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This weblog is a portal for news and items of general interest from the town of Aberdeen in the Camdeboo area of the Cacadu district of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The weblog's overiding purpose is to publicise the town and promote tourism in the region.

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Club 60 Christmas Party

Members of Aberdeen’s Club 60 gathered in the verdant gardens of Tohito last Tuesday for their final meeting of the year. The weather was perfect, and the setting magnificent!

Administrator Debbie Barnhardt first introduced Ian Hamblin from the Aberdeen Town Sector Police Forum. Mamblin explained the role of the SPF, and explained the importance of knowing one’s neighbours, and being alert to possible problems. The SPF had drawn up a list of useful emergency contact numbers, which was handed out to all present.

Dawn Woods then read a humorous story about Christmas, which was enjoyed by everyone. Next “on stage” were Martie and Eward Swanepoel, who entertained everyone with songs from the sixties. Drinks and snacks were then served, and Theretha Janash presented each member with a pack of biscuits.

Club meetings will resume towards the end of January, with the date and time to be confirmed. Watch this space!

Katriena Kemp and Lettie Cedras with Debbie Barnhardt

Ladies enjoying the party     Nettie Smuts, Issie Janse van Rensburg, Gail Meneses

Debbie Barnhardt with Ian Hamblin, chairman of the sector one SPF

 

Friday, December 9, 2011

Jean’s 80th birthday

Jean Watermeyer, a stalwart in the Aberdeen community, celebrated her eightieth birthday on Monday.

On Sunday, about eighty people gathered at the Aberdeen Club for a surprise party organized by her daughters Colleen Ogilvie and Helen Harris. Those invited had been sworn to secrecy, and to most people’s surprise, this was successful – to the extent that Jean was in a hurry to get home after church to finish setting the table for her family guests for lunch!

The lunch was delicious, and special in that most of the meat served came from Jean’s daughters’ farms. What many thought was gammon was in fact smoked leg of wild boar, caught on Helen’s farm Tandjies View. Succulent lamb was also on the platters, courtesy of Colleen, and cold chicken, garnered on false pretenses from Jean’s own freezer! A special delight was the plates of crumbed prawns, which were devoured with gusto.

Jean’s brother Walter gave a humorous insight into his life as Jean’s younger brother which caused great amusement. They grew up as depression children, and did not have many toys, so they did everything together. He related one story where he had been wearing a long sleeved brand new fairisle jersey (no doubt lovingly knitted just for him) – on hearing that he felt hot, the young Jean had no hesitation in getting a pair of scissors and cutting off the entire sleeves! Another tale involved their frequent raiding of the sugar jar in the supposedly locked store. They thought that their parents did not know, but one day their father sat them down and told them about the mice that frequently ran over the sugar – never again did they steal sugar!

On a serious note, Walter commented on how Jean has always done well at everything she has been involved in. She makes friends very easily, and ferrets out family members from all over – many people were seen nodding in agreement to this, as Jean seems to be related to just about everybody! She always takes the trouble to keep in touch with family members, and takes great delight in family occasions.

Jean has been married to John for 56 very happy years, after they grew up together in Graaff-Reinet. They spent many years farming in the area, finally moving to Aberdeen town in 2005. They are delighted that their two daughters and their husbands have kept the family farming spirit alive and flourishing, and are very proud of their grandchildren.

Walter concluded by saying that not many people of 80 are still so actively involved in their communities. Jean serves on several committees, and is very involved in many aspects of Aberdeen life. Readers of The Advertiser are sure to have seen her picture in the paper on several occasions!

Megan Ogilvie spoke on behalf of the grandchildren, commenting on the strict grilling that any potential suitors received. Carmen Harris, who shares a birthday with her grandmother, proposed a toast through her tears.

Jean in reply thanked everyone for the tremendous surprise, and remarked that she was delighted to be joining the select band of 80-plussers in the town. She told those present that she had first noticed John when she was in Standard Five, and was determined to marry him from that day!

After dessert and coffee many stayed chatting for the rest of the afternoon, and eventually Jean and john headed home, to spend the rest of the day with their family.

This was not the end of the celebrations however, as a birthday tea had been organized for her actual birthday. A delectable spread of eats was crowned with a magnificent birthday cake, and once again everyone enjoyed a feast.

