Blog

The Biggest Bash in Town – The Ox Braai

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:38:26 GMT

More than 30 years ago, Francois Vosloo, the then principal of the Shawpark School offered to do an ox braai as a fundraiser for the Shawpark Country Club, to say ‘thank you’ to the club, who allowed the school to use the sports fields at the club.

Well this idea took off with a vengeance and now more than 30 years on it is an icon of life in the Kowie and more especially Bathurst. This event, started from humble beginnings, now attracts more than 10 000 people and this year the chefs will cook more than 70 beef hind quarters to feed the hungry masses. Believe it or not, the man organizing the braais will be none other than Francois Vosloo, the man who started it all. That is true staying power.

This year the ox braai will be held on Friday, 30 December 2012, at the Bathurst Showgrounds. It is a surreal experience to see so many young kids coming together to have a party. If you are over 25 you will hear comments like “What are those ‘Old Toppies’ doing here.” Every car has its doors open and the stereo full blast, each playing a different song. Truly mind blowing. There are bands and DJ’s that will keep the people humping and pumping, grooving and grinding all night long. No one leaves until sunrise.

This is a young people’s thing. So take the youngsters to the party and then come back to Green Fountain Farm Resort and enjoy the peace, quite and tranquility over a glass of cold wine. You will only be called to fetch them the next morning. Bring them back to the farm for a hearty farmhouse breakfast and a much needed cream sober.

Some people say you haven’t lived until you have been to the Ox braai.

The beautiful beaches of Port Alfred and surroundings

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:55:38 GMT

The summer season is upon us with Christmas and the holiday’s only weeks away. Invariably this turns ones thoughts to sea and sand. Where they meet is the beach. All holiday towns on the South African coast have wonderful beaches, but Port Alfred offers something special. The experience is unique and oh-so varied. Go to the blue-flag Kelly’s beach to swim with the families and watch the bathing beauties in their bikinis. Take the umbrella and the sun tan lotion and kick back for the day.
Suggestions of what to do when visiting Kelly’s beach, (besides the obvious):

Take your loved on by the hand and take a romantic stroll up the beach in an easterly direction. After a while you will come to the pier and the mouth of the Kowie River. Walk to the nearby restaurant and bar or the convenience shop and replenish that which was taken by de-hydration. When sufficiently revived, take the romantic walk back to Kelly’s.
Take a gentle stroll to the west and the rocky outcrops. Here you can while away the time looking for shells and the little creatures that dwell in the shallow pools in the rocks. When the tide drives you back to the main beach it will be time to take a refreshing swim in the surf.

A good alternative is the surfer’s beach on the east side of the river. This is a huge beach where you can walk forever. You could also drive to Riet River, about 10kms outside Port Alfred to the east. Walking along the beach in an easterly direction you will be rewarded by the beauty of the Three Sisters. This is a rocky outcrop on the beach and a favorite spot for many to have a pick-nick or go fishing. Further east still you will find the sleepy hamlet of Kleinemonde. This beach with the nearby lagoon is ideal for children and adults alike. It is a popular spot with good bathing.

This is but a few of the wonderful options you have when you visit Port Alfred. Green Fountain Farm Resort is situated right in the middle of all this action, with Port Alfred only 7kms to the west and Kleinemonde 8kms to the east. So what are you waiting for? Grab your costume and towel and come to Green Fountain Farm Resort. We are only a minutes’ drive from the nearest beach.

National Arts Festival - GRAHAMSTOWN

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:39:48 GMT

If you are staying at Green Fountain Farm Resort around the 28th June to the 8 July why not pop down the road to The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Only 34kms away it is a must visit for any art enthusiast.

Every year for 15 days Grahamstown’s population almost doubles, as over 50 000 people make the move to the city for a feast of arts, crafts and sheer entertainment. Expect every hall or room to become a theatre. Parks and fields become flea markets. The festival offers more than 500 shows from opera, cabaret, drama and jazz to stand-up comedy and folk music. Organised by the Grahamstown Foundation, Africa's largest and most colourful cultural event offers a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talent.

Experience a hassle-free festival by following a few of these guidelines. Here are a few tips for first time adventurers:

Festival first timers should plan carefully. Book some shows ahead. Allow enough time to view exhibitions, take a tour, to shop at the craft fairs and to fit in any hit shows that are creating a buzz.
The festival programme and venue map contains all information on both Main and Fringe events. Be sure to purchase a copy on arrival in Grahamstown at any of the information centres.
To get around easily know where your nearest Hopper Busses are. The timetable for the Hopper service is printed on the back of the loose venue maps.
Apart from the restaurants and food stalls on the streets, most venues offer a steady supply of sustenance at all hours. Alcohol beverages are on sale at many venues.
The daily Festival Newspapers contain reviews and articles by leading arts writers, daily schedules, updates and programme changes. Find out what's hot and what's not in the Cue Clips section.
In contrast to the Main Festival events, which are selected by the Festival Committee, the Fringe is open to all applicants, without pre-selection. Some of the most exciting artistic development and dynamic talents in our country were first spotted on the Fringe in Grahamstown. When selecting shows to see, choose at least one that you know nothing about. You never know, it may turn out to be the highlight of the Festival.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance but also keep in mind that tickets may also be bought at performance venues 30 minutes prior to starting times.

Rounding off the year

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:38:07 GMT

You know that office party at the end of the year where you go a little crazy, act surprisingly unlike yourself and then thank your lucky stars the office is closed until the new year so that people have time to forget your antics? Well … it’s almost time for that annual shindig!

