On our last day in the beautiful country village of Mcgregor, we enjoyed Donkeys, dancing and beautiful art!
Without further adieu, I give you #DiscoverMcgregor III : Final Destination
Edna left the big city smog behind and followed her heart to McGregor, where she has opened her gallery.
Ethereal beings grace the walls in contrast to the shocking glass installation “Shattered” which all speak of the human condition. Her Angel collection speaks volumes and I was particularly drawn to this one:
‘Dissolution’
called ‘Dissolution‘ which really resonated with me. So much so that I bought a miniature version to take home with me.
Other subject material included birds and in the garden of her gallery is a beautiful bird installation made of bark, which looks like a flock of birds.
After a delicious breakfast I got to meet Kit Kat, one of the rescued donkeys.
Here is a safe haven and sanctuary for the rehabilitation of elderly and neglected donkeys.
#DidYouKnow?
The saying “As stubborn as a donkey” comes from a donkey’s incredible determination to persevere even if wounded
Because of their incredible qualities of forgiveness, tolerance and humility, donkeys are often abused and taken advantage of.
I learnt that they are not the ignorant, lazy creatures they are made out to be, instead they are loving, kind patient and incredibly intuitive.
At Eseltjierus the donkey’s work closely with disabled children, as well as offer educational tours to school children.
#DidYouKnow?
It costs about R6000 per year to look after 1 donkey
You can help make a difference by Adopting a donkey, or buying a book from the bookshop or swiping your Myschool card.
Even ou rooi veld skoene, David Kramer, supports this worthy organisation by being a patron.
So even if you’re not anywhere near McGregor log in online on social media or their website and show your support through a little donation
My first South African Grappa experience ever! One of only 3 Grappa distilleries in South Africa; German owner Robert Rosenbach assures us that his ‘water of life’ is the best.
#DidYouKnow?
One would be mistaken thinking that Grappa is Greek in origin, as I learnt it was the Italians who founded it and own the name rights. Much like the French and Champagne.
He also produces a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir (which I bought) looks much like a blush wine, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Shiraz.
And if you’ve tasted a bit too much, never fear you can just tumble into one of his 6 guest cottages for the night.
Last but certainly not least, Tanagra is part of a wonderful initiative called Thunderchild
In the wake of the 1918 Flu Epidemic, the Robertson community established an orphanage Die Herberg to care for the children left orphaned and destitute. A large tract of farmland on the outskirts of town was donated to this end and hectares of fruit trees were established as a means of generating income for the orphanage.
100% of the grapes for this blend is grown on the orphanage grounds and 100% of the profit is donated to the children. Specifically, funds generated by the sale of Thunderchild are dedicated to caring for orphans after the age of 18, when by law they can no longer stay at Die Herberg but due to either special needs or exceptional talent, they require further support in this world.
The children of Die Herberg are not from homes or communities where the sun proverbially always shines. Their lives are characterised by dark and threatening clouds.
Thunderchild accurately describes them in the most beautiful way – the wonderful power of nature. They are nature’s wonders who fight through thundering clouds to overcome darkness with the light and beauty.
{Extract from : http://www.thunderchild.co.za/ }
This wine can be bought at Tanagra and proceeds go towards the orphange – So get your bottle NOW
Lord’s Guest Lodge & The Next Step Dance Company
{Photo courtesy of www.lordsguestlodge.co.za}
Our last stop and lunch was at the Scottish Heritage Lady Grey restaurant at Lord’s guest Lodge. Heavily influenced by Scottish Heritage this stone wall castle nestled in the mountains with a perfect view of McGregor was the perfect ending to our trip. Besides the delicious pizza and wine, the cherry on the top was the delightful performance by the Next Dance Company.
What makes this troupe unique?
These township girls under the direction of local dance instructor Mary Corpe, are performing professionally to raise funds so that they can attend University after completing High School. Mary has 30 years of experience in teaching children dance and drama and posses a passion to help others reach their dreams. They rely solely on donations for their training, costumes and hiring of rehearsal space. So if you would like to donate to this very valuable outreach programme please contact Mary Corpe Tel: 023 625 1574 / yo**********@gm***.com or connect via Facebook or Twitter.
Special thanks goes out to all for this unique experience, but mostly a very BIG thank you to Mira Weiner who organised all of the activities that brought us to Mcgregor.
Mira for Mayor
Our hostess with the mostest! Not only does Mira possess outstanding 
organisational skills, but her warm, friendly, easygoing country
charm and passion for her town, won us all over. It’s not hard to see why the locals affectionately refer to her as the Mayor of McGregor.
“Without Mira, there would be no McGregor!”
From me,
#WishYouWereHere
“Take Me There” Easy Reference:
Strictly Coffee
Hanno Schwartz
Tel: +27 23 626 6691
FB: Strictly Coffee
Twitter: @StrictlyCoffee
Tebaldi’s Restaurant
Michael Pettit & Billy Kennedy
Tel: +27 23 625 1115
FB: Tebaldi’s Restaurant
Twitter: @TemenosRetreat
Van Loveren Wines
Bonita Malherbe
Tel: +27 23 615 1505
FB: Van Loveren Wines
Twitter: @VanLoverenWines
Esona Boutique Wine
Rowan Beattie
Tel: +27 23 616 2023
FB: Esona Wines
Twitter: @esona_thevery1
Viljoensdrift Winery, River Cruises & Picnics
Ashley Jafta
Tel: +27 23 615 1017
FB: Viljoensdrift Winery
Twitter: @Viljoensdrift
Temenos Retreat
Michael Pettit & Billy Kennedy
Tel: +27 23 625 1871
FB: Temenos Retreat
Twitter: @TemenosRetreat
Rooiberg Wines
Zaine Pritchard
FB: Rooiberg Winery
Twitter: @RooibergWines
Le Bonheur Guest House
Jennifer Johnson
FB: Le Bonheur Accommodation
Twitter: @LeBonheur60
Bemind Wyne
Ilse Schutte
FB: Bemind Wyne
Tel: +27 83 380 1648
Villagers Farmstall (Rhebokskraal Olives)
Annalien van der Colff
Tel: +27 82 896 0429
FB: Rhebokskraal Olive Estate
Lord’s Wines
Melane Oosthuizen
Tel: +27 23 625 1265
FB: Lord’s Wines
Twitter: @Lordswines
Lord’s Guest Lodge
Matt Bronkhorst & Collin du Plessis
Tel: +27 23 625 1881
FB: Lord’s Guest Lodge
Twitter: @Lordsguestlodge
Wahnfried
Michael Mackenzie
Tel: +27 72 601 1616
FB: Wahnfried
Green Gables Country Inn
Jill Meyer
Tel: +27 23 625 1626
FB: Green Gables Inn
Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary
Tel: +27 23 625 1593
FB: Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary
Twitter: @Eseltjiesrus
Tanagra Wine & Guest Farm
Robert Rosenbach
Tel: +27 23 625 1780
FB: Tanagra Wine
Mcgregor Country Getaways
Mira Weiner
Tel: +27 23 625 1871
FB: Temenos Retreat
Twitter: @TemenosRetreat
The Next Step Dance Company
Mary Corpe
FB: The Next Step Dance Company
Twitter: @NextStepDanceCo
Edna Fourie Gallery
Edna Fourie
FB: Edna Fourie Gallery
Twitter: @EdnaFourieGalry
Saturday Morning Market, Unistars Band, The Noddy Bus, Deli Girls, Malmani & How Bazaar – no contacts or social media handles but bookings can be made through McGregor Country Getaways.
