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December 2016 Dear Residents Festive greetings to one and all in this last edition of Sea Views for 2016. What a year it has been! In January we probably didn’t imagine the Brexit referendum outcome and how the ramifications are likely to shape the UK and the European Union. Many of us were probably surprised by Donald Trump winning the presidency. But perhaps not so surprised by the findings of former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s State of Capture report. It has been a year of sea change, both here and across the world. That said, we’re looking forward to a peaceful and joyous festive season at The St James in the company of good friends and family. May this be a memorable time for each of you.

Putting on our best face: The St James Retirement Hotel basks in the summer sun.

(Picture courtesy of Linda Beatty.)

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Christmas traditions, from poinsettias to carols Have you ever wondered where Christmas traditions such as greeting cards, yule logs, mistletoe, poinsettias, Christmas carols come from?

Vivid red poinsettias grace many of our Christmas tables. Perhaps attracted by the plant’s cheerful colour, the American minister to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, brought back a red-and-green plant from Mexico in 1828. Named after him, the unusual plants were called poinsettias and began appearing in greenhouses from 1830. In 1870 New York stores began to sell them at Christmas and by 1900 they had become a popular symbol of the holiday.

Englishman John Calcott Horsley helped to popularise the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards when he began producing small cards featuring festive scenes and a pre-written holiday greeting in the late 1830s. Newly efficient post offices in England and the United States made the cards nearly overnight sensations.

Celtic and Teutonic peoples had long considered mistletoe to have magic powers: the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. During holidays in the Victorian era, the English would hang sprigs of mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways. Anyone found under the mistletoe could be kissed by someone else in the room.

Christmas carols also began in England. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and the homes of the rich. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money.

In France Christmas is called Noël, from the French phrase les bonnes nouvelles, which means “the good news” and refers to the gospel. In southern France, some people burn a yule log in their homes from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next year’s harvest. [Information courtesy of Wikipedia.]

Birthday wishes We extend our best wishes to those of our residents with birthdays in this quarter. When celebrating birthdays, it’s good to remember Ralph Waldo Emerson’s bit of wisdom: ‘As we grow old, beauty steals inward’.

October November December

2nd Mollie Townsend (95) 3rd Elizabeth Dunn 6th Mavis Deuchar (90) 18th Beryl Joseph 20th Peggy Deiner 29th Boet Katzeff 30th Mary Taylor

10th Mary Webster 15th Betty Hare 16th Barbara Weaving 17th Ben Sterianos 18th Eira Lewis (100) 19th Jim Simcock 24th Prof Mervyn Shear 28th Angela Waterkeyn

6th Esme McDonagh 7th Cynthia Cooper 8th Helene Moebius 14th Harold Currie 15th Derek Taylor 24th Angela Lloyd 30th Rosemary Rijkmans

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Congratulations to our centenarian, Eira Lewis

Our special centenarian Eira Lewis celebrated her 100th birthday on 18 November. (Photo

courtesy of The Echo.) One whose beauty shines both inward and outward is long- time St James resident Eira Lewis, who celebrated her milestone 100th birthday on 18 November. Linda Beatty wrote this tribute, which was published in The Echo: “Eira was born on 18 November 1916, the youngest of four children born to the Rev. Benjamin and Rachel Jones-Evans in the Mynyddislwyn district of Newport, South Wales. She grew up in Pontllanfraith, and trained as a kindergarten teacher in Truro, Cornwall. “In 1948 she married Rhys Lewis, a teacher of French. They had two daughters, Gabrielle and Pia, and emigrated to then Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1954. First living in Gwelo (Gweru), they moved to Salisbury (Harare) in 1957, where Eira taught the KG2 class at the Dominican Convent for the next 20 years. A passionate reader, Eira ensured that no child ever left her class without being able to read fluently. “She shared with her husband a deep love and knowledge of classical music, and their home became a centre of cultural life for many in Harare, where Rhys was the music critic for the

