This is Prince, our trusted security guard who protects us all here at the Irene Dairy Farm.

I am sure all of the regular Irene Farm Visitors all know Prince; this good hearted and brave security guard is always friendly, attentive and willing to help.

On Saturday 15 June 2013, Prince was doing his normal routine walk, when he saw 4 suspicious people sitting in a bakkie in the parking lot.  He then realised that they have been sitting there for a long time, so without hesitation he decided to see what they were up to.

To his surprise he saw that the suspicious looking people were now split and one of them was sitting in a different car where he appeared to be struggling with something.  When this person saw Prince, he quickly got out of the car which did not belong to him and jumped back onto the bakkie.

Moooweee! Luckily Prince immediately realised what was happening and as the bakkie sped off, Prince made his way towards the gate to close it – preventing them from getting away. Unfortunately he did not manage to get to the gate in time, as he slipped and fell and they almost drove over his leg.

I know this is not the first time Prince has prevented something bad from happening.  If it was not for my MOOraculous prince charming, those skelms would have surely gotten away!

This event however completely took my breath away and made me realise what a brave security guard, Prince is!

Thank you Prince! I am looking forward to MOOoony more years of you keeping me safe!

Moo, moo, moving on!

African Pride Irene Country Lodge wrote:

“Today at exactly 10:00 all conference delegates, directors, management and staff of African Pride Irene Country Lodge came together to  hold hands to form a human chain for 67 seconds, this was done as a gesture of unity and commitment to making South Africa a better place on this very special day of Madiba’s 95th Birthday.”

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela we hope you are better soon.

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So we, here at Irene Dairy Farm have decided to try something brand moo to reward our TOP achievers!

If you have been chosen as the employee of the month, you get a flight in a Micro Light with company director, Adrian van der Byl.

“This was a great experience” said Stanley Sibisi one of the waiters at The Barn Restaurant and our TOP Achiever for last month.  Moooweee!  Go Stanley!

So I’d love to stay and chat but I have to get back to work now – need to make employee of the month. It’s like I can already feel the wind blowing through my hair, oh yeah!

Moo, moo moving on!

From tragic endings comes a new start for our feathered father.

Sadly due to the recent cold front (with the temperatures dropping below -4 degrees around the lake area) the eggs were not properly incubated, and after all his hard work dad was forced to cast the eggs from the nest.

In order to bring back some hope and joy for the lonely dad, we have decided to take some of the advice from our concerned fans and try to pair him with a new mate.

We are looking forward to watching his progress with the new lady.

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” ? Edith Sitwell

Winter Spa Promotions

In celebration of the winter season this year, Camdeboo Day Spa offers a Citric Scents promotion – A Mandarin and Sandalwood back exfoliation followed by an aroma hot stone massage for 45 minutes. Enjoy a hot chocolate in front of our fireplace and receive a special gift to keep your skin pampered throughout winter.

Click here for more info or to book.

If you do have a few hours to spare between Mondays and Wednesdays, invite a friend and take advantage of the Midweek Madness – receive 50% off on the second massage if you reserve for yourself and a friend, valid for the months of May to July 2013.

Click here for more info or to book.

Alternatively stay over on a weekend and experience absolute relaxation and pampering with the Spa of the Year Getaway promotion, before you retire for a night of pure luxury in one of our Superior rooms tucked away in our Serene Camdeboo Forests.

Click here for more info or to book.

Hosting a Kitchen Tea or Baby Shower? 

Camdeboo is the ideal place to host weekday events like baby showers, kitchen teas, book club lunches and ladies’ day outings. Simply let them know that you’re booking a special event and they’ll go out of their way to tailor-make your day into something truly special.

The Day Spa welcomes all young adults over the age of 16 years. Bookings are essential.

Click here for more info or to book.

Accommodation Promotions

African Pride Irene Country Lodge also offers many other accommodation promotions this winter season because for some, the changing of the seasons is very hard to accept – but you do know that winter will be fine once you have unpacked your jackets and boots from their hiding place.

