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
Showing posts with label Franschhoek News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Franschhoek News. Show all posts
Aug 24, 2010
Aug 23, 2010
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.
Aug 20, 2010
Now you see him...
Aug 16, 2010
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.
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.
Jul 9, 2010
Lights, Camera, Action!
Franschhoek owes its existence to a “diverse group of courageous individuals who, in extraordinary circumstances, left their pasts behind with the promise of a second chance at life and created a society far from their homes, friends and families.” It sounds almost like the basis of a good movie plot – and rather amazingly it is. In fact the preceding quote is paraphrased from the press release that sets the scene for the soon-to-be-hit BBC One series currently being filmed in the Franschhoek valley, called Outcasts.Big names on set include Eric Mabius (Daniel Meade of Ugly Betty), Liam Cunningham (Clash of the Titans), Hermione Norris (Spooks), Daniel Mays (Ashes to Ashes), Amy Manson (Desperate Romantics) and Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Gallactica). Filmed on location in the valley, the series plays out on the planet Carpathia, in the town of Forthaven, which offers the displaced inhabitants of Earth a chance at redemption and all the inevitable human pitfalls of love, greed, lust, loss and longing. That same press release reads: “As they continue to work and live together they come to realise this is no ordinary [place].”
Ben Stephenson, of the BBC says: “Outcasts is a richly intelligent, character led drama full of big ideas about what it is to be human told through thrilling and surprising stories… with compelling characters and it is hugely exciting that this amazing cast is going to bring it to life.” It’s no wonder then that they’ve chosen the inspiring Franschhoek valley as their home-from-home. “The Franschhoek mountains offer us the epic locations that we wouldn’t find anywhere else,” says the Pearl Valley-based producer Radford Neville, who has the likes of Married, Single, Other and Wuthering Heights under his belt. Other notable names include directors Bharat Nalluri (Tsunami, Spooks, Hustle, Life On Mars) and Omar Madha (Spooks, Law & Order, Burn Up), Executive Producers Matthew Read (for the BBC) and Jane Featherstone, Simon Crawford Collins, Faith Penhale and Ben Richards of Kudos, the company that has produced a number of award-winning series such as Spooks, Hustle, Life On Mars and Ashes To Ashes.
The valley has accommodated the big names associated with the Outcasts production with little hype or fanfare. The well-known personalities, such as Mabius and Norris, have enjoyed the cosmopolitan nature of Franschhoek, which has allowed them to integrate themselves into the local community despite their fame. Like Forthaven, Franschhoek is no ordinary place and can truly claim to be the place to live, work and play from the famous to the outcasts.
May 5, 2009
Delaire Graff Estate re-opens
Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International Ltd, re-opens Delaire Graff Estate in June 2009 after a complete rebuild. Delaire, one of South Africa’s finest vineyards, was acquired by Graff in 2003 who vowed to make it one of South Africa’s ultra-premier wineries and prominent restaurant and hotel destinations. Delaire’s unique location on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes.
The contemporary architecture has been designed to combine a 230 ton wine cellar, a unique restaurant and artworks representing some of SA’s finest contemporary artists. The grounds have been designed and re-landscaped by Keith Kirsten and native plants and trees have been used to ensure that, ecologically, the land surrounding the vineyards is spectacular and will form a beautiful backdrop to the winery itself. Some of South Africa’s leading sculptors have been commissioned to create works for the exterior which will be a significant part of the Delaire experience.
General Manager, Johann Laubser, comments “our Executive Chef, Christiaan Campbell, is creating exceptional cuisine with fresh, vibrant menus. The Delaire restaurant will offer an exceptional dining experience.” The lunch menu is light and vibrant in form with many of the dishes being baked or roasted in wood fired ovens. The evening menu shows great delicacy and elegance in its presentation and tastes without departing from signature bold flavours. Guests are able to dine on the terrace under a canopy of pin oak trees or within the spectacular interiors whilst enjoying the breathtaking views Delaire allows of the Stellenbosch valley and mountains.
Delaire Wines blended by Chris Kelly, who has twice been a finalist in the Diners Club South African Winemakers Awards, perfectly match Delaire’s ‘sunshine cuisine’. Delaire wines are available from the estate, are listed in several important wine manuals and distributed worldwide so can also be enjoyed at home. The Delaire Hotel and Spa will open in 2010 and offer, along with luxurious treatments, the unique experience of sleeping amongst the vines.
For further details please contact: Tanja von Arnim on 021 8858160 or tanja.vonarnim@delaire.co.za
For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.
The contemporary architecture has been designed to combine a 230 ton wine cellar, a unique restaurant and artworks representing some of SA’s finest contemporary artists. The grounds have been designed and re-landscaped by Keith Kirsten and native plants and trees have been used to ensure that, ecologically, the land surrounding the vineyards is spectacular and will form a beautiful backdrop to the winery itself. Some of South Africa’s leading sculptors have been commissioned to create works for the exterior which will be a significant part of the Delaire experience.