 Instead of each guest bringing a gift, one of the guests came up with the novel idea of a money tree. An interestingly shaped branch was found in the veld, stripped of thorns and sprayed silver. This was “planted” in a pot with plaster of Paris, and the tree was decorated with R10 and R20 notes, rolled in strips of colourful ribbons. It looked a real treat, and solved the perennial problem of what to buy for a birthday gift. Each guest contributed, giving Jean a substantial amount of money with which to buy something she really wants. Jean, in usual thrifty way, already has plans to reuse the tree at Christmas!

Jean is affectionately known by many as the Queen Mother of Aberdeen, and before the traditional rendition of Happy Birthday, guests were asked to bow their heads to Jean, amidst much hilarity. This was all taken in great spirit, as it was meant, and Jean was delighted. She assured everyone that she would be around for many years to come, as her family had a great record for longevity. Her mother died at 90, her grandmother at 94, and three of her mother’s cousins are still living, in their 90s. Another turned 100 this year!

For Sunday’s celebration, guests had been asked to make a donation to a cause very close to Jean’s heart, the Graaff-Reinet and District Cancer Association. She was delighted to report at Monday’s tea that a total of over R1300 had been donated so far, and is thrilled that this money will be able to be used to support members of the community who are affected by cancer. Many of the gifts were anonymous, and so she has asked that The Advertiser give a public “thank you “ to all the generous donors.

Long may she reign!

Jean and John Watermeyer with daughters Colleen Ogilvie (left) and Helen Harris at the surprise lunch on Sunday

 

Megan Ogilvie (right) spoke on behalf of Jean’s grandchildren

Back:  Michaela Harris, Carmen Harris

Front Helen Harris, Christine Harris, Megan Ogilvie

Jean Watermeyer with the innovative money tree and spectacular cake at Monday’s birthday tea

 

Drug Haul

The random checks at roadblocks are paying off for Aberdeen SAPS.

Last Friday a car travelling from Umtata  (or is it Mtata?) was stopped at a road block about 2km from Aberdeen. When the vehicle was searched, nine bags of dagga were found.  Three men and one woman, who were on their way to Cape Town, were arrested and will appear in court in Aberdeen on Thursday.

In another incident, a coloured man (27) from Lotusville has been arrested after twenty Mandrax tablets were found in his possession. The man was hiking back from Graaff-Reinet, when two members of Graaff-Reinet SAPS stopped to give him a lift. His initial pleasure at being offered a ride was no doubt soon dispelled when the officers searched him and found the drugs!

One housebreaking was reported over the weekend, at a house in Ziervogel Street. The owners are away, and it was only when a neighbour checked on the house that the break-in was discovered. As far as can be ascertained, a microwave oven, TV, and portable radio cassette player have been taken.

Three people (including one juvenile) have been arrested for housebreaking at another house in Ziervogel Street recently, and some of the stolen goods have been recovered. One of the suspects,  a 22 year old man, was out on parole after a previous conviction for housebreaking.

 

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

 

The Christmas lights in Aberdeen were switched on in Aberdeen last Friday. The start of the function was delayed by over an hour, and the excited children became rather restless during the entertainment programme.

Items of enterainment included enthusiastic dancers, choirs and a most interesting fashion show. The mayor of Camdeboo, cllr Hanna Makoba, arrived with Father Christmas, to a tumultuous welcome. By this stage the children’s behaviour had become uncontrollable, despite several attempts by members of the ward committee present to quieten them down.

For this programme to be  an unqualified success in future, perhaps the organizers need to look again at the practicalities of having hundreds of unaccompanied overexcited children, many of whom had arrived well before the event was due to start, being expected to sit through over an hour of entertainment that was more suitable for adults. Children openly heckled performers from other schools, and by their sheer numbers, proved impossible to control. More planning was also needed to ensure that the performers were ready at their allotted time, so that the programme could flow smoothly. Perhaps one or two of the performers should also have been auditioned beforehand, and the weaker groups limited to one song or dance. It appeared that only a few of the ward committee members were actively involved, and several of these are teachers, who are under tremendous pressure already at this time of year.

There is so much talent in Aberdeen, and excellent organizational skills available from members of the ward committee, as seen at other functions, that it is a pity that the behaviour of the children and some adults who were the worse for drink could spoil what should be a festive occasion for all the residents.