What better way to let loose and enjoy the social company of your colleagues than to get as far away from the office as possible? Green Fountain Farm Resort’s position six kilometres outside Port Alfred means you’re able to leave a year full of business stress and hectic lifestyle behind you and really soak up an outdoor environment very unlike your everyday workstation.

Besides the resort’s Milk Shed restaurant, which caters to every kind of party theme you chose, there’s a range of activities for those who are more interested in declaring a friendly competition against their bosses, like hitting the longest shot on Green Fountain Farm Resort’s driving range. Horse-riding, snorkeling and canoe outings are also available in the vicinity, making for great year-end memories. Just be prepared to see laugh-a-minute photos of yourself trying to get onto a horse making their rounds on the internal mail server next year …

Let’s not forget that there are still some refined business people out there, who, no matter the fact that it’s the silly season, will act anything but. Perhaps a more formal cocktail party is in order then? This, after a fun slideshow presentation in the Ithole Conference Centre on the resort property. Directors can have their final meeting of the year in the attached private boardroom before joining the rest of the team (the space can seat up to 50 people) for a final send-off showing video clips of activities they are proud to have been associated with throughout the year.

For bigger companies, there’s the beautiful thatch-roofed Nguni Function and Conference Centre. Its option of accommodating 140 people makes it a great venue for gathering all your staff one last time before the office closes to send them off with the latest company unveiling. The room’s professional stage means that anything from cars to kitchen appliances can be displayed here to get everyone excited for when the office reopens.

Although, after the great year-end bash you’re about to throw, the staff morale is going to be so high that you may not even want to close the office after all …

Visit our website for more information and for other things to do during your time at Green Fountain Farm Resort.

The Settlers' Church: Some History in the Hills

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:08:44 GMT

Port Alfred has a lot of history just waiting to be explored. You could very easily sit and read books containing the old settler’s tales whilst relaxing at Green Fountain Farm Resort, or why not take a drive into town and see it for yourself! You might just come across this National Monument that is the 1820 Settler’s Church.

Amongst the thick bush and sand hills on the east bank of the Kowie River at Port Frances (now known as Port Alfred) this historic church was opened, only six years after the landing of the 1820 settlers. It was constructed by James and Alexander McPhail, who were two 1820 settlers from Edinburgh.

It is said to be the only church that has been continuously used ever since the first stalwart settlers built it. The first service was preached by the Reverend William Shaw and one can still attend the services held there, although not by the original Reverend clearly! The original roof was constructed of thick thatch, the walls were built of rough stones and the floor was made of dried mud.

The Settler's Church - This image is courtesy of www.eggsa.org

This small house of prayer, being the only church for a great many miles, was at first used by all denominations and the settlers came long distances to worship here. They called it the "Bush Church". During the turbulent times of the Frontier Wars some of the settlers used it as a place of refuge, but it was devastated by fire. The church was burnt out on 25th December 1834 during the Sixth Frontier War. It was re-built and re-opened in November 1840 when Reverend Shaw again preached the first sermon. Six years later on 1st May 1846, during the War of the Axe, the church was again burnt down. It was restored in 1850, the building was now roofed with iron, the walls were strengthened and for a while a portion of it was used as a dwelling. During the Anglo Boer War it housed a refugee family from 1900-1901. Then in 1974 it was named a National Monument where it stands today in perfect condition.

Between the picturesque old church and the neatly kept Settler's Cemetery alongside, stands the ancient church bell, which came from a long forgotten shipwreck. The adjoining cemetery contains, apart from those of early settlers, the six graves of servicemen from the Second World War and more recent graves of citizens from the local community.

The Settler’s Church is about 2km from Port Alfred and it is a gem of history that the whole family can enjoy and if you get there early enough on a Sunday you may find your place at one of their weekly services.

Flying the Blue Flag

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:44:14 GMT

Just because every sea and ocean are blue, doesn’t necessarily mean that every beach is the same colour. Blue Flag status is only granted to the privileged few – a stamp to acknowledge that these beaches are pioneering the way in environmental, educational and service spheres.

Port Alfred’s Kelly’s Beach and Kenton-on-Sea’s Kariega Beach are two such lauded sandy spots, having been granted Blue Flag status earlier this month for yet another season. Only two of 27 South African beaches to be recognised in this way, Kelly’s and Kariega are bastions of the Eastern Cape coastline.

The Blue Flag has been awarded to nearly 4 000 beaches and marinas in 46 countries, and Port Alfred has recently applied to have its famous marina accredited with the same prestigious stamp of excellence, run by an international non-governmental, non-profit organisation called the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

Every time the FEE erects a Blue Flag, it’s making a statement about the quality of that beach’s water, the information provided to visitors, the overall cleanliness of the area, the availability of certain facilities such as dustbins and toilets and the management of things like dogs being allowed onto the beach.

Kelly’s and Kariega beaches have complied to strict criteria so that when you see their blue flags flying you can be assured that your day spent on these beaches will be safe and blissful. You won’t have to wonder about the water quality before diving into the waves, as no industrial or sewage-related discharges are allowed to affect these parts of the ocean. You can also be assured of at least five educational activities being offered, making your time on the beach a learning experience too.

The beach management committee of each area will ensure that there are enough dustbins and that they are emptied on a regular basis, so that no one has an excuse for polluting the ocean. There are even facilities for receiving recyclable waste, adding even more emphasis to the environmental significance of this Blue Flag status.

As for your swimming safety, these beaches come prepared. Lifeguards, lifesaving equipment, drinking water and first-aid kits are always on hand, and patrols of the beach are made regularly, so an eye is always kept on children, both in and out of the water.