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Rhodesia Herald. He also taught French at Oriel Boys’ High School and St George’s. When Rhys passed away in 1995, Eira moved to Cape Town and became a resident of the St James Retirement Hotel in 2002. “Eira treats every day as a blessing. While she was still able, she loved taking long walks along the False Bay coast. She has a sweet singing voice and used to sing in Welsh to Beatrice, the resident parrot at The St James, every morning. A devout Catholic, her spirituality was demonstrated in little ways through her kindness and gentleness. She would read to people who were bedridden in frail care where she has resided for nearly five years following a severe stroke in 2012. “With her characteristic resilience and cheerfulness, Eira has improved in health and celebrated her 100th birthday with her daughters, family and friends. She was delighted to receive (by special courier) a congratulatory message from Queen Elizabeth II. “Eira is a much loved resident, says Gael Baldwin, Managing Director of The St James Retirement Hotel. ‘She is a beacon of kindness and light to all who know her and we wish her a joyful birthday and good health in the year to come’.”

Mass celebrated On Eira’s special day Father Mark Pothier of the St James Catholic Church celebrated mass with her and members of her family, friends and the church. (Eira joined the Parish in 2002.)

“Eira is a person who has a great love for Our Lord,” said Father Mark after the celebration. “Even when she was well into her 90s, Eira attended daily Mass,” he added. “We were therefore celebrating Mass to thank God for her and asking him to protect her. As she is too frail to attend Mass, one of the Church members takes Holy Communion to her each day. [At the event] I shared that God loves us and that we need to give thanks to him each day of our lives. I also shared that she has great faith, despite the difficulties she has endured. At the Mass were her daughters, other members of the family and a few members of the church community.”

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Eira Lewis celebrated her 100th birthday in the company of residents, family and friends on 18 November.

Free letter-writing service

Nicola Visser, the granddaughter of late resident Betty van der Bijl, who passed away two years ago, has offered a free letter-writing service to our residents. Several people have taken advantage of her kind offer. Serendipitously, Nicola won our raffle that raised funds for wool (our trusty band of knitters has been very fruitful this year, providing beanies and other goods for many needy school children in the Deep South). Talk about playing it forward!

Nicola Visser, granddaughter of the late resident Betty van der Bijl, won the recent raffle. The money raised will be used to buy wool for our industrious group of knitters to collect funds for

wool[01].

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Residents and visitors making the most of the ‘home’ shopping opportunity on 28 October when Lashies held[02] a fashion clothing sale in the library.

‘Jollywood’ at The St James

Each year The St James produces a calendar for residents and their families and the photo shoot (featuring many of our residents) has become a keenly anticipated event, says Managing Director Gael Baldwin. This year’s shoot on 24 October saw residents dress up for the ‘Jollywood’-themed’ photo shoot, At the Movies. Linda Beatty gives an account of the hilarity and good sport as residents got into the ‘big screen’ spirit by appearing as iconic film characters. “Everyone went all out to dress the part, with characters such as Lady Macbeth, Mr Chips (from Goodbye, Mr Chips), Carmen Miranda, John Wayne, 007, Scarlett O’Hara, Zorro, Catwoman, Daisy from The Great Gatsby, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and others. Food and Beverage manager Johan le Roux bounded in dressed as King Kong, causing chaos (as he does), followed by great gales of laughter! He also provided the perfect ‘prop’ for Ann Apps, who had dressed as Dian Fossey of Gorillas in the Mist.” Calendars are R50 each and are also available to the public. Please place your order by emailing reception@thestjames.co.za. Calendars can be collected from The St James, or these can be posted to you. Some of these proceeds are used to provide Christmas cheer to the residents of Lavender Hill Old Age Community.

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(Above) The St James Residents in ‘Jollywood’ mood for their 2017 calendar shoot.

