Sandstone Heritage Trust - News
HTN 204 - Our Edwardian Experience - letters in response
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Sent: 03 May 2007 15:53
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| From: Aleit Music and Entertainment Sent: 03 May 2007 15:53 To: joannewest Subject: Edwardian Experience - Sandstone Estates Dear all, We hope this finds you well. My musicians couldn't stop raving about it. I almost didn't believe them but when I saw the pictures I was blown away! Wow! It looks absolutely fantastic. I heard this is being published? Is that right? Also from our side - thank you very much for the accommodation and food provided! I would love a CD with the pictures on! I am so thrilled that we were part of The Edwardian Experience! Best and warm regards, Ryanhardt |
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| From: Kerry Young Sent: 26 April 2007 23:19 To: Joanne West Subject: Back to reality. Hello again Wilf. My absolute thanks indeed for sending such amazing mail this way and so soon. There are already so many superlatives coming your way and deservedly so. My wife (Janice) and I have been spellbound by the absolute magical effect of the pictures so far. One tries not to be too overcome by sentiment, but from our half a world away, we were spellbound by the pictures and there was a tear in the eye I confess. We have never seen such an event in such surroundings before, over all, the effect is like nothing we have witnessed before. I won't try to find words to describe the scene. Words, superlatives won't do it justice. The pictures from Tessa Joughin, especially the panoramas have an impact I can't describe adequately. Not only those, but the others you so kindly sent, brought smiles of immediate recognition and pleasure. I did say Andy would do you proud and he most certainly fulfilled that promise. On that note, The latest shots with your in laws Mr. and Mrs. Rose, absolutely beyond belief. At the same time, I have to say, if that is a tractor shed, you must surely live in a mansion? Those pictures bespeak a wholly different age. Some values from which we ought to still have. (Others not so!) The scene portrayed an ambience the film industry itself can seldom display adequately. Before I wax lyrical, I should desist. You mention Andy as being the ultimate guest. I suggest you certainly assume the same mantle as a host. In my lifetime I have never witnessed a spectacle such as you have created and I'm sure many of your guests haven't either. Do take a bow, together with your good lady Wife, who I am sure had no small hand in arranging detail of your event. Congratulations to you and your team. With our greatest appreciation, Janice and Kerry Young. |
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From: Dave Brewer
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From: Stewart Currie Sent: 28 April 2007 10:02 To: Joanne West Subject: Edwardian Evening Dear Wilf, Janet & I thank you very much for inviting us to the Edwardian Evening We had a wonderful time It was an event that we will remenber and treasure for the rest of our lives. Many thanks again, Stewart and Janet Currie |
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From left: Andy Selfe, Janice & Stewart Currie
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Sent: 26 April 2007 09:42
To: joannewest Subject: THANK YOU, EDWARDIAN EXPERIENCE Dear Mr. Mole & Lyndie, Words cannot describe Saturday evening at the Edwardian Experience. I would have never thought spending an evening with guests such as my biology teacher from High School! The atmosphere was unbelievable down at Grootdraai, the oxen, the horses and the carriages which I jumped into, to pose for Ron Nell. I just would like to thank Lyndie and yourself inviting me as a staff member of Sandstone Estates. I felt privileged joining such a splendid event with guests from all over the earth. The food, champagne and everything done by Marilyn and Robert was like a real fairy tale. We all had great fun together which I will remember always. Luckily, we have all the photos to remember us for ever and ever about an unforgettable evening. Thank you for letting me be a part of this. Rg - Hester |
| From: Marc Wiggill Sent: 24 April 2007 21:25 Subject: THE EDWARDIAN EXPERIENCE Hi Wilf and Lyndie, I have finally settled down back in Jo’burg after a busy week in Harare, a rushed motor down to Plett via Margie’s family in the Grahamstown area, then on to the Eastern Free State. We all are still somewhat spellbound by our Sandstone experience. The Edwardian Experience on Saturday was really a great experience for us all. It was in my view a continuous kaleidoscope of unique (or at least for me they were !) frames; the halls of vintage plant, the trains and their carriages, the span of Afrikaners, the modern plant and facility of the farm, and so it goes on and on. It really was a privilege to have been part of a great crowd of folk who very much made the day one to remember for a long time. Thanks to all your team on the Estate who played a role in the setting up of the day and being such active hosts. We enjoyed especially the train ride to watch the sunset whilst enjoying those superb canapés and champers ! Once again, a sincere thank you for inviting us to be part of a very special and memorial day. Thanks for the photo’s received earlier today. They encapsulate the frames of my mind’s kaleidoscope of the day. Warm regards, Marc, Margie, Ryan and Karyn |
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| From: Brett Lankester Sent: 30 April 2007 09:55 Subject: Edwardian evening Dear Wilfred and Lyndie: I can scarcely believe as I contemplate the London skyline that only a week ago we were at Sandstone enjoying your wonderful hospitality. As a first time visitor I was simply stunned by the sheer beauty of the landscape and amazed by what you have created in terms of historical infrastructure. It is a very special place. I thought the photos you sent out last week captured the mood of the party perfectly. Many thanks for including me, it was a memorable and extremely enjoyable evening and I am delighted to have made the trip. With very best regards, Brett PS. Our pilot gave us a flight over the farm early the next morning. The weather was perfect and Sandstone looked magnificent. |
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| From: Gavin Boy Sent: 24 April 2007 20:13 Subject: Thankyou Dear Wilfred Just a short note to say thank you for inviting Annelie and me to one of the best functions we have been to in a very long time. It is really nice to attend a function where every detail is take care of the standard is maintained throughout. We consider it an honour to have been invited. I took some great photos and I will let you have a copy of the pictures. Please let me know to whom I should send the disk to. Once again I thank you and you wife Lindy for the beautiful invitation and top class function. I really appreciate it. Thanking you Gavin Boy Account Director St.Ives Communications |
| From: Dave Burness Sent: 24 April 2007 16:56 Subject: Re: Edwardian event Hello Wilf and Lyndie, Thanks for these photos especially the one of Trish and I together at the champagne quaffing. Our one of the cattle is no where near as good as this one. We would also like to add our thanks for being invited to the splendid affair. Saturday was the kind of gathering one will talk about for years and haul out the photos to make others envious! All facets of the day were so well thought out and executed. The champagne at Grootdraai was a highlight and decadent in a sort of White Mischief way. The Titanic's last menu obviously tempted fate and bought the wonderful downpour at a time when we were all under cover and in time for a winter wheat crop that didn't look like coming off less than a month ago. We also enjoyed the late night train ride. We, as you know took part in all the activities prior to the costumed activities on saturday and thoroughly enjoyed going the full length of the track and listening to all the banter and stories. What a wonderful mix of people. Scratch the surface and everybody knows somebody in another person's circle! Riding the army corps was fun. Bobootie lunch and all. Want to single out Terry and Hester for always asking after Trish and my welfare during the entire weekend, they are both assets to Sandstone especially PR wise. We echo the thought that went into the table seating. We found the Kerslakes most entertaining. The progeny of the Irishman and Russian lawyer will be something to behold! More than Best Regards, Trish and Dave Burness. |