13 April 2016
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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Photo: Mike Bridgeford
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Summer is fast becoming a distant memory but the delightful shock of colour provided by Plett’s resident flamboyance of Greater Flamingos continues to enthral all who spot them on Poortjies Lagoon, where this photo was taken by Birdlife Plettenberg Bay chairman Mike Bridgeford. On the subject of high-flying creatures, turn to p7 to find out more about Plett’s BATS…
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CXPRESS
13 April 2016
NEWS & VIEWS
Nippers wave the Plett Surf flag high at Nationals in KZN HE large contingent of Plett Nippers and their families who attended the Nationals in Durban from March 31 to April 2 have much to be proud of after attaining a sixth place at the country’s top level of this demanding sport. Apart from the accolade of bowing only to three super-sized clubs from Durban and two Cape Town mega teams, the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by each child completing any of the runs, swims, board races and flags rallies left an indelible impression on spectators and rivals alike. Many points were scored by Nippers who placed below podium position to yield Plett’s accumulated end result (see http://south africa.carnival.sls.com.au/ eventmgr/results/report/ public/52/0 for details). Listed here are the names of those Plett Surf Nippers who brought home medals as well as memories of an incredible KZN experience, as portrayed in the photos alongside. Con-
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gratulations to y’all, as well as to your coaches, parents, and Plett Surf Club’s dedicated management team. U9: Megan Plumbridge won gold in flags and bronze in beach sprints; Ellen Strydom won silver in run-swim-run and bronze in flags; U10: Mia Aaron and Declan Kiewitt both won silver in beach sprints, and were part of the team who won silver in the beach relays along with Megan Plumbridge and Mielan Viljoen; U11: Matthew van Coller won silver in the beach run; U12: Berenice Chabanel won bronze in flags; Henri van Huyssteen won gold in flags and silver in the beach run; both of them were part of the team who won bronze in the beach relays, along with Sebastian Brink and Robert Kleinsmidt; U13: Lojza Pisonic won gold in both the flags and beach sprint events; U14: Ellen Kleinsmidt won gold in both the flags and beach sprint events; Jandre Strydom won silver in the board race.
Photo: Isabelle Brink
NEWS & VIEWS
13 April 2016
CXPRESS
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Joint effort saves life of biker set on jumping to his death off Storms River Bridge Passing motorists and police worked together to stop a man from flinging himself into a Tsitsikamma gorge last Friday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports
EVERAL motorists pulled over on the N2 near the bridge when they saw several men holding onto a man, believed to be in his 40s, hanging from the gorge-side of the bridge at around 3pm. Passers-by, including police officers, grabbed him by the arms through the railings before he could jump. According to witnesses more people came to assist and held onto the man, who was still wearing a motorcycle crash helmet, to prevent him from slipping from their grip. It is believed that the man drove
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CHANGE OF HEART: At first set on ending it all, the man saved from falling to his death told rescuers that, by the end of their rescue effort, he felt he really wanted to be saved
Good man dies in horror accident on Plett N2 LETTENBERG Bay police confirmed that a case of culpable homicide was opened after the death of a pedestrian at the traffic circle at Plett Shell service station during the late afternoon of April 4. “The truck that hit the 39-year-old local man was moving in a westerly direction and belongs to a Cape Town-based company,” said Lt Marlene Pieterse of Plett SAPS, adding that family members of the victim who reside in Plett were present at the scene. The accident was witnessed by several motorists who responded with shock on social media sites and platforms like WhatsApp, reporting on the severity of injuries sustained by the man, who was later identified as Noni Khuhlane from KwaNokuthula. CXPRESS was also contacted by a handful of residents who expressed their shock and sadness after learning of Khuhlane’s untimely death, and told of a long association with their sunny, bright and able employee. One couple submitted this ‘Tribute to Noni Khuhlane’: It was with great sadness that we learnt of the tragic death of our friend and helper, Noni, who had
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RIGHT-HAND MAN TO MANY: Noni Khuhlane’s brilliant smile will be remembered by many, and so will his handiwork at several Plettenberg Bay properties
worked loyally for several Plett residents, including ourselves, for many years. He was capable of most things - caring for the garden, mending a fence, or painting a room. He became a valuable part of our lives, and he will be very sadly missed. On his last day with us Noni planted a tree, one of many trees, shrubs and flowers he had planted since our arrival in Plett. He was an invaluable help with our newly-established
vegetable plot as well as being a skilled and reliable maintenance person, always willing to turn his hand to any job, inside or out. Our house and garden will hold memories of Noni’s hard work and care for a long time to come. Hopefully in return, we all provided him with some security and support. He would have turned 40 years old in September, a quiet and gentle man with a good heart. Rest in peace, Noni.
to the bridge on a motorcycle, got off and proceeded to the edge of the bridge. The men holding onto him were unable to pull the man up, but before long someone brought two blankets that were tied securely together and used as a sling to support the man until a makeshift hoist could be made. Another driver brought a nylon rope which was used to create a pulley system, enabling them to eventu-
ally pull the man over the railings to safety. One witnesses said during rescue operations the man told his rescuers to let him go as he wanted to jump, but by the end of the ordeal told them that he had had a change of heart and wanted them to pull him to safety. • Just three days after the above incident, a Port Elizabeth man managed to climb over the Van Stadens Bridge barrier, which has
prevented suicides here since its erection in 2013. Seen hanging from the bridge by passing motorists before falling to his death around 4:30pm on Monday afternoon, the man was identified as 37-year-old PE resident Jerome Mafeking after his body had been recovered from the gorge. According to a police spokesperson, an investigation is currently underway but no foul play is suspected.
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CXPRESS
13 April 2016
NEWS & VIEWS
NEWS & VIEWS
13 April 2016
CXPRESS
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It’s ‘Silicon Lagoon’ as Knysna connects with super-fast fibre-optic broadband remaining suburbs and rural communities will be linked. The amount to be invested for installation of the fibre optics is estimated to be R95-million (with escalation), spread over the five-year period. In addi-
tion, a further R30-million will be invested in the data centre, call centre, film studio and sound studio. The project is expected to invest around R150-million into the local economy. LaserNet has set up a
website that will be updated regularly - visit www.knysnaon.co.za to keep abreast of developments, with the option of signing up to receive news on packages and prices when the installation reaches your street.
WE’RE ON! KnysnaOn role players, from left are Knysna Municipality’s Mike Maugham-Brown, LaserNet CEO Ivan Bridgens, Economic Development manager Ilse van Schalkwyk, mayor Georlene Wolmarans, speaker Eleanore Bouw-Spies, Knysna councillor Peter Myers, keynote speaker Zeth Malele, and municipal manager Grant Easton
Words & photo: Gigi Lewis
HE KnysnaOn project was launched at Conrad Pezula Hotel on April 7, with key speakers Arthur Goldstuck - MD of World Wide Works and editorin-chief of Gadget online magazine - and information technology guru Zeth Malele of Sec-Itech fame. According to mayor Georlene Wolmarans, the project aims to enable the development of Knysna’s people and economy, “by creating the technological highway we need to put us at the forefront of the digital revolution�. She emphasised that bringing high-speed internet connectivity to Knysna was vital to uplift the town and ensure its future, particularly in view of the present economic downturn. It is envisioned that the provision of internet speeds of up to 10 gigabits per
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second will enable Knysna to attract a wide variety of IT-based companies, from software development to call centres to film production. These industries have, until now, been confined to larger cities. A tender by Knysna Municipality to roll out highspeed internet access to the area was successfully won by LaserNet - a national company that prides itself on being at the forefront of information sharing in South Africa. Services available to both home and business subscribers will include internet connectivity at speeds that have never before been available in Knysna, as well as VoIP services that will save residents in the region of 40% of their monthly phone bills, and video on demand offerings catering for streaming to the home or business. Furthermore, homeowners will be able to monitor
their properties remotely through connectivity to reliable, high-speed security systems. Said LaserNet founder and CEO Ivan Bridgens at the event: “The LaserNet Group of companies are proud to be associated with a project that will provide economic upliftment to the Knysna municipal area, not only in the form of job creation during the implementation phase, but also from the automatic increase in business investment to the area.� The Knysna broadband project will be run in five stages over a period of five years to establish a total of 120km of fibre cable across the municipal area. In the first year, Knysna will be linked to Cape Town and Johannesburg, and the installation of fibre cable in the CBD, Knysna Industria and Thesen Islands will commence. Thereafter the
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
13 April 2016