Because Green Fountain Farm Resort is a short drive away from both Kelly’s and Kariega, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches. Ching, chong, cha for today’s decision.

Visit our website for more information about things to do during your stay with us.

In the beginning

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:41:23 GMT

Six name changes and a geographical shift would be enough reason to give anyone an identity crisis. Port Alfred, however, a beacon of heritage along the Eastern Cape coastline, suffers no personality disorders whatsoever, despite being previously named everything from Port Frances (after then-governor Lord Charles Somerset’s daughter-in-law) and Albany to Kowie Town and Victoria. And, the fact that her river was redirected so that its entry point would better accommodate ships, has only given her a stronger identity as a fun-loving holiday town where speedboats and waterskiiers are able to whizz through her waters.

It was during the 1820s that the British Settlers moved into the area – an attempt by Somerset to establish a buffer between the local Xhosa community and the Western Cape. These early inhabitants shacked up in tents, tin shanties and wagons until their huts and homes were completed. They planted crops and set up trade, dealing with voyagers landing at the seaside town and traveling inland to Grahamstown. Sailors who had jumped ship also became part of the community, as did sea traders who opted to stay and make the attractive area their home too.

Alfred, 19th century Duke of Edinburgh

The popularity of Port Alfred meant that hotels had to be built. The first one, The Cove (now Ferrymans), was established in front of a bubbling freshwater well, which still offers nature’s source today. The town’s other water attraction – the Kowie River – had its mouth widened at the time that it was redirected, allowing bigger ships to enter and dock and do their trade, giving the town greater accessibility to the outside world. This didn’t last long, however. Besides the sand banks causing too many shipwrecks (the church bell on the 1826 Settlers Church comes from one of these wrecks), a train line was completed between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown in 1881, making inland transport from the bigger coastal city much more of an attractive option for traders. And so Port Alfred lost its appeal as a harbour town.

But she didn’t let this get to her. She knew that those who wanted to experience her charm and beauty would still pay her a visit. She was right! In 1860, Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Alfred, visited the confident town. In honour of his stamp-of-approval visit to celebrate his 16th birthday, the town was renamed one last time. Port Alfred: she is who she is.

Visit our website for more information about Port Alfred and things to do during your stay with us.

Rowing with heritage

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:36:40 GMT

One of the oldest sports in the world winds its way through the Kowie River next month as the country’s top young rowers compete for the chance to be hailed as champions of the South African Schools Boat Race.

What began as a method of transport and mode of warfare eventually developed into an Olympic sport (the competitive nature of the activity can sometimes still be classified as ‘warfare’!), with rowers taking up oars around the world.

Competitive rowing began as friendly wager races between ferry and water-taxi riders on London’s River Thames. When these began attracting great crowds in the 19th century, rowers started holding more professional competitions on rivers across Great Britain. The oldest race in existence (Doggett’s Coat and Badge, from London Bridge to Chelsea) was started as far back as 1715. Over a century and a half later, rowing was introduced to the original Olympic Games in Athens – although women’s rowing was only introduced to the Games in 1976.

With this established history behind it, the South African Schools Boat Race models itself on the famous annual race between Oxford and Cambridge universities in England. Boys in eight-oared boats compete over six kilometres, while girls in four-oared boats row across four kilometres of the serpentine Kowie River filled with tactical challenges such as sandbanks, sudden corners, strong tides and sometimes windy conditions. It’s no wonder many call this the toughest race in the country.

The annual event kicks off with a jam-packed week of practice rows, with the much-anticipated races taking place over the weekend, leading into Sunday’s exciting finals. The boys will be hoping to beat last year’s winners King Edward, who finished in a time of 24:47:10, while St Andrew’s School for Girls will be looking to hold onto its 2010 title, won in a time of 15:28:22.

With supporters lining the river and finding every comfortable nook and cranny to chill on for the day, there’s enough noise to make each member of every team feel like a rowing celebrity. It’s a weekend (or week, for those keen to cheer on the practice sessions) filled with team spirit and friendly rivalry, in which Port Alfred becomes a lively water playground.

In between the sun-soaked noisy days, you’ll be happy to return to Green Fountain Farm to regain your energy amid the resort’s tranquil space – ready for the next day of shouting and screaming for your favourites.

Join in the fun from 2-4 December 2011.

Visit our website for more information about the area and other exciting things to do during your stay.

Reserve your place

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:28:51 GMT

It’s an often-forgotten fact that the Eastern Cape possesses some of the country’s finest game reserves. The Kruger National Park north of the country may be the first name that comes to mind when wanting to book an animal-tinged vacation, but our gorgeous reserves near the coast have so much variety on offer that you’re able to try a different one every time you visit us at Green Fountain Farm Resort.

Lalibela Game Reserve is a prime example of how to immerse oneself in nature. Because it has no public roads running through it, all its animals roam freely, increasing your chances of spotting the Big 5. Shamwari Game Reserve offers just as much excitement. Besides its luxury spas (including a bush spa), there are two Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries that promote the conservation of big cat species while protecting their habitat, encouraging a compassionate approach to animal welfare.

Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa also places a great emphasis on respect for nature and has achieved the Green Leaf Initiative’s gold status for being environmentally responsible. Besides priding itself on the Big 5 (including white lion), it’s the breeding ground for over 250 bird species across its five different biomes – from grassland and savannah to thicket, fynbos and forest. This diversity of land makes Pumba a fascinating reserve for bush walks. The after-hours stargazing outings are another highlight.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a massive 22 000 hectares, with both black and white rhino and cheetahs. Meaning ‘Place of the Blue Crane’ in Xhosa, Kwandwe is home to many of these beautiful national birds. Here, you’ll find the threatened Knysna woodpecker, black wildebeest, crowned eagle and black-footed cat. Thirty kilometres of the Great Fish River flow through this reserve, making for picturesque coffee stops atop the hill overlooking the flowing water. What’s more, there’s a resident historian at Kwandwe ready to tell fascinating tales of the past after showing you the San rock on the reserve.

Sibuya Game Reserve & Tented Camps is another rather aquatic location, with more navigable water than any other game reserve in South Africa. This ensures a prolific bird life of nearly 400 species! Its animals range from elephants to otters – all big fans of playing in this water. Although Sibuya’s reception lounge is at Kenton-on-Sea, it’s a 30-minute boat transfer to the reserve, which means that your sightings could include turtles, whales and dolphins, giving a whole new meaning to ‘game drive’.

Bushman Sands, in the heart of an old Victorian railway town, has a golf course for those looking to heat up their adrenaline before heading out on the daily two-hour game drives in open Land Rovers. A day at Bushmans isn’t complete without a sunset cruise on the reserve’s tranquil New Years Dam.

And that’s not all … Check out these other fabulous game reserves in the area:

Visit our website for more information and for other things to do during your stay.

Feasting until the cows come home

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:18:26 GMT

Ever dined in a milk shed? Not quite your typical eatery, is it? Well, Green Fountain Farm Resort’s former milking shed waved goodbye to its cows, underwent a makeover and is now one of the region’s most enjoyable places in which to linger over lunchtime.

The Milk Shed restaurant is managed by the resort’s owner, Rob Greyling, whose culinary focus is on country cuisine. ‘I suppose it’s the opposite of "nouveau cuisine",’ he explains of his menu. ‘We do simple garnish and concentrate on the bold taste of home-style cooking with large portions for people with good appetites.’

The popularity of the Milk Shed’s pot pies (topped with creamy mashed potatoes), oxtail in red-wine sauce and curries served with papadums, sambals and chutney have had guests returning month after month, sometimes adding a soup to their meal in winter, or a famous Milk Shed salad in summer. ‘I believe our salads are the best in the Eastern Cape,’ says a proud Rob, describing a typical green garden salad. It won’t be served with anything less than four different lettuces, a variety of herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and carrots, topped with the restaurant’s signature salad dressing (this sauce alone is worth the trip!).

The seafood choices on the a la carte lunch and dinner menu are just as mouthwatering. Being situated near the coast means that fresh line fish is on offer daily, so guests never have to settle for deep-sea frozen hake, says Rob. ‘We have exceptional fresh baby sole, pickled fish and something that is unique to the Milk Shed: calamari schnitzel,’ he adds.

Seating up to 80 diners under its rustic thatch roof, the restaurant also offers a sheltered terrace overlooking the Green Fountain Farm Resort’s swimming pool – a lovely outdoor spot for enjoying the restaurant’s tea offering. Take your pick from homemade lemon or strawberry cheesecake, melt-in-the-mouth chocolate cake, scones and delectable waffles.

The Milk Shed has gained a reputation for its banquets and themed dinners and is the venue of choice for many year-end and corporate functions. Besides the enticing menu (which could include springbok carpaccio and ostrich fillet), guests enjoy the atmosphere in this hospitable setting – and perhaps the fact that Green Fountain Farm Resort is outside of town, so Mexican evenings are allowed to get a little rowdy!

The Milk Shed is open to the public everyday between 8am and 5pm, serving breakfast, lunch and tea. A buffet lunch is served on Sundays.

Visit our website for more information and for other things to do during your stay.

Getting there

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:10:46 GMT

All roads lead to Rome, or so the saying goes. But replace ‘Rome’ with ‘Port Alfred’, and you have a literal idiom that illustrates various ways of landing at this gorgeous coastal destination. Very few seaside towns can boast so many interconnected roads, a bus stop, taxi routes, harbour and aeroplane landing strip. Heck, there’s even an old train station. It may no longer function, but it’s still cool to add to the list – perhaps for those who prefer going nowhere slowly …

A beautiful drive along Route 72 will get you to Port Alfred from either Port Elizabeth or East London. If flying into one of these bigger cities (both cater to South African Airways and 1time, and Kulula also services Port Elizabeth), hire a car as you land and take the 90-minute drive to your holiday destination. Driving from Port Elizabeth, you’ll pass Alexandria with its lush green landscape, as well as Port Alfred’s fun coastal neighbour Kenton-on-Sea. On the opposite side, coming from East London, you’ll bypass picturesque Kidds Beach and Kleinemonde with its twin rivers. Visiting these small towns en route could turn your drive into a fun, extended road trip of discovery.

There’s also the inland road for those coming from Johannesburg on the N1, passing Bloemfontein and the Gariep Dam, the largest dam in South Africa. You could spend a night here if you’re not in a rush, as the nature reserve alongside the dam is abundant with wildlife, making for a relaxing midway stop. Continuing your journey the following day, you’ll pass through Cradock and Grahamstown before driving through Bathurst and perhaps stopping for fresh pineapple juice at the Big Pineapple before the big ‘hooray’ as you zoom into Port Alfred.

