It’s your last chance to donate R10 with your purchase at Spar . The Golden Oldies donation option will close on 10th November as we begin preparing our bags for distribution to our most needy senior citizens.
A big thank you to all of those have been donating regularly and a special word of thanks to St Francis College who adopted the Golden Oldies Gift Bags as their Thoughtful Thursday project for this term. The College choir will be joining St Francis Rotarians at the Tea Party for Ons Tuiste residents on 23 November to sing Christmas Carols whilst tea is being served and gift bags handed out.
Gift bags will also be distributed to the most needy amongst Hospice patients and in the Sea Vista community, so please utilise the opportunity for your last chance to donate.
Thank you once again to everyone who has generously supported our efforts to bring a little joy to the most in need amongst our senior citizens this Christmas.
Read More: Rotary St Francis Newsletter: July – September 2024
Van Bo Af – Looking down the lighthouse stairs from the top at a somewhat crazy angle – Photo Of The Day by Si Cunneen.
Follow him on Instagram – Si Cunneen (@si_wild_by_nature)
See also: First Surfers In St Francis – Photo Of The Day,
Headless Yoga Hands And Feet – Photo Of The Day
Girl and Penguin Encounter – Photo Of The Day,
Love and Footprints – Photo Of The Day
Bolt Upright Hang Five – Photo Of The Day
Early Morning Granny’s Pool – Photo Of The Day by Richard Arderne
Read more: Seal Point Lighthouse
St Francis Bay Wine Club, hosted by the Tops at SUPERSPAR Village Square, held a tasting with a difference on Tuesday night. All of the wines tasted were imported. It was interesting to experience the differences in style and characteristics from the labels of France, Germany and Argentina.
After a welcome from Richard Moolman, owner of SUPERSPAR Village Square, who introduced Tiffany Hurst from Premier Cru Tasting, Tiffany guided the attendees through the nuances, intricacies and anecdotal history of the carefully selected wines.
The evening started off with a delightfully approachable Baron Albert Burt Champagne. This was followed by a Mirabeau Pure Cotes de Provence Rose. This offered a fresh fragrant citrus nose with floral notes on the palate.
Then, it was on to the white wines with Domain de Margalleau Vouvray. This Chenin Blanc is the product of four generations of the Pieaux family’s dedication to crafting wines in the region’s chalky and mineral-rich “tuffeau” soils.
Next up was a Chardonnay in the form of Albert Bichot Chablis. With its origins in Northern Burgundy, the wine benefits from being planted on the gentle slopes that offer different exposure. This results in, the complexity on the nose and making this the charming drinkable wine that it is.
The next leg of the wine-tasting journey took us to Germany with a Korell Kabinett Riesling. The wine’s heritage dates back some 250 years. The crystal clear, fruity, yet powerful wine delighted, with many considering it the perfect partner for a good cheese or the crispy crackling of a pork belly.
Gabrielle Meffre Laurus du Rhone Villages and Chateau Des Demoiselles were first up for the reds. Both these wines scored well on the Critic Ratings and were well received.
Then it was off to Argentina with the Catena Zapata Malbac. The story behind the wine and the move to Argentina to resurrect the Malbec was fascinating. Based on the tasting experience, the accolades of #1 World Best Vinyard and the firmly established 2nd Most Admired Wine Brand in the world in 2023 are well deserved.
The evening ended off with a delightful selection of snacks that included the much-loved pork belly, salmon and cheese board.
When asked why one would buy an international wine when we produce so many good wines locally, Tiffany responded, “We have a beautiful country, yet we still travel abroad to experience something different. In the same way, experiencing wines from other countries broadens our tasting experience. It gives us a more informed perspective to appreciate our local products.”
All of the wines were well priced and not what you would expect from imported wines of that calibre.
The St Francis Bay Wine Club hosts at least 20 tastings per year, with three special events towards the end of the year. If you are interested in participating, leave your details at the Tops at SUPERSPAR Village Square for Mickey Lindsay’s attention. He will include you on the WhatsApp group.
All the wines that were tasted are available at the Tops SUPERSPAR Village Square while stocks last.
Read more: Another Season Memory Maker! – Wine Of The Week At The SUPERSPAR
Retirees today are entering uncharted territory. Unlike previous generations who often retired with limited time and energy left for new adventures, today’s retirees are fitter, wealthier, and have decades of life still ahead. This shift calls for a new approach to retirement planning—one that centres around living fully rather than simply managing financial survival.
Staying physically active and maintaining good health can mean years, if not decades, of joy and exploration. Retirement is now a stage of life that invites personal fulfilment, excitement, and the pursuit of passions left waiting. Planning for an active retirement goes beyond budgeting for basic needs; it involves funding the experiences and activities that make life meaningful. Whether it’s traveling, learning new skills, volunteering, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, these years are a precious opportunity to live out dreams and goals while health and energy allow.
One approach gaining traction is “front-loading” retirement spending—putting more resources toward the early years when physical ability and enthusiasm for new experiences are high. This doesn’t mean reckless spending but prioritizing experiences now, creating memories, and seizing the chance to live vibrantly. Waiting too long to enjoy life could mean opportunities missed due to the limitations that often come with age.
Of course, understanding what brings fulfilment is central. Knowing one’s passions and purpose allows for a retirement that is satisfying and joy-filled, not simply an end phase. Financially, this kind of planning calls for flexibility, ensuring enough for the later years while allowing room for experiences now. Remember, “planning” is a verb!
This generation’s retirees can view retirement as a time to thrive, stay active, and do what truly brings them joy. With intentional planning focused on both living well now and preparing wisely for the future, retirees can reshape the meaning of these years, embracing a life lived to the fullest, long after their working years end.
If this planning sounds complicated, give us a shout. It’s what we at Client Care love to do!
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner.
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