The perfect Winter Weekend Getaway starts with this amazing package which includes: Accommodation, breakfast and dinner in our Meadow Green Restaurant and spa treatment credit to the value of R250 per person to use at their award winning Day Spa.

Click here for more info or to book.
Father’s Day at the Meadow Green Restaurant 

Let’s not forget that we also celebrate Father’s Day in the month of June, so warm your dad’s heart with an amazing Father’s Day lunch buffet at the Meadow Green restaurant. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, followed by our fantastic Family Fantasia, a decadent Seafood buffet and Carvery with relaxing piano melodies to sound track your meal. With entertainment and their very own kiddies buffet, kids of all ages are welcome to celebrate this special day.

Click here for more info or to book.

Father’s Day at Irene Dairy Farm

Just across the road is the Classic Irene Dairy Farm, where you can take your pick of several lunch options, and make use of one of the two restaurants available. The Barn restaurant offers heart-warming buffets over weekends, Jungle gyms and antique tractors steal the hearts of kids by the dozen.

Join them on Father’s Day for a traditional Buffet @ R149.95 per person; children under 12 pay half price. 

In the afternoon it’s suggested you go watch the Irene Cows being milked at 14:00, they have a special viewing gallery for this, a sight you won’t find anywhere else in Gauteng.

Click here for more info or to book.

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Vigilant as ever, through protective instinct he is charging all spectators away. This is reducing his time spent incubating the eggs, but will keep you updated on his progress.

As many of our guests know we had a pair of black swans on the property. The pair has called the farm home for many years now.

Shortly after laying her latest three eggs, our Mother Black Swan was found to have died of unknown causes.

The Father, after losing his mate, has taken up the responsibility of protecting and keeping the unhatched eggs warm. The incubation period normally takes around 35 days.

Over the next month we will be keeping a watchful eye over dad to see his attempt and progress with the eggs.  Feel free to come past and cheer on our very dedicated father in his attempt to get these eggs hatched.

With only 7 days remaining till Christmas Day, we are giving all our loyal Facebook and Twitter fans a 75% discount off our normal rate to come and experience the tranquility of what Irene has on offer. This amazing offer is only valid from 16 – 24 December 2012 and rooms are limited. Click on image below to read more on what this promotion has to offer or to book now!

Click to read more about this amazing offer!

Only valid to our loyal facebook fans, we have created this amazing 75% discount offer especially for you to enjoy hot summer days and the fresh country air whilst you visit African Pride Irene Country Lodge. This offer is only valid for 7 days, make use of this opportunity now, whether you have had a tough week or just want to escape the city to enjoy country relaxation, you’ll find all your worries washed away after this leisurely break.

When you arrive at African Pride Irene Country Lodge, enjoy a complimentary arrival drink before settling in or take a walk down to our Lakeside Cocktail Bar and enjoy a golden summer sunset, the ultimate time out.

Why not try our superb on-site restaurant, where each night is a celebration as there is a variety of dishes and taste tantalizing menu options to choose from. If you decide to stay over on a Saturday night, our Saturday evenings in our Meadow Green Restaurant is the highlight of our weekends. We offer an evening under the stars, Cape Classique bubbly on arrival followed by our Seafood extravaganza buffet accompanied by the enchanted piano tunes of well-known pianist “Nora Jones”, will ensure you get the deserved time out you have earned, after which you can retire for the evening and relax in one of our Luxury rooms.

No need to get up early, our breakfast buffet in the Meadow Green Restaurant is available until 10:30, on Weekends and Public holidays for your convenience. Before embarking back to the city, do not forget to pop past Camdeboo Day Spa our award winning day spa, which will leave you feeling relaxed and soothed.