Talks and slideshows In the mode of lifelong learning, The St James hosted a varied programme of talks and slideshows in the library. First up in October was Lorne Sulcas, international wildlife photographer. Known as ‘the big cat guy’, Lorne was a game ranger, tracker and observer of Africa’s big cats. Now he’s a motivational speaker who travels the world, sharing secrets of success from the African bushveld with top organisations, teams and athletes. In November Dr Sydney Cullis, an Antarctic expedition enthusiast, presented a talk about Simon’s Town as a gateway to Antarctica. Few people realise how much a part the little naval town has played in voyages of discovery to this massive, frozen continent. (January 2016 also marked the opening of the Antarctic Display in the Simon’s Town Museum.) Mrs MacAlister presented a DVD on Jordan, Anne Berzen spoke about wounds and aging, providing essential information to residents.

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In November it was back to old friend Wouter van Warmelow who presented an updated show on the Orkney Islands. Orkney is an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland, famous for its Neolithic sites, impressive sandstone cliffs, seal colonies and 5 000-year-old sites on Mainland island. And in December John McFarlane presented a talk and slideshow on birds found in our gardens. On 29 December there will be a talk and Q&A on the Muslim faith by Imam Rashid Omar. (There will also be a talk and slideshow on 22 December but this slot has yet to be filled.)

Outings and aboutings In November We enjoyed a cheese and wine pairing at historic Steenberg farm nestling below Oukaapseweg. The musical among us took a trip to the Baxter Theatre for Morning Melodies and it was cheese again later in the month when a group made their way to another historic farm, Imhoff’s Gift near Kommetjie, for a goat’s milk cheese tasting.

Residents enjoy the tranquil waters and glorious gardens of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden during an afternoon tea there, hosted by the Lions.

Suggestions for outings on 16 and 27 December will be very welcome. Please chat to Gill at reception.

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Events Our first theme evening dinner on 4 November was Carnival Time, followed by music therapist Chris Wildman’s Christmas Tunes theme evening on 2 December. We were also fortunate to have the young musicians from Reddam House entertain us once again in the dining room on 5 December. DVDs planned for the festive season include Scrooge on 19 December, At Home for Christmas, (with sherry and mince pies) on 21 December. Don’t miss these Christmas-themed films!

Impressions of The St James

The sun-soaked terrace at The St James.

The benefits of positive affirmation are many − and always welcome. Linda Beatty of Full Circle

advertising, who counts The St James among her clients, wrote this tribute to the institution, its

staff and residents following the announcement of the Three Score and Ten Poetry Competition

winners (more on that later in the newsletter).

“I was at The St James a couple of weeks ago for the announcement of the winning entries in the

Three Score and Ten Poetry Competition and comments that were made by a couple of people

visiting made me think about my impressions.

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“I have been associated with The St James for a very long time. Little did I know that I too would

fall under the spell when I first walked through the wooden revolving doors almost 20 years ago.

“The gracious old building stands proud and pristine overlooking False Bay. It is a hive of constant

activity, all of it geared to the comfort and care of the people who live there. And what an

amazing group of people they are.

“The hotel attracts a certain special kind of person, I think. I have become friendly with many of

the residents over the years and have been blessed to have been brought into their orbit. What

rich lives they have lead! What intelligence, nobility of spirit and joie de vivre.

“Finuala Dowling, who judges the poetry competition, commented on the very well-stocked

library, saying that the books on the shelves were a testament to the people who read them. She

also commented on the prize-giving event: ‘I thought there was a particularly warm atmosphere

last Thursday and I think it's the welcome everyone receives at The St James, from gate to plate.

It was my pleasure to judge.’

“From gate to plate sums it up perfectly; an experience that does not happen by accident. The

hotel runs like a well-oiled machine. Events flow without a hitch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner,

drinks and tea.

“Now the library transforms into a yoga class. Now a movie theatre. Now a music therapy class.