Lady auctioneer to share her secrets of the South China Sea at St Peter’s next week HROUGH her charitable endeavours in the Bitou community, many readers will be familiar with the name of Lady Annabelle Conyngham, and the fact that she is royally involved in the upliftment of many lives in and around Plett. A lesser known fact is her expertise as auctioneer, but now that part of her illustrious history will be shared with a lucky Plett audience on April 22 - to the benefit of four Bitou crèches in dire need of the funds raised by this unique presentation. Annabelle first joined Christie’s Fine Art Auctioneers in London in 1972, at the time specialising in the auctioneering side of the business. She travelled within Europe, setting up and working in salerooms in Geneva, Monaco and Amsterdam. In 1985, she was responsible for opening branches of Christie’s in South Africa. One of many highlights of her career was being the under-bidder for 22-million pounds on Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers in 1987. “It finally sold for 22 and
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a half million pounds - the most expensive painting ever sold at that time,” she recalls. Annabelle also became the first female auctioneer for Christie’s. It’s not surprising that, in the line of this delightful duty, she acquired some fine pieces of art and antiques - among these an array of items from the Hatcher, Nanking and Vung Tau Cargoes. Her fascinating account of Chinese porcelain recovered from the depth of the South China Sea and subsequently sold at auction by Christie's Amsterdam, in which Annabelle participated, will be complemented by her showing items from her private collection at St Peter's Anglican Church Parish Hall on Friday April 22 from 11am onwards. Although there is no entry fee, voluntary donations will be most gratefully received, as four crèches - Flamingo in Wittedrift, Pinelands in Kranshoek, Siyakhula in Bossiesgif and Greenhill Educare Centre in KwaNokuthula - will be able to put these funds to very good use. Email aconyngham@
tel komsa.net and see the advert on page 7 for additional information. More on those precious cargoes… The Hatcher Cargo, from a Chinese junk that sank in around 1643, included some 25,000 pieces, mostly blue-and-white late Ming and early Qing wares from the Jingdezhen kilns, ranging in quality from very poor to quite fabulous. The Vung Tau Cargo of 1690-1700 was salvaged from a Chinese junk sunk by fire en route to Jakarta, the cargo comprising mostly Kangxi blue-and-white porcelain in sets intended for display. The most publicised and famous, the Nanking Cargo, was salvaged from the Geldermalsen - a Dutch East Indiaman that sank off Jakarta around 1751. Making up its 140,000 pieces sold at Christies Amsterdam in 1986 were 170 complete table services, some containing 150300 pieces each. (Visit http://orientalcera mics.com/index.php/ship wreck-ceramics for a good read on the subject.)
Notice Board • Nurturance invites you to a talk and discussion on menopause presented by Dr Estia Odendaal and Colette van Heerden, who will be sharing information, insights and guidance on the topic, with specific focus on: * What is menopause (more than just hot flushes)? * Health and nutrition for menopause and beyond; * What is best for you (natural alternatives, bio-identical hormones or synthetic hormones)? * The bigger picture - transition with a purpose; * Sex and intimacy during menopause. There will be a Q&A session, too, so don’t miss this presentation at The White House in Plett CBD on April 16 from 9am ‘till noon (R100pp). See the advert on page 10 for contact details. • Knysna Animal Welfare Services holds a spay day on Sunday April 17 at Chris
Hani Community Hall in Nekkies, and appeals to local businesses and the public to donate towards the cost of this crucial event. Please email Debbie at kaws@ lantic.net if you are interested in sponsoring a portion or the full cost of the day. If you would like to make a personal donation, bank details are: KAWS, FNB branch 250655, acc no 52700033146, ref. ‘spay day’. Donations of the following items are also needed: newspaper, blankets, towels, dog collars, leads or harnesses (used items in good condition), nylon rope, masking tape, ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, printer paper, suture material, bandages and swabs. These items can be delivered to the KAWS Kennels at 1 Marlin Street, or call Debbie on 044 384 1603 to arrange collection. • FAMSA Plett has grown
exponentially over the past seven years, necessitating a move to larger premises with more counselling rooms. Funding is essential for FAMSA to keep its doors open, so if you read here and are at all able to assist, please call 044 533 0515 to discuss - the smallest amount will be welcome. Alternatively, deposit into the FAMSA account at Nedbank branch 108914, acc no 1089080735, ref ‘rent’. FAMSA Plett counsellors touch many lives and work with people from all walks of life, services including support and counselling in cases of grief, depression, marriage or relationship crises, trauma (rape, abuse) and illness. They also present men’s groups, parenting training and sessions on anger and stress management, child abuse, addictions, and intimate partner violence.
ENTERTAINMENT
13 April 2016
One, two, three go BATS, go! TIMOTHY TWIDLE explains why you would not want to miss the latest production, on stage only ‘till April 16, by Plett’s amateur but extremely entertaining actors… HE David Summers murder mystery Annie, One Two, Three - the fourth production of the Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) - opened
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yesterday with a gala evening, enjoyed by a capacity house. The play is set in a home on an exclusive retirement estate in England in 1995
and is an archetypal whodunit that will have each audience second-guessing until the very end. The origins of the plot go back to the years of the Second
WELL CAST: The stars of ‘Annie, One, Two, Three’ are, standing from left, Roger Davis as Detective Inspector Williams, Rodney Grosskopff as Detective Sergeant Marsham, Josie Crook as Patricia Donovan, Sonja Kantey as Allison Butcher and Mike Kantey as Eric Davison; seated from left are Allison Blair as Mary Albright, Gail Ractliffe as Martha Templeton, Nita Davis as Ruby Penrose and Ingrid James as Miriam Davison - Photo: Timothy Twidle
Everything is coming up roses in A top rose breeder with Knysna this weekend nurseries all over the counNYSNA Rose Society holds its annual rose show on Friday April 15 and Saturday the 16th - and no fan of the best-smelling bud would want to miss this floral feast. The show is open to all rose enthusiasts who would like to show off their creations. There is no charge and entries can be submitted on Friday from 7-10am at Knysna Mall. “Just one bloom can win a prize, as has happened in the past,” says the Society’s Carol Kennedy. “Someone will be on hand to help you complete the entry form so you can enter your beautiful blooms. And don’t forget those secateurs.” Now in its 10th year, the 2016 event is dedicated to the memory of the late Alan Tew, who started Knysna Rose Society in 2006 and became its first chairman. “Since the first show in
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A ROSE BY ANY SAME NAME: These pretty specimens carry the same moniker as this weekend’s show host town
2007, membership numbers have grown to 99 and apart from Knysna and Plett, we receive show entries from Mossel Bay, East London, George and Wilderness,” says Carol. “We are really privileged to have the services of two local accredited judges Knysna resident Stephanie Seydak, and Sheenagh Harris from Nature’s Valley - and joining them this year will be South Africa's very own 'Mr Rose', Ludwig Taschner.”
try, Ludwig recently opened a branch in the USA. He has each year generously donated the most wonderful array of cut roses for display at the show, and on Saturday these roses will be sold to the public to help finance the costs of staging the event. Carol and her team are responsible for each year’s display, and she thanks Agri Land as well as all local nurseries and gardening suppliers for sponsoring this year’s excellent array of prizes. Readers are invited to view and 'smell the roses' from 12 noon on Friday ‘till the same hour on Saturday, and an added attraction this year is that plants from the newly-opened Outeniqua Rose Nursery at Rosenhof in the Waboomskraal Valley will be up for sale. Turn to page 9 for more photos about the show.
CXPRESS World War (WWII), from late 1939 to 1945. Three sisters have been living together in ease and comfort for many a year and while one would expect such sisterly coexistence to be peaceful and harmonious, it is apparent from the outset that there is a turbulent undercurrent to their sisterhood - and any mention of the war years is forbidden. The plot starts to develop apace when the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII (VE Day/Victory in Europe Day) is celebrated on the estate on May 8, 1995, with a knees-up of traditional fare and a singalong of old favourites, together with a wee bit too
much alcoholic beverage. An unfortunate outcome in the immediate aftermath of the evening of merriment and reminiscence sets in train a sequence of events that unfold in a merry-go-round of assertion and counter assertion, charge and counter charge, barbed comments and investigative detection, reaching denouement in the final minutes of the action only. The storyline develops as it gathers pace and makes for absorbing theatre, while the set is well-constructed and realistic. There are several lovely characterisations by members of the cast and the dialogue is enunciated clearly and
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truly convincingly. BATS stalwarts Ingrid James, Gail Ractliffe, Mike Kantey, Roger and Nita Davis, and Rodney Grosskopff tread the boards once again and are joined by new members Sonja Kantey, Josie Crook and Allison Blair. Annie, One, Two, Three is produced and directed by David Hall-Green and runs until Saturday April 16 at the St Peter’s church hall in Church Street, Plett. Buy your tickets at the Info Kiosk at The Market Square, or phone 073 645 9476. All proceeds from the production after costs will be donated to Plettenberg Bay Animal Welfare Services.
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Husband: “Oh, the weather is lovely today. Shall we go out for a quick jog?” Wife: “Hahaha, I love the way you pronounce ‘shall we go out and have some cake’!”
INTERVAL
13 April 2016
Too clever for words Making sense of it all OME years ago, there was a Mensa Convention in San Francisco. Mensa, as you know, is a national organisation for people who have an IQ of 140 or higher. Several of the Mensa members went out for lunch at a local café. When they sat down, one of them discovered that the salt shaker contained pepper and the pepper shaker was full of salt. How could they swap the contents of the two bottles without spilling any and using only the implements at hand? Clearly this was a job for
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Mensa minds, so the group debated the problem, presented ideas and finally came up with a brilliant solution involving a napkin, a straw, and an empty saucer. They called the waitress over, ready to dazzle her with their solution. “Miss,” they said, “we couldn’t help but notice that the pepper shaker contains salt and the salt shaker… ” Before they could finish, the waitress interrupted: “Oh! Sorry about that.” She leaned over the table, unscrewed the caps of both bottles and switched them. There was dead silence at the Mensa table...
three-year-old walks over to a pregnant lady while waiting with his mom in the doctor’s office. He inquisitively asks her: “Why is your stomach so big?” “I’m expecting a baby,” she replied. With big eyes, he asks: “Is the baby in your stomach?”
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“He sure is,” she says. Then the little boy, with a puzzled look, asks: “Is it a good baby?” “Oh, yes. It’s a real good baby,” the lady replies. With an even more surprised and shocked look, the three-year-old asks: “Then why did you eat him?”
Great shots
A very unusual concern FTER his examination the doctor asked the elderly man: “You appear to be in good health. Do you have any medical concerns you would like to ask me about?” “In fact, I do,” said the old man. “After I make love to my wife, I am usually cold and chilly, and then, after making love to her the second time, I am usually hot and sweaty.” Later, after examining his elderly wife, the doctor said: “Everything appears to be fine. Do you have any medi-
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cal concerns you would like to discuss with me?” She replied that she had no questions or concerns. The doctor then said to her: “Your husband had an unusual concern. He claimed that he was usually cold and chilly after making love to you the first time, and then hot and sweaty after the second time. Do you know why?” “Oh that crazy old bugger,” she replied. “That’s because the first time is usually in July and the second time in January.”
No good deed… man visited the pastor’s home and asked to see his wife - a woman well known for her charitable impulses. “Madam,” he said in a broken voice, “I wish to draw your attention to the terrible plight of a poor family in this district. “The father is dead, the mother is too ill to work, and the nine children are
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starving. “They are about to be turned out into the cold, empty streets - unless someone pays their rent, which amounts to $400.” “How terrible!” said the preacher’s wife. “May I ask who you are?” The sympathetic visitor applied his handkerchief to his eyes. “I’m the landlord,” he sobbed.
Some very ‘attentive’ judges at the European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan
The photographer fell over when he was taking the shot and ended up with this masterpiece of a wedding photo
SOCIAL SCENE
13 April 2016
CXPRESS
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People, places & events
TURNING 90 WITH GOOD CHEER: Lesley Mallows sent us this delightful pic of her father, long-time Plett resident Peter Tullis, after a week of celebrations to fête the milestone occasion of his 90th birthday on April 4. ‘His association with Plett began in 1969 - he was Chairman, President and Captain of the Plettenberg Bay Angling Club for several years and still serves as Chairman of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society,’ says Lesley. Flanking Peter from left in the pic are Mossie Mostert, Carol Walker and Dot Nimmo, at right.