The harmonious choir from Luxolo

The Troublemakers dance group

Father Christmas with the Mayor

Father Christmas handing over bags of sweets to the excited children

 

 

 

Monrose Opening

About 40 people gathered at the new Monrose Coffee Shoppe in Aberdeen last Thursday evening for the official opening. Guests, many of whom had dressed in fifties’ style, were not disappointed, and the décor and general ambience were much admired. Host Jan-Hendrik Jordaan, assisted by his friendly staff, had everything well under control, providing delicious platters of both savoury and sweet treats. Entertainment was provided by the talented Eward and Martie Swanepoel, with Eward’s melodious guitar work and their harmonizing voices having many guests humming along.

This will provide a welcome addition to the Aberdeen scene, and many guests were so keen that they were already promising to sample the breakfasts the very next day!

Guests enjoying the delicious snacks

Singers Marti and Eward Swanepoel

Guests entering into the spirit of the dress code fltr David Millar, Dawn Woods and Orlando Meyers

 

Advent Concert – New Apostolic Church, Aberdeen

 

The annual Advent Concert was held at the New Apostolic Church in Thembalesizwe on Sunday afternoon at 5 o’clock. The theme of this year’s concert was “Christmas”, and  as usual the standard of the musical offerings was very high.  The prayers and address were given by District Elder Chris de Jager, and the master of ceremonies and leading conductor was Mr Hilton Hendricks of the Graaff-Reinet congregation.

The choir comprised members from Aberdeen, Graaff-Reinet, and Willowmore, and the Sunday School children’s choir was conducted  by Mrs Valerie Coetzee. A Nativity tableau was very successfully staged by members of the children’s choir, with Desvaline Coetzee as the Virgin Mary.

Organists were Ashley Jantjies of Graaff-Reinet and Roberto de Jager of Aberdeen, who with his wife Esteline runs the orchestra.  Esteline is a gifted soprano as well as playing the flute, violin and the recorder, while Roberto is a master of instruments! He first learns to play an instrument himself, and then teaches other orchestra members, and as a result members of the orchestra are highly versatile, many playing more than one instrument.  All of the orchestra members also sing in the choir, with one member now able to conduct the choir as well.

The programme consisted of well known pieces of Christmas and church music, including a performance of Handel’s Largo by the orchestra.  The beautiful soloists included Desvaline Coetzee, Hilshané Hendricks, and Alistair Jantjies.

No account of the choir would be complete without a mention of the talented Klassen girls – Riché (15), Chrishé (12), and tiny Caitlin (6).  The two older girls both joined the choir at an early age, and are now being followed by little Caitlin.

The programme ended at 7 pm with joyful community singing which the choir, congregation and children joined in.

The children’s choir sparkling while singing “Shine, Jesus, Shine

The Klassen sisters Chrishé, Caitlin and Riché with conductor and MC Hilton Hendricks

The touching Nativity scene

The orchestra

The recorder group

 

 

Paint Donation

Kamdebo Primary School were the fortunate recipients last week of a supply of paint and equipment to the value of almost R50 000. This funding is from a project initiated by the MEC for Education, identifying schools in need of a revamp.

Kamdebo was the only Aberdeen school to apply, and principal Willem Säfers was delighted when their application was successful. Mica in Graaff-Reinet were selected by the department as suppliers, and they have also delivered to schools in Willowmore, Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East and Pearson.

Säfers has appealed to the parents of the school to help with the painting, as no funds have been allocated for labour. He feels that this is a chance for the parents, who may not be able to assist the school financially ,to show their support, as many are unemployed and do have the time available to help.

Hugo Saayman, chairman of the SGB, Werner Furter of Mica, and principal Willem Säfers with some of the large quantity of paint received by Kamdebo Primary.

 

Goatskins

Lyn Dugmaore from Pagel House in Aberdeen had a shock last week when a neighbour’s gardener called her to see what he had found in the leiwater channel. Isaac had been trying to unblock the channel, which runs under Cathcart Street at the intersection with  Stockenstroom Street. To his horror he pulled out four goat skins! It seemed that the skins were fairly fresh, and were presumably dumped in the channel after an illegal slaughter of stolen goats.

Dugmore called the police who were quick to respond, and after questioning Isaac the skins were taken away. The Advertiser has also been told of skins that appeared to be jackal or fox skins that have been seen dumped at the bottom of Church Street – as well as being unsightly and probably a sign of cruelty, these skins are obviously a health hazard. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Aberdeen police.

Constable Green of Aberdeen SAPS, Isaac, and Lyn Dugmore survey the goat skins found in the leiwater channel

 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Prize giving Aberdeen primary

A slick and well-organised function marked the end of the year for Aberdeen Primary School last Thursday. The stage was set with beautiful floral arrangements, and little dishes of floating tealights sparkled on the front of the stage.

Master of Ceremonies Daniel Pieterse once again was fully in control, and his confident and commanding personality ensured that the evening flowed smoothly. Guests of honour were two local councillors, Samantha Jankovich and Desmond Coetzee, who handled the presentation of certificates with aplomb. A special honoured guest was Helene Polley, a long-serving teacher at the school who is retiring at the end of the year.

The first event of the evening was the presentation of diplomas for school readiness to the grade R learners, all of whom will be starting “big school” in grade one next year. The children walked confidently across the stage under the guidance of teacher Janaine Saaiman.

Throughout the proceedings, the children in the hall behaved very well, with only occasional reminders needed. The teachers sat with the children, and this helped enormously to keep the youngsters focused.

The certificates for the foundation phase learners were presented by Cllr Jankovich, who patiently shook each child’s hand and congratulated them.

The principal’s address then followed. Johan Minnaar emphasized the importance of literacy as the key to eradicating poverty. According to the South African Schools Act, it is compulsory for every child to attend school until the age of fifteen, or the ninth grade. He urged the parents to ensure that their children attend school regularly, in order to benefit from the quality education available. He acknowledged several highlights of the school year, including the successful grade 2 drama group, those who excelled in the inter-school poetry and reading competitions and Maths Olympiad, and the sports stars.

Cllr Desmond Coetzee than presented the prizes to the top learners from grades four to seven. Ingrades four and five, the top learners (Devoline Williams and Kaylie Malai) received awards in no less than nine subjects!

Kaylani Kombani was the top grade seven learner, and she received a magnificent trophy donated by Absa Bank.

The grade sevens joined in song with a powerful rendition of the Josh Groban hit “You Raise Me Up”, and tears were seen in the eyes of several of the girls (and mothers!) This was followed by a graceful dance performed by a group of grade seven girls.

In the sporting awards, the whole under 13 netball team received an award for being the top team in the Cacadu district. In addition, Jenny Damons was recognized for reaching Eastern Province netball trials. Stephan Jansen excelled in rugby, being selected for both the Karoo primary schools and Eastern Province under 12 teams. Eight girls represented Cacadu for soccer, as well as one boy. Overall, a very successful sporting year for the school, and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the coaches.

Helene Polley gave a short but heartfelt thanks to the guests, and congratulated all the learners on their achievement.

The climax of the evening was the announcement of the school prefects for 2012, and in a moving ceremony the outgoing head prefects handed over their badges of office to the delighted and proud new heads. Head boy for next year is Renaldo Kekana, with the new head girl being Deoline Green.

top reading awards

 the successful grade 2 drama group

 Deoline Green and Saskia Klaasen who received awards for maths Olympiad

Learners who received awards at the poetry competition

The sports starts

Kaylani Kombani receives the Absa trophy for top learner in G7 from Helen Polley

Prefects

Head Prefects

 

Police Forum Meeting with a difference!

The meeting last week of Aberdeen’s Sector One police forum was held at the home of Samantha Jankovich.

Constable Akona Mbi presented the police report, which concerned yet another break-in at the Showgrounds and a case of possession of stolen property – a sheep carcass. It was mentioned that, after all the effort and expense of upgrading and repairing the grounds for the recent angora championships, the municipality are now considering putting security there, a move that would be welcomed.

Warrant Officer van Rooyen would be in charge of the launch of the campaign for sixteen days of activism against violence against women and children. This would involve members of the CPF going from door to door on Thursday, distributing information, and then a community meeting in the afternoon at the Sopkombuis in Lotusville.

Mixed results were reported in the follow-up to matters arising at the previous meeting. Emails had been sent to the municipal manager in connection with the need for an active peace officer, with no response. This was to be followed up by the chairperson Ian Hamblin once again. Regarding the unskilled trimming of trees in the town, and the offer of experienced advice and help, reaction in council seemed to be mixed, and the issue still needs to be resolved.

