16 November 2016

16 November 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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NEWS & VIEWS

16 November 2016

Cara’s heritage project leads to grandpa meeting his long-lost sister HE journey that would unite a 67-year-old grandfather from Empangeni in KwaZulu Natal and his sister, 60, in Richards Bay, started with a heritage project that Grade 5 pupils at Plettenberg Bay Primary School were tasked with a month or so ago.

Among them in Mrs Powell’s class was Cara Morris, a student here since Grade 1 and resident in Plett with her family - mom Debbie, dad Greg and little sis Demi - since 2009.

Cara’s granddad, Eddie Pratt, was born in 1949 and virtually grew up in a children’s home from the age of one, interspersed with visits to his mother when times were less than tough.

In 1955, he was adopted by Debbie’s grandparents. Born Edmund Anthony Warren, his adopted parents now changed his name to Edmund Arthur Pratt. Eddie’s sister was born after he was adopted - a fact he learnt when aged about seven, and told to him by his biological father on what turned out to be the final occasion they would see each other.

“His adoptive father ensured that his birth father was not to see him again,” explains Debbie’s sister Chantal McNally, who also lives in KZN, adding that her dad had a happy life with his adoptive parents and siblings. The sister he now knew existed was called Edith.

Back to the very recent past: Cara’s heritage project took the form of a family tree, which prompted mom Debbie to contact her cousin Michelle

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Allis, who lives in England and does genealogy as a hobby.

By the evening of October 19, Michelle had traced Eddie’s birth father’s family back to 1792. She had found his parents’ wedding certificate and the name of his sister was confirmed.

By the afternoon of October 22, Debbie and Michelle had linked a lady named Edith with the same surname and father to Eddie. Facebook further enabled the sleuthing couzies to ascertain that Edith lived in Richards Bay. Long story short, Cara’s aunt Chantal phoned the lady suspected of being her dad’s long lost sister and asked her if she had been adopted. She said yes and that her birth father was Edmund Thomas Warren.

“I answered that my dad’s birth father was also Edmund Thomas Warren,” says Chantal. “All that remained was to tell dad, who cried when hearing the wonderful news. More happy tears followed when Edith phoned back and spoke to Dad.”

By October 24, Edith and Eddie met at Chantal’s house – a 60-year quest concluded, and all of that thanks to Cara’s family tree task.

Among the many similarities between the siblings are that both Eddie and Edith have three children and eight grandchildren each. And although Plett’s family Morris will probably only trek to KZN next year Christmas again, Cara is already looking forward to meeting all her new couzies!

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY: Cara Morris and Mrs Meggan Powell with the photo serving as proof that Cara’s family-tree research had an unexpectedly awe-inspiring outcome - Photo: Brendon Morris

MAKE THE CIRCLE BIGGER: Plett’s Morris family of mom Debbie, dad Greg, and sisters Demi and Cara just found out that they have some new relatives waiting to meet them

EDDIE MEETS EDITH: During their first-ever get-together, the siblings found they had a lot in common and a lifetime of catching up to do Photo: Chantal McNally

La Luna New or 2nd hand toys THANK YOU!

NEWS & VIEWS

16 November 2016

Grisly details of Diepwalle murder remembered Knysna Magistrate’s Court was packed yet again on Monday, when the man accused of brutally murdering a young SANParks ranger from Diepwalle recently, took his place in the dock YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HE body of 27-year-old Felicia Oktober was found in a pool of blood in the kitchen of her Diepwalle home on August 25, with 13 stab wounds including a slit throat.

Her 29-year-old partner, Gary van Rensburg, was arrested in George in connection with the crime the following day.

Van Rensburg appeared in court on Monday November 14, following an unsuccessful bail bid on September 27. The court found that there were no exceptional circumstances warranting his release.

A large group of Oktober’s family, members of the Diepwalle community and several women’s rights activists gathered at court in an attempt to make their voices heard over Oktober’s murder, and other crimes against women and children.

The matter was, however, postponed to January 13 next year for further investigation. The case is expected to be transferred

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16 Days campaign kicks off in Knysna NYSNA Municipality’s Social Development department is partnering with various governmental and non-profit organisations in solidarity with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children from November 25 to December 10, and World Aids Day on December 1.

The Social Development team, together with the Western Cape department of Local Government, will kick off their campaign with a Human Trafficking Training Workshop from November 21-24.

This programme will be presented in the Rheenendal Community Hall on November 21, at Khayalethu Hall on the 22nd, at Chris Nissen Primary School Hall on the 23rd, and at Vermont Old Age Home and Chris Hani Hall on November 24.