National bus services such as Greyhound and Intercape stop in Grahamstown, a 30-minute drive from Port Alfred, and taxis are easy to find to take you to the coast. If you prefer to travel by yacht (admit it, you’re dying to use your toy again), the quaint Port Alfred harbour will welcome you with open arms as you sail into the Kowie River. For those ditching their yachts for their private planes, 43 Air School’s landing strip will cater to chartered or private flights.

So, you see, whether you prefer the two-day road trip or travelling in the lap of luxury, all roads really do lead to Port Alfred!

Visit our website for more information about Port Alfred and things to do during your stay.

Written in the stars

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:27:00 GMT

Ever wondered what those three stars that adorn the plaque displayed on the wall at Green Fountain Farm Resort are? The ones in the colours of the South African flag … They’re not just there to show our patriotism (although we have heaps of that filling our Rugby World Cup veins at the moment!) – they’re proof that we’re star-graded. And, no, that doesn’t mean only Hollywood celebs are welcome; it means we’ve been granted three very valuable internationally-recognised star-points by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), the only officially recognised quality assurance body for tourism products in our country.

This year, the TGCSA revised its criteria for star grading, making it more internationally competitive and uniform across accommodation venues. It’s not as simple as dishing out red stars for good service and black stars for bad service like back at school. The globally benchmarked system for accommodation offers one to five stars only, based on a variety of criteria that range from architecture and décor to travel and accessibility for handicapped people. These stars are, therefore, an assurance to visitors that they are booking into an establishment that has been deemed worthy of its star value by maintaining a high standard of quality.

Besides offering an idea of the level of service, the number of stars indicates what facilities can be expected at each hotel, guest house, lodge, etc. Green Fountain Farm Resort offers self-catering accommodation in its 22 villas and for us to have earned our three stars we’ve worked hard at maintaining the highest levels of quality across the board. Three stars means that, besides our impeccable attention to detail, we have cooking facilities with at least a microwave, two hot plates, saucepans, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils; our formal reception area has the appropriate meet-and-greet service; we clean rooms, changing linen and towels and removing rubbish; and we offer the services of an on-site representative who is contactable 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We pay to be graded and are inspected by independent grading assessors who come from a hospitality background and have completed a TGCSA training course. Because each grading is only valid for one year, you can be assured that we’ll constantly be working to maintain our standard of quality in order to have it renewed annually, and have guests return to our all-star venue.

If you want to experience the great service of three star self-catering accommodation, check in at Green Fountain Farm Resort. Visit our website for more information and things to do during your stay.

Quenching the Ox Braai thirst

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:23:12 GMT

‘There’s no thirst like Bathurst.’ A chant you’ll be familiar with if you’ve ever been to the Eastern Cape village’s annual Ox Braai. Indeed, a thirst in this part of the interior of the Sunshine Coast is always in need of quenching!

Held at the Bathurst showgrounds, this event (or phenomenon, as some like to call it) sees around 8 000 party lovers park their cars on the grounds and mission around them for one night of crazy debauchery between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Although it attracts mostly a student crowd, people of all ages can be seen enjoying the now legendary festivities. The older party people have just learned that a decent bed (such as those at Green Fountain Farm Resort) is much more comfortable than a car seat after a night of crazy antics. Besides, that generation is the one that began the fad of sleeping around Ox Braai campfires back in the early 80s when the tradition first started, so they’ve had their time of crashing under the stars.

Back then, it started with 1 000 partygoers on the Kleinemonde beach. Now it’s expanded into a massive, raucous affair where nearly 30 spit braais provide two tons of meat to the hungry masses looking to line their stomachs – a wise plan to action before quenching that insatiable thirst with the area’s infamous pineapple beer. Bands and DJs keep the crowds dancing till the wee hours of the morning (a very long dance-a-thon for those who start when the gates open at 10am). But that’s only one side to this outdoor rage. There’s also the option of making your own fire at which to chill, or gallivanting about, water bottle in hand (with something stronger than water in it, of course!), making new friends and dragging them along to find even newer friends to jol with. It’s the kind of night where the stars shine bright enough for you to see where you’re going, but are still dim enough to cover up any unsavoury party tricks.

29 December 2011 will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of this event. No glass bottles will be allowed into the showgrounds (safer for car tyres and people!) and police roadblocks will be stationed around the area so as to dissuade revellers from drinking and driving. Yet another great excuse to keep the Ox Braai party going until sunrise.

Trust us, you won’t want to drive back home the day after Ox Braai, so why not book yourself in at Green Fountain Farm Resort for a few days afterwards to recuperate? Visit our website for things to do during your stay.

Tales of yonder years

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:20:27 GMT

Visit Green Fountain Farm Resort today and you’ll find an excellently run establishment complete with mod-cons and perfectly landscaped gardens. But take a look back down the timeline of this historical farm and you’ll see that it was anything but cushy when the 1820 Settlers arrived here.

The British immigrants to whom this piece of land was allotted were the Wedderburns. Christopher Wedderburn and his son William were each granted 100 acres on Green Fountain, as promised, for shipping their families from Britain to South Africa to enhance this British colony. The Wedderburns farmed on this spot for 19 years before moving to a larger holding that could better accommodate the extraordinary farming success founded at Green Fountain.

Back in 1820, the wagon ride to Green Fountain from Algoa Bay (where their ships had anchored) took two weeks – now just a quick one-hour drive by car. What’s worse, there wasn’t the friendly reception that awaits guests to the farm these days. Instead, there was nothing. Absolutely nothing but beautifully green land. So the Wedderburns had to sleep in tents until they had completed building their own home, which they chose to construct near the fountain after which the farm was named. Once they had a thatch roof over their heads, the crops could be established. Mielies, pumpkins and potatoes flourished here, but Christopher soon realised that cattle breeding and dairy farming would prove more profitable, and his wife soon became known as the best producer of butter and cheese in the district.

