October 2011 Newsletter

Welcome to the BotHot newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you up to date on news and events in the Botrivier area, as well as to raise awareness of the social and environmental initiatives we're planning.

Botrivier lies in the transitional area of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (KBR), and, as in all other towns and farms in the area, the inhabitants form a key part of the reserve's future sustainability. Without the education of locals as to the long-term benefits of things like eco-friendly waste recycling and sewerage management processes, and their buy-in to sustainable development that works in harmony with the environment, the regional biosphere concept would fall flat.

In fact, it has been mooted that, in time, Botrivier should move towards becoming a fully-fledged "bio-village". Loosely interpreted, this means it should not only looks towards becoming self-sustaining in terms of issues like organic food production and the consumption of renewable energy sources, the concept reaches into the local community's ability to sustain itself economically as well.

The "bio-village" concept is currently being adopted in parts of India and Indonesia and an excerpt from "The Hindu" newsletter spells out the apparent benefits to indigent communities of inclusive economic planning: "Contrary to the conventional practice of making plans and programmes at the top, the bio- village concept promoting self-help groups was making the planning from the bottom."

As a key player in Botrivier's tourism product, we are determined to include the local community in the benefits of any new opportunities that may arise.

Keep the CAPE in shape!

The Cape Action for People and the Environment (C.A.P.E.) is a partnership programme that seeks to conserve and restore the biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) and adjacent marine environment, while delivering significant benefits to the people of the region.

A central element of the CAPE Strategy is using a landscape- level approach to biodiversity conservation, through "landscape initiatives" that take various forms, including corridor initiatives, mega reserves and biosphere reserves.

Many parts of the fynbos biome are dominated by agricultural production or urban development, and it is no longer possible to set aside large, pristine areas to conserve biodiversity and sustain ecological processes. It is also not affordable for conservation agencies to purchase all the land identified as high priority in terms of habitat or threatened ecosystems to add it to our system of state-owned protected areas.

Instead, a landscape-scale approach looks at sustainable management of a mosaic of land uses, where people live and work in harmony with nature and within the natural resource limits of the landscape. Central to this approach is the creation of corridors of continuous natural habitat across the landscape. These corridors include formally protected areas as well as valuable biodiversity on privately owned land protected through conservation stewardship agreements (Contract Nature Reserve, Biodiversity Agreement or Voluntary Conservation Area).

For more information on C.A.P.E., visit their website on www.capeaction.org.za or see their latest E-news bulletin

Botrivier Hotel

After extensive renovations, we will be celebrating our official re-opening from the 26th to the 30th October, 2011.. The exciting programme kicks offon Wednesday 26 th October with the 'Piano in the bar' show and a local art exhibition titled: 'Bot, barrels & bellows' which will be showcased in the hotel, restaurant and cellar.

The Botrivier Hotel is a veritable treasure trove of authentic historical memorabilia. With its high-ceilinged "Dance Hall", numerous outdoor entertainment areas, collection of bars and country-themed restaurant, this event-friendly venue is officially re-opening its doors on 26th October.

Being a favoured eatery and watering hole for locals and passing travellers alike for over a hundred years, quirky tales and anecdotes abound here. For instance, there's the story of a policeman on a routine liquor inspection of the hotel's cellars in the 1950s who fell down the cellar's steps and broke his neck. Some say his ghost still roams the cellar to this day.

The hotel has fourteen newly refurbished rooms available, all with double beds and en suite bathroom facilities. While all have pleasing views, those on the eastern side are particularly blessed with ever-changing vistas over the vineyards and Babylon's Toring mountains.

'We have restored our accommodation at the hotel so as to best take in the views of the pristine natural beauty of our countryside, while the decor reflects the quirky character of the town and its people.'

On Saturday the 29th October we start off wit an action packed list of event; the 7th annual van der Stel Challenge which starts off at seven with mountain bike and running disciplines, the Botrivier Barrel Race starts in the afternoon, the Currie Cup Final 2011 kicks off at 17h00, Botrivier Hotel will be doing a spit braai, and there will be live music on the stoep in the afternoon, and Jesse Jordan will be performing in the Dance Hall from 21hoo till late. There will be camping available.

