek. Your comments are welcome.
Verversings beskikbaar op dag van veiling. Indien u artikels op die Die webblad is: kbu-kru.co.za veiling wil plaas: Groetnis / Regards
Hennie Smit Kontak vir Johan Sel: 073 074 4271 Tel: 044 213 3402
o Kunsuitstalling – Erfenisdag – o Training: Emerging Accommodation Calitzdorp Museum business owners
Erfenisdag, 24 September 2013 16:30
Calitzdorp Museum
Uitstalling van NICO PRINS se Hout- en Bronsbeelde Skilderye
Far Hills Country Hotel
Nico Prins is 'n seun van Calitzdorp. Hy is op 17 Augustus 1945 by die Warmbad, distrik Calitdorp gebore en het op 'n jeugdige ouderdom The Department of Economic Development and Tourism, offered na Kaapstad vertrek waar hy in 1972 klas begin loop het by die Ruth accommodation training for 25 accommodation business owners in the Eden Region, from 9 to 13 September 2013 at Far Hills Country Hotel. Prowse kunsskool. Hy was 'n goeie vriend van Gregoire Boonzaaier The training session consisted of a 5 day workshop which was split en 'n leerling van Erik Laubscher. Sy werk is veral deur eersgenoemde beïnvloed. Hy is in 1999 oorlede, maar sy vrou is nog in besit van between theory, class work and practical sessions. heelwat van sy werk. We want to congratulate Suzette Pokpas (representing Welgevonden
GH), Danielle Mobile (representing Die Handelshuis), Claudia Jansen Calitzdorp Museum is trots daarop om hierdie uitstalling te kan hou. Ons eer sy nagedagtenis. (representing Spekboom Cottages) and Marinda van Wyk from Die Kom drink saam met ons 'n glasie muskadel en ontmoet Nico se Dorpshuis, who completed the training session successfully. We believe you had a wonderful time and learned more then you hoped familie for.
o Die Handelshuis: dinner & a movie
Die Handelshuis invites you to join us on Wednesday 25th september at 7 for 7.30 for dinner & a movie by special request….
At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.
This 2012 comedy/drama directed by Dustin Hoffman stars the inimitable Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly & Pauline Collins. A gentle feel good movie in the genre of Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
A gorgeous Italian Chicken Cassoulet and home-baked bread will be served & as always a vegetarian meal will also be available for R45 (please specify vegetarian in your reply).
Looking forward to seeing you all again for our new summer season! Please RSVP by Monday 23rd. Email [email protected] or sms 071-688 0926. Best wishes, Gaye.
The Tourism AGM is from 5.30pm, so there should be plenty of time to make the movie and I will wait for people if the AGM is running late. Best wishes. Gaye.
o List your specials – no cost involve
You can have your specials listed on http://tourismcapetown.co.za/leisure-travel website for free. All required information is specified on the document below, and may be forwarded directly back to Rene Linnert for uploading. Please don't hesitate to contact her with any queries. RENE LINNERT EBUSINESS OFFICER WESGRO – The Western Cape Destination Marketing, Investment and Trade Promotion Agency Tel: +27 21 487 4843, Fax: +27 21 487 4801 e-mail: [email protected], web: www.tourismcapetown.co.za, www.wesgro.co.za
SPECIAL OFFER LISTING REQUEST FORM You can submit your special offer of your tourism product in the following categories: Accommodation/ Conference Venue/ Attractions/ Adventure & Sports/ Health & Wellness/ Tour operators/ Dinning & Entertainment. Your special offer will only be valid for the time period as indicated by you. Special offers can only be featured for 3 months from starting date. Complete the below template and email to [email protected]
Product Name: Description of Offer: Contact Details: Tel: Cell: Fax: Email: Website: Physical Address: Additional Terms & Standard Terms & conditions: Conditions: *Subject to availability Please include dates *Bookings required here. *Please mention WESGRO: Special offer when booking *Please bring along WESGRO: Special offer voucher to qualify
o Heritage Day and National Braai day
24 September, is a public holiday on which South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people. "Heritage has defined as "that which we inherit: the sum total of wild life and scenic parks, sites of scientific or historical importance, national monuments, historic buildings, works of art, literature and music, oral traditions and museum collections together with their documentation".
