10 May 2017

10 May 2017

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

10 May 2017

Henk’s Little Travelogue: Australia/Tasmania/New Zealand - Part IV

Delivering mail and essentials to Brooklyn and beyond Itinerant contributor HENK BOLHUIS is currently exploring the wonders of Down Under with his wife Rentia, and will entertain CXPRESS readers for the next seven weeks with his travel tales and images - turn to page 2 of the previous three editions at www.cxpress.co.za to catch up N the morning of March 27, we left the house early to catch a suburban train from North Sydney to Sydney Central Railway Station, conveniently located at the southern end of the CBD. It covers an entire large city block and its estimated patronage exceeds more than 15-million passengers per year.

‘Sydneysiders’ love their public transport and especially their clean and extremely efficient rail system, and it soon became obvious to me that even many prominent business people - you see thousands of men in suits and ties and smartly-dressed women - use it daily.

Like most people in this town we use an OPAL card; a kind of debit smart-card ticket, it allows you to travel anywhere on Sydney’s vast public transport system (buses, trains, light rail and ferries) for a very reasonable price.

By using an extremely simple electronic ‘tap on and tap off’ system, this card has made all other forms of payment completely obsolete and expedites entry and exit.

On Platform 5 we board a regional train to Hawkesbury River Station, to later join Australia’s only active mail boat, The Riverboat Postman.

The $14 return trip, beautifully scenic in most parts, takes about 90 minutes and the train makes frequent stops, at places such as Hornsby, Asquith, Mount Colah, Mount Ku-Ring-Gai, Berowa, and Cowan before arriving at Brooklyn, Hawkesbury River, at about 09:45.

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Fortunately we have enough time and energy to negotiate the 50 odd steps from the station’s platform via the overhead pedestrian bridge in order to get to the nearby quay, where the riverboat is moored and waiting to depart at 10am.

This outing is advertised as one of the five top attractions in New South Wales and we are eager to find out whether this is true.

After getting our tickets at a reduced price for seniors ($45), and once everyone is on board, Captain Trevor and his four crew members prepare to cast off and soon we find ourselves in the middle of the beautiful Hawkesbury River.

And this is not just any river; it’s scientifically referred to as ‘a semi-mature tide-dominated drowned valley estuary’, originating about 120km away to the north of Penrith before it reaches its mouth at Broken Bay, about 15km from the Tasman Sea at Barrenjoey Head.

Before the first European settlers arrived, the name given to the river by the aboriginal people was Deerubbun, its meaning unknown.

Only minutes after our departure we are served with lovely

fresh coffee and deliciously tasting, famous, Anzac biscuits.

These sweet, dark brown, hard-tack biscuits made of rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup and coconut, are very, very tasty and I have no trouble at all munching three of them with my coffee.

The Riverboat Postman, skippered by locals from the area, originates as far back as 1910 and to this day still delivers mail and light cargo (parcels and the odd case of beer or wine) to a number of settlements upriver from Brooklyn, that are only accessible by water.

After only a short while we reach our first stop at Dangar - a small forested island of only 29ha, with a permanent population of about 300 people that increases dramatically during the holidays.

Public transport is only by ferry and the trip from Brooklyn takes about 10 minutes; the regular service is in operation seven days a week.

The island was originally part of the local Guringai Aborigines tribal area, but after a visit

by Governor Arthur Philip in March, 1788, it was named Mullet Island for the abundance of mullet fish in the river.

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In 1864, a certain Henry Dangar purchased it and later his son, Cary, renamed it as Dangar Island.

Although there are a few tarmac roads on the island, there are no private cars and the only vehicles allowed on these roads are the island’s community fire truck and a few council vehicles.

Hence, when The Riverboat Postman arrives, it is not unusual to see some of the locals showing up on the jetty by foot, bicycle, and even with a wheelbarrow to haul their goods home.

Apart from a small shop/café and a bar at the island’s bowling club, there are no other shops and as such The Riverboat Postman often comes in handy for the delivery of urgent, small purchases.

After a brief stop and the handing over of several parcels, one of the female crew members shouts “All clear!”, and we’re off again.

We enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lower Hawkesbury River as we slowly ‘steam’ northwards, to deliver the mail and other essentials to these river-access-only settlements upriver from Brooklyn.

To be continued…

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NEWS & VIEWS

10 May 2017

CXPRESS

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‘More than just value of cars’ that went up in flames ETROLHEADS and car aficionados around the globe were aghast on Monday morning as video clips and stills of a vehicle carrier in flames on the side of the N2 started flooding social media sites.

The fire was reported around 10:30am on May 8 as the truck with its cargo of six cars, all of them having participated at last week’s Knysna Speed Festival, continued burning on the side of the national road between Sedgefield and Buffalo Bay. Firefighters finally extinguished the blaze, but not before six cars were partially or fully destroyed.