Now a photographic studio for a group shot of 30 residents in fancy dress, complete with white

infinity background tacked to the walls, bubbly and snacks. Now a poetry reading. It happens. No

fuss. All in a day’s work.

“Visit the health care centre and there is laughter. Residents sit in the lounge and watch the

ducklings walk in single file before plopping into the pond outside the window; in the sunshine in

summer and next to a roaring fire in winter. Always loved. Always cared for.

“‘I regularly write promotional material for The St James. This time, I thought I would turn the

focus inward and write for the people who live and work there. Thank you for the warm

welcome into your world. I feel like family when I walk through the door.

“My requests, sometimes for unusual things at awkward times, are always met with an obliging

smile. You are a great group of people and because of you there is a beacon of joy and beauty in

the world.”

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The new brace of ducklings out for a morning stroll at The St James, led by their watchful mama.

Three Score and Ten Poetry Competition results

Now in its third year, The St James’ highly successful Three Score and Ten Poetry Competition drew a wonderfully varied group of entries this year; poems celebrating the mysteries of life and love and ageing. “The standard of entries for the Three Score Years and Ten poetry competition was even higher in 2016 than in preceding years and the top ten as well as the five highly commended poets can feel justifiably proud of themselves,” said judge Finuala Dowling. Finuala, an acclaimed author and poet, has judged the competition from its inception.

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“There were, of course, excellent poems about mortality and ageing, but also funny and whimsical poems, poems that were loose and free as well as those that used form exquisitely, love poems and nature poems. Some were local, about the beach we all love at Fish Hoek, for example, and others were stunningly universal in their personal reflections, for example Ekin Kench’s winning poem, ‘Amoeba’.” Those present commented favourably on the range of themes and styles they had heard during the readings. ‘If only youth knew and age could’ goes the old French saying, but in the case of poetry by people over 70, knowledge and ability come together with grace.

This year’s winner of the Three Score and Ten Poetry Competition was Ekin Kench. Her poem

‘Amoeba’ took the laurels.

The winning entries for 2016 as well as those from previous years can be viewed on The St James website: www.stjameshotel.co.za

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The Three Score and Ten Poetry Competition reading and prize giving in the library.

The winner and finalists of The St James Three Score and Ten Poetry Competition were (from left, back) Chris Dodson, Derrick Law, Gail Barton, Douglas Maxwell, Muriel Leech, Yvonne O’Connor, David Anderson, Finuala Dowling (judge), Geoffrey Haresnape and Chip Wood. (From left, front)

Hazel Sharl, Wendy Vogt, Ekin Kench (overall winner), Adre Marshall and Val Parry. (Absent: Kay Sinclair.)

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Amoeba Ekin Kench

I need to make sense-shape of it –

this changing and ageing –

those cremated cells quietly carried away,

shrouded in biological shame

The new ones shyly edge up or boldly take their place

I moved amoeba-like through the years

My being and my self split, stretched, hidden, doubled and merged

I am told there is no self,

no inherent existence branded as me

But I take with me in the nucleus of each cell,

that black-haired baby bumping into the walls

of that other woman’s womb

And here is a small sample of other poems that won merit awards or honourable mentions:

Lepel le Derrick Law

One night she crept into my bed

where I, half asleep, yet waking

felt her body pressed against mine,

Her breasts against my back,

her legs tucked up behind my knees,

Lepel le

An Afrikaans word meaning

“To lie like spoons”

There was no passion, no sex involved

Passion had long since left us,

followed by a comfortable intimacy,

perfected over time, until

mellowed by old age

and

Lepel le

and occasional moments of intimacy

“to lie like spoons’

But time gets in the way, and

memories fade, like ashes

blown away by the wind;

until one reaches an age

where small comforts compensate

like

Lepel le.