Photo: Lesley Mallows
EVERY DOG GOT ITS DAY: Dr Jacqui de Villiers-Rodmell of Cragsbased NPO Moya Animal Outreach shared these pics of a multi-purpose gathering on April 2 and wrote: ‘We hosted a dog show at the rugby club in Kurland Village for residents to encourage our responsible pet ownership programme, and to register and microchip all entries before treating their owners to a fun and informative day. Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary’s Mike Caithness did a mesmerising demo, there was a dog obedience display by Lee Naudé from Equine SA, and ‘Raoul the Owl’ entertained all with his stilt-walking and unicycle tricks while registration took place. Winners in the five show classes - Healthiest dog, Happiest dog, Dog that most resembles owner, Cleverest dog and Best-looking dog - walked off with wonderful prizes and pet food. We managed to microchip and register 37 dogs at the first Moya Animal Outreach event, and have already neutered five of these. Owners were very grateful for our assistance and thrilled with their prizes, and we could not have organised this event without the support of volunteers and prize donors. We are totally reliant on external funding to make this veterinary outreach work possible.’ Call Jacqui or Dr Daryl Hunt at The Crags Vet on 044 534 8038 if you can help with cash, time or donations.
STIRRING IT UP FOR TWO YEARS: Tomorrow is an auspicious occasion for local lovers of the brew, as it’s the second birthday of Stir It Up industrial coffee bar at The Market in Plett’s Main Street. Yep, on Monday April 14 in the good year 2014, coffee as we know it changed for good, ‘coz that’s when barefoot barista Babette started offering her passionatelybrewed artisan coffees, served with lots of attitude to boot. Her signature drinks include the three-layered free-pour Cortado and Stringbean Mouthgasm. Swing past to say cheers at this coffee bar that’s become a firm favourite among locals who appreciate value for money and, above all, consistency. In true Babette style, business hours is ‘7:22am ‘till 2:33-ish’… See you there for a mouthgasmic cuppa! - Photo: William Ashurst - dreamlinktech@gmail.com
Photos: Wendy Lee Abbott
BUD-WISE: Knysna Rose Show organiser Hugh Collier, above at left, with judges Stephanie Seydak and Sheenagh Harris, right, are ready for this weekend’s event at Knysna Mall. At right, Carol Kennedy is responsible for displaying the multitude of magnificent Knysna Rose Show entries. Read the full story on page 7.
GO FRENCH WITH ZANTA AND ELNA: Knysna Plett Concert Series presents Zanta Hofmeyr on violin, left, accompanied by pianist Elna van der Merwe on Wednesday April 20 at Knysna DRC hall. The concert series welcomes Zanta back to Knysna and with her Elna to perform their ‘French Recital’. Together they will enchant with the sonatas of such wonderful French composers as Debussy, Faure, Poulenc and Saint-Saens. The evening promises to be a rare opportunity to hear the sound world of these masters as they explore the possibilities of the violin and piano duo. Zanta is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music in New York and is a member of the Wits Trio in Johannesburg. She has even had a rose named after her! Elna received a BMus honours degree cum laude from Stellenbosch University and is an accomplished organist as well as pianist. Tickets are sold at the door from 6:45pm at R120 (scholars pay R30) and the show starts at 7:30 sharp.
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13 April 2016
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
13 April 2016
Letters to the Editor
CXPRESS
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Business planning not quite as mysterious as about appointing the right not had one for many years the Boson particle… people to do the right tasks after having kids. What I read the CXPRESS with great interest, and in your publication of March 30 you published some tips around tools for entrepreneurs [read the article on page 7 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. The fundamental element missing, however, is that of business planning - of which the strategic plan is the most critical component. This is in retrospect the most important component of any lender’s decision. A lender wants to see that critical strategic planning has gone into the business scenario. To make this subject more palatable for most people, I always start with personal strategy planning, as that must be in place in order for the business strategy to become effective. I presented the below information some time ago as a series of strategy assistance planning to various businesses: If I am assisting a business owner or director’s design and formulate a strategy for the future sustainability
of that business, I am often asked how important it is that their people are aligned to their strategy. Well, the easy answer is that this is of primary importance, as there must be some form of correlation in order to obtain that proverbial buy-in. That correlation is so vital that your people must arrive at work every day knowing that their performance on that day is vital to the business achieving its strategy targets and this performance contributes directly to their own life-time/family aspirations/plans, etc. While this is not an easy task, it is obtainable with the correct strategy implementation activity. So let me take business strategy down to family strategy. We all need a plan - this is not debatable, but just plain common sense. So we get married, move in together and here we start planning “together” for the first time. We soon realise that if we are both working, we need to share chores. This is