Among these count four V8 Masters Roush Mustangs, one of which was pulled off the carrier in an effort to save if from complete destruction.

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This particular car gained second spot in the Modified Saloon Cars class on Sunday with double SA rally champ Enzo Kuun behind the steering wheel.

Another of Kuun’s cars - a Datsun parked right in the front of the carrier - was also ruined in the fire.

King of the Hill champion Charles Arton owned another of the Mustangs and his 1979 March Formula Atlantic 79B, estimated to be worth millions, was also burnt to cinders.

Anton Rollino’s 1969 MG B GT, which he had inherited from his late father, was another priceless loss.

MD of the Knysna Speed Festival Ian Shrosbree, who is also founder and organiser of the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, released a statement later that day to express his dismay.

the damage to others cannot be quantified.

“It is much, much more than just the value of what has gone up in flames,” said Shrosbree.

The cause of the fire had not been confirmed by going to print, and exact value of the affected vehicles was yet to be determined.

IRREPLACEABLE: No injuries were sustained in the fire, but the vehicles destroyed in Monday’s blaze were one-ofa-kind and priceless - at right is one of the four Mustangs burnt beyond recognision

“After the resounding success of the last three days where each of the participating vehicles becomes part of the essence of the competition, this disaster impacts on us all. The loss of complete vehicles - some of them one-of-a-kind and literally irreplaceable - and

Negotiations about Bitou coalition now in final stages Yolandé Stander

HERE is still no decision on Bitou’s coalition future following an announcement by mayor Peter Lobese about plans to end his party’s relationship with the ANC last month.

Lobese, of the Active United Front (AUF), revealed on April 4 this year that his party was considering ending its coalition agreement with the ANC, saying that the relationship with the party had deteriorated since the local government elections last year.

Lobese said a series of issues that had since arisen had made it “impossible to justify” the coalition.

Lobese made the announcement in a statement released in solidarity with the rest of the country in protest against president Jacob Zuma, following among other issues his latest cabi-

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net reshuffle, which saw the country’s economy suffer.

The AUF and the ANC in Bitou joined forces after the elections results delivered a hung council where the ANC and DA both obtained six seats in the 13seat council, while the AUF secured the final position.

Mayoral spokesman Dumisani Mnweba said that since the statement, Lobese and the AUF had invited both major parties in Bitou - the DA and the ANC - to come with a strategy of taking Bitou forward and that a decision about what to do in terms of a coalition would be made following these discussions.

Mnweba said negotiations had reached the final stages and that a decision would be announced in the near future. This decision had not yet been made by the

time of going to print.

Lobese said in his earlier statement some of the reasons why the AUF’s relationship with the ANC had crumbled was that the coalition agreement that guided the relationship between the two parties had not been implemented, and that the parties differed on key issues.

He further said that as part of the agreement a service delivery plan had been drawn up when the coalition was formed, but that this was still in draft form and not signed.

He also claimed that the ANC had frustrated attempts to establish clean administration and to commit resources to address the difficulties faced by Bitou residents, and had therefore established themselves as “enemies of the people we are required to serve”.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

10 May 2017

New deadline for Pletmos Basin project comment After overwhelming response to plans for conducting a seismic survey to explore for gas and oil reserves off the Plettenberg Bay coast, the public comment period for its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been extended - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE project is part of an application for an exploration right for the Pletmos Basin by Sungu Sungu Oil through which the Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA) instructed the company to undertake an EIA. This process - which is being undertaken by SRK Consulting - is currently in the public participation phase which saw a meeting being held with interested and affected parties at the Piesang Valley community hall in Plett on May 3.

And after an overwhelming response from the public at the meeting, including a request by stakeholders to extend the public comment period, SRK made a submission to PASA to extend the deadline.

On Monday PASA granted the extension from May 16 to June 15.

The project involves a 3D seismic survey in the Pletmos Basin located off the southern coast of South Africa, roughly between Knysna in the west and Jeffrey’s Bay in the east.

The target area is located

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about 12km offshore and reaches up to 60km out to sea just east of Plettenberg Bay and just west of Cape St Francis - an area of about 2,500km2 in the basin.

According to the EIA report, offshore seismic surveys are undertaken with purpose-built or converted ‘The most concerns raised included the impact on the Tsitsikamma MPA, situated near the proposed activity’ vessels from which sound sources - which are typically pneumatic devices (airguns) that can release high-pressure air into the surrounding water and the seabed - is towed.

The EIA report revealed that several types of wastes, emissions and discharges would be generated during the seismic survey including noise emissions from the airguns and air emissions from the seismic vessel’s engines and generators, as well as a supply boat, chase boats

and helicopters.