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Candelabra lilies

Adre Marshall

Two stalwart stems, a hand-span

apart, grow parallel

but so close together

Their branches intertwined

From the head of these two stems

spokes radiate out

each cradling at its fingertips

a swaddled candle, damask-pink

The air flows freely around the stems

and from the giant dandelion heads

the branch-tips slowly unfurl their buds

then flare out their fiery blooms

to swell these two glowing candelabras

now still more closely interlaced

each giving the other light-boned support

When dry, the candelabra flower heads will roll

across the veld, driven by the wind

like spinning Catherine wheels

as their circular cages

fling their seeds across the land.

And we, our tumbling times now over –

days of cart-wheeling over the earth

whirling at the whimsy of the wind –

hope we too, rooted close, and holding

still a hand-span apart

will ever give each other

the same airy buoyancy and support

And here’s a poem we’d like to share as the holiday season approaches and families take to the

national roads, crisscrossing the country in search of their ‘down time’ destinations.

Driving through the Karoo Hazel Sharl

Driving through the Karoo

Land of open spaces, distant horizons

A solitary windmill, reminder of humanity

A dust devil dances across the land

where once diocotron roamed

Beside meandering rivers

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before this giant basin silted up

Flat-topped hills, defiant bastions against erosion

now revealing the secrets of past millennia

Treasure trove to paleontologists

Driving through the Karoo

Beaufort West – pitstop, melting tar and on

Guessing games – how many miles to the next bend

or car cricket – oncoming cars a run

overtaking scores a wicket

Oh look – there’s a train

Time to hand round the wine gums

Heat and light

Relief driving into the shadow of a passing cloud

In the distance a rainstorm

that never reaches earth

And always the magic that pulls one back

to the peace and solitude and strange beauty

In time to come when I am gone

you may well meet my shade

Driving through the Karoo

Christmas menu Our catering manager Johan le Roux and his team have planned a sumptuous Christmas lunch menu. Do make your bookings with Gill at the reception desk. Here is what you can expect to enjoy:

Christmas Day Menu

Starter

Sparkling seafood cocktail

Soup

Sinterklaas smokey ham andpPea soup

North Pole Festive Seafood Platters

With pickled fish, salmon mousse, Herring roll mops, hake goujons and salmon roulade

Holly and Mistletoe Salads

Noël Waldorf Christmas salad, Three Wise Men bean salad, mixed salad of summer greens and

festive couscous salad

The St Nicholas Hot Christmas Buffet

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Rosemary leg of lamb with mint jelly

Apricot-glazed juicy jingle gammon with pineapple.

Festive turkey with celebration stuffing and cranberries

Golden roast Grandfather Frost* potatoes

The Magic Elves seasonal vegetable buffet with Snow White rice and rich brown gravy

Golden cauliflower, glazed pumpkin, sweet green peas

Under the Christmas tree Dessert Buffet

Festive chocolate fountain and treats

Dasher’s snow-capped lemon meringue

Dancer’s festive trifle

Prancer’s emerald chocolate mint cake

Vixen’s red velvet cake

Comet’s favourite fresh fruit salad

Cupid’s crème caramel

Donner’s carrot cake

Blitzen’s chocolate mousse

Rudolph’s the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Chocolate truffle cake

Melchior marshmallow cake,

Balthazar’ Christmas wish cake

North Pole yuletide log

Christmas fruit cake, fruit mince pies

Jingle bells jingle jelly,

served with custard and crème

Tea/Coffee

(*In Russia the direct translation of Father Christmas is Grandfather Frost)

Last words Don’t forget to order delectable Lions Christmas cakes (they make wonderful gifts) from the reception desk. For those residents with family and friends visiting during December and January, resident David Catlin’s delightful miniature railway is available for responsible viewing. As our thoughts turn to the holiday and Christmas season, please don’t forget to pray for rain. Our water-parched country could do with this much-needed Christmas gift. And may we encourage you to practise water-wise habits as we all do our bit to save this most precious resource.

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Routine roof maintenance, just in case you thought Father Christmas had decided to make an early appearance this year!

With love

The Sea Views Editor