Said Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies: “Human trafficking is a serious problem to which we should not turn a blind eye. Some people associate such crimes with the big cities, but that is no longer the case, as human trafficking syndicates target victims everywhere in the country.

“These criminals are gradually becoming organised crime syndicates, making use of the most despicable means of deception to abduct and traffic both children and adults.

We need to be constantly aware of our surroundings, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.”

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to Knysna’s Regional Court.

According to testimony given during Van Rensburg’s bail application proceedings, the couple had allegedly had a rocky relationship including suspicions of an affair.

When investigating officer Constable Claudine Constabel took the witness stand, she shared grisly details of Oktober’s final moments.

She testified that on the day of her murder, members of Oktober’s family suspected something was amiss and went to her house to investigate. When they arrived they allegedly found that all the doors, gates and windows of her home had been locked.

She said a neighbour then brought a ladder and peered through a window where he saw a pool of blood on the floor and blood splatters against the wall.

Family and friends then forced their way inside by using a tar pole to break down a door, and found Oktober’s body in the kitchen.

Police found three knifes as well as a panga on the scene. One of the knives’ blades was bent and the panga was found above her head.

Constabel added that the victim sustained 13 stab wounds including cuts to her throat, head, left cheek, stomach, and the back of her neck.

Police also found a piece of flesh with hair on the scene, suggesting it was pulled from her head.

Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

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16 November 2016

COUNCIL NEWS

NEWS & VIEWS

16 November 2016

Clever Georgians reach final round of TV quiz challenge HE Cape’s smartest kids went head-tohead in the regional heats of Nickelodeon’s Genius.

After a gruelling two days of maths quizzes, science experiments and problem-solving tasks, teams from Glenwood House in George and Curro in Durbanville made it through to the next leg of the popular TV quiz show.

Each team of three pupils has won a R50,000 Absa MegaU bank account and a Cambridge Publishing donation of R10,000 worth of books for their schools.

The two qualifying teams from the Cape will next appear in the Nickelodeon’s Genius TV game show, where they will square up against teams from all over South Africa.

A total of 57 kids aged 1116 from schools throughout

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the province gathered at the Royal Cape Yacht Club on October 19 and 20 to take part in the Genius workshop and quiz knockout, designed to test their maths and science know-how to the limit as part of the joint initiative between Nickelodeon and Absa.

“All the kids in Cape Town showed resilience and spirit. The competition was very tight but our two finalists really knew their stuff, and 100% deserved to get through,” said Nickelodeon Africa channel director Tasania Parsadh.

“Although only two teams could be selected, everyone who took part should be extremely proud of themselves. We are super-stoked for the winning teams and cannot wait to see them competing in the finals.”

Nickelodeon’s Genius is

powered by Absa MegaU and supported by the Government’s Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Final winning team members will each receive a R100,000 MegaU account and an unforgettable visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, USA where the winners will eat lunch with a real, live astronaut - including a trip to Universal Studios.

The winning schools will receive books and educational material worth R30,000, courtesy of Cambridge Publishing.

Initial highlights of Nickelodeon’s Genius regional heats and workshops will air on NickToons (DStv channel 308) from December, and the game show will air from March 2017.

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CXPRESS

TICKETS R80 AT THE GARDENS

FOUR LOVELY PLETT GARDENS ON SHOW

CONTACT MARSJA HALLGREEN 073 645 9476 or 044 533 4578

Plett Open Gardens SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 10:00 to 16:00 TEA AND CAKE AT OULAND ROYALE RESTAURANT AS WELL AS PAWS PLANT AND CAKE SALE PROCEEDS TO RAFFLE FOR PAINTING

BY DAVID HALL-GREEN

PURE GENIUS: From left are siblings Matthew and Nicole van Helsdingen and friend Derick Hill, who attends Glenwood House with Nicole, while Matthew is a York High boy

Get to know our George geniuses…

Nicole van Helsdingen, 12, Grade 6, Glenwood House Nicole entered the competition because she would like to travel. She loves science and maths, loves solving problems and taking on a challenge with her very enquiring mind.

She really wanted her brother in her team as they are both strong in maths and science. She chose Derick Hill as the other team member as he has the same strengths, having won numerous competitions and recently coming first countrywide in a maths and bioscience olympiad.

Nicole was diagnosed with a coarctation of the aorta

in November last year at George Hospital and has since received two heart procedures at Red Cross Memorial Hospital. She has missed a lot of school due to this but is determined to get fit and strong and live a full life.