The EIA found that the seismic survey would result in “unavoidable adverse environmental impacts, although these are of relatively limited extent”.

This, experts said, was due to the limited footprint of the target area, the relatively short duration of the survey, and the transient nature of the seismic survey, in other words, no physical infrastructure will be installed.

They found that none of the adverse impacts were considered unacceptably significant and that all could be managed to tolerable levels through the effective implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.

The most concerns raised during the May 3 meeting included the possible impact on the country’s largest Marine Protected Area, the Tsitsikamma MPA, situated near the proposed activity.

Other issues that were highlighted included the possible impact on tourism - an industry on which the town heavily relies on.

NEWS & VIEWS

10 May 2017

CXPRESS

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From Plett to Princeton: Jessie’s hard work rewarded with an Ivy League nod

TEAM EFFORT: From left with Jessie are her A-level teachers David Butler, Susan Donald, and Analise Marx

ESSICA Fielding, a graduate of Greenwood Bay College (GBC), has just learnt that she’s one of only two South African applicants to have gained admission to Princeton University’s Class of 2021.

Princeton is one of the world’s top institutions of higher education and is often rated Number 1 University in the US. The school was founded in 1746, and is one of eight Ivy League colleges.

The term Ivy League has connotations of academic excellence, selectivity in admissions and social elitism, but apparently it evolved from the term IV League and refers to the number of schools in the particular athletic conference.

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It became famous in the 1930s when a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune used it to describe “those old ivy-covered universities” in an article about a Columbia vs Penn State football game.

Today Princeton has connections to more than 40 Nobel Laureates; its focus is on undergraduate studies, and it is highly selective indeed.

This year’s applicant pool included students from 10,274 high schools in 151 countries, with only two South African applicants being admitted. Princeton accepted only 6.1% of students who applied - a record low acceptance rate - making it one of the most difficult universities in America

to get into.

According to Jessie, she had a lot of support: “The best teachers in the world, the greatest of schools, and parents who always had my back - but I still could not have done it without a healthy dollop of luck.

“I’ve learned that this year Princeton turned down over 35,000 applicants, 12,000 of them with a four-year average mark over 97%. Only 1,300 kids will make up the class of 2021 - and I’m thrilled to be one of them.”

Jessie is the first student from Plettenberg Bay to be admitted to Princeton.

When she was three, she started at Building Blocks behind the Methodist Church in Muller Street.

Aged six, she began Grade 1 at Plett Primary and when she was 13, went to high school at Bay College when it was still based on Ebenezer Estate.

A Cambridge International school for over 17 years, Bay College has always maintained a high level of academic excellence. In Jessie’s final year, Bay merged with Greenwood Primary to become GBC, and moved to its Piesang Valley premises.

As reported in previous editions of CXPRESS, Jessie was the first student to do A-levels at the school (finishing with straight As), and obtained a perfect score on both her ACT (American College Test) and Advanced Maths SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test).

These accomplishment are truly exceptional, and it took a lot of hard work and

late nights of study - but she did not do it alone.

We congratulate Jessie as well as her teachers at Plett Primary and GBC. There can be no doubt that Plett’s schools and other educational and extracurricular opportunities offered are indeed world class.

Says GBC headmaster

Dave Butler: “In my teaching career I have met many bright young people, but Jessie’s speed of comprehension and depth of insight is something I have never encountered before.

The Cambridge focus on independent thought and creative problem-solving played to her strengths. It is

a real privilege to teach students like her.”

Jessie concludes: “It’s been my goal for close to four years, but I knew the chances were slim that a kid from Plett could end up at Princeton. It just goes to show that when you set yourself a goal and give it your best every day, dreams do come true.”

IVY-COVERED HISTORY: Blair Hall on the Princeton campus was built in 1897 - a full 151 years after the university’s foundation in 1746

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

10 May 2017

Celebrate our most vulnerable special creatures on May 19 NDANGERED Species Day highlights the plight of many at-risk and critically endangered wild animals, and offers guidance on how all of us can alter our behaviour in small ways on a daily basis to help protecting and saving these creatures.

Local resident Mandy Howorth was tasked by the International Endangered Species Coalition to organise the event in Plett, and is now hard at work to finalise the line-up of events for this international celebration of all things wild,

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wonderful, and alarmingly in danger of extinction.

Falling on Friday May 19, the day will be packed with tours, special presentations, children’s activities, and theme-related talks to be held at schools and wildlife refuges in and around Plett.

Says Mandy: “Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species, and everyday actions we can take to help protect them.

“We have quite the variety of species falling into

this category, whether it be mammals, birds, fish, or plants. So this is an ideal opportunity for students to learn about the conservation of endangered creature while raising awareness within their communities.”