But life wasn’t always peaceful on Green Fountain Farm. There were times when living on a newly established farm in the middle of what was predominantly still wild territory proved rather adventurous. These were the days when hyena, jackal, springbok and wildebeest still roamed freely. One night, the household awoke to the sound of trumpeting. Christopher, being a devout Christian, thought these were the heavenly trumpets announcing the end of the world. He gathered the entire family, read from the Bible and waited for something miraculous to occur, only to discover the following morning that it was a herd of elephants who had passed through the property, wreaking havoc with the mielie crops.

That was in the 1800s. Nowadays, angelic sounds such as these don’t come by that often. But, thanks to Green Fountain Farm Resort’s convenient location, the Addo Elephant Park is just a daytrip away.

Visit our website for more information about Green Fountain Farm Resort and things to do in the area.

GFFR a preferred government supplier

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:15:54 GMT

August saw Green Fountain Farm Resort being named one of the Eastern Cape government’s preferred suppliers. This coup is a great feather in the cap for Rob Greyling, owner of the resort that lies six kilometres outside Port Alfred.

“We’ve already been graded as a three-star lodge through the South African Tourism Association,” Rob explains, “so people know we offer a high standard of accommodation.”

The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature has a 10-page document that companies have to complete in order to be considered as preferred suppliers. In March, Rob submitted this along with a bundle of required documentation such as company registration documents and the resort’s VAT certificate and tax clearance certificates. “We had to prove that we are BEE compliant and that all our tax payments with SARS are up-to-date,” he says of the process. “By being accepted as a preferred supplier of the Eastern Cape government, we have shown that we are compliant with all the requirements of government.”

Green Fountain Farm resort offers 94 beds and can hold conferences for up to 250 delegates in various centres on its vast property. “Conferencing is the lifeline of our business,” says Rob, adding that the restaurant on the property makes such events even more convenient and enjoyable for delegates.

The Ngqushwa Municipality already had a taste of what Green Fountain Farm Resort can offer when it hosted a conference at the venue towards the end of August.

“The organisers were very impressed with our facilities,” says Rob. “They loved that there are no distractions because of the fact that we’re not based in the middle of town. Delegates can’t just go off shopping, and are therefore sure to attend each session.”

Green Fountain Farm Resort is the ideal venue for teambuilding, where attendees can participate in a wide variety of activities, including canoeing and quadbiking. Government-backed NGOs are now also able to work with the resort thanks to its governmental thumbs-up. Rob and his team recently welcomed 200 members from adventure sports teams around the Eastern Cape, as part of their warm-up for the national championships. “It’s a great place to train, where teams have a large amount of space to run and cycle,” he remarks.

As a preferred supplier to the local government, Green Fountain Farm Resort looks forward to hosting even more important functions on its grounds, catering to every occasion according to its unique needs.

Visit our website for more information about our conferencing facilities and other things to do during your stay.

More than a beach holiday

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:10:44 GMT

Port Alfred is full of exciting activities for everyone – from hyperactive adventurers to lazy loungers. The December holidays are the perfect time to take advantage of this fun-in-the-sun diversity.

FAMILY FUN

Be a beach bum The array of beaches stretching from Port Alfred to Boknes and Bushman’s means the opportunity to sample a different coastal spot every day. These family friendly beaches allow Mom and Dad to soak up the sun while the kids play volleyball and fashion sandcastles.

Explore the hood Bathurst is a 15-minute drive from Green Fountain Farm Resort, and has a variety of stores catering to every age group. Ladies love shopping in the Earth Art ceramic studio while their men grab a beer at the country’s oldest pub, the Pig ‘n Whistle, and the children explore The Curiosity Shoppe, filled with toys of every kind. Kenton-on-Sea and Grahamstown are also close by.

Throw a line Make a day of going out to fetch dinner by getting the entire crew involved in fishing for their meal. Port Alfred offers beach, deep-sea and rock fishing, so you could really turn your holiday into a fend-for-yourself family adventure.

Get therapy When big-city shopping withdrawal hits, Rosehill Mall and Heritage Mall are ready to satisfy your retail-therapy needs. If outdoor street-side browsing is more your thing, then catch breakfast together at The Courtyard before wandering through the décor store, second-hand shop, florist and Greek deli.

ROMANTIC ESCAPADES

Take a swing It takes about four hours to play a round of golf, right? Talk about spending quality time with your loved one. The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club’s rolling greenery is the perfect setting for a bit of action romance. The Gary Player-designed course at Fish River Sun is also nearby.

Cruise the river Hire a boat or yacht at Port Alfred’s harbour and sail down the Kowie River for sundowners. This peaceful body of water offers views of both sides of town and is the perfect setting for an on-board picnic with bubbly.

Go trotting Horseriding becomes an idyllic outing when enjoyed on the beach. Take your pick from cantering through dune forests to galloping along the water’s edge. Surprise bookings like this are guaranteed to score you many points with your partner.

ADRENALINE HIGHS

Speedy Gonzeles Speed-lovers will get their fix with days spent duneboarding, powerkiting, skydiving and four-wheeling. It’s all systems go, go, go!

Splish splash Water enthusiasts are guaranteed to have their adrenaline pumping when jetskiing, surfing, bodyboarding and waterskiing. Between the river and the ocean, there’s no lack of water in this town.

