PENNY SPARROWHAWK - A UNIQUE SPIRIT: Meet the Editor . . .
I thought to myself as I watched Paula Ansley, long legs tucked into a very fetching pair of cowboy boots, calmly tackle and coax a large and decidedly un - impressed Cape cobra into a plastic con - tainer at our GAWS kennels in Greyton. “I’m very pleased I did a snake-handling refresher course yesterday,” she laughed, addressing a small group of pale, wide- eyed onlookers who had wisely chosen distance over bravery. So who is Paula Ansley? That’s a question which could take some time to answer, as Paula has a remarkable collection of stories and adventures to her name. In Greyton, she is best known as the owner and editor of The Greyton Post , our local publication, with her office tucked into the Oak and Vine Courtyard. She is mar- ried to Les, one of our intrepid firefight- ers, and together they have two children who have recently flown the nest and are forging their own paths. Paula and Les both ride, and their much- loved horses - another of Paula’s pas- sions - are very much part of family life on their property. Originally from England, Paula spent over 20 years as a molecular immunologist before expanding her academic journey to study Innovation, Creativity, and Entre- preneurship at Newcastle University - a qualification that speaks volumes about her curious mind and adventurous spirit. And speaking of spirit, Paula was the founder of the now internationally fa - mous Indlovu Gin, made using botani- cals sourced from elephant dung. The “That girl’s got swashbuckling spirit,”
Paula with son Harry, daughter Amelia and husband Les.
idea was sparked during a safari in Kenya, where Paula observed elephants foraging and realised their diet created a unique natural blend of botanicals. From this unlikely inspiration came a gin unlike any other. Yet behind the bold ideas and fearless encounters lies a quieter, deeply observant naturelover. This gentler side of Paula is beautifully expressed through her photography of the natural world, and in her sensitive portraits of pets and other animals.
Multi-talented, curious, and endlessly inventive, Paula Ansley has an uncanny ability to turn her hand to anything that captures her interest. Greyton is richer for it, and we are fortunate indeed that Paula and Les have chosen to make our village their home.
Pure is a Greyton favourite, serving up locally roasted coffee, delicious breakfasts & lunches, plus shelves packed with tasty goods. All made with quality ingredients & love. Come & enjoy the vibe! 082 393 5408 | 41 Main Road | @purecafedeli
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