Schools and organisations taking part include the Ocean Blue crew, who will be doing a presentation at GBC before taking 40 students out on their boat, while Eden to Addo will enrich kids at the Raphaeli School with pertinent facts and figures.

Email howorthmandy@ yahoo.com for more info.

NEWS & VIEWS

10 May 2017

CXPRESS

7

Songbird Sonja backed by talented trio to enchant again this coming Saturday FTER a very successful concert at The White House last year, Sonja and Mike Kantey will again team up with Andrew Nezar and Jane Donald for what promises to be a most enjoyable night of musical entertainment.

The venue for their May 13 performance is St Peter’s Anglican Church hall in Plett, and the show starts at 7pm.

Sonja cut her teeth with her hairdressing mentor Raymond Harding in a band called BlueStone, while Mike has been a professional percussionist for over 40 years, having started at a Cape Town recording studio while still at high school.

He later studied drums with Richard Pickett at Jazz Workshop fame, and performed with Mike Perry, Robert Sithole, Ezra Ngcukana, and later with Joe Davis in Minor

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Third. More recently, he has performed with local musicians Peter the Greek, John Craig, and Georgio.

Mike has also acted as impresario, developing the Holsten Hands across the City jazz series in Cape Town in the 1990s, which featured artists such as Jimmy Dludlu, Selaelo Selato, Judith Sephuma, Buddy Wells, and Mark Fransman.

Apart from the amazing keyboard skills of Wittedrift NGK kapellmeister Andrew Nezar, Sonja and Mike will be joined by local Methodist worship-team leader Jane Donald, who claims to be “rather a late starter”.

Says Jane: “I started guitar in high school but pursued it more seriously as an adult. I took classical guitar lessons with Johan Rautenbach, who inspired me to teach, which I

BY POPULAR DEMAND: Sonja Kantey’s soulful performance will be enhanced by the wide musical skills range of Andrew Nezar and her husband, Mike Kantey, as well as Jane Donald’s flute and guitar prowess

did for 15 years.

“During this time, I completed the Grade 8 Trinity exam and also picked up the flute and worked my way up to

completing the Trinity Grade 7 Jazz exam.”

Jane was for some time a member of the Eden Guitar Ensemble, which played in various concert venues on the Garden Route.

“I have loved inspiring and teaching children over the years,” she says, “and specifically teaching and arranging group work. I have always enjoyed making music with others and it is an honour to be part of Sonja’s Bring on the Wonder show with Andrew and Mike.”

Jane’s husband, medical doctor John Donald, will be assisting with the sale of refreshments before, during interval, and after the show. A percentage of proceeds will go towards a crèche sponsored by the Donalds.

Tickets at R150 are available from Barney’s Info Kiosk next to Mugg & Bean in The Market Square, Plettenberg Bay.

Meet the next batch of puppies trained so well, you tunnels, walk over low a well-behaved, harmonious can take ‘em anywhere! through ramps, and specifically designed and happy dog are nutrition, toys to channel their energy.

“Physical stimulation prevents many types of inappropriate behaviour,” says Veronica. “In addition, we have a dog therapy programme with Saskia Hopff.

An Animal Behaviourist and qualified Animal Nutritionist is also available.”

The five requirements for

exercise, socialisation, obedience training, and affection.

This pup can be taken anywhere, while being much less prone to illness.

The next course is a Winter Special starting in June and, as always, rescue dogs will receive a 20% discount. See the ad on the back page for contact details.

WELL HEELED: Some of the owners and pups who completed their eight-week puppy course and received certificates and rosettes on May 1 - with Veronica Olding, in white at back are, from left, Marlaine Coetzee with Great Dane Broloks, Mandy Chalmers with rescue dog Sway, Shaun McMillan and Jane Hops, standing, with Staffie Luna, and Ornella Iacopini with Rotty Romolo

new puppy is like bringing a new baby into the home - they require special care and attention until they are old enough to take over the responsibility of protecting your family and property.

These are the sage sentiments of Veronica Olding, Plett puppy trainer extraordinaire. She explains that pups aged eight to 16 weeks experience what is known as “the critical period”, and that this is the most impressionable time in a dog’s life.

“Experiences at this stage of its life directly influences the adult dog into which that puppy will eventually grow. As soon as a puppy arrives in the

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home, it is best to bring them for a private session to imprint the correct attention or focus methods, using puppy motivation in the form of treats as reward,” says Veronica.

Notes and a puppy DVD are part of this session. At 12 weeks, dogs are ready to join the Puppy Nursery School, where best results are achieved through fun, kindness, love, and positive reinforcement.