CELEBRATION OF HERITAGE DAY In 2005, a media campaign sought to "re-brand" the holiday as Organiser Jan National Braai Day, in recognition of the South African culinary tradition of holding informal backyard barbecues, or braais. Scannell announced that On 5 September 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his the aim is not te appointment as patron of South Africa's Barbecue Day, affirming it to be a unifying force in a divided country by donning an apron and have a mass tucking into a boerewors sausage. At the end of 2007 National Braai braai, but littler Day changed its name to Braai4Heritage and the initiative received the ones with friends endorsement of South Africa's National Heritage Council (NHC). and family.
Jan Scannell, the man behind National Braai Day, calls out South Africans to action on September 24th. Jan Scannell, resigned from his job at the end of 2005 to focus on National Braai Day. Jan's aim with celebrating National Braai Day every year on Heritage day, September 24th is to have one day where all South Africans are united around a braai, creating an annual day of celebration, nurturing and embracing a common South African culture, which is shared across all races and genders. Archbishop Desmond Tutu says in The Times in September 2008 : "As a meat lover, I urge that on Heritage Day people Braai4Heritage and share their meat with those who do not have". Jan had a great idea to bring South Africans together, once a year around a braai-fire to celebrate a country that’s worth to celebrating. Jan’s braai-website www.braai.com has many interesting braai-facts as well as amusing things waiting for you.
o Art exhibitions in Calitzdorp over heritage weekend
Kraaldoring Gallery and Studio Cultural Roots - From Saturday 21 September at 11am until Tuesday 24 September. Hours: 11am - 4pm daily. Featured artists: Albie Bailey : Peta Becker : Bowen Boshier : Hardy Botha : Lien Botha: Katunga Carimbwe : Fawa Conradie : Emily Fellows : Gregory Kerr : Immanuel Nakale :Cobus van Bosch: Theo Vorster : Clementina van der Walt
Oude Postkantoor Tinus and Gabriel de Jongh 22 - 24 September 10:00 -17:00
Calitzdorp Museum Nico Prins 24 September 16:00, until the end of October. Works featured are bronze and wood sculptures, as well as some of his oil pieces. Works are for sale. Contact Blackie Badenhorst at Calitzdorp Museum 044 213 3414. Exhibition during Museum Times. The works of Nigel Prins (Nico's son) can be viewed at Gallery Route 62.
o Cultural routes in the Klein Karoo
You are invited to the opening of CULTURAL ROUTES on Saturday 21 September at 11am at KRAALDORING GALLERY on the Groenfontein Road, 11kms outside Calitzdorp. The exhibition will be on show until Tuesday 24 September. Hours: 11am - 4pm daily Featured artists: Albie Bailey : Peta Becker : Bowen Boshier : Hardy Botha : Lien Botha : Katunga Carimbwe : Fawa Conradie : Emily Fellows : Gregory Kerr : Immanuel Nakale : Cobus van Bosch : Theo Vorster : Clementina van der Walt http://www.clementina.co.za/about/kraaldoring-gallery/ Refreshments will be served
o Power of One Roadshow:
The Annual Power Of One Roadshow is coming to your area! South African Tourism and stakeholders including TEP, TOMSA and The Department of Tourism have again joined forces to bring you a single workshop, in your province, where you get the benefit of being engaged on matters that are key to your hospitality business. In just half a day, you will be exposed to:
Tourism Market Insights, * How being Star Graded provides you access to millions of global travellers, * The NEW South African Tourism Domestic campaign aimed at increasing domestic travel, *What support is available to Tourism and Hospitality SMME’s through the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP), TOMSA - What is TOMSA and the benefits of being a TOMSA levy collecting member, *How your establishment’s service excellence contributes to South Africa’s positioning as a welcoming nation.