We are also running two exciting competitions as part of our opening celebrations - see our Botrivier Hotel Group Facebook page for details on entering to win a Weber Braai or 2007 limited edition (signed by Jake White) magnum of Wildekrans wine.

So remember, If you need to take a break in the country and for a go slow, come check in at the Botrivier Hotel..

Special opening tariffs for the month of November: midweek R 200 B&B per person sharing.

All country, all adventure, all year

Botrivier is also part of the Cape Country Meander Route. Situated in beautiful country surrounds, the town and its environs offer top class entertainment events, numerous accommodation options, many wine-tasting opportunities, as well as hiking, mountain biking and adventure sports opportunities galore.

On the 29th October, 2011, the 7th annual Botrivier van der Stel Challenge takes place. This mountain bike race is hosted by the Botrivier Education Foundation (BEF), a non-profit and totally voluntary association. The aims and objectives of the organization are to motivate and assist students in Botrivier to study in the fields of engineering, medicine and chartered accountancy. Students are in a mentoring program and financial assistance is given in the form of school student fees, educational excursions and university fees. Forty-two students are in the program with seven currently at various universities studying accounting, education and science.

A fairly easy ride with one short uphill until the cut-away back to the station. The 37 km and 60 km races follow the scenic Van der Stel pass before the 60km route turns left with a steep climb for 2km towards Paardevlei. The riders will be rewarded with beautiful views at the top of this climb. From here it's easy, fast riding with steep declines through farming areas until the eagle's nest at Porcupine Hills. The two long routes join again at the bottom of the Hawston View road. From here both routes travel together for roughly 4km until they once again split on the adjacent Hawston View farm. No further hills for the 37km route as they head back to the station with a view of the Botrivier lagoon on their far left. The 60km route continues through open farm land with short inclines until joining the 37km route back to the station via the Beaumont wine farm.

Contact Wilfred @ 021 851 2295 or 0833241846 or email wilfred.habelgaarn@gmail.com or Anthony @ 0837732574 or email anthess02@gmail.com

Barrel Race!! The wineries of Botrivier are holding a barrel-rolling competition on Saturday 29th October, 2011 at the square next to the Shuntin Shed at the station. The main aim is to raise money for the worthy Botrivier Educational Foundation (BEF) , but the pleasure of competing is also compelling motivation for the wine-making fraternity. But, anyone is allowed to enter and more than 24 teams participated in 2010.

BotHot Competition

Horace said 'wine is life', we say 'rugby is life'. Have your say, and win...

Join the Botrivier Hotel group Facebook page and stand a chance of winning a WEBER braai worth R1400 OR have your say on our wall street and WIN a 1,5 litre Wildekrans LTD Edition Jake White Signature Bottle 2007, and taste success!

Competition ends on the 16th December 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN a 1,5 liter Wildekrans LTD Edition Jake White Signature Bottle 2007 click LIKE on Kogelberg Biosphere Company and the new Botrivier Hotel Facebook page site.

KFC's Add-hope campaign

KFC's Add Hope Campaign in conjunction with Botrivier Hotel, took 15 kids of Botrivier to the 20/20 cricket match at Sahara Park (Newlands) on Thursday, 13 October.

Join the Botrivier Hotel group Facebook page and stand a chance of winning a WEBER braai worth R1400 OR have your say on our wall street and WIN a 1,5 litre Wildekrans LTD Edition Jake White Signature Bottle 2007, and taste success!

The 15 kids were part of the "guard of honour" for the match between South Africa and Australia and they had the opportunity to see their heroes up close. Although South Africa lost on the day, the privilege of watching these kids thoroughly enjoying the game in the electrifying atmosphere was priceless.

De Jagers gave us a huge discount which put us in a position to give each kid a pair of "takkies" as none of them had any.