The matter of information cards for residents, particularly the elderly, detailing emergency contact numbers, was discussed, and a sample of a previously used leaflet was shown around. Nicola Woods offered to draw up a new card based on this, and it was decided that they would be distributed at the next meeting of Club 60 and at Aalwynhof, and be available in local coffee shops.

Some progress is being made in the matter of the empty and abandoned properties in town. An official from Graaff-Reinet has visited Aberdeen to inspect the properties, and further action is anticipated.

It had been noted at the previous meeting that the notice board in Aberdeen was in a poor condition, and often cluttered with over-large and out-dated notices. Nicola Woods has taken on responsibility for this, and it was reported that the lock had been repaired, and a notice giving conditions of use of the board had been put up.

A question was raised about the bicycle that had been donated by a previous chairman of the committee to be used to patrol town. Constable Mbi reported that all three of the bicycles were broken, and were due to be replaced by SAPS. It was felt that bicycle patrols would be a valuable addition to the visible police presence.  

It was decided that no meeting would be held in December, and that the next meeting will be at the police station on Tuesday 31st January. It is not known at this stage who will be replacing Constable Mbi as the police representative.

The chairman closed the meeting by wishing Constable Mbi well for her maternity leave, which was due to start the following week. This was the signal for the arrival of Sabelo, her husband –and a surprise baby shower! Each of the members had brought along a plate of eats and a small gift for the couple, and a delighted Akona was quite overcome by the gesture. She was amazed that her husband had been able to keep it a secret from her! Her gifts ranged from the practical items needed for a new baby to “spoiling” presents for the parents, and the young couple wasclearly delighted with the gifts and genuine warm wishes of all. The mothers in the group could not resist offering helpful advice  -most of which seemed to be “don’t listen to what everyone else tells you, follow your instincts and don’t let anyone interfere”!

Akona will be returning to her home town of King Williams Town this week to await the birth of her son, and is due back at work at the end of March.

Akona and Sabelo Mbi are toasted at the surprise baby shower

 

A RARE VISITOR TO THE CAMDEBOO MOUNTAINS

 

Camdeboo had a new and rare visitor recently and she had flown almost 6000 km in the last 6 months to settle in the mountains above Aberdeen

She is a Black Harrier (Witkruis padervreter) – a bird of prey that breeds only in South Africa and is highly threatened. Numbering about 700 pairs in the world, their numbers are low because their habitat – Fynbos and grasslands in coastal and mountainous regions of South Africa - is being swallowed up and degraded by man. These beautiful black birds travel far and wide looking for suitable places to build their small ground nests and they are being studied with the aid of miniature satellite trackers by researchers from the FitzPatrick Institute at the University of Cape Town.

The visiting bird, called Moraea (after the rare and elegant iris-like flowers) has been followed since November last year on a remarkable journey that has seen her travel 5800 km from her home near Langebaan, via Lesotho, to the Camdeboo Mountains in just 6 months. Her journey started in the West Coast National Park where she was breeding in September 2010 in the vleis around Langebaan Lagoon. There she reared two young on a diet of rats, mice and small birds. Following their independence, she left the park in February 2011 and she raced 1200 km across the hot dry Karoo and into the Drakensberg in just 6 days to settle around the highlands of Sani Pass. Preferring the cool high places she stayed in Lesotho for 2 months, visiting at one stage the highest point in southern Africa (Thabana Ntlenyana) at 3482 m above sea level. There it is likely that she was feeding on Ice Rats, small mammals that breed in the alpine grasslands in March and April. She moved out slowly in April 2011 to the Transkei, and then visited Engcobo in the Eastern Cape for 2 months, before heading back 1240 km across the Karoo in 6 days to briefly visit her old haunts in Langebaan in mid July. Not liking what she found there in an unusually dry winter in the Western Cape, she headed back to Beaufort West in late July, and passed through Aberdeen on her way back to Engcobo. In early August she once turned around and headed west  for Aberdeen and first visited the Camdeboo Mountains on 12 August 2011. She subsequently stayed, attracted by the above average rainfall that had fallen on The Ranges farm owned by Pen and Hester Marx. Other Black Harriers were also attracted by the rains that had swollen the mouse population and she began breeding with her mate in early September in the vleis above the farm. Visiting the farm, researcher Dr Rob  Simmons and his daughter Cat, found her and her nest with 3 large chicks doing very well on 5-6 November – a year after she was first tagged in Langebaan, and a mere 5800 km later.

