Smithfield News

Stoep Skinner

Stoep Skinner by JJ

Glorious Black Eagles
Two fully grown Black Eagles, flying up a gorge two metres away from us AND sllghtly BELOW us! Things don’t get much better than that.
This was in the Karoo National Park last week. - not surprisingly, the highlight of a two day visit.
We had absolutely no idea what to expect of the Park; certainly no idea of the beauty of the place. If you are looking for absolute peace and quiet in the most marvellous scenic setting, this is the place. The magic of the Karoo.

Woe Is Me
The only thing that dented enjoyment of the Park was the thought of missing out on the whisky tasting evening at Luigi’s. For anyone to whom the golden liquid is one of life’s real enjoyments, the opportunity to taste a range of the lesser known highlights of an industry that is Scotland’s main claim to fame, is something of an occasion. And missing it, a real blow.

The mystery boot
It first appeared on New Year’s Day 2007, sitting slap in the middle of Wessels Street.
Since then it has migrated up and down the street, at one stage even crossing Brand Street and then reappearing again near Orpen Street. It was last seen on the corner of Brand and Wessels Streets, eight months since taking up what seems to be permanent residence here.
What happened to its companion boot? Or to the foot that used to wear it?

Rising To The Occasion
It’s good to hear of the local community rallying around to help others in trouble.
This happened a couple of weeks ago when Katharine and Alex Webber, daughter and son of Hilton and Mary Webber. The Webber family have become very much part of the community since buying property here and involving themselves in several projects, including the Red Barn arts gallery.
Driving back to Smithfield, the young people had the misfortune to crash, in the process writing off their car.
At that point their misfortunes ended.
Uninjured, they were immediately taken care of by a number of people, the first being a police officer who just happened along at the right time. He was followed by exceptionally caring ambulance staff, several passing farmers as well as a gentleman by the name of George from Aliwal Landbou.
A great example of caring countryfolk, which the entire Webber family have asked Smiffie to thank sincerely.

The Perfect Secretary?
Our gardening guru, Julian, tells me this little tale:
“My father once employed an English-speaking secretary who had to be able to speak Afrikaans. At the interview she said “Elke oggend vat ek eers die komberse en lakens af, en dan draai ek die matroos om!”
She got the job, no doubt, for her ability to think on her feet.

The Alternative Smithfield News.