The eight-week course includes basic training (Sit, Down, Stay, Recalls/Come), games to burn up energy, and a social walk at a shopping centre. Puppies experience ‘free play time’ off lead and have fun

BLACK BEAUTY: Ornella and Enrico’s Rottweiler, called Romolo Photos: Di Goosen

Much to toast in Plett at successful Seeff evening Seeff had a great turnout recently when curious locals and visitors gathered at Whale Restaurant for the launch of four key Plett developments. Guests found out more about the new concept Plett Platinum with its 32 executive mature lifestyle suites; Verde, being the closest secure estate with a boardwalk to Solar Beach, also perked lots of interest as many people were unaware that the developers had planted 200 trees to add to the exclusive green area, and that five contemporary houses will be built there soon; The Hill with its well finished apartments and stunning sea, mountain and lagoon views; and Baron’s View, which surprised many with its Village, where 11 units are already nearing completion, and stands offer exquisite views of the sea, lagoon and mountains. The Seeff team thanks all the guests who attended this successful cocktail hour. Should you want to find out more, call 044 533 0311 or email plett@seeff. com, turn to page 3 for current listings, and see a special message from top Plett agent Alet Ollemans on this page.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

10 May 2017

The unsavoury eatery ILL and Doug went into a restaurant that looked as though it had seen better days.

As they slid into a booth, Bill wiped crumbs from the seat. Then he took a napkin and wiped some moisture from the table.

The waitress came over and asked if they wanted some menus.

“No thanks,” said Doug.

“I’ll just have a cup of

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black coffee.”

“I’ll have black coffee, too,” Bill said. “And please make sure the cup is clean.”

The waitress shot him a nasty look. She turned and marched off into the kitchen. Two minutes later, she was back.

“Two cups of black coffee,” she announced.

“Which one of you wanted the clean cup?”

Layer upon layer…

FTER a two-week holiday, a man returned to his office and one of his fellow workers asked him what kind of time he’d had.

“I spent the whole two weeks helping my wife paint the rooms in our

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house,” he groaned.

“Does she do that often?” his colleague asked.

“Well,” the man replied, “when we moved into our home a few years ago, the guest room was nine by twelve. Now it’s eight by eleven!”

An incompetent pilot?

N a recent flight, an elderly passenger kept peering out the window. Since it was totally dark, all she could see was the blinking wing-tip light.

Finally, she rang for the

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flight attendant.

“I’m sorry to bother you,” she said, “but I think you should inform the pilot that his left-turn indicator is on and has been for some time.”

Hypothetical Hollywood Y wife and I were having a very hypothetical discussion...

In the unlikely event that Hollywood made a movie based on our lives, we wondered what stars would play us.

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“Who would you pick to portray you?” she asked me.

I thought about it for a minute, then answered: “George Clooney.”

“In that case,” she said, “I’ll play myself.”

The farmer’s son HE farmer and his wife had worked hard, scrimped and saved to send their son to college.

As soon as their son had enrolled, he started to grow a beard. Next he grew a large moustache and sideburns.

Being pleased with his new facial adornment, the son had his picture

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taken and sent it off to his parents. On the back of the photo he scrawled: “How do you like it? Don’t I look like a count?”

Shortly after, the son received this terse note: “You idiot, it cost us a fortune to send you to college, and you can’t even spell!”

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SOCIAL SCENE

10 May 2017 STRIKING GOLD WITH POCKET PAL: The team at Plett Pocket Pal has once again made someone’s day, BIG time, when the draw for a R2,500 grocery voucher took place at Beacon Isle KwikSpar on April 29.

The lucky winner was Nadia du Plessis, who was elated when Pocket Pal founder Norman Doyle called seconds after the draw to inform her that her shopping ship’s come in. Out of town for the long weekend, Nadia’s fiancÊ Robert Scholtz popped past to claim the prize. Pictured with him at left are KwikSpar manager Gerhard and Norman at right. Another three Pocket Pal customers got lucky last month when discovering Golden Tickets in their booklets, including a R500 Cornuti Stella e Luna voucher (thanks Michael!), and a R500 meal voucher for LM in Plett (big up, Luiz!). Pictured at left is the third local to strike gold: Debbie Morris won the magnificent prize of two nights at The Bungalow on Hobie Beach, including breakfast for two, worth a whopping R5,000. Plett Pocket Pal discount voucher booklets are available from BI KwikSpar at only R57. With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday May 14, you can’t go wrong with slipping a Pocket Pal into mom’s gift bag and who knows, she could be the next lucky winner of a Golden Ticket spoil. Get yours while stocks last and call Norman on 079 712 2787 for more information.