General Manager, Johann Laubser, comments “our Executive Chef, Christiaan Campbell, is creating exceptional cuisine with fresh, vibrant menus. The Delaire restaurant will offer an exceptional dining experience.” The lunch menu is light and vibrant in form with many of the dishes being baked or roasted in wood fired ovens. The evening menu shows great delicacy and elegance in its presentation and tastes without departing from signature bold flavours. Guests are able to dine on the terrace under a canopy of pin oak trees or within the spectacular interiors whilst enjoying the breathtaking views Delaire allows of the Stellenbosch valley and mountains.
Delaire Wines blended by Chris Kelly, who has twice been a finalist in the Diners Club South African Winemakers Awards, perfectly match Delaire’s ‘sunshine cuisine’. Delaire wines are available from the estate, are listed in several important wine manuals and distributed worldwide so can also be enjoyed at home. The Delaire Hotel and Spa will open in 2010 and offer, along with luxurious treatments, the unique experience of sleeping amongst the vines.
For further details please contact: Tanja von Arnim on 021 8858160 or tanja.vonarnim@delaire.co.za
For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.
Beauty Day
Dennehof Health & Beauty hosts an informative talk on the latest developments in Anti-Ageing Technology at the Eikehof Farm on 16 May at 10:30. Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP before 9 May to Marianka 087 671 8918. A 40% discount applies to treatments booked on the day.
For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.
RSVP before 9 May to Marianka 087 671 8918. A 40% discount applies to treatments booked on the day.
For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.
Grande Provence “Big 5”
The Grande Provence “Big 5” Luncheon for Multiple Sclerosis - just got even better! The annual ‘Big 5’ luncheon held in aid of The Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa (MSSA), now in its third successful year, will take place at the 5-star Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek on Sunday the 24th of May.
Tickets can be purchased from the Estate, starting at R750 per person. The non-profit organization MSSA benefited by R36,440 in 2007 (the first year of the initiative), and again in 2008 by a staggering R60,250. These great results have been possible as the entire ticket price of ‘The Big 5’ luncheon (with no deductions) are passed on directly to the charity on each occasion.
The “Big 5” 2009 event features five leading South African Chefs led by Executive Chef Jacques De Jager from The Restaurant at Grande Provence, Bertus Basson from Overture, David Higgs, Chef and partner of Rust en Vrede, Peter Tempelhoff, Group Executive Chef of The Collection and Chris Erasmus, Executive Chef of Ginja and Myoga. This team of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs will present a fabulous five-course gourmet meal, complemented by award-winning Grande Provence wines.
Talented performers including James Stewart, Zanne Stapelberg, James Grace, Marimba Vibrations and singer/songwriter Beshara have kindly donated their time and talent to entertain guests on the day. Other generous sponsors supporting the day to date are ‘To- Nett’s Decor’ who have sponsored tables, chairs and linen, Franschhoek Flowers for the table decorations and Natasha Sunkel photography.
During the “Big 5” luncheon, five spectacular items will be auctioned by Master of Ceremonies Ryan O’ Connor, of 94.5 KFM fame, who is also the Patron of M.S in South Africa. For reservations please call Mandy Smith at Grande Provence Wine Estate on 021 876 8600 or e-mail reservations@grandeprovence.co.za
For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.
Tickets can be purchased from the Estate, starting at R750 per person. The non-profit organization MSSA benefited by R36,440 in 2007 (the first year of the initiative), and again in 2008 by a staggering R60,250. These great results have been possible as the entire ticket price of ‘The Big 5’ luncheon (with no deductions) are passed on directly to the charity on each occasion.
The “Big 5” 2009 event features five leading South African Chefs led by Executive Chef Jacques De Jager from The Restaurant at Grande Provence, Bertus Basson from Overture, David Higgs, Chef and partner of Rust en Vrede, Peter Tempelhoff, Group Executive Chef of The Collection and Chris Erasmus, Executive Chef of Ginja and Myoga. This team of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs will present a fabulous five-course gourmet meal, complemented by award-winning Grande Provence wines.
Talented performers including James Stewart, Zanne Stapelberg, James Grace, Marimba Vibrations and singer/songwriter Beshara have kindly donated their time and talent to entertain guests on the day. Other generous sponsors supporting the day to date are ‘To- Nett’s Decor’ who have sponsored tables, chairs and linen, Franschhoek Flowers for the table decorations and Natasha Sunkel photography.
During the “Big 5” luncheon, five spectacular items will be auctioned by Master of Ceremonies Ryan O’ Connor, of 94.5 KFM fame, who is also the Patron of M.S in South Africa. For reservations please call Mandy Smith at Grande Provence Wine Estate on 021 876 8600 or e-mail reservations@grandeprovence.co.za
For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.
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