reading options
A worldwide debate is going on about the future of reading: will printed books, magazines and newspapers disappear, to be replaced by reading only on a computer or a hand-held electronic device? Nobody can be sure, but we believe it will be a combination of both printed and electronic media for a long time to come. Many people, including myself and probably most of our readers, love the feel of an actual book or magazine in their hands, coupled with the pleasure of being able to “curl up” anywhere for a read.
On the other hand, we are constantly aware of the fact that trees are chopped down to be turned into paper for our magazine, and distribution costs are also high. We have therefore decided to shrink our retail footprint, and from June Village Life will no longer be available through CNA and Exclusive Books (distribution in the country areas of the Western Cape stays as is). We urge readers who have been buying their copies of Village Life at CNA and Exclusives, to please subscribe – it is the most cost-effective option.
In addition, for those who prefer reading on-screen, the complete Village Life will in future be available on the website www.mymag.co.za. Happy reading!
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The farm Meerlust on the banks of the Eerste River near present-day Faure was first granted in 1693. Some of its owners counted amongst the most prominent and wealthiest people at the Cape, and the well-preserved buildings reflect this. This ornately decorated staircase photographed by Annalize Mouton is part of the wine cellar complex – page 24
contents
2 At the office
Letters and other important matters
4 Help count butterflies
South Africa’s first butterfly census is planned for the weekend of 24–25 April 2010 – and you can help. For details and to regsiter, visit http://sabca.adu.org.za
6 The face of South Africa
Organized birding in the Eastern Cape is celebrating its 60th anniversary from 1 to 8 May this year. What is now BirdLife Eastern Cape was founded on 21 April 1950 as the Eastern Cape Wild Bird Society, a branch of the then South African Ornithological Society.
8 One girl’s collection that became a museum
The Fransie Pienaar Museum in Prince Albert reflects the history of the town and the area. The museum would not have come into being if it had not been for a young girl who started collecting old things
14 South Africa’s wealth of succulents
Plants have adapted to arid areas in fascinating ways, and there are more of these specialist species in SA than anywhere else – by Steve Moseley
20 There’s more to it than just the shoes
For many centuries, the farrier’s craft encompassed an extensive veterinary repertoire, of which shoeing was merely a component. Today expert farriers are still much in demand – and they do more than just hammer in a few nails
– by Maggie Follett
24 Meerlust: Steeped in history
Annalize Mouton visits this historic farm on the Eerste River
30 Wakkerstroom – the ‘wide-awake’ village
This sleepy village in Mpumalanga is now known for birding, but once was home to some lively characters – by Lesley & Carol Hardijzer
36 Two remarkable men and their books
They refused to be seen as cripples, and both Cecil Shirley and Murrogh Nesbitt lived active, creative lives – by Elwyn Jenkins
42 Pensioners hit the books
They are old and some are rather fragile, but they want to learn to read and write – by Thandi Mkhatshwa
44 Love thy Butcher-bird
Veteran birding photographer Nico Myburgh looks at the
Common Fiscal (previously Fiscal Shrike). Read full article
46 Lamb the Greek way
Annalize shares recipes, and prepares a wonderfully tasty leg of lamb for her Country Table
48 Ear piece
Great Dane Anna is onto her second birthday (and we have survived)