Enquiries: Mashoto Zimba Tel: 011 895 3175 Email: [email protected]
To book your seat, go to this link: http://welcome.southafrica.net/powerofone/content/provinces/wc/index.html?location=wc
Weather for the week
Saterdagoggendmark
Dit gaan heerlike weer wees hierdie Saterdag – alles wat vars en lekker is – bring sommer ‘n groot mandjie. “The Stig” is al vir jare die misterieuse resiesjaer van die program Top Gear. Die mark se nuusbrief het sy eie geheimsinnige vertaler. Elke week word die vertaling van my markreklamestories flink en baie goed gedoen deur hierdie persoon. Sommiges van julle vermoed dalk wie dit kan wees, maar as jy een van hulle is, is jy verkeerd. Die weeklikse nuusbriefie is afhanklik van drie persone, uitgesonderd ekself. Hulle is verantwoordelik vir die foto’s, proeflees en vertaling. My dank aan hierdie drie. Hierdie week het ek twee artikels oor diëte gelees. Een hiervan was deur ‘n restourantresensent, uiteraard ‘n potjierol. As ‘n aanhanger van Tim Noakes, het hy die nuwe lae koolhidraatdieet van Noakes gevolg en is nou rietskraal. Brian Berkman het meer as 70 kg afgeskud en Tipe 2 diabetes en hoë bloeddruk omgekeer deur ‘n dieet sonder suiker, stysel, alkohol en gaskoeldrank te volg. Sy verhaal oor sy gewigsverlies kan op die webwerf www.BrianBerkman.com gevolg word. Die tweede artikel handel oor die dieet wat Novak Djokovic moes volg nadat bevind is dat hy sensitief is vir koring en suiwelprodukte. Een van die gemeenskaplike aspekte van die twee diëte is die groot hoeveelhede vars groente en vrugte wat dit insluit. Of jy nou Koning of Kiepie is, kopkool smaak maar net soveel beter vars as na ‘n lang tyd op die rak. Die mark benodig verskaffers van vars groente en vrugte, sowel as kopers hiervoor. Natuurlik bedank ek dié wat reeds op die een of ander wyse betrokke is. Tot dan. Judy
Brain Teaser of the week Joke of the week
Three numbers, 16, 14 and 38, need to be assigned to one of the rows of numbers below. Where do the numbers belong? (Hint: This is not a mathematical problem. The numerical values are irrelevant)
A 0 6 8 9 3
B 15 27 21 10 19
C 7 1 47 11 17
The solution to this teaser will be in next weeks news letter.
------
The solution to last weeks teaser: Answer:
The third room, since the lions would be dead.
From the Calitzdorp Art Meander
Groenfontein Nature Walk. The Groenfontein Kruisrivier Nature walk is a weekend adventure from Calitzdorp to Kruisrivier. As a launch we will be hosting a 1 day walk, from Calitzdorp to the Oude Postkantoor. With your Tour Guide Kevin Koen as leader, you will experience what the area has to offer, and we are positive you will be back for the weekend adventure! We have decided to launch this walk on the Heritage Weekend, and 3 walks are available, on the 22, 23 or 24 September 2013. The cost is R110-00 per person, which includes both breakfast and lunch. The walk is around 15km, on the Groenfontein farm road, so is not too difficult to tackle, and two donkey carts will be supplied by Living Waters Donkey Trail, so relief will be at hand should you falter! Booking is essential and can be done by contacting either Zelma (0825765855) or Mike (0832854751), or by filling in the booking form below.
As South Africans our heritage includes our cultural diversity, Fauna and Flora, Architecture, People, Art and History, as well as our sense of adventure. During this walk, you will be exposed to all of these, as there are two separate art exhibitions in the galleries on this short road. One at Clementina and Albie's Kraaldoring Gallery and Studio, and one at Oude Postkantoor featuring the works of Tinus and Gabrial de Jongh. 08:00am - Breakfast at the Dorpshuis 08:30am - Depart with Kevin Koen (your guide), and the donkey carts from Living waters (with Hans van Vreden) At around 11.30am, you should arrive at the Kraaldoring Gallery and Studio where Clementina and Albie are having a heritage day exhibition. At around 13:30pm you should arrive at Oude Postkantoor, where a light South African lunch can be enjoyed down at the river. Over this period, we will also be hosting an exhibition on the works of Tinus and Gabriel de Jongh. Dessert will be a port tasting with chocolates at the Peter Bayley Wineries
After lunch probably at around 15:00pm, you will be driven back to town in the Dorpshuis bus.
