Winner of Fix It With Flair competition announced at Le Franschhoek Hotel

Tuis/Home Magazine, South Africa’s practical guide to beautiful living, converts boring home improvements into imaginative soul food! Their annual Fix it with Flair competition, which invites readers to enter any house revamp or restorative work, again proved to be a huge success. After months of judging, Tammy and Rob Foote from Port Elizabeth were crowned as the overall national winners.

Flip a Coin entertained the guests

The glamorous Fix it with Flair gala event was held at the elegant Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa in Franschhoek. Tammy and Rob clinched the top spot and impressed the judges with their innovative and imaginative renovations. The event was complete with glitz and glamour and guests were entertained by the talented a cappella group, Flip a Coin. Neil Stemmet, along with Tuis/Home’s very own Misi Overturf, Simone Borcherding and in-house DIY-guru Ashley Stemmet, offered guests some practical tips, do’s, don’ts and other inspiring ideas.

The Fix it with Flair competition got under way at the start of this year and do-it-yourself enthusiasts from across South Africa submitted their entries. Every entry had to be accompanied by a full breakdown of the costs of the renovations, before and after photographs of the project as well as a description and explanation of the work done.

Every month, the judges chose two finalists who were announced in the magazine between March and July and by August, the top ten semi-finalists had been selected. The readers then had the opportunity to vote for their favourite home improvement amongst the ten selected semi-finalists. Three finalists were then shortlisted who attended the final judging evening and the winner was announced during a glitzy gala event.

The most important judging criteria were the creative flair with which the improvement work had been carried out. The practicality as well as the amount of work done by the homeowners themselves, was also taken into account.

The home restorations undertaken by the competition winners, Tammy and Rob Foote, will appear in the February 2012 Fix It issue of Tuis/Home Magazine. The home improvements undertaken by the two runners up will also be featured. This issue will also announce the opening of entries for the 2012 Fix it With Flair competition. 

Grande Provence wins at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate received further international recognition at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) where the Estate was privileged to receive Gold for ‘The Grande Provence 2006’, ’Silver Best in Class’ for the Grande Provence Chardonnay 2010 and Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and Silver for the Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2011 as well as the Grande Provence Shiraz 2007, all of which are created by Winemaker, Jaco Marais.

Comments Winemaker, Jaco Marais: “It’s indeed an honour to receive not only one, but multiple awards from this prestigious international competition. To be selected from 82 countries worldwide is definitely a milestone for me as well as for Grande Provence.”

This competition aims at setting the international benchmark for the quality of wines and excellence in winemaking and is supported by many of the world’s top wine and spirits producers.

Handel's Messiah in Franschhoek

The beautiful grounds of Lac de la Lune in Franschhoek will be opened for the first time to host a special Christmas presentation of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday 4 December at 4.30pm

The Messiah, undoubtedly one of the most well loved pieces of sacred music, was also a favorite of the composer who wrote it in just 24 days. Handel is regarded as one of the most respected composers of all time, receiving recognition from the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn who said, “He is indeed, the father of us all.”
 

The Canticum Novum Choir will be accompanied by the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Louis van der Watt alongside a stellar lineup of soloists: Louise Howlett, Jen Kummer, Siphesihe Mdena and Thesele Kemane.

Lac de La Lune (Lake of the Moon) is situated near the entrance to Franschhoek off Cabriere and Kruger Streets at 7 Anne Marie, and is surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains. Gates open at 2.30 and the grounds are perfect for visitors to spread out blankets and enjoy their picnic before the concert begins at 4.30pm.  Tickets are R110 and R80 concessions. There is also a seated area available for R220 per ticket.

Tickets are available from Computicket 0861 915 8000 / www.computicket.com/ Checkers and Shoprite stores.  For more information contact Louise on 084 682 1337/howlett@sun.ac.za

Grande Provence wins at 2011 Mundus Vini

At the 11^th MUNDUS VINI International Wine Awards held in Germany this year, Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Franschhoek has once again been recognised for its outstanding efforts by receiving Gold for the Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and ‘The Grande Provence 2006’ as well as Silver for the recently released, Sauvignon Blanc 2011.

Comments Winemaker, Jaco Marais: “It’s an absolute honour to once again be recognised on an international level for the wines we are passionate about creating here in the Franschhoek Valley. These wines are now available at The Tasting Room and The Restaurant at Grande Provence, all of which have been paired to complement the new menu created by Executive Chef, Darren Roberts.”

More than 6,000 wines from 42 countries entered into the 2011 awards and put under thorough examination by an international jury of wine experts.

These accolades stand tall next some of the Estate’s existing wines which have been privileged to receive local and international awards.

'Habitat' at the Gallery @ Grande Provence

'The Gallery' at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate proudly presents 'Habitat', an exhibition showcasing paintings and drawings by famed South African artist, Brahm van Zyl, opening on Sunday 14, August 2011 at 11h00 and runs until Thursday 8, September 2011.

This exhibition references to 'Habitat' as site specific geographic areas which are inhabited by humans. Large scale city scapes are placed in direct contrast with the landscapes and architecture of the Karoo, reminiscent of the communities that occupied and still occupy these historical sites, creating an additional socio-political reference.

Brahm has developed a deep connection with the historic South African landscape through the research and observation necessary for his accurate and soulful portrayal of the surroundings that inspire and reveal his understanding and awareness of the contemporary term 'Land Art'. He describes this group of paintings and drawings as a portrayal of the ideas that he nurtures and feeds off as an artist who occupies this strange but beautiful world.

During this time, Donna McKellar, features a body of artwork ranging from miniature to large scale landscape paintings which will be exhibited in 'The Project Room' and 'Cathedral' at 'The Gallery'. Donna has previously described her artistic style as 'Romantic realism' but a significant change in her life has led her to explore a more post-modern understanding of living, which emphasises the fragmented, often distorted nature of reality.

Her very realistic signature style is still evident in the work but another dimension of meaning has been added, resulting in a deep, often dark, but also playful expression of emotion.

For further information or a preview, please contact The Gallery at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, email: gallery@grandeprovence.co.za - telephone 021 876 8630 to make an appointment. The Gallery is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10h00 till 18h00.

Register on the Stellenbosch Municipality Supplier Database

The Stellenbosch Municipality hereby invites all prospective suitably qualified and experienced service providers who are not yet registered with the Stellenbosch Municipality, to register as a supplier.

Registration forms, electronically as well as hard copies are obtainable from the Database administrator, Ms Abongile Makatshu, at Stellenbosch Municipality, Neethling House, Supply Chain Management office, Room 120. Please call (021) 808 8594 for electronic copies or send email to abongilem@stellenbosch.org or it can be down loaded from our website www.stellenbosch.gov.za

Completed documents can be hand-delivered or posted to Stellenbosch Municipality

P. O. Box 17, Stellenbosch, 7599

No forms will be accepted via fax, email or any other electronic format.

Please take note: If your company is already registered on the Stellenbosch Municipality Database, you need only to submit the information that has changed in your company and any relevant document that has expired e.g. Tax Clearance Certificate, CIDB, COID, etc.

Bastille Day at Backsberg

WARM AWAY THE WINTER BLUES AND CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF FRANCE THIS BASTILLE DAY WITH POPULAR FRENCH CHANTEUSE DANIELE PASCAL AT BACKSBERG ON SATURDAY 16 JULY 2011 FROM 18H00

This platinum selling artist is one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists. Her unique style and classic joie de vivre is quintessentially Parisian and synonymous with the spirit of romance of the French café song. Danièle is also the only true exponent of French culture, and sophistication in South Africa.

Imagine strolling down the Champs-Élysées or sipping a pastis in Montmartre….that is where Danièle will transport you. She will enchant you, move you and entertain you.

Daniele will delight in her true style with a selection of well-known French songs by Piaf, Brel, Aznavour, Trenet, Mouloudji, and other highlights from her best selling French Café song album Parisette.

We have transformed our popular function venue into a cosy cafe style concert venue for this event. 

An accordion player will set the mood while guests gather in the boma  or around fire drums in the courtyard for a warming pre-drink on arrival from 18h00.

Then, move in to our heated venue where dinner with a touch of French Flair will be served to your allocated tables.

Brown onion Soup

Lamb Knuckle Ragout

Crepes with citrus syrup

Filter Coffee and chocolate truffle

 FULL RANGE OF BACKSBERG WINES ON SALE AND CASH BAR AVAILABLE

TICKETS:

R180 per person

Booking Essential

  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO RESERVE PLEASE CONTACT

LEE-ANN   082 495 2006   events@backsberg.co.za