 

We were able to follow her remarkable journey with miniature high-tech trackers that pinpoints her position accurately anywhere on the surface of the earth. Weighing a mere 12.5 g and powered by a miniature solar panel, they do not encumber the birds and their presence is only given away by a short aerial protruding from the back feathers. The satellite tag communicates with Argos satellites overhead and allows researchers to follow the bird’s journey and determine the distances covered on a daily basis. Moraea has worn her tag for a year now, and has provided researchers with an unparalleled window into a migration of this rare bird of prey previously unsuspected and unknown.

We hope to follow her subsequent journeys after breeding and reveal more of the lives of these remarkable birds of prey.

 

 

Rob Simmons

 

FitzPatrick Institute


 

The track of Moraea, the satellite-tagged Black Harrier, from February to November 2011. Starting in Langebaan in February she flew (pink line) 1200 km to Sani Pass in 6 days. Returning slowly (Blue line) via Engcobo and Somerset East to Langebaan in July 2011 she immediately turned back to Beaufort West and flew on to Engcobo (red line) in August. From Engcobo she flew back (green line) to Aberdeen to settle in the Camdeboo Mountains to breed in September – November. A total journey of 5800 km. © R.E. Simmons.

 

Moraea, the Black Harrier female on route to her breeding grounds in The Ranges, in the Camdeboo mountains near Aberdeen. The satellite tracker aerial is visible protruding from her back feathers. © R.E. Simmons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moraea, the female Black Harrier foraging over the marshlands at The Ranges in the Camdeboo Mountains, looking for mice. The satellite tag allowing researchers to follow her journey is visible in the centre of her back with the aerial facing backwards. © R.E. Simmons.

 

 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Flock Competition

The National Angora Flock Competition was held this year in Aberdeen, combining with the regular annual flock competition held in the town.

The day started early (perhaps too early for some of those who had been partying at the Zegna awards the night before!), and a team of ladies from Aberdeen Publicity were on hand ready to serve their  sizzling breakfasts.

A huge marquee had been erected in the middle of the showgrounds, and Clive Kombani and his team from the Municipality had spent many weeks preparing and repairing, in order to get everything ready for this special event. Tractors and bakkies were on display, and there was a small selection of stalls to browse in the hall. Aalwynhof sold boerewors rolls, the ladies from the AP Kerk served their usual delicious pancakes, and the team from the NGK served a tasty potjiekos lunch.  Burgers and biltong were also available - no-one could go away hungry!

A great attraction in the marquee was a small flock of hand-reared kids, whose fleeces had been dyed the most delightful pastel shades using food colouring. A bottle was available for young children to feed the kids, which proved very popular with both the kids and the children.

The main focus of the day was obviously the Angora Competition. The judges complimented the entrants on the high quality of the stock exhibited in all four categories. Some outstanding results were achieved by in particular Barries Snijman in the Veld Groomed section, Jannie Nel in the Groomed category, and A Mapoe for the Emerging Farmers.

Snijman dominated the awards for best veld groomed flock, and two of his ewes were placed first and second in the individual  category. Best Conformation in this section was awarded to C Lategan, and JP Bezuidenhout won the award for best fleece. The prizes in this category were sponsored by Samil.

In the Groomed section, sponsored by BKB,  Jannie Nel scooped the prizes for best flock, best individual ewe (1st, 2nd and 3rd place), as well as best conformation. The best fleece was awarded to Roelfie van der Merwe.

The Veld group was sponsored by CMV, and in this section Hantie Marx won best flock, best fleece, and third best ewe. Dickie Ogilvie was awarded first and second places in the best individual ewe section, and second best flock. Best conformation went to Dirk van Schalkwyk.

Landbank sponsored the prizes for the Emerging Farmers section. The outstanding winner in this section was A Mapoe, who almost swept the board. His ewes won best flock, all three placings for individual ewes, and best conformation. S Grootboom won the award for best fleece.