Whilst in the area why not visit our renowned Irene Village Market which is opened from 9-12 on the second and last Saturday of every month, a must to visit while you are in Irene. Just across the road is the Classic Irene Dairy Farm, where you can take your pick of several lunch options, enjoy a picnic lunch under the giant ancient oak trees, or make use of one of the two restaurants available. In the afternoon we suggest you go watch the Irene Cows being milked at 14:00, we have a special viewing gallery for this, a sight you won’t find anywhere else in Gauteng.

Our additional services offered to you include:

Complimentary arrival drink

Complimentary internet (max 100MB)

Complimentary parking near your room

Complimentary use of our aqua facilities were we welcome young adults over the age of 16 years

(Inclusive of Sensation Showers, Sauna, Steam Room, Heated Jacuzzi, 24 hour Techno Gym, Swimming Pool and Sun Lounger area)

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

The Facebook promotion is only available valid from 15 Dec 2012 until 24 Dec 2012. Inclusive of Vat. This package cannot be combine with any other special or promotion and is only bookable by fans of Irene Country Lodge page. Full pre-payment required. Subject to availability. Single supplement R 395.00 per night.

BOOK NOW!  Remember to type Facebook Promotion in subject!

ASSEGAI AWARDS 2012 PRESENTED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES TOP DIRECT AND INTERACTIVE MARKETING WINNERS

Trends show move towards integration, augmentation of traditional with new media and multiple channel approaches

www.assegaiawards.co.za

[Thursday, 15 November 2012] The pinnacle of excellence in Direct Marketing is celebrated at the Direct Marketing Association of South Africa’s annual Assegai Integrated Marketing Awards presented by the South African Post Office.  The 2012 awards were celebrated at a glitzy red carpet affair on Thursday, 15 November at Sax Arena in Centurion. This prestigious event recognises the best of the best in direct and interactive marketing. It also celebrates creative and strategic execution of award winning direct and integrated marketing campaigns of the highest calibre in South Africa.

The industry response has been phenomenal. It’s indicative of a growing and vibrant industry. “The industry response has been exceptional despite an incredibly challenging year on both the business and legislative fronts.  This year saw 259 campaigns which made it through to the final round of judging.   Each year the Assegai Awards has grown in terms of entry numbers.  The number of final entries submitted for 2012 increased by a whopping 37% compared with 2011 figures, where 189 campaigns were entered,” says Michelle Perrow, chairperson of the DMASA.

The DMA attributes this growth to the fact that direct marketing uptake is increasing rapidly as marketers are increasingly having to show demonstrable return on investment on marketing spend.  With its fundamentals of databases and measurable ROI, direct marketing through traditional and new digital channels is a rapidly growing art and science.  The quality of the work is improving and was of the very highest standard this year.

Head International judge and direct marketing luminary, Joost van Nispen who travelled to South Africa from Spain for the judging, comments, “The standard of direct marketing in South Africa is very high and is comparable to the rest of world, often better. It was so refreshing to see the level of creativity and dare I say that South Africans are a lot more adventurous in their marketing.  The South African environment really lends itself to innovative work and it is great to see agencies and brands pushing the envelope.  I was also really intrigued to see the excellent standard of SA’s social media campaigns which were world class.”

Assegai entry numbers are growing steadily year on year by at least 30%, the quality of work is improving each year and clients are getting to see the real bottom line benefits that sit behind the art and science of marketing.  Each year an analysis of the entries reveals a telling story – more and more businesses, from small entrepreneurial outfits right through to the largest blue chips, are investing in direct and integrated marketing. Furthermore, they are seeing results which allow the industry to continue moving forward to greater heights.

“The biggest shift that I have seen is the dissolving of ‘the line.  Integration is the name of the game and we are seeing a big upsurge in direct techniques and measurable strategies being used in multiple marketing areas. Of course, each area of the mix has a role to play but the manifestation of that role has changed. In short, it’s about utilising every brand contact and intervention to build data, be this through drive to web or mobisite, through data forms completed at activations, through driving response and participation off social media platforms to the more traditional direct channels. Direct Mail has not, for many years, yielded the excellent response and conversion rate that we see currently. Bringing multiple channels together to create Surround Direct provides a powerful formula for Sales and Relationship success.  The steady and consistent growth of traditional channels alongside new media is something that the South African Post Office, our lead sponsor for the last six consecutive years is obviously delighted with.  The Assegais also provides a wonderful research opportunity to benchmark evolving trends and test new products and services aimed at the direct marketing fraternity,” says Michelle Perrow, DMASA.”