Rooiberg Pass walk 24 September 2013
The Rooiberg Conservancy covers 60 000 ha intact veld and was the first nature conservation area in the Klein Karoo and forms part of the Gouritz Biodiversity meander covering 3 of the 35 Biodiversity Hotspots around the world - Succulent Karoo, Fynbos and Subtropical Thicket - of the . It is a mountainess area with deep ravines and as in a catchment area, several rivers and pools have been formed. At the low-lying areas of the pass the vegetation is succulent Karoo, changing to more fynbos as the road winds to the summit. In the higher lying areas are ravines with indigenous forests, with stinkwood trees growing in some of the ravines. Several mammal species occur in the area, such as klipspringer, grey rhebuck, duiker, grysbuck, leopards and other cat species. Join us for a Nature walk into the Rooiberg Pass on 24 September 2013. Meet at Smits Winkel, after a quick briefing of what you will see and some other useful information its off for the walk. Lunch will be served in the veld and is included in the R150-00 cost.
For more information contact Marianne Smit: 044 213 3801 or 082 379 2683 Or email her at [email protected]. You can also book using the form below
Events Calendar 2013 Calitzdorp and surroundings
ITEM DATE CONTACT
Classical Organ Recitals Everyday at 18:00 Contact Dr Creil for special bookings at: 076 Where: Dutch Reformed Church, Calitzdorp 212 8631 Dream Project Calendar for 2013 Contact Erina / Jadé Calitzdorp Tel: 044 2133 775 2013 Knysna Woodworkers Festival 24 – 29 September Johan Nel, Cell: 073 394 0057 Welbedacht Valley Knysna Email: [email protected] http://knysnawoodworkers.co.za/2013-festival Ladismith Cheese 7 Weekspoort MTB 12 October 2013 Carel Herholdt, [email protected] Challenge 082 379 1177 Ladismith Meiringspoort 21.1km 12 October 2013 [email protected] - 082 379 1177 or De Rust [email protected] - 076 130 7920 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2013 20 October – 26 October Carel Herholdt, Dryland Event Management Oudtshoorn Cell: 082 379 1177, Email: [email protected] MTB To Hell and back 2013 16 November – 17 November Tel: 044 871 4455 Oudtshoorn Email: [email protected]
Droom projek
o Kersboom Skoendoos Projek
Onthou asseblief om leë skoendose by die Toerisme kantoor te kom haal om te vul vir die kersboom projek. Hoe meer skoendose ons vul, hoe meer kinders kan ons bereik.
Birthday Wishes
Want to wish someone a happy birthday? SEPTEMBER
9. Vanessa Williams 18. Joan Botha 20. Willie Le Grange 21. Dina Gouws Kobus Mouton Brenda Curry 23. Margaux Nel 28. Yvonne Bayly 30. Yvonne Fourie Michael Smorenberg Hannes Nel
Celebrate your best birthday today, go have lots of fun, everybody should enjoy it and We are offering Calitzdorp Tourism members the chance to use this space to wish someone a happy birthday. Phone Erina or Jadé with names, dates and a have tons of fun. special message (044) 2133 775
Famous quotes
Quote: Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Who is Mark Twain Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist. He wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn(1885), the latter often called "the Great American Novel."
Twain grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, which provided the setting for Huckleberry Finn andTom Sawyer. After an apprenticeship with a printer, he worked as a typesetter and contributed articles to his older brother Orion's newspaper. He later became a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River before heading west to join Orion in Nevada. He referred humorously to his singular lack of success at mining, turning to journalism for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise. In 1865, his humorous story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" was published, based on a story he heard at Angels Hotel in Angels Camp California where he had spent some time as a miner. The short story brought international attention, even being translated to classic Greek. His wit and satire, in prose and in speech, earned praise from critics and peers, and he was a friend topresidents, artists, industrialists, and European royalty.
Though Twain earned a great deal of money from his writings and lectures, he invested in ventures that lost a great deal of money, notably the Paige Compositor, which failed because of its complexity and imprecision. In the wake of these financial setbacks he filed for protection from his creditors via bankruptcy, and with the help of Henry Huttleston Rogers eventually overcame his financial troubles. Twain chose to pay all his pre- bankruptcy creditors in full, though he had no responsibility to do this under the law. Twain was born shortly after a visit by Halley's Comet, and he predicted that he would "go Mark Twain out with it," too. He died the day following the comet's subsequent return. He was lauded as the "greatest American humorist of his age," and William Faulkner called Twain "the father of American literature."