Rock art adorns Keurbooms Beach
at scheduled times. We might have to train ourselves, as we have to learn these new tasks in our personal life. Our careers now take precedence, as does our ongoing education. Next we need to plan for children, which involves additional costs, so we need to make sure we can cover these costs through either one or both ensuring that their career pays off. Now we consider some fun holiday such as a hotair balloon trip over Cappadocia. But where will the funds come from? He, she or both decide that they wish to participate in the Cape Epic mountain bike race. Again, this requires an extensive financial planning commitment plus extreme preparation around personal lives and careers on top of the nine-months training programme required to ensure that you are able to participate and complete the gruelling event. Throughout all this, maybe a kid or two arrive, so those challenges are followed by the trials of schooling, higher education, etc. A house purchase takes place, again involving planning around affordability, the risk of earnings and so on. Then we need to mitigate our earnings versus costs risk, so we take out contingency cover like life and accident insurance. Further along, we also need to plan for retirement, so it’s savings, annuities, pension funds… Life has started overtaking us by this time and we need a holiday as we have
about those lazy 10 days in Zanzibar our friends told us about? Well financial commitments - the list is endless. This entire process involves planning, budgeting, forecasting, borrowing and more. So it becomes apparent that there is a complete correlation with business strategy planning. And most importantly, in the absence of this personal planning process, our lives will resemble continuous scenes of chaos - no different from business planning or the lack thereof. The trick now is to align our personal plans with those of the business and, as we know, communication is one of the vital components that support strategy implementation. But how often do we fail in this vital area? We establish wonderful scientific and academically accredited balance scorecards that in most instances dictate behaviour rather than direct strategy correlation. Then we are puzzled as to why the strategy implementation fails. These scorecards are after all another form of communication and unless this is completely effective and relevant, our personnel will not relate to same. Get this area of measurement and correlation right, and half the job is done. Easy? Of course not - but not quite as elusive as the Boson particle, either. It just requires intuitive thinking and candid conversation with our people. Ian van Jaarsveld, Plett
No more Cuppa next month Graham Read of Arch Rock in Keurboomstrand shared these pics of interesting rock and driftwood creations he had stumbled upon while ambling along the beach a week or so ago. ‘There was no indication of whose handiwork it might have been,’ said Graham - so if you read here and know more, be sure to email esther@cxpress.co.za and claim credit for this work, or point us in the direction of anyone who may know more.
Please take note that the Cuppa for Cancer function, as advertised in CXPRESS of March 9, has been cancelled until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. I trust that this situation will not
inconvenience anybody. The placement of this advert to hold the function on May 9 was not intentionally meant to mislead the local residents of Plettenberg Bay. Coreen Morrow, Plett
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
13 April 2016
Gear up, petrolheads - Knysna Motor Show 2016 is around the corner… ARDEN Route Motor Club chairman Peter Pretorius invites all auto enthusiasts as well as the public and their families to come and experience a prestigious and exciting motor show in Knysna on
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COOL CARS, BAKGAT BIKES: The Knysna event is recognised as one of South Africa’s premier motor shows, attracting some of the best 300-400 cars and motorcycles in the land
Sunday May 1. With beautiful surroundings, fantastic cars and motorcycles, great people, delicious food, and a beer garden - all set in a countrystyle atmosphere - it is no wonder that the organisers
are excited. In addition, new car dealers and related trade stands will be placed strategically among the car and motorcycle displays. Over the past four years this local event has grown exponentially and is recognised as one of the country’s premier motor shows, attracting some of the best 300 to 400 cars and motorcycles in South Africa. Many accolades in this regard were received in 2015. The objective for 2016 is to again lift the standard, providing an opportunity for owners of high quality unique cars and motorcycles to be part of the display. The show is all about quality and not volume. To ensure that this vision is realised, all cars and motorcycles displayed are personally invited and selected. With the popularity of the Knysna Motor Show growing, it is estimated that in excess of 5,000 visitors will come and enjoy this year’s amazing display. The show’s car and motorcycle classification will be: • Classic cars with a bias towards sports cars; • Modern potential classic cars, sports and super cars; • Veteran and vintage cars and post-vintage cars built prior to 1940;