NATURE’S SOUL FOOD

Go down under Soft coral, ship wrecks and the ‘lunar landing’ that is home to hundreds of crayfish make Port Alfred an underwater heaven for scuba-diving enthusiasts. The reefs and their prolific marine life offer colourful fun below sea level.

Take a hike The Kowie Nature Reserve has an eight-kilometre hiking trail along the town’s river, with various exit and entry points for those looking for shorter walks. The five-day Three Sisters Trail is for the big walkers, and takes adventurers through indigenous forests, sand dunes, wetlands and magnificent stretches of coastal shore.

Into the wild The game reserves in the area are becoming some of South Africa’s most popular due to their malaria-free environment. Spot some of Africa’s wildest animals on daily game drives. Bird-watchers will be equally taken by the abundance of feathery friends.

Check out our website for contact details and more information on these and other activities in the area.

Kowie Carnival and boerewors kings

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:05:30 GMT

Weekends are so overrated. We’ve discovered a recoup strategy that’s way better. It’s called the four-day weekend, and our über-chilled-out guests are proof that it works wonders. Friday to Monday timeout sessions allow you the luxury of really immersing yourself in the art of relaxation, without the constant anxiety of thinking it’s going to end after two days.

What better way to enjoy this newfound extended-weekend option than to make it coincide with Port Alfred’s Kowie Carnival on Heritage Day? This outdoor festival will be celebrating all things South African, with the special EC Today/Kowie Boerewors Championships being held on the same grounds. It is National Braai Day, after all!

Follow the distinct aroma of boerewors rolls and witness the 12 boerewors makers in two categories (retail and independent) battle it out to win the coveted title and own the rights to market their wors as The Best Boerewors in the Kowie. You’ll even get to purchase and taste the meaty temptations, with the money going to charity. In fact, all proceeds from the Kowie Carnival will be donated to Port Alfred’s Round Table charities.

East London rock band and MK Rockspaaider Award-winners Zondernaam will be entertaining crowds during the day, while the legendary singer/songwriter Anton Goosen will be on the beer-tent stage that night. For those more interested in their tummies, boerewors won’t be the only food on offer. There’s an entire food court, as well as a yummy Portuguese food village. And, while Mom and Dad wander around the craft stalls, kids can participate in a treasure hunt or paintball game, or even take a flip in a chopper or catch a ride on a pony.

After so much fun packed into one day, you’ll definitely need an extended weekend to recuperate!

Join in the festivities:

Date: Saturday 24 September
Time: 10am-late
Venue: Port Alfred High School
Entry: Free; R80 for tickets to Anton Goosen (bookings with Bronwyn on 046-6241207)

Visit our website for more information about the area and other exciting things to do during your four-day stay.

WIN

Need an extended weekend? A lucky fan of Green Fountain Farm Resort could win a four-day weekend away at this magical resort just outside Port Alfred during the Kowie Carnival. To enter the competition, and stand a chance to enjoy a Friday to Monday getaway, email a 100-word motivation about why you should win this stay at Green Fountain Farm Resort to info@greenfountainfarm.co.za. The winning story will be published on our Facebook page.

Competition Rules:

Entries must be written in English.
Only one entry per person.
All work must be original.
The word count is 100 words. Please aim to keep within this limit.
We reserve the right to use entries for publication or promotional purposes.
Emails need to reach us no later than the 9th September 2011.
Winner will be notified by email on the 12th September 2011.
Individuals will be notified by email in the event of their entry being selected for publication.
Judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Late entries will not be accepted.
Entries received on paper or via post will not be accepted.
Please make sure your contact details are correct – this is to make sure we can contact you if your entry is chosen as a winner or for publication.
All meals, travel arrangements and extra activities are for the winner’s account.
Accommodation for four people for a four-day and four-night stay in one of our luxury holiday homes will be complimentary.

Row, row, row your boat

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:41 GMT

Oxford and Cambridge may have a long history of competitive rowing dating back to 1829, but did you know that we have a race that’s just as exciting, right here in Port Alfred’s waters?

The annual Universities Boat Race has seen South African rowing teams competing for the past 30 years. This year will be the 31st of this prestigious challenge that was started in 1980 when the University of Cape Town challenged Wits rowers to a six-and-a-half-kilometre race down the Vaal River. Four years later, Rhodes and the University of Pietermaritzburg had joined in the fun and it became Port Alfred’s time to shine as the race was moved down south to the coastal town’s Kowie River due to the Vaal’s altitude favouring inland rowers. In 1988, women’s teams were introduced to the races, making it an all-inclusive event.

Nowadays, there are nine universities participating, with supporters travelling from around the country to support their favourites. Port Alfred’s riverbanks are turned into a student party of bursting proportions, where parents and other supporters join in the fun for three days of outdoor reveling. Even a campsite is established on the riverbank for the event! Students cheer from the banks donning crazy, colourful hairstyles matching their university team colours, while more sophisticated supporters applaud rowers as they pass by Port Alfred’s riverside restaurants.

Spanning the same distance as the Oxford/Cambridge race (6.2km for men and 4.8km for women), the local version of the regatta is said to be more challenging due to the Kowie’s serpentine curves and sandbank obstacles. Last year’s winners – University of Pretoria (men) and University of Johannesburg (women) – will be looking to hold onto their titles, while individual members of all teams will be hoping to make the national rowing team.

Oxford and Cambridge, you can have your Thames; the Kowie’s much more fun anyway!

Join in the fun from 8-10 September 2011. Visit our website for more information about the area and other exciting things to do during your stay.