Recipe for the week
Resep vir die week
Photo of the week Share your favourite recipes with
us
Deel jou gunsteling resepte met ons
Wortelslaai
Ek is nie juis die beste kok of huisvrou nie en vermy die stoof sover moontlik want ek verbrand makliker as kook. Gevolglik is ek nogals heel gemaklik om die wortelslaai te maak, want dit moet net stol en Bob dood mos oor room! Dit is steeds my gunsteling. Hoop julle eet lekker.
Bestanddele:
VLNR: Marinda Van Wyk (Die Dorpshuis), Claudia 1 blik fyngemaakte pynappel (410g) Jansen (Spekboom Cottages), Suzette Pokpas 1 pakkie (Welgevonden B&B) en Danielle Mobile (Die suurlemoenjellie Handelshuis). ½ koppie suiker 1ml sout 2 koppies
fyngerasperde The Department of Economic Development and wortels Tourism, offered accommodation training for 25 ½ koppie room accommodation business owners in the Eden Region, from 9 to 13 September 2013 at Far Hills Country Hotel. The training session consisted of a 5 day Metode: Dreineer die pynappel en vul die gedreineerde sap met workshop which was split between theory, class work water aan tot 1koppie. and practical sessions. Verhit dit tot kookpunt en los die jelliepoeier daarin op. We want to congratulate Suzette Pokpas (representing Sit in yskas om af te koel maar nie te stol nie. Welgevonden GH), Danielle Mobile (representing Die Wanneer dit koud is, klits dit tot dit romerig is. Handelshuis), Claudia Jansen (representing Klits die suiker bietjie vir bietjie weg. Meng die pynappel en wortel en dit liggies in die jellie Spekboom Cottages) and Marinda van Wyk from Die in. Dorpshuis, who completed the training session Klits die room styf en vou dit in. successfully. We believe you had a wonderful time Sit in bak of vorm wat met kouewater of olie gespoel is. and learned more then you hoped for. Sit in yskas tot gestol en keer uit voor bediening.
Recipe provided by Chrissie Meyer (Rawson Properties, Tel: 076 930 1996, Calitzdorp)
Calitzdorp Wine News from the wine cellars.
De Krans
De Krans one of the big sellers at the 2013 Nederburg Auction (Published on 11 September 2013)
The De Krans 1993 Cape Vintage Reserve Port was sold for a staggering R7 000 per six-bottle case (R1 167 per bottle, ex VAT) at this year’s Nederburg Auction which took place this past weekend in Paarl.
This was the highest price ever paid for a wine from the Klein Karoo at the Nederburg Auction and also one of the highlights at this year's auction, where R4.38 million's choice wines come under the
hammer.
According to Boets Nel, co-owner of De Krans, this was a wonderful tribute to the quality and especially the outstanding maturity potential of De Krans ports. This 20-year-old port, which in 1995 was sold at R35 per bottle, can also be considered an excellent investment with a growth of 3 334% over the past 18 years! According to Nel, this port has the potential to mature for at least another 10 to 20 years, because it still has enough fruit, combined with a solid structure that will ensure longevity. The De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve Port is always produced in the drier style with a solid tannin structure to ensure this good aging. This flagship port wines are released only in the best harvest years and are prepared in the traditional way of Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz and Souzão.
Throughout the years De Krans has produced premium ports recognised throughout the world as well as awarded sought after accolades, such as the SA Champion Port at the 2012 SA Young Wine Show and several five-star ratings in the esteemed Platter's Wine Guide.
Adding to its list of accolades De Krans was recently awarded three gold and three silver medals at the 2013 Michelangelo International Wine Awards, which were announced on Friday, 6 September. The three gold medals were for the De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009, The Last Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010 and Garden Route Shiraz 2011.
For more information contact the farm on [email protected] or visit www.dekrans.co.za Tel: 044 213 3314
Boplaas
Boplaas scoops double Gran d’Or at Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2013 September 9th, 2013
Boplaas Family Vineyards were awarded two Gran d’Ors for the Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V and the limited release ultra premium Boplaas Gamka 2012. This fantastic result was capped off with two gold medals & three silver medals at the 17th annual Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2013.