Views that digital channels such as web, email, social media and SMS would spell the end of more traditional direct channels have proven unfounded judging on this year’s entries. Integration definitely seems to be the trend and marketers are making use of multiple channels to drive response across media channels.

Janras Kotsi, Group Executive: Mail Businessof the South African Post Office comments:  “It is especially pleasing to see that the silo mentality seems to be subsiding and marketers are realising that to be a successful direct marketer, you need to embrace the versatility and appeals of different channels.  It’s a new world of direct and interactive marketing and many of yesterday’s assumptions have changed. Multi-media marketing is more important than ever, but e-mail and phone are no longer the central players they once were – it is now all about integrated communications. Direct mail is enjoying an unprecedented level of appeal and relevance and finding its place in a combined communications mecca of new and traditional channels.”

Post Office’s e-Postal Business Unit supports this evolution in the marketing and communications space.  The e-Postal business unit is an extension of the traditional mail business, offering a multi-faceted communication and transaction solution.  It includes services such as e-Messaging (SMS, Fax & Email), Hybrid Mail and Electronic Bill Payment & Presentment (EBPP).  “The EBPP component is being positioned as an enabler to offer convenient and alternative channel for SAPO customers to transact,” explains Janras.

Michelle from the DMA adds:  “Marketers are starting to break through the silo mentality and integrate all media channels including social across the marketing organisation.  Consumers expect brands to have a multi-faceted presence.”

The 2012 Assegai Integrated Assegai Awards is headline sponsored by the South African Post Office for the sixth consecutive year, and once again is generously supported by a host of category and support sponsors including:

• Absa
• African Bank
• Blue Label Data Solutions
• Bytestream
• Computer Facilities
• Demographica
• Edcon Group
• Information Capital
• Nedbank
• O’ Keeffe and Swartz
• P:Cubed
• Placecol Skin Care Clinic and Dream Nails Beauty
• Standard Bank
• List Perfect
• The Focus Rooms
• 5^th Dimension – who are also responsible for the development of this year’s Assegais campaign
• Teresa Settas Communications – who are also the coordinators of the Assegai Awards
• Burlington Data Print
• Inter-Net

2012 Assegai Integrated Marketing Awards Winners

The awards were individually scored by an expert panel of judges and the final scores were audited by an independent auditor. The Leader awards, which were introduced in 2011, are those entries that could qualify in terms of their final audited scores for an Assegai award.   From the leader awards, the top scoring campaigns are then awarded gold, silver and bronze awards.

The Inkosi award – given to an entry that has excelled above all others across strategy, creativity and return on investment – went to The Foschini Retails Group for “Search for Santa Mobile Campaign 2011”.

For more information visit www.assegaiawards.co.za or alternatively contact the Assegai Awards office on 011 894 2767 or e-mail info@assegaiawards.co.za

Ends…                                                                                                                                   

Issued on behalf of:                Michelle Perrow

Chairperson – DMASA

By:                                           Teresa Settas Communications

(011) 894 2767

e-mail:                                     teresa@tscommunications.co.za or info@assegaiawards.co.za

Date:                                       16 November 2011

More than 13 000 spectators packed the grand stands and the various marquees at the Avis South African Derby 2012

The 2012 Avis South African Derby was held from 3rd to 7th October at Kyalami Equestrian Park. The equestrian festival spans over a full 5 days. The event really came to life from the Saturday as families and friends descend on the grounds to take in the food, wine, entertainment and sport with Sunday remaining the pinnacle. The theme for this year’s Sunday event was “In Black and White” and with African Pride as one of the main sponsors on this day, the highlight was definitely the sky divers landing on the winning markers.

