The Presentation of the J D du Plessis Basson Collection 15 june 2011

Mr Basson enjoying his favourite ‘Blue Danube’

evening serenade

Ruth and Donat

documents in the collection

part of the library

delightfully delicious!

a convivial evening!

Dr Christo Wiese and guests

This was a fascinating evening for us to play at.With this event the Library and Information Service presented the recently completed catalogue and index to the Japie Basson Collection to the Manuscripts Section, the J.S. Gericke Library,University of Stellenbosch, and celebrated this event with Mr Basson and his family and friends.

Jacob Daniël du Plessis (Japie) Basson’s long political career, as well as the interesting period of South African history which he experienced, are reflected in this valuable manuscript collection. The extensive collection has now been fully indexed and made accessible to researchers.

We enjoyed very much playing for Mr Basson,who is a great music lover,and likewise for his family,Dr and Mrs Wiese.We added a beautiful new item to our repertoire,a special request,’I'm in the mood for Love’-one of our favourite new tunes!

Grande Provence,3 June 2011

On the most beautiful autumn day imaginable,we drove to one of our very favourite venues,Grande Provence in Franschoek.Grande Provence is set in the valley amongst lush rolling vineyards and ancient oaks. A stunning modern garden lies next to the manor house and art gallery,and interesting sculptures enliven the garden. It was the birthday celebration of Heinz, with many German friends. They started with pink champagne(Grande Provence of course) in the garden beneath the eye of the resident barn owl(see pic). They progressed with great merriment to delicious food,singing and dancing.Our original booking of one hour turned into four hours-the guests could not get enough of the Hungarian Trio! Some brave ladies danced seductively on the table , and finally Heinz blew out his candles with the greatest gusto imaginable!The angel of Grande Provence,Nicole Bisschoff,ensured that everything ran smoothly,easily and beautifully,ably assisted by her charming waitrons.HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!