The 17th annual Michelangelo International Wine Awards garnered a total of 1415 entries which were judged blind by an expert panel consisting of 16 international wine judges, who awarded a total of 481 medals -including only 3 Platinum, 57 Gran d’Ors & 198 gold medals. Boplaas Family Vineyards received two Gran d’Ors, two gold medals and three silver medals.
Boplaas Family Vineyards has built up an enviable reputation for the crafting of fine Cape fortifieds according to traditional methods and utilizing Portuguese varietals. The Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V a blend of fine barrel-aged Tawnies crafted from Tinta Barocca won a Gran d’Or or double gold medal – adding to it being crowned top “Port” at this year’s CAPPA Port Challenge 2013. The Boplaas Cape Tawny Reserve Port 1997 won a gold, adding to its 5 Star rating in Platter’s, a double gold Veritas 2011 & an inclusion into the SA “Top 100” wines awards 2012. Two silver medals were awarded to the Boplaas Cape Ruby N/V and the Boplaas Cape Vintage “The Chocolate” Port 2011. The Boplaas Cape Ruby N/V has also been included into the Good Value Guide 2014.
Silver went to the Boplaas Tinta Chocolat 2012 -which adds to its Top 10 gold medal at this year’s CAPPA Challenge 2013 – crafted from old vine Tinta Barocca to highlight this varietals inherent cocoa flavour profile. The immensely popular Boplaas Merlot 2011 clinched a gold medal, adding to its Good Value Award 2013, and is a real feather in the cap of Boplaas’s vineyard and cellar team.
The soon to be launched ultra premium Boplaas Gamka 2012 clinched one of the 58 Gran d’Or medals. Named after the Gamka River, meaning “lion” in the Khoikoi language, this maiden release of cellar master Carel Nel’s ultra premium blend of Shiraz and Touriga Nacional is crafted according to traditional methods, matured in new French oak barrels, will only be released in exceptional years and in small volumes.
All the Michelangelo International Wine Awards winners are available for purchase from Boplaas’s cellar door in Calitzdorp & at the Cool Bay tasting room in Little Brak River along the N2 near Mossel Bay; while the Boplaas Cape Ruby N/V, Boplaas Cape Vintage “The Chocolate” Port and Boplaas Merlot are available from leading retailers nationwide.
For more information about Boplaas please visit our cellar door in Calitzdorp, visit www.boplaas.co.za, give us a call on 044-2133326, send us an email to [email protected] or follow us on Twitter @Boplaas1880 September 9th, 2013. Written by rozanne
For more information about the Boplaas range of table wines, award winning Cape fortifieds and brandy please visit www.boplaas.co.za; give us a call on 044-2133326, send us a mail [email protected], tweet us @Boplaas1880 or simply come visit us at our cellar door in Calitzdorp.
Margaux Nel, Boplaas Wynmaker Faks: 044-2133750, Tel: 044-2133326 E-mail: [email protected] Boplaas Family Vineyards – Tending vines & crafting wines, since 1880
Birds of the Klein Karoo
BIRD OF THE WEEK
Birds spotted at Redstone Hills and environs.
Names as used in Sasol – The Larger Illustrated Guide to Birds of Southern Africa: 2nd edition 2005.
ID: 81 Species: Hamerkop Spotted: Recorded January –
December, resident. Hamerkop
The Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), also known as Hammerkop,Hammerkopf, Hammerhead, Hammerhead Stork, Umbrette, Umber Bird,Tufted Umber, or Anvilhead, is a medium-sized wading bird (56 cm long, weighing 470 g). The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. It ranges from Africa, Madagascarto Arabia, in wetlands of a wide variety, including estuaries, lakesides, fish pond, riverbanks and rocky coasts in Tanzania. The Hamerkop, which is asedentary bird that often show local movements, is not globally threatened and is locally abundant in Africa and Madagascar.
TAXONOMY AND SYSTEMATICS The Hamerkop is usually included in the Ciconiiformes, but might be closer to the Pelecaniformes. It constitutes a family (Scopidae) and genus (Scopus) all on its own because of its unique characteristics.
SUBSPECIES There are two subspecies, Scopus umbretta umbretta and Scopus umbreta minor.