FACES REMEMBERED, INDEED! In CXPRESS of March 15, Derek Frielinghaus in his ‘Jogging down memory lane’ column asked whether readers could remember a visit by the All Black rugby team in ’95 (turn to page 2 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za). He also included a number of photos of Plett locals that were captured around the same time, faces that were part of the CBD furniture during the latter half of the previous century. Frederika Simmers (nĂŠe Damonds) of Kranshoek was kind enough to swing past the CXPRESS office with not only insight on the history of most of those pictured, but also several entertaining stories about the Griekwa mainstay where her family has lived for generations. Of the men pictured on the page - including Tolletjie Kiewiets, Klasie Martins, Koos Harker, Klaas Terblanche, and once famous ghillie Andrew Moodie - only ‘Rodi’, at right below on the page, is still alive and kicking and living in Plett. We thank Fredi for sharing her stories of past and present friends.

‰ODQ

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CXPRESS

People, places & events

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF AUTUMN: Sonè Fourie shared this lovely photo entitled ‘Plett Autumn’, shot on Keurbooms Beach over the long weekend by her multitalented daughter Simonè. Apparently, the clever Plett Primary Grade 7 student specifically set out to capture the way a beam of sunlight caught the footprints left behind by mom and dad after their beach stroll - a plan perfectly achieved! And if this pretty image doesn’t cheer you up in the face of a fast-approaching winter, then join Plett Rotary at The Verandah tonight from 7pm for their May 10 edition of Quiz Night. These Rotary fundraisers, when teams of six to eight members fight it out for bragging rights, invariably promise lots of good cheer. Tickets cost R100 and include snacks and great prizes, with all proceeds benefiting local children’s charities. Call The Verandah at Goose Valley club house on 044 533 0889 to reserve your table.

FIRST TASTE OF EDEN: The World Travel Market (WTM) Africa tourism showcase was held in Cape Town from April 19-21, when a record 650 international hosted buyers were invited and a further 4,500 travel professionals, both South African and international, attended. With 650 tourism products on show, the Garden Route was well represented by tourism offices and private products. A group of international operators were invited on a four-day educational tour of the Klein Karoo and Garden Route. All first-time visitors to the region, they were blown away by our natural beauty and friendly people. By day four, they were all planning to create Eden itineraries for their clients. The tour was organised by Paul Coetzee of Knysnabased tourism-destination company Explore the Garden Route and he thanks all local operators who contributed to its success. With Paul, second from right, travel professionals from left are Maria Ko (Canada), Sean Lues (Australia), Donay Valentine (Israel), Mircea Anitas (France), and Lyra Sambuaga (Indonesia).

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WILD COLOUR RUN A CROWD PLEASER: The annual Wilderness Festival last weekend included wine tasting, a selection of live music and, most popular of all, a very colourful fun run. Held over a 5km route around the village, the rather ambiguous ‘Summer’ Music Colour Run gave contestants and spectators the opportunity to increase their following week’s laundry bill by including packets of brightly coloured powder to add an ‘Indian carnival’ atmosphere to the occasion. Sprinkling red, blue, green and many other colours over each other at the start and at various ‘colour stations’ along the route, participants prioritised fun over competitiveness as they ran, walked, trotted, strolled or pushed prams and wheelchairs. With some 300 competitors taking part in sunny if chilly weather, the event proved popular and is bound to be repeated next year. - Bob Hopkin

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CXPRESS

CLASSIFIEDS

10 May 2017

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ON THE SOAPBOX

10 May 2017

Letters to the Editor

Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600

Saving four lives, sans fanfare, reiterates Clifford’s unsung-hero status On Saturday April 29, during the peak of this long weekend, a family on holiday got into trouble off Nature’s Valley beach. The two young kids were playing in a blow-up toy boat in the s e e m i n g ly - i n n o c u o u s froth between the beach and the backline.

Luckily Clifford Toop, an old-time Nature’s surfer, was keeping his beady eye on the activities as he could see that their innocent fun was heading a little too close

to a rip for his comfort.

It didn’t take long for the fun to turn into a family nightmare.

The kids in their toy boat were suddenly being swept out to sea. Both parents swam out to help them, but within seconds they were bobbing helplessly alongside the boat and their screaming kids.

Clifford had no time to grab his surfboard, nor wetsuit, but leapt to their rescue, into the ice-cold ocean. He expertly guided all four of the family

members clinging to the boat, out through the rip, to the backline.

He then, single-handedly, swam the whole lot of them out of the rip, and a considerable way at rightangles to the beach and, finally, safely back through the rocks onto terra firma.

The family collapsed into an emotional group hug on the beach, while Clifford quietly, with no fanfare or drama, resumed his place under his brollie.

Perhaps the family was struck by shock, but

witnesses felt that their show of appreciation was somewhat scant - considering that Cliff had literally just saved the lives of four people.