Bringing the passion of Porsche together, with this year’s theme ‘Fascination’- this was well accompanied by the picturesque beautiful lawns. Beautiful cars with lots of sunshine made the day a huge success!

Click here to read more about this amazing event or watch the slide show below:

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 DAFF Deputy Minister, Derek Hanekom and TIA CEO, Simphiwe Duma attended the launch of the Tshwane Animal Health Cluster today at the Irene Dairy Farm. The Technology Innovation Agency and its key partners in the national system of innovation or NSI as they are known selected the Farm venue to bring through the animal theme.

The Irene Dairy Farm has been transformed for the arrival of these important GUESTS and a hype of activity has been booked from Zulu Dancers to the amazing three tenors performing later in the day.

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African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel General Manager is very proud of his TEAM.

The winning TEAM!

African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Executive Chef Hanroe Erasmus understands the good life and the cuisine that goes with it. He has spent most of his working life in 5-star hotels and restaurants, creating dishes that are culinary works of art.

Hanroe has for the past two years overseen 5 food outlets in the hotel, including the 100-seater fine dining restaurant March.

He qualified as a chef in 2005, and immediately found his dream job at the exclusive Kuname River Lodge just a short drive away from Tzaneen.

In 2009 he relocated to Johannesburg where he became Executive Chef at St Andrew’s Boutique Hotel with its 80-seater fine dining restaurant Trents, then he moved on to become Executive Chef of moyo Fountains Valley in Pretoria, before taking over the kitchens of African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel.

Hanroe has demonstrated his culinary mastery through the creation of such dishes as Cauliflower and Truffle Soup and Cumin Dusted Seabass, served on a carrot and spring onion rosti with a citrus cream sauce.”

The winning DISH!

Over the past two days, SAX Arena played host to the Protea/African Pride Hotel workshops, where Protea Hotels preferred supplier,Travel with Flair invited some of their clients to come and experience the variety Protea/African Pride Hotels have to offer.

African Pride Irene Country Lodge is pleased to announce the appointment of Robyn Ward as the new Sales Manager, seeking to ensure their clients are being well maintained.

“I believe it is important to spend as much time listening to your clients and making sure you action their requests as soon as possible,” says the young and energetic Robyn. “High levels of service and attention to detail are vital in this industry to stay ahead of client expectations.”

Armed with her wide-ranging of sales experience gained from sister hotel, African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa, Robyn wants to ensure her experience grows in getting to know the Pretoria Corporate Market.

A lover of the outdoors, karate and traveling, Robyn says a holistic lifestyle has always been close to her heart.

She has been part of the Protea/African Pride Sales TEAM for the past 4 years, under the wing of Charmaine Hardwick, Sales Director for Protea Hotel.  “This has armed me with all the tools to make a success” says Robyn

Irene Dairy Farm has sponsored 10 eager walkers to take part in the Discovery Jacaranda FM Spring Walk on Saturday, 15 September.

As we agree it’s lekker to be healthy, any person who spots an Irene Dairy Farm automatically WIN a Wholesome Home-cooked Dinner for a family of 4. To WIN all you need to do is take a photo with one of the TEAM and post it on our Facebook page  before Monday, 17^th September.

To read more about our Wholesome home-cooked meals, see below.

African Pride Irene Country Lodge has started a bit of a tradition where if you have been chosen as the employee of the month, you get a flight in a Micro Light with company director, Adrian van der Byl, so every two months he takes the hardworking staff members up and yesterday was just one of those days. Lesley Benson, HR Administrator and Simangele Ndawonde, Receptionist at African Pride Irene Country Lodge were facing their challenges and did a flight around the Centurion area.

They certainly do not look scared and looks like they really enjoyed it thoroughly.

I am sure the performance at the Lodge has increased to win this.