She would like to buy a ukulele and learn to play it.

She would also like to save some money for next year to buy her twin sister, Kim, a ticket to Joburg for the final round.

Matthew van Helsdingen, 15, Grade 8, York High After attending Glenwood House during his primary school career, Matthew moved to York High in

Grade 8. He is academically strong but also loves his sport. He is very musical and would like to buy a guitar and some equipment for Upstream, a new band he and his friends have started.

Derick Hill 15, Grade 9, Glenwood House Strong academically, Derick also loves music and drama. He is also an ace at doing magic tricks and entertained all the participants at Nickelodeon’s Genius with his card tricks on stage. With his winnings, he would like to buy a really good poker set so he can earn pocket money at a casino to complement his studies one day.

FAMSA Knysna is hosting a

Christmas Charity Dinner & Wine Auction on 9 December 2016 at the Knysna Golf Club.

Tickets are available at the FAMSA Knysna Office at R 250.00 per person.

The evening includes a 3 course dinner and live entertainment.

Dress Code is Black Tie / Formal.

All funds raised will go towards the work of FAMSA Knysna, including the Plettenberg Bay satellite office.

Contact FAMSA Knysna on 044 382 5129 or knysna@famsa.org.za to book your tickets.

Limited seating available, so ensure to book early to avoid disappointment.

Wines proudly sponsored by

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

16 November 2016

Knysna stars now get their Tshisa turn INCE 2008, the Plettenberg Bay-based Tshisa Talent team has been discovering, training, and promoting the wonderful talent that abounds throughout the various communities of Bitou.

Thanks to the National Arts Council of South Africa and Knysna Municipality, this talent promotion organisation is now thrilled to announce a competition geared especially and exclusively for Knysna residents, with auditions taking place from November 28 to December 6.

This proudly local project has attracted the attention of many wonderfully talented and widely acclaimed celebrities to our area, so here’s looking forward to the first Knysna Grand Finale in 2017.

Please visit www.tshisatalent.co.za for details, or contact Gaillene on 044 533 0942 or at admin@lunchbox.org.za to secure your audition.

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Notice Board

GREEN GLORY: Diarise the Miniature Gardens Exhibition at Knysna Mall from November 2426, and Plett’s Open Gardens on Saturday

• A miniature garden is a living garden on a tiny scale and looks like a full-sized garden that has literally shrunk in size. All the elements relate in scale and proportion to each other, and stay that way as the garden grows together.

The gardening world is currently fascinated with these living works of art, and members of Gardening@Leisure club are proud to present the first exhibition of these little gems to inspire all gardeners especially the elderly, who may no longer manage traditional gardening.

Says the club’s Louise Lok: “It’s a perfect outlet for creative minds: if you can dream it, you can miniaturise it.”

In the 1950s, nursery owner Anne Ashberry of Essex, England, created the first known miniature gardens. She originally began planting these in troughs set on pedestals to enable handicapped and older people to continue gardening in comfort.

She then gave these small gardens to people living in apartments or to those with small balconies or courtyards.

“Gardening@Leisure’s Miniature Gardens Exhibition will be the first of its kind on the Garden Route and it is hoped that it will become an annual event. It will replace our popular Knysna Open Gardens, which is regrettably no longer viable due to drought conditions and ongoing water restrictions,” explains Louise.

Call Kathy on 082 320 8302 or Esther on 072 466 1781 to enter or find out more about the miniature garden exhibition at Knysna Mall from November 24-26, and turn to page 5 for details on this weekend’s much anticipated Plett Open Gardens.

• Please take note that the fundraising concert for Hospice Plett, Armed Man - A Mass for Peace at Piesang Valley Hall on December 15, will start at 8pm and NOT at 7pm as previously published. Doors will open at 7:15pm. Tickets cost R250 and readers can contact Lady Conyngham at aconyngham@telkomsa.net or on 044 533 5178 for tickets and table reservations.

PERFORMERS PTY LTD: Tshisa Talent founder Stuart Palmer, at left in front, surrounded by celebs during last year’s glitzy finals gala evening - with him from left are actress Lika Berning, Eco Warrior and singer Wendy Oldfield, actress Nomboniso Paile, playwright and director Ismail Mahomed, actor Clyde Berning, Eddie Koeberg of ‘Idols’ fame, and comedian Marc Lottering - Photo: Sharyn Hodges

BUSINESS

16 November 2016

How to leave your job and land on your feet S the end of 2016 creeps closer, the idea of a fresh career start in 2017 is appealing to many.