I know that Cliff isn’t one for attention and grandiose gestures, but taking into account that this is one of many times I’m aware of him saving lives on Nature’s Valley beach, I think it’s time the Plett community recognises him as one of our true unsung heroes.

Tessa van Schaik, Plett

Safety first when heavy fog prevents flights from landing at Plett Airport

BOARD: When lack of visibility precluded flights from landing at both Plettenberg Bay and George airports, CemAir bussed passengers to Port Elizabeth

On Wednesday May 3, I was up at Plett Airport when two CemAir aircraft arrived. But after numerous approaches the misty, foggy weather didn’t allow them to land.

I believe they had to divert to Port Elizabeth, as George had also closed in the meantime.

I understand there were approximately 60 people waiting to board the two aircraft once their passengers had disembarked.

There was mild frustration as CemAir was organising minibus transport to ferry these passengers to PE. The photo I took shows the first transport that arrived immediately, and the people were queuing up to board, collecting their bags and loading it into the attached trailer.

One cannot help to wonder about the logistics of taking all the passengers to PE, which is at least a 2.5hour trip - not to mention all the passengers arriving from the Cape or Joburg, who would have had to be ferried back to Plett.

One just hopes that

there were no overseas connecting flights missed in the process. It is not often that weather conditions prevent planes from landing at Plett, but it does happen.

CemAir should be able to provide more details on the number of passengers and the flights’ origins but having watched the event unfold, I have to say that it was being handled calmly and professionally.

I think all the passengers realised that this weather was similar to the day a tragic air accident happened in Plett, so no chances would be taken from a pilot’s point of view. I must compliment CemAir on the management of this situation.

John Larter, Plett CemAir CEO Miles van der Molen comments as follows: We did indeed have weather diversions for Plett on May 3 for our flights inbound from Johannesburg and Cape Town. As a result, our departures to Johannesburg and Mar-

gate were affected.

The inclement weather was regional and at the time of our diversion, George Airport was also closed so two flights landed at Port Elizabeth.

As an IATA member, CemAir undertakes to conform to international standards for passengers affected by diversions, so our customers were either re-accommodated on flights on other days, or transported by road to PE, where the aircraft was waiting.

Weather diversions occur at any airport and I am pleased to say that they are quite rare into Plettenberg Bay. Less than 2% of our flights are diverted due to inclement weather, so our reliability is good.

Although the diversions do cause considerable inconvenience, there is no impact on safety. Regulations require us to adhere to minimum safe altitudes until in sight of ground and our crews will not jeopardise the safety of those on board.

All flights are operated to international airline standards, so anyone on board can rest assured that they are in good hands.

CemAir has operated thousands of flights into Plettenberg Bay and we have proven to all that we represent a reliable and viable travel option. Our daily flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town continue to grow in popularity and our new weekly flight to KZN is getting off to a promising start.

This has been helped in part by the introduction of our 50 seat Dash 8 Q300 aircraft that offers improved comfort and service on our Joburg route.

The benefits of the air access to the town and the region has had a positive impact on the local economy and we are frequently told of how our service has made a positive impact on businesses in the area.

For us, Plett is a spectacular destination and it is our privilege to serve the community and be part of building a better tomorrow.

We continue to work with Bitou Municipality to improve Plett Airport and over the last three years, we have made it a friendlier and safer airport. This work will continue and over the coming year, you can expect improvements to both the operational capability of the airport and the passenger experience.

On the arbitrary policing (or not) of Bitou bylaws Why is no one policing the ‘no-wake’ zone at Keurbooms lagoon?

According to your original report on February 24, 2016 [turn to page 4 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za], the bylaw was to be strictly enforced in order to protect the bird sanctuary

as well as bathers and paddlers.

Last Friday afternoon, the council managed to find the resources to send six (yes, SIX) officers to sit on the deck at Sanctuary Beach and watch for off-leash dogs, yet there was not ONE person policing or at-

tempting to police the no-wake zone.

Three officers could have managed Sanctuary Beach while the other three were stationed at the lagoon.

On that very afternoon and in the space of half an hour, I saw at least four different boats

flouting this rule.

Surely this has bigger consequences in terms of both public safety and the environment?

Why are we picking and choosing which bylaws get enforced, and who is making these decisions?

‘Annoyed and frustrated’, Plett

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

10 May 2017

Two Oceans silver bagged, now Eric eyes same feat for Comrades 2017 LETT Athletics Club (PAC) member Eric Nangu started running at the age of 15. He showed talent as a teen when achieving EP colours for track and field events, and counts as early inspiration top runner Michael Scout,

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who trained him at the time.

