Stoep Talk 

If you are looking for a holiday destination or weekend getaway that is eco-friendly, then Stanford is the perfect choice. Stanford folk are passionate about nature and its conservation. To ensure that visitors and locals alike can enjoy our pristine surroundings, many Stanfordians work tirelessly on conservation projects – like alien clearing, tree planting, reed and river maintenance, and frog monitoring – as well as through the promotion and conservation of indigenous plants and animals.
 
Panthera Africa, Stanford’s very own big cat sanctuary, is just one such project committed to conservation. The sanctuary, which is now open to the public, is an educational platform where the team creates awareness about conditions big cats face in captivity, and how animal welfare and enrichment play a vital role in giving them the best captive lives possible. No cub petting, breeding or trading takes place. Stanford Tourism is running a competition so click this link and you could win two Panthera Educational Visit tickets.
 
Another project that aims at creating a greener future for everyone is Platbos Forest. This magical and mystical woodland is Africa’s southern-most forest, with trees that are 1000s of years old. Melissa and Franscois Krige, forest guardians, and their supporting team at Platbos, will be running two Reforest Festivals in May in conjunction with GreenPop. The first is Family Fest from 8-10 May, followed by Friends Fest from 15-17 May. Head down to Platbos for a great chance to connect with the trees, each other and the earth while getting your hands dirty by planting indigenous saplings.
 
Apart from conservation festivals and parties, there are also some fab social and artistic events lined up over the next few weeks. This Friday night, 17 April, is Mexican Night at The Tasting Room with Lucy Kruger. Dress up in your most colourful sombrero and you could win a prize!
 
An event that grows ever larger and more exciting is the acclaimed Baardskeerdersbos Art Route which runs Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 April.  On this weekend you will have the rare opportunity to enter the artists’ homes and view their art, whilst also strolling around the vibrant and atmospheric village.  Over the years this event has been a big draw card for art lovers near and wide, and is steadily getting more attention and acclaim.
 
As always, the ever popular Stanford Sunset Market is ready to delight locals and visitors on 24 April with great artisan food, delicious local wine, and live entertainment. On Saturday, 23 May, the Con Spirito Choir from Kleinmond will be performing at the NG Church in Stanford. Soloists include Stanford-born Louis Fourie (a la Ivan Rebroff) and our own Bea Whittaker. Tickets are available from Stanford Tourism.
 
Finally, we’re very excited at the newly published Hermanus FynArts Festival programme. The annual art festival is back with an exceptional schedule of events from 5-16 June including concerts, talks, shows and exhibitions.The first few days alone are packed with un-missable events, and I’ve already booked my tickets! Book yours well in advance as the events fill up quickly!
 
If you’re coming to FynArts from Cape Town, or further afield, why don’t you consider staying with us in tranquil Stanford, only 15 minutes drive from Hermanus. All tickets can now be purchased via Webtickets and at Hermanus Tourism. Early Bird ticket prices are offered for many of the events and will be available until 30 April 2015. The full line-up is now available on the brand new website www.hermanusfynarts.co.za 
 
That’s all for now, folks. And remember, if anyone asks where you got your news… tell them you heard it through the Grapevine!

Chantel