The Hoff is now in Franschhoek.

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Panzanella at Cafe des Arts, Franschhoek ....by ........ ..Chris Hoffmann .......

Chris Hoffmann of Cafe des Arts in Franschhoek really is something! I stopped by to say hello and ended up staying for a quick Panzanella (R48), some wise words about life, the universe and everything and a reminder to myself to visit often. Off to buy a bigger belt in anticipation.

Vote, for Franschhoek

This email came in from Ron Whytock. Our sentiments eXactly.

Please be advised that tomorrow a by-election for a Ward 1 Councillor is being held in Franschhoek. Ward 1 affects Franschhoek.

Most voters will go to the Town Hall, some to Groendal. Take your ID book. (This applies, obviously, only to SA citizens, so the Swallows are off the hook.)

Please note: the previous incumbent was an ineffective person who did nil for us. This is your opportunity to vote for someone who might actually do something.

This is not a very exciting event, but try to make the effort. It might actually work to our advantage.

Ron Whytock

We will not be silenced!

Just dealt a blow to our ability to act as independent good news providers - but we will not be silenced! The September edition will go ahead as planned, well almost. Get your copy next week to see what I mean.

Now you see him...

__They came_______He spoke________She listened_

President Jacob Zuma visited Franschhoek and was appalled at the state of things in Lanrug Ext 2/Matyotyombeni. He couldn't believe the state of affairs given that the ANC has been running things since 1994. Suggested that the people should vote competent people into power, all vote for the same party and are themselves to blame for the mess. I may have reason to comment in the next edition - but I'm behind on my schedule given that things got off to a slow start...

Satellite of Heaven?

(More pics at the Devon Valley Gallery)

If I call Franschhoek heaven, I'll have to call Devon Valley Hotel a satellite of heaven. See why in the September edition as we chat to the Louis Group MD, Craig Seaman. Actually if it's a satellite of heaven, I guess MD is a tad shy of the truth.

Franschhoek Advertise This

(Click to see the full-size image)

From October The Franschhoek Valley Month will include regular editorial about events, people and places in Paarl and Stellenbosch and increase its distribution to 20000 to include these two areas, Franschhoek, Cape Town and Durbanville. We revert to our original title of The Month and have a sneak peak of our intention in the September edition.

Our advertisers stand to benefit from the increased exposure and we have catered for those who'd like to benefit from an association with The Month and the aspirational brand(s) it caters for but who can't afford to be in the main body of the paper by including a 6000 copy local advertiser, with substantially reduced rates when compared to The Month, that will be distributed to the Paarl-Franschhoek and Stellenbosch regions respectively.

You can't afford not to advertise in The Month.

Apples, Pears and Caviar

Imagine my surprise at receiving an email from one of Franschhoek's small local publications about their planned summer season relaunch, in which a direct price comparison was made to ad prices in The Month. I don't mind the mention but no call in advance of the mail and factual errors don't sit comfortably with me.

So to clear the air...

The Month offers the lowest rates compared to the local publication alluded to - whether calculated as a total cost or ito cents per copy.
The Month offers ad sizes as follows: Full page, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/12, 1/16, 1/32 and has in fact run an ad of 3/16 and other irregular sizes too - as requested by its clients. We only do full colour ads as our readers don't expect anything less.
The Month presently distributes (on average) 6250 copies to the village and surrounds and at festivals and the new The Month Franschhoek-Paarl Advertiser will distribute a further 6000 copies to Franschhoek and Paarl as a pull-out in The Month. Useful numbers, loose inserts and limited editorial is included in the Advertiser. The relative costs are explained below.

At present The Month charges ads at the rates listed at www.themonth.co.za/advertising with a distribution of 12 000 copies to carefully chosen destinations in the Franschhoek and Cape Town regions. To directly compare the price of an ad in The Month to that in a 'competing' local publication without comparing the distribution or the number of copies distributed is questionable as is the suggestion that local businesses only need to advertise locally.

The Month distributes 6250 copies locally, not 5380 as indicated and using this figure, The Month's per copy price is almost identical to that indicated by the 'competing' local publication (the point above re distribution and copies distributed not withstanding). The new A3 pull-out Franschhoek-Paarl Advertiser will be launched in October and will feature useful numbers, a small amount of editorial and ads in sizes limited to 1/32, 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 of a page. Prices start at R141.00 ex VAT.

The Month has proved to be a quality read that appeals to a discerning audience. It's apples and pears as far as it and any other publication is concerned.

Pairfect

Chris Hoffmann is at Topsi & Co, now called Cafe des Arts. Read all about him and his move (back) to Franschhoek in the September edition.

Topsi is still there, though not in the kitchen, and her collection of recipe books are now on display in the foyer/coffee bar, where they make an excellent side order to a cup of Origin coffee.

The Month interviews Michael Dakets

The Month chatted to 27-year-old Michael. Convicted for murder, his transformed life and writing now reveal a chapter at odds with his past. Or should that be a past at odds with his future... Read about him in the September edition of The Month.

Jessica, where are you?
It's Saturday afternoon
You're not at home.
I keep on calling but no one answers.
It breaks my heart not being
Able to talk to you. Who can I tell?
Who shall I ask?
Is there any help for me?
Jessica where are you?
I miss you. Please answer the phone.
If I could come I would,
But I can't
Jazz, please answer
I'm calling

Michael Dakets; From Fifteen Men, compiled by Margie Orford

Not Too Far From Here September: Arniston

Spent a lovely weekend in Arniston, where the almost dodgy weather and the great sea view conspired to relax all but the two-year-old. Featured in the September edition: Waenhuiskrans, Kassiesbaai, Agulhas, Elim and lunch at the Black Oystercatcher winery.