The day was rounded off with a very successful steak supper and dance at the Aberdeen Club, attended by over a hundred guests. Those with any energy left danced the night away!

 

Ermenegildo Zegna Awards

The prestigious Ermenegildo Zegna  Awards banquet was held at the Aberdeen Club last Thursday evening.

Months of planning and preparations came together, and the hall was transformed into an elegant and stylish venue. The décor reflected the Karoo, with simple but very effective table decorations, all coordinated by the talented and artistic Lana Olivier. A sumptuous meal, prepared by the expert catering team of David Millar, Colleen Ogilvie, and Toessie Slabbert, was enjoyed by all. The main course naturally featured local Karoo lamb, beautifully cooked so that it just fell off the bone.

Entertainment was provided by the very professional Glen Webster from PE, who performed many well-known classics.

The guest of honour for the evening was Alberto Candellero, the Market Head for South America and South Africa of Ermenegildo Zegna. Candellero, an Italian, is currently based in São Paulo, Brazil, and this was the first time he had visited the Karoo. Ermengildo Zegna is a world-renowned Italian company specializing in fine textiles and garments. The company is one of the largest users worldwide of finest quality South African kid mohair, and as such has sponsored the trophy, since 1970, to the farmer who produces the best  bale of summer kid mohair. Judging is based on a sample pulled from the submitted bale, and considers fineness, length, micron, clean yield and freeness from kemp.  South Africa is proud to be the only country to receive sponsorship from the company, thanks to the superior quality of the mohair produced here.

Deon Saayman, general manager of Mohair South Africa, was the MC for the evening. After the official welcome and prayer, starters were enjoyed, and then a short dvd about the sponsors was shown. Alberto Candellero then spoke, with a very creditable Afrikaans introduction which delighted all! He commented on the wonderfully scenic drive from PE, and the gracious hospitality he had experienced. He explained that the aim of the competition is to encourage growers to reach the best possible quality, and stressed the importance of attending to detail throughout the production process. He reiterated that the South African mohair is the best in the world – this remark was greeted with enthusiastic applause! He congratulated all ten finalists on the excellent quality of their product.

Deon Saayman then took over again to announce the winners, remarking how close the competition had been this year, with only 0.9% between the top three finalists. Proceedings were interrupted just after the tenth place was announced, when the power went off! Fortunately there were small candles on the table, so the hall was not in total darkness. Aberdeen’s senior administrator, Clive Kombani, who was a guest at the function, was immediately on the phone, and was most relieved to discover that is was an Eskom problem and not a municipality problem! The Jordaan family, owners of Tuin Kafee situated just across the road, came to the rescue, bringing across their generator and packs of candles and matches. This was a great example of one of the huge advantages of being in a small town where everyone is so willing to help out when there is a problem.

The programme was rearranged slightly and the main course was then served, before the awards ceremony was resumed with low lighting and generator-powered sound. Candellero later remarked how he enjoyed the romantic Italian-style candlelit dinner!

The winner of the award for 2011 was Piet Viljoen of the farm Kleinpoort, with a grand total of 92.17%. In second place was Paul Michau from Cradock, with Billy Colbourne and Sons in third place. The remaining seven finalists, in order from fourth to tenth, were Jan Lategan, Snyberg Boerdery, A B Hobson and Son CC, J L Retief & Seun, A C Fitzhenry and Son, B T Henderson, and Vleikuil Boerdery

 

Many congratulations were received by the Aberdeen hosts, and the function has certainly contributed to putting Aberdeen on the map. Chairman of the Farmers’ Association Dirk van Schalkwyk, the Aberdeen Club, and all who were involved, are to be congratulated on a memorable evening.

A guest examines a sample from the winning bale of mohair

 

Piet Viljoen and his wife Petru proudly show off the Ermenegildo Zegna trophy

 

The Karoo-themed table settings

 

Anlé Marais and Lindsay Humphreys of Mohair South Africa wearing mohair dresses from a range designed by students of Mode Gakuen University in Nagoya, Japan

 

The ten finalists with Alberto Candellero of Ermenegildo Zegna

Fltr Jan Lategan, Werner Ferreira, Blaire Henderson, Paul Michau, Sean Hobson, Piet Viljoen, Charles Fitzhenry, Alberto Candellero of Zegna, Frans Retief, Billy Colbourne, Louw Retief, Barries Snijman