17 june by CXpress

17 June 2015 We wish all our dads a marvellous Father’s Day on Sunday June 21!

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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Robbery turns life-threatening p3

American tourist raped p4

Marty’s party pics

Photo: Sharyn Hodges - www.sharynhodges.co.za

p11

Local photographer Sharyn Hodges captured the pretty family Gahler from Pretoria during their recent visit to Plett - page through this edition for great ideas to entertain your favourite father figure on June 21

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News & Views

17 June 2015

A place where birds don’t sing

Walking in the footsteps of innocent thousands who died at Dachau HENK BOLHUIS follows on his memoirs of growing up in the Netherlands during World War II with this account of a visit a few years ago to Dachau concentration camp in Bavaria

T is Saturday morning, a beautiful spring day in Germany. I have just arrived at Dachau Station in the state of Bavaria, Southern Germany, with the 09:21 stop-train from Munich - a short journey of only about 20 minutes. It is a very small station, looking virtually deserted. Only eight other people get off the train and they look as though they are also tourists. The little town of Dachau, established more than 1,200 years ago in AD 805, is situated a few kilometres to the North-West of Munich and lies peacefully and picturesque in the beautiful Bavarian countryside with its majestic mountains, green valleys and fast flowing rivers and streams. Dachau, today, has about

40,000 inhabitants; it has virtually always been a small and insignificant market town. However, it became better known when, in 1933, the first of many of Nazi-Germany’s concentration camps was established just outside the town. It is beautifully situated on a hill with lovely twostorey dwellings, most of them painted white with predominantly red or black roofs. Many of the houses are adorned with flower boxes full of red geraniums on ground-floor windowsills or hanging from the balconies. From where I am standing, in front of the station, I can see on the summit of the hill the ancient castle of Wittelsbachs, built at the end of the ninth century, and a small

STRIPPED OF HUMANITY: Inmates at Dachau had very few prospects other than being worked to death, dying of starvation or disease, or simply being murdered (MünchenIllustriertePress 16.07.1933 -http://fict.edu/ holocaust/resource/ gallery/dachau.html)

(Turn to page 15 for a letter from a Knysna reader regarding Henk’s series of articles)

parish church, dating back to 1625. The reason for my visit here today is because of my background. I grew up during World War II when the Netherlands was under Nazi-German occupation for five years, memories of which I have shared with CXPRESS readers over the past four weeks. As a result of my own experiences, I have always had an interest in WWII history and have read much about the horror stories of Germany’s National-Socialist concentration camps. Outside the train station I soon locate the bus stop for #724, which will take me to within walking distance of the camp. As I wait for my bus to arrive, I notice a poster inside the bus stop shelter, it says: Dnwv"Urgpfgp"/"Ngdgp"Tgvvgp0 How ironic, I think, that today in Dachau there is this poster asking for blood donations to save people’s lives, yet about 70 years ago, only a few kilometres from here, the blood of thousands of innocent human beings was spilled and their lives destroyed. After a few minutes, my bus arrives and it takes only about eight minutes before I find myself within 100m of the entrance of the former infamous concentration camp ‘KZ (Mqp|gpvtcvkqpncigt) Dachau’ at Kufsteiner Strasse. Most people are probably familiar with the names of the major concentration camps such as Auschwitz, Bergen Belsen, Zobibor, Ravensbruck, Treblinka, etc. But few

will know that between 1933 and 1945 the Nazis actually had about 20,000 camps situated all over occupied Europe. The concentration camps fell into one of three categories: forced-labour camps, extermination camps, and transit camps; some, however, were a combination of all three. Originally, the camp inmates were mostly political detainees, German Communists and other opponents of the regime, but they housed also Gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals and others, deemed by the Nazi leadership to exhibit so-called socially deviant behaviour. But later as the persecution of the Jews in Germany and in the occupied countries in Europe increased, most of the camps were eventually flooded with Jews. History has recorded the imprisonment of millions of people considered by the Nazis as enemies of the State in these concentration camps, and records show that more than three-million were either worked to death, died of starvation or disease, or were simply murdered. This figure is over and above the estimated six-million Jews who perished, most of them in the gas chambers of Auschwitz-Birkenau. KZ Dachau was unique in that it was the very first concentration camp built by the National-Socialists after Hitler and his followers seized power in Germany on January 30, 1933, and created the Third Reich. Just 11 days after becoming Munich’s Chief of Police on

March 20, Heinrich Himler proudly announced at a press conference the fact that Germany’s first camp for “undesirables” would be built in Dachau. On the next day the press announced: “The first concentration camp, with a capacity of 5,000, will be established in the neighbourhood of Dachau.” (*1) The camp, which originally was an abandoned WWI munitions factory, became in the words of Barbara Distel: “...a powerful reservoir of slave labourers comprised of prisoners from all over Europe [and] would be, for the SS, the ideal training ground for murder.” (*2) As I walk towards the present-day camp entrance, the first thing I notice is the perimeter fences - the high outer barbed-wire fence which, