February already..

Was about to say welcome to 2012… and here we are already bouncing up to Valentine’s day! We trust that the year has started well for you and your family.
The Wyndford family is changing and growing. Someone just asked how Angelique and Celvin’s baby was – so here is a picture of her sweeping and not such a baby anymore! Shane and Patricia have decided to move on and we wish them happiness in their future.

As the candle photo shows, we have had some extremely warm days over the past two months – topping 40° one day – when we all felt like the candles looked! As I write this we have had a short sharp shower but the river is still only ankle deep. Bad news for tubing… and especially worrying for farmers in the area, as crops and grass feed for cows and horses are affected.
For all those who have milked the cows…interesting bit of information…not sure you will ever really need it, what with a Woolies on every corner. Our cream and milk has been turning sour overnight – the cows are so hot when they come home in the afternoon, it is affecting the life of the milk and cream. Can you just picture cooling showers for cows?! Or alternatively just pop down to the cow shed with some Milo for instant hot chocolate.
Our wonderful fruit year continues, and we are now waiting for the pears, apples, quinces, figs and grapes to ripen and then another frenzy of jam and jelly making will ensue. Our cider and wine making was not a viable option – it would appear we have ‘tea total grapes’ as the last batch never ‘kicked’ and we still have a bucket of two year old grape juice.

A reminder that we have some exciting weekends planned for this year. Stargazing with Joyce and Robert Faltermeier and a Walking with Wild flowers weekend with Dr Ashley Nicholas in November. Many trips are planned for those who do not want to negotiate the roads themselves. Keep an eye on our new website or give the girls in the office a call…

So many children who come say when they grow up they would love to work at Wyndford. If you know any growed up kids who might fit the following description and would like an opportunity with us please send us CV’s to reception@wyndford.co.za.
Young, dynamic, energetic couple who are happy to work in an isolated environment. Previous hospitality experience essential. Passionate about guests satisfaction, able to master housekeeping, maintenance, Food & Beverage and administration.
Him: Night manager to help monitor maintenance, kitchen, evening entertainment & lock-up.
Her: Excellent communications skills & computer literacy. Duties include hosting guests, Front Office & Housekeeping.

Our monthly draw winner this month is Bernadette Arlow
We look forward to being able to welcome you to the wonderful Eastern Free State and Wyndford soon!
Have a fabulous February,
Greetings from us all

Looking for Management Couple:

Young dynamic, energetic couple who are happy to work in an isolated environment. Previous hospitality experience essential. Passionate about guests satisfaction, able to master housekeeping, maintenance, Food & Beverage and administration.

Him: Night manager to help monitor maintenance, kitchen, evening entertainment & lock-up.
Her: Excellent communications skills & computer literacy. Duties include hosting guests, Front Office & Housekeeping.

Send us your CV to reception@wyndford.co.za

Isolated thundershowers...

I always thought that the weathermen were just hedging their bets when they forcast 'isolated' thundershowers. The Eastern Free State is looking wonderful, green and lush. However,dig down and it is dry dry dry. We get the build up and can see the rain falling on our neighbours farm, they get 30mm and we get nothing! Definately no tubing down the Caledon River, which is only ankle deep.
Needless to say the pool has been put to good use and the sparkling waters are very inviting.
Enjoy our new website and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Have a great day today.

Our new website

Please bear with us as we work to get a better website, if you are not finding answers please don't hesitate to email us on reception@wyndford.co.za with your telephone number and we will call you back with pleasure.

Heads up on the petrol front

Just to let you know that there has been a few issues with petrol supply in Fouriesburg, so on the safe side, it is best to fill up in Bethlehem or Clarens or Ficksburg, depending on your route to Wyndford. Travel safe

Christmas letter

December seems to have snuck up quickly this year. As I write this I am aware that there are only 3 weeks to Christmas and before we blink it will be 2012.
Last night we had our first good rain, 30mm of welcome relief - the grass and gardens were beginning to gasp. We are having a harvest thanksgiving service in our church this weekend – and are excited about our fruit crop! 130 bottles of apricot jam – from one tree! and still going…..
I read recently that Goose used to be the bird of choice at Christmas before Turkey became popular, not surprising consider the way ours multiply. Anyone who would like a goose, please just let us know, they make excellent watch ‘dogs’ (gooses doesn’t sound quite right). We are also pleased to announce that we have four ducklings this year - all doing well. We have two new angora rabbits – no names (officially) but each child that visits ‘names’ them, so they have more names than the king of England, we just don’t know what they are! They are well settled and obviously happy in their new bunny bungalows as we have had a dozen healthy babies in the last two months. (Anyone thinking ahead to Easter….)
Talking about thinking ahead, we have an exciting calendar for next year. Starting with a (limited edition) art weekend on the 20 – 22nd January 2012. Local artist Nadja Steil will be running a ‘ten guests only’ art class. Many good artists abound in this area but, her equestrian pictures are some of the most beautiful. So dust off your paint brush or just come along and learn something new. If there is no artist in you – surprise someone who would like this experience!
We also have exciting Stargazing weekends with Joyce and Robert Faltermeier planned and a not to be missed ‘Walking with Wild flowers’ weekend with Dr Ashley Nicholas in November. Many trips are planned for those who do not want to negotiate the roads themselves. We will have the full programme on our ‘soon to be uploaded’ new website so keep looking…
Father Christmas has been notified that there are children at Wyndford and the chimney has been cleaned….wonder if he will use it or come by tractor this year? Decorations are organized, menus are planned and everyone is ready to give you a warm Wyndford welcome this festive season. (Feeling frazzled and not yet made plans – give the girls in the office a call to see if we can fit you in sometime!)
George and I have just completed a 3000km road trip round South Africa and encountered some of our best and worst roads! We share with you a sign seen in the Karoo - when I once again yelled ‘stop, picture…’ - and wish you safe travels and happy holidays.
From us all at Wyndford