SPECIAL INTEREST

BEDFORD STORY JAMBOREE
7 to 9 May 2010 with renowned story-teller, poet and writing mentor Prof Dorian Haarhoff

Note: you can book for any one of the four events separately if you choose.
To book, ring Kim van Niekerk 046 685 0680 / 082 775 5178. kim@bedfordproperties

1 . Fri 7 May 2010 - Rekindling the Fire:

Intro to the weekend, meet Dorian and start raising your story IQ
Venue: Die Ou Waenhuis, 18.30 – 21.00, snacks and wine (R30pp)

2. Sat 8 May 2010 - Writing Yourself Alive: A Life Story Workshop

Venue: Albertvale Farm, 09.45 – 15.30, Organic farm lunch incl. (R395pp)

Bring writing materials, old magazines, scissors, and a glue stick.

Writing is about a conversation with yourself and with others; an exchange of energies. It is a skill drawn from attention and openness – an organic process rather than a talent. In this workshop we explore our innate creativity and imagination and find the words to tell our stories and to make them more alive. We search for our personal myths - the stories that energise our lives. The workshop also focuses on how to pay attention, be present in your writing and engage the reader as a creative partner. And source your bliss.

You will explore how to

align yourself with the one inside who knows how to write
start and sustain that conversation
be thrilled by words
create a first draft
breathe life into the words and let words breathe life into you

3. Sat 8 May 2010 - Bosman & Boerekos

Venue: The Old Gaol, 19.00 til late, “boerekos with a difference” by Kaleidoscope Kafe and friends (R130 pp)

Cash bar, profits to Child Welfare and Adelaide Hospital

An evening of fun, laughter and great food & wine, with Herman Charles Bosman stories told by that renowned raconteur, Prof Dorian Haarhoff. Listen to ‘Oom Schalk’ narrate stories of love, leopards, peach brandy, concertinas and psalm singing as you savour traditional South African cuisine.

“When Dorian tells stories he walks on water.” (Prof James Palmer, Univ of Colorado).

4. Sun 9 May 2010 - The Great Metaphor Hunt: A Picnic for all who love Nature

Venue: The Old Oak Tree, 10.30 – 15.30, Bedford’s traditional picnic spot. Picnic lunch incl. (R375 pp)

Metaphors are everywhere for those with the eyes to see. Especially in nature. This hunt (rich in story, words, images and symbols) aims to enrich your personal and work experience. It will help you create a more dynamic life and widen your repertoire of skills. It considers how attention to this poetic world:

moves us from stuckness
restores our innate creativity and imagination
connects us to the unconscious and an enlarging process
activates emotional and physical healing
releases energy and creates a more abundant life

"Playing with metaphor in the context of a picnic and treasure hunt sounds like an opportunity to become curious again…, to free fall with words ....to ignite creative participation in our work." (LIzbe Vos, therapist)

Dorian Haarhoff is a story-teller, poet and a writing mentor. A former Professor of English Literature, (Namibia) he now facilitates writing and story-telling workshops. Dorian is passionate about developing innate creativity and imagination. He believes in the power of stories and images to create new realities. To bring healing. To build our belonging. His workshops are based on his texts, The Writer’s Voice. A Workbook for Writer’s in Africa and The Halo and the Noose (co-authored)

“Your far reaching and profound knowledge and your generosity and calm clarity of spirit makes you a superb teacher. Not only do you share your rich knowledge and insights. You emanate a field of creativity in which we are inspired and gladly participate.” (Evette Weyers, sculptor)

“Dorian moves with such synchronicity. He exudes understated power. He is steeped in story. The story walks ahead of him.” (Anni Snyman, artist)

ACTIVITIES

Outdoor activities

A great variety of outdoor activities to please the sportsman, the outdoor enthusiast or the nature lover, can be undertaken in the Bedford area. Here is a short alphabetical summary of some of the activities.

For a list of places offering these activities, please go to the bottom of the page.

4x4 Trails

A variety of 4x4 trails caters for everyone from beginners to the experienced.

Abseiling and Rock Climbing

There are opportunities for both rock climbing and abseiling, both for beginners and the more experienced.

Bird watching

An extraordinary variety of birds can be found in the district. Bedford is claimed to be the only place in the south of South Africa where the tiny Scops Owl nests. For a list of birds which have been sighted in the area, click here.

Clay Pigeon and Target Shooting

Shotgun enthusiasts can partake in clay pigeon shooting in a riverine setting.

Target shooters can choose ranges which cater for everything from air rifles to elephant guns.

Rifles, ammunition and coaching are available, if required.

Fishing

Anglers can fish for bass and sunfish.

Game Viewing and Game Drives

A wide variety of game and other wild life can be seen either by walking, riding or driving through the countryside.

Organised game drives are available.

Gardens

Bedford is noted for its Garden Festival every October. The many and varied gardens of the district run from the formal to the park-like to the specialist gardens of cacti and succulents.

Hiking and Walking

There are numerous places to walk or hike including two day hikes. Special organised walking tours are taking place during the Gardens Festival. Click for more details.

History

The Bedford area is rich in the history of the 1820 Settlers and Afrikaans trekboers. Many farms and buildings are of historic interest, such as Glen Lyden church built in 1828, and "Bezuidenhout's Cave", of Slagtersnek fame, both of which lie in the Baviaans River valley.

Horse Trails

One can explore the beautiful scenery on horseback. There is even a two day trail through the magnificent Winterberg Mountains.

Hunting & Safaris

All sorts of hunting, whether trophy, venison, sport or bow are available.

Camera safaris are very welcome.

Quad Bike/Mountain Bike Trails

Quad bikes offer an adventurous way to explore the terrain.

For those who prefer the quiet of the countryside, there are plenty of places to ride mountain bikes.

Please note No Quad Biking permitted in Town.

San Rock Art

There are a couple of places where very nice examples of San (Bushman) rock art can be viewed.

Other Activities

There are some more unusual activities on offer to appeal to those with special interests.

Birds Eggs

The largest collection of birds eggs in South Africa is to be found here.

Butterflies and Moths

A magnificent collection, some 150 trays, of indigenous butterflies and moths has been put together by one of the locals which is also the largest such collection in the country.