Eric started long-distance running 10 years ago at the relatively advanced age of 35, which is also when he joined the PAC fraternity.

With the help of yet another talented and experienced long-distance runner, the

legendary Noel Stamper, Eric entered a new phase in his running career.

“He made a huge impression on me,” says Eric of this veteran of the Two Oceans, among other marathons, “and I always appreciate that he took the time to help

and guide me with my training for long-distance races.”

Eric now has six Two Oceans Marathons under his belt and this year, he did his best time ever at 2:59, which meant he brought home a coveted silver medal. He has also tackled the infamous Comrades ultramarathon six times before, raking in six Bill Rowan

(sub-9-hour) medals.

Having steadily improved his time over the years, and just missing silver in 2016, Eric has now been training with the focus on finishing this monster KZN marathon, scheduled for June 4, in under 7.5-hours to gain that silverware.

Eric thanks everyone who has helped, encouraged and

supported him in achieving his goals so far, and will endeavour to keep on doing his club and town proud with his achievements.

So do give Eric a thumbsup if you spot him on his daily training runs around Plett, or to Keurbooms and Knysna over weekends, and watch this space for news on this local athlete.

Fresh from Western Cape selections, Sensei John The biggest karate orPeach teaches all-round karate ganisation in SA and the

THANKS TO YOU… Eric Nangu proudly shows off the silver medal he scored during Two Oceans 2017, which he claims came about after continued support from fellow runners and local businesses

NYSNA resident John Peach has established two karate schools in Knysna and Plett, where he teaches both juniors and seniors twice weekly.

“The route to achievement in karate is a long, tough and lonely path, but a rewarding journey that stays with you for the rest of your life,” says this accomplished martial arts practitioner.

‘Sensei John’, as he is known to his students, is the recognised appointed SA JKA (Japan Karate Association) representative for the region.

He says it is of utmost importance for students, parents and teachers alike to be aware of the requirements for a credible, qualified instructor when planning to join a karate club.

Sensei John is a great supporter of the JKA system, and believes the fundamentals of the Shotokan style he teaches are best suited to accommodate most modernday students who wish to practise karate, both as a sport and self-defence - notwithstanding the excellent characteristics of the art of karate itself.

He subscribes to a strict code of discipline, maintains international standards, and follows a prescribed syllabus as set by the parent body to which he is directly affiliated in Japan via the SA JKA policies and traditions.

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“My younger students especially are excited while having fun and making progress during training session,” says John, adding that their personal development has a positive effect on self-confidence and discipline, as well as the all-round efforts they make in their daily lives.

John holds a valid Professional Drivers Permit (PDP) in the event of having to transport children, and has also attained a certified SAPS Clearance Certificate - which should set parents’ minds at ease.

Sensei John is delighted with the favourable response and cooperation received from all the schools in both Knysna and Plett where he has introduced himself and met with headmasters, teachers and scholars in a formal manner to explain the benefits and goals of karate development.

“As the second term kicked off, I embarked on the next phase of Shotokan karate introduction in the area through student

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development at grassroots level,” he explains.

“I teach Dinky Karate at various feeder platforms and ultimately these Dinky students will move on to enrol at the karate schools or dojos where older kids and adults practise.”

Dinky Karate is offered exclusively at pre-schools and aimed at Grade R and RR learners. The seven pre-schools in Knysna where the Dinky Karate concept was warmly received include Stepping Stones, Bambino, Little Oaks, Doodle Bugs, Pixie Land, Queen Bee, and Little Elephants.

“I’m amazed every time at how enthusiastically the programme is being welcomed, and at the quick learning ability of these youngsters,” he says.

It is no coincidence that JKA karate is offered at Cambridge and Oxford Universities. In addition, it is the only karate organisation in Japan that is recognised as an educational institution by the Japanese Government.

world, JKA aims to offer added benefits to schools with programmes designed for every child’s personal development.

Sensei John was invited to serve as guest referee and judge at the Western Province Championships held in Hermanus during March, where participants were selected for the National JKA Championships to be held at Standard Bank Arena in Joburg from May 19-20.

In conclusion, John describes what it takes to be a good karate teacher.

“The instructor must set an excellent example, be approachable, and communicate with students and parents alike. It is also important to regularly attend Instructor and Standardisation seminars.

“A good sensei is firm but fair and inspires students to train regularly and aim high. Remember, a Black belt is a White belt who never quit.”

Call John on 083 5777 146 or email peachpro@ gmail.com for details.

STRICT CODE OF CONDUCT: Sensei John Peach, at left, is an expert on the traditional Shotokan style of karate, and follows a prescribed syllabus as set by the parent body in Japan - here he is pictured during the recent SA JKA Western Cape Championships with his fellow judges and referees

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