| |
FOCUS
ON |
|
Through
the years we have covered the staff at Robertson Winery whose hard work,
dedication and enthusiasm have lead to the
success of the brand. Yet, the small town of Robertson is a unique
place, filled with big-hearted people who make a difference to their
environment simply in the way that they lead their
lives. In the forthcoming newsletters, we turn our focus to them and the difference
they make.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
PETRO UREN
It’s
hard to imagine that this lovely lady with the wide smile and sparkling
eyes also grew up in a Children’s Home. But Petro Uren
has used her childhood
experience as motivation for the huge task of raising funds to make sure each
child in The Herberg Orphanage is provided for. “I
was sent to the Wellington Children’s Home when I was 6 years old,”
explains Petro, “but I was surrounded by wonderful people who motivated
and supported
me. I
was blessed with ‘holiday parents’ that would take me with them on
holidays. |
The
local drama teacher also took me under her wing and allowed me to take
part in eisteddfods and concerts which really helped me gain confidence.
Whenever I have to give a presentation or a speech to promote The Herberg
Orphanage,
I remember my drama teacher and what she did for me. I was given so much;
this is my chance to give back.” Petro continues: “We all have a choice,
we can either look back and feel sorry for ourselves, or we can overcome
our situation. That is what I chose to do.” Petro is also grateful for
a loving and supportive husband: “He is a teacher at the primary school
and so gets to deal with these children every day. He has a wonderful
way with children and knows just how to handle them, but he also understands
how important it is for me to travel to churches on the weekends to promote
the needs of Die Herberg Kinderhuis. My two children also always come
along as well, we go as a family.
”The Herberg Orphanage currently accommodates 122 children from infants to
teenagers. The pre-school children have their own accommodation, but
the rest are divided up into ‘houses’ of 15 where they have a house mother
that looks after them, supervises their homework and makes their breakfast
and supper. They all eat together at lunch time in the dining hall. “Raising
funds is an uphill battle,” says Petro. Besides the money from government,
The Herberg Orphanage needs an extra R2.2million to cover expenses annually.
“We are happy to take both financial donations and in kind,” she continues,
referring to the food parcels, clothing, school stationary and toiletries
that are collected through church congregations and big businesses throughout
the Western and Southern Cape.
“We also try to find sponsors for children with special talents. Some of
our girls are therefore able to take dancing lessons while others are
learning to play the penny whistle. At the moment I am looking for an
outfit for the school’s final year dance.” “There’s never a dull moment
around here,” says Petro with a smile, “this job is challenging, but
very rewarding.”
Robertson Winery supports The Herberg Orphanage in various ways. If you would
like to donate money, food or clothing, please contact Petro Uren at rek@herberg.co.za
or visit www.herberg.co.za for more information.
|
|
|
| |
|
EXCELLENT
PLATTER GUIDE
RATINGS ONCE AGAIN
Ratings in the definitive Platter Wine Guide have
always been very complimentary, but this year we’ve outdone ourselves.
The No.1 Constitution Road Shiraz 2006
and the Vineyard Selection Retreat Sauvignon Blanc 2008 were both awarded 4
½ stars, while the rest of the Vineyard Selection got 4 stars each. Well done
to Jacques Roux who made Vineyard Selection wines and Briaan Stipp who nurtured
the vineyards. Lollie Lourens and Francois Weich can be equally proud of the
rest of the Robertson Winery ranges which, although made in large volumes,
were still rated highly for quality and consistency.
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
from
left to right.
Martha Fielies - Board Member of Constitution Road Wine Growers
(Pty) Ltd – Robertson East Worker Trust
Rachel November - Vise-Chairman
of Constitution Road Wine Growers (Pty) Ltd – Le Chasseur Worker Trust
Minister
GE Nkwinti - National Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development
Elizabeth
George - Board Member of Constitution Road Wine Growers (Pty) Ltd – Robertson
West Worker Trust
Gertrude Schroeder - Senior Project
Officer of Rural Development and Land Reform
Bowen
Botha - Managing Director of Robertson Winery
Ltd
|
CONSTITUTION
WINE GROWERS
10 November 2009 was a red letter day in the quaint little town of
Robertson: The Minister of Land Affairs and Rural Development:
Gugile Nkwinti was due
for a visit, and everyone was looking bright eyed and bushy tailed. The minister had been invited to launch the Black Empowerment
Project developed by Robertson Winery and outlined in previous newsletters.
All the trustees gathered on the Constitution Wine Growers Farm to meet
the
Minister who was invited to officially launch the
project. The Minister said a speech, and then everyone enjoyed a delicious
lunch organized by office staffers, Elsie and Nadia.“This has been
a long and frustrating road,” says Robertson Winery CEO Bowen Botha, “but
we think we have eventually developed
something that will be sustainable. “ “This is for my children,” said
a proud board member, Marta Fielies who is the farm’s supervisor: “I
understand that we are
not going to make a lot of money right now, but I am looking forward
to providing a better future for my children.” |
|
|
WISHING
YOU A JOYOUS FESTIVE SEASON.
ROBERTSON
WINERY
Small
town, big heart
Your
friends at Robertson Winery remind you to celebrate responsibly.
|