• Motorcycles - veteran, vintage, and classic road and racing motorcycles. Classic Car Africa will once again sponsor two Concours d’Elegance floating trophies. In addition, Auto Glym will sponsor the Style et Luxe floating trophy for the most elegant and luxurious car on view. The winners of these trophies will be selected by independent judges. The motorcycle floating trophy, sponsored by All Sound Security, will be awarded to the best bike on display. Besides providing the fellowship enjoyed by likeminded people, exhibitors
and the public, the motor show has been the source of much-needed funds for local charities. Over the past four years, close to R200,000 has been distributed to Hospice, Animal Welfare, E-Pap (children’s feeding scheme), the Knysna High School bursary fund, and FAMSA. The drive this year will again be to raise monies for these charities while enjoying an unforgettable day. This mega event is a spectacular celebration of all things that make a petrolhead’s heart beat faster and is definitely a must-attend motor show. The planning is well on target, and all
indications are that it will again be an awesome experience for petrolheads and other animals. You have to be there to feel the vibe! The event will take place on Sunday May 1 at the Knysna High School sports fields on Waterfront Drive. Gates are open to the public from 9:30am to 4pm and the entrance charge is R40 for adults and R10 for scholars (U12s enter free). For further information visit www.grmc.co.za and www.facebook.com/knys namotorshow or contact Peter Pretorius at peterp@ afrihost.co.za or on 082 321 4724. See the advert on this page for further details.
Belgians and friends spoilt in Gasoline Alley
TSITSIKAMMA STYLE: Four elegant old ladies, at left, called ‘Mercedes’ look even classier against the backdrop of quaint accommodation units at Storms River’s Tsitsikamma Village Inn during a recent classic car tour of the Garden Route and beyond
HE Belgian Classic Car Association organised a tour to South Africa for a group comprising 23 Belgian teams as well as one French, two Dutch and two Malaysian teams. The 56-strong group and their 28 classic cars travelled along the Western and Eastern Cape’s most scenic roads from March 12-26 after the cars arrived per shipping containers at Cape Town Harbour. Ranging from a 1986 600cc Citroen 2PK to a 1956 Mercedes 190 SL, the fleet also included 1966 E-Type Jaguars, 1957 Jaguar XKs, 1964 Austin Healeys, a 1963 Alfa Romeo Spider, a Morgan +4, and an immaculate 1957 MG Magnette. In total 2,675km was
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covered from the Cape to Oudtshoorn over the famous Swartberg Pass, then to Graaff Reinet, PE, Knysna, Swellendam, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch before they headed back to the Mother City. Says Garden Route Motor Club (GRMC) chair Peter Pretorius: “With the soft tops down, they enjoyed the scenery, tackling several gravel roads and even touring Addo Elephant Park where they saw kudu, zebra, elephants and more. On their return to Cape Town, the cars were containerised and shipped back to Belgium. “But the highlight of the tour was their visit to our beautiful Garden Route, where the Club arranged sightseeing visits to several
scenic spots in the area.” In a show of true South African hospitality, the visit was concluded with a spit-braai dinner hosted by GRMC members in Gasoline Ally in Knysna Industria, where the foreigners mingled with likeminded local auto enthusiasts. Pretorius thanks Brian Bruce for availing his beautiful car collection, as well as Frost Brothers and Bodge Engineering for affording the visitors a tour of their respective facilities. “Ron Hollis from Bodge Engineering even did some emergency repairs to some of the classic cars,” says Peter, adding that the group’s parting dinner in Bruce’s newly-completed facility was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
A very fine way to spend your Sunday Plett Athletics Club hosted a fun 5km Easter Egg Hunt Run around the polo fields of beautiful Kurland Estate on Sunday April 3. The run took place just before the Two-Goal Final and SA Open Polo matches, and was thoroughly enjoyed by speedsters and kids collecting Easter eggs alike. Says the club’s Vicki Meggersee: ‘Our après-run featured fabulous Woodstock craft gin and craft beer by Devils Peak, both of these being proud products of Cape Town. Plett’s very own Newstead served gourmet rolls, wine, and their special bubbles to add to the day’s festivities. The sun was shining and everyone could delight in a marvellous Sunday afternoon of polo and picnic on the hill at Kurland.’ With Vicki, at right in the pic above, are men’s winner Steven Harington, first female Claire Fleetwood, top girl Madelaine Anderson and best boy Max Morris.