S. u. umbretta, live in most of tropical Africa, southwest Arabia andMadagascar. S. u. minor, found in coastal belt from Sierra Leone to east Nigeria.
DESCRIPTION Its plumage is a drab brown with purple iridescence on the back (the subspecies S. u. minoris darker). The bill is long, flat, and slightly hooked. The neck and legs are shorter than those of most of the Ciconiiformes. The Hamerkop has partially webbed feet, for unknown reasons. It middle toe is comb-like (pectinated) like a heron's. Its tail is short and its wings are big, wide, and round-tipped; it soars well. When it does so, it stretches its neck forward like a stork or ibis, but when it flaps, it coils its neck back something like a heron. Vocalisations include cackles and a shrill call given in flight. Hamerkops are mostly silent except when in groups.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT The Hamerkop occurs in Africa south of the Sahara, Madagascar and coastal southwestArabia in all wetland habitats, including irrigated land such as rice paddies, as well as in savannas and forests. Most remain sedentary in their territories, which are held by pairs, but some move into suitable habitat during the wet season only. Whenever people create new bodies of water with dams or canals, Hamerkops move in quickly.
BEHAVIOUR AND ECOLOGY The Hamerkop's behavior is unlike other birds. One unusual feature is that up to ten birds join in "ceremonies" in which they run circles around each other, all calling loudly, raising their crests, fluttering their wings. Another is "false mounting", in which one bird stands on top of another and appears to mount it, but they may not be mates and do not copulate.
BREEDING The strangest aspect of Hamerkop behavior is the huge nest, sometimes more than 1.5 m across, comprising perhaps 10,000 sticks and strong enough to support a man's weight. The birds decorate the outside with any bright-coloured objects they can find. When possible, they build the nest in the fork of a tree, often over water, but if necessary they build on a bank, a cliff, a human-built wall or dam, or on the ground. A pair starts by making a platform of sticks held together with mud, then builds walls and a domed roof. A mud-plastered entrance 13 to 18 cm wide in the bottom leads through a tunnel up to 60 cm long to a nesting chamber big enough for the parents and young. These birds are compulsive nest builders, constructing 3 to 5 nests per year whether they are breeding or not. Barn Owls and eagle owls may force them out and take over the nests, but when the owls leave, the Hammerkops may reuse the nests. Snakes, small mammals such as genets, and various birds live in abandoned nests, and weaver birds, mynas, and pigeons may attach their nests to the outside. At the finished nest, a pair gives displays similar to those of the group ceremonies and mates, often on top of the nest. The clutch consists of 3 to 7 eggs that start white but soon become stained. Both sexes incubate for 28 to 30 days. Both feed the young, often leaving them alone for long times; this unusual habit for wading birds may be made possible by the thick nest walls. The young hatch covered with gray down. By 17 days after hatching, their head and crest plumage is developed, and in a month, their body plumage. They leave the nest at 44 to 50 days but roost in it at night until about two months after hatching.
FOOD AND FEEDING Hamerkops feed during the day, often taking a break at noon to roost. They normally feed alone or in pairs. The food is typical of long-legged wading birds, and the most important is amphibians. They also eat fish, shrimp, insects and rodents. They walk in shallow water looking for prey, shuffling one foot at a time on the bottom or suddenly opening their wings to flush prey out of hiding. The same shuffling technique is used to locate food in middens of fish remains.
IN CULTURE
There are many legends about the Hamerkop. In some regions, people state that other birds help it build its nest. The ǀXaminformants of Wilhelm Bleek said that when a Hamerkop flew and called over their camp, they knew that someone close to them had died. It is known in some cultures as the lightning bird, and the Kalahari Bushmen believe or believed that being hit by lightning resulted from trying to rob a Hamerkop's nest. They also believe that the inimical god Khauna would not like anyone to kill a Hamerkop. According to an old Malagasy belief, anyone who destroys its nest will get leprosy, and a Malagasy poem calls it an "evil bird". Such beliefs have given the bird some protection. Scopus, a database of abstracts and citations for scholarly journal articles, received its name in honor of this bird, as the Hamerkop is renowned for its superior navigation skills.
Newsletter compiled by Erina Meiring
Calitzdorp Tourism 044 2133 775 [email protected] www.calitzdorp.org.za