Trophy talk

Men’s trophy: Cambridge Rudder
Made from the Lady Margaret Boat Club VIII rudder, this trophy was presented at the first race in 1980 by the Cambridge University Engineers Association.

Women’s trophy: Isis Blade
This trophy was fashioned from an Oxford University Boat Club oar, and was donated to the local race by Martin Kennard who rowed for Oxford from 1966-1968.

WIN

Need an extended weekend? A lucky fan of Green Fountain Farm Resort could win a four-day weekend away with three of their friends at this magical resort just outside Port Alfred during the duration of the Universities Boat Race. To enter the competition, and stand a chance to enjoy a Thursday to Sunday getaway, email a 100-word motivation about why you love Port Alfred to info@greenfountainfarm.co.za.

Competition Rules:

Entries must be written in English
Only one entry per person
All work must be original
The word limit is 100 words, please aim to keep within this
We reserve the right to use entries for publication or promotional purposes
Emails need to reach us no later than the 1st September 2011.
Winner will be notified by Email on the 3rd September 2011
Individuals will be notified by email in the event of their entry being selected for publication
Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into
Late entries will not be accepted
Entries received on paper or via post will not be accepted
Please make sure your contact details are correct – this is to make sure we can contact you if your entry is chosen as a winner or for publication
All meals, travel arrangements and extra activities are for the winners account.

Accommodation for four people for a 4 day and 4 night stay in one of our luxury holiday homes will be complimentary.

Summer holidays are calling

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:18:52 GMT

Waking up on an idyllic farm resort, taking a leisurely stroll through untouched vegetation before a lunchtime river cruise or a more adventurous session of surfing ended off with drinks overlooking the ocean… now that’s what summer holidays are made of!

It may be three months away, but December is already calling our names. The month that conjures up images of lazy beach days and sun-soaked outdoor meandering is just around the corner, making now the perfect time to start planning a dream holiday before the booking rush begins and you’re forced to stick to your ‘same old, same old’ getaway.

Port Alfred, situated conveniently along the Eastern Cape coast between East London and Port Elizabeth, guarantees a vacation with more va-va-voom than your average sleepy seaside town. Thankfully, for those looking for the tranquility of a few weeks’ rest without having to do too much, the options of chilling out are equally endless.

By making Green Fountain Farm Resort your base, you’ll find yourself rising to the peaceful, green abundance of nature, only six kilometres outside the hubbub of Port Alfred. Other coastal towns such as Kleinemonde, Cannon Rocks and Kenton-on-Sea are just as accessible.

Port Alfred’s Kelly’s Beach might have the biggest pull factor, however. Its Blue Flag status makes it one of South Africa’s most cared-for stretches of sand, while its warm waters and perfectly sculpted waves offer the friendliest invitation for December-holiday memory-making.

Fancy a round of golf? Port Alfred boats one of the country’s most scenic courses at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Course, and Green Fountain Farm Resort’s top-notch driving range is the ideal spot at which to practice before venturing onto the undulating fairways. For a holiday spiked with more adrenaline, consider waterskiing down the Kowie River, bodyboarding East and West Beach, deep-sea fishing or scuba diving. There’s horseriding for those wanting to absorb the scenery at a more casual pace, while canoeing through Port Alfred’s marina is a fun way to watch holiday-makers braaiing on their white-home patios.

Although Port Alfred is filled with enough shops, restaurants, galleries and watering holes for you never to have to leave, Bathurst and Grahamstown are also within close proximity when inland exploration calls, with the Big Pineapple (and freshly made pineapple juice) being a must-stop en route.

Start booking now so that the only dilemma you’re left to deal with in December is, ‘Are we there yet?’

Country Weddings

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:13:08 GMT

Choosing the right wedding venue is key to creating a spectacular setting for your special day.

A country wedding brings you the best of both worlds – rustic romance in natural surroundings, plus top-class facilities and personalised service.

Many brides-to-be are opting out of pricy city packages and impersonal hotels in favour of cosy, more intimate locations off the beaten track.

A successful country wedding relies heavily on climate and location. Is your venue suitable at any time of year – or only in summer – and will your guests have to pay a small fortune in plane tickets and car hire to get there?

And, while you may love the idea of saying ‘I do’ in the middle of nowhere, there’s no point in planning your dream day in the back of beyond if it’s a battle for family and friends to make the trip.

Port Alfred is a premier destination for bridal couples keen to exchange vows against nature’s backdrop. There’s no better place for both a touch of rural romance and five-star luxury.

Whether you’d like to be barefoot on the beach or walk the aisle in a quaint chapel, the region has it all – kilometres of unspoilt coastline, the Cape’s longest sunshine hours and beautiful valley bushveld.

Nestled along the banks of the Kowie River in the Eastern Cape, Port Alfred is home to one of the region’s top country wedding venues, Green Fountain Farm Resort.

Just 6km outside town, Green Fountain offers bridal couples and guests a complete country package.

Fully equipped to host from pre-wedding proceedings to reception, you’re close enough to town for a one-day event, but far enough away to make a weekend (or week) of it.

Great accommodation, fabulous weather, beaches a stone’s throw away and country cuisine – it doesn’t get better than this.

Top tips for a winning wedding:

Plan ahead! Book your ‘people’ early, as service providers are almost never available at the last minute.
Put it in writing. Whether it’s selecting napkin folds or booking your gorgeous venue, every scrap of correspondence between you and service providers must leave a paper trail.
Tag a trouble-shooter. Choose someone you trust to be in charge of glitches and unforeseen problems on your wedding day. You don’t need the stress.