But visions of firing off that resignation letter, closing the door of your old office behind you one last time, and stepping into a brilliant new career filled with excitement and opportunity should be tempered by the real work and strategy required to successfully move from one job or career to another, according to an expert.

General Manager of The Independent Institute of Education Peter Kriel says every year thousands of working people enrol in part-time or distance courses, or for a higher degree, seeking to either enter a new field or improve their qualifications with the aim of furthering their careers.

“Boosting your academic qualifications is a great way to ensure your career keeps moving in the right direction,” he says, but adds that this step should be one part of a broader strategy.

“Before you hire a choir to announce your joyous resignation, make sure you have ticked the boxes on the following steps. Failure to do so could mean that you find yourself out of a job and without solid prospects in an extremely tough economic environment.”

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Determine if indeed you should leave After a few months of unrelenting stress and pressure, it can be tempting to throw caution to the wind, says Kriel.

However, sit down and take a long, hard look at your reasons for wanting to move.

A job in hand is always better than three in the bush, and it could be that there are opportunities where you are right now.

Write down the reasons for your desire to move: are they mostly push factors (terrible boss, terrible pay, company culture), or are there many pull factors (enticing new career, great company you’ve been eyeing, new field with new opportunities) as well?

Author and career strategist Jenny Blake gives great advice when she says that one should remember to keep focus on what IS working, and not just focus on what’s NOT working, in order to make an informed decision when considering a career change.

Do your research and test the waters If you do decide to move on, don’t give up while you’re trying to move up, Kriel advises.

This means that you continue to give your best at work and grow every day, but at the same time you investigate careers and positions that inter-

est you, attend industry networking events, speak to people who are already doing what you would like to do, look at vacancies in the field, find niche growth areas and determine what a move would entail.

Chart the waters Once you have determined that you want to move on and what you would like to do, plot a strategy for the most efficient and effective way to get there.

Take everything into account: potential loss of income, reduced income when starting out, time required to execute your plan, resources required.

Make sure that you take all information into account, and develop a plan that works for you.

For instance, it might not be necessary to give up your day job if you are able to do an online short course to get a foot in the door in a new industry.

Set sail Once you have mapped out your plan, start taking action immediately.

Ensure you know when deadlines for registration are, that you have the required documentation, that your CV is in order and updated, and that you keep your ear to the ground for opportunities in your new field.

It is also very important that when the time comes, you leave your current position with grace and bridges intact.

Lillian Bususu, Gradu-

ate Development Manager at The IIE’s Rosebank College, which every year places thousands of students in new positions, says it is crucial to leave on as positive a note as possible, not least because it increases one’s chances of getting a better reference which will help with future job hunts.

“While investigating your brilliant new career and setting plans in motion, it is imperative to keep things confidential and under wraps for as long as possible. But when the time comes, play open cards.

“The last thing you want is for your boss to hear the news through the grapevine. That is embarrassing for all parties, and might ruin the good relationship you enjoyed in the past.”

Bususu adds that when leaving a position, one should make an appointment with your manager to notify them of your intentions, which should be followed up with a formal, polite written resignation letter.

“Some bosses will try and counter offer with a better package, but as good as it may sound, you must refuse. Resist counter offers and stick to your initial decision.

If you accept a counter offer, you are essentially saying that you can be bought and by doing so, you lose credibility.

“You have made up your mind to move on, so believe in yourself and your new path.”

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16 November 2016

Any wee little ones?

RS Donovan was walking down O’Connell Street in Dublin when she met up with Father Flaherty.

The Father said: “Top o’ the mornin’ to ye! Aren’t ye Mrs Donovan and didn’t I marry ye and yer hoosband two years ago?”

She replied: “Aye, that ye did, Father.”

The Father asked: “And be there any wee little ones yet?”

She replied: “No, not yet, Father.”

The Father said: “Well now, I’m going to Rome next week and I’ll light a fertility candle for ye and yer hoosband.”

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She replied: “Oh, thank ye, Father.”

They then parted ways, and some years later they met again.

The Father asked: “Well now, Mrs Donovan, how are ye these days?”

She replied: “Oh, very well, Father!”

The Father asked: “And tell me, have ye any wee ones yet?”

She replied: “Oh yes, Father! Two sets of twins and six singles, ten in all!”

The Father said: “That’s wonderful! And how is yer loving hoosband doing?”

She replied: “E’s gone to Rome to blow out yer fookin’ candle.”

Teacher: “Where were you born?”

Student: “Tiruvananthapuram.”

Teacher: “Spell it.”

Student: “Sorry, I meant Goa.”

Fishing on thin ice... drunk decides to go ice fishing, so he gathers his gear and goes walking around until he finds a big patch of ice.

He heads into the center of the ice and begins to saw a hole.

All of a sudden, a loud booming voice comes out of the sky: “You will find no fish under that ice.”

The drunk looks around, but sees no one. He starts sawing again.

Once more, the voice speaks: “As I said before, there are no fish under the ice.”

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The drunk looks all around, high and low, but can’t see a single soul. He picks up the saw and tries one more time to finish.

Before he can even start cutting, the huge voice interrupts: “I have warned you three times now.

There are no fish!”

The drunk is now flustered and somewhat scared, so he asks the voice: “How do you know there are no fish? Are you God trying to warn me?”

“No,” the voice replies, “I am the manager of this ice hockey rink.”

INTERVAL

Selfies... sometimes they go wrong

SOCIAL SCENE

16 November 2016 DAVID RITCHIE ROCKS! On Friday night, born and bred Plett boy and shortterm CXPRESS contributor David Ritchie, 26, raked in the highest accolade that journalists in South Africa can aspire to. “The Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards are a means of recognising skill in the all-important arena of news and information dissemination. Winning it has become a prestigious career achievement, with the overall national winner receiving R100,000 and much professional acknowledgement,” said judging panel convenor Mary Papayya, pictured here with David and Vodacom Corporate Affairs head honcho Takalani Netshitenzhe, at left, during the awards event. The fact that nearly a thousand of the country’s top journos entered the 2016 competition makes this ex-Oakhill student’s accomplishment all the more impressive. David matriculated in 2008 and then studied photography for two years at Prestige Academy in the Cape, during which time he supplied CXPRESS with a number of newsy stories and pics. He then job-shadowed and freelanced at The Argus, where he was offered a full-time job in 2011. David’s photo at left, picturing the burning of UCT art treasures during February’s Shackville protests, was held as but one example of his exceptional photojournalistic skills. The CXPRESS team is nearly as proud of David as are his parents, Lisa and Michael Ritchie. So if you bump into them going about their business in Plettenberg Bay, remember to shake on their son’s selection as top reporter in the R of SA!

SUPERBOWLS CLUB QUIZ: A full 15 teams took part in a Charity Sports Quiz held at Plett Bowling Club last Friday night. Participants were bombarded with questions covering all aspects of SA and international sports, but most came through unscathed… In a hard-fought contest the winners hailed from Lodestone Wines, followed by Goose Valley Swallows, Plett Bowling Club, Helen Melon Properties, and Hashtags from Wittedrift School. Generous sponsorship from Sanlam Private Wealth, Plett Sports, Helen Melon, the Print Shop and Bodyknots resulted in R5,000 being raised and split between the NSRI and Plett Surf Lifesaving Club. Organiser Barry Ricketts, at top right, was delighted with the overall success of this new venture, and plans to repeat the event next year. Hopefully those Plett clubs who missed out will manage to enter teams in future, while club teams from Knysna will also be most welcome. At top right with Barry are winners Rohan Tonkin, Kenny and Di McEwan, and John Tonkin of Lodestone Wines with their Plett Sports-sponsored trophy. At right, Plett Bowls president Rodney Hill presents their loot to NSRI representative Chris Shorn and Gerhard van Huyssteen of Plett Surf, right.

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People, places & events

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CXPRESS

16 November 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

16 November 2016

Letters to the Editor

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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

Measuring lifespans in full-moon maths I enjoyed the interesting little article on the “Supermoon� of November 14 [read it on page 4 of the November 9 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

Your readers will find an informative, short video clip on the subject on the

www.space.com website.

Whilst trying to stop thinking about Mr Trump last week, I thought I’d play around with a few numbers to do with full moons. John Nesbitt’s full moon painting [revisit it on page 11 of last week’s

Child needs a hiding and parents need to pay up I read that the case against Leigh Dunn for sexual assault has come to nothing after the child testified under cross examination that the crime for which Dunn was accused did not happen. [Read the report on page 3 of the November 9 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

There is no mention of what action has been taken against the child.

I hope it was a b---y good hiding and that his parents/guardian have to pay the wasted legal costs and then of course there is the civil action that Dunn may have for damages, etc.

WE Harrison, Plett

e-edition] was completed in February 1954.

In that month, full moon fell on the 17th at 7:18pm. Since then, there will have been 759 full moons, including the one on November 14 (Monday’s Supermoon night).

About every three years, we have two full moons

in a given month as its so-called orbital period is approximately 27.32 days.

Days between John’s busy evening and November 14 totalled 22,916.

I’m told our average lifespan is about 30,000 days.

Suppose I’d better get on with my Bucket List‌ Dave, Knysna

Short shots As organisers, we are forever grateful for the excellent coverage and placement of our Plett Open Gardens story in CXPRESS of November 9 [read it on page 5 of that edition at www. cxpress.co.za and see the advert on page 5 of this edition].

It ensured invaluable publicity for this fundraiser and is sure to entice many readers to attend and support PAWS through their entry fees

and support of the cake and plant sales.

Marsja Hall-Green, Plett --I was pleasantly surprised to find my flying pig photograph in your November 9 edition [check it out on page 11 of our e-edition].

As the Eden Kite Fest event was sponsored by a well-known supermarket, I think they missed a trick by not billing this creature as ‘Pig n Pay’!

John Magill, Knysna

Veggie patch and other delights add to Crags offerings Ogilvy Terblanche and his son, MornĂŠ, have turned their Crags emporium into a great pleasure on our section of the N2 highway.

Now Adele, MornÊ’s lady-wife, has simply excelled herself: she has put

together a little restaurant attached to the shop, mostly on the verandah, that is quite outstanding in its fabulousness.

It is breathtakingly charming, decorated in an astoundingly stylish manner, and has been

cleverly done in such a way that one is entirely unaware of the petrol station and highway.

One is simply enchanted by the space and its garden - quite something is its marvellous and pleasantly-very-visible,

wonderfully-productive vegetable patch.

Hats off to Adele Terblanche is what it amounts to, and THANK you for contributing this boon to The Crags in such a wonderful way.

Martin Rattray, Plett

Pine Trees kids will benefit from your seasonal help I would like to take this opportunity to tell CXPRESS readers about our annual Christmas Party in December.

We always host this event for the underprivileged children of the Pine Trees community - this is the time when we try giving every child a smile, es-

pecially those who would not otherwise have received presents.

We are now welcoming pledges to our organisation, the Pine Trees Community Outreach Project, and any goods or donations in kind towards our Christmas Party for 200 children

will be very much appreciated, as it is sure to make a child happy.

Financial contributions are also most welcome - please contact me at s h a u n t e r bl a n c h e 2 6 @ gmail.com or at pine treesproject@gmail.com and call 073 513 5119 or 063 531 8090 for account

details and additional information.

And please do feel free to share our special request with your friends, associates, colleagues, and business partners.

Shaun Terblanche: Pine Trees Community Outreach project director, Plett

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

16 November 2016

Schlechter trio’s Worlds campaign couldn’t end better

GOLDEN BOY: Gustav Schlechter shows Olympian form as he motors towards first place in the Boys U/15 category, centre below

ARASOTA in the US Sunshine State of Florida played host to the World Biathle Championships from October 2123, and among the 500+ contenders from 25 countries featured three members of a particularly talented Plett family.

Veteran athlete Marius Schlechter - who featured on these pages when representing SA in the same sporting discipline’s world champs in George during September 2015 - was this year joined by his high-performing offspring, making it a first for three members of the same family to be chosen for the same SA team.

“After the SA Biathle/Triathle/Laser-Run Championships in Bela Bela during July, Gustav, Lara, and I were chosen to represent South Africa at the World Champs,” explains Marius.

“Biathle is a run-swim-run event, similar to triathlon but minus the biking leg. In order to be selected for the national team, we had to qualify by taking part in the SWD/ Eden Champs, Western Cape Champs, and then the SAs.” At the Worlds, Gustav reigned supreme in the Boys U/15 category, claiming gold in the individual section while also starring as member of the outfit that won gold in the team competition.

“He also took part in the Boy/Girl mixed relay, where they took the silver medal,” says Marius. “So he was the most successful member of our family, coming home with two gold medals and a silver.”

Sister and fellow student at Outeniqua High in George, Lara took part in the Girls U/17 category, gaining a very respectable 14th place individually and scoring a bronze in the team competition.

Taking part in the Masters (aged 50-59) category, Marius managed to pull off in fabulous fifth place, doing his district and country proud in the process.

Of course there’s a mother in the wings who deserves due credit for her unwavering support: here’s three CXPRESS cheers to Plett Secondary teacher Tania Schlechter for her part in ensuring this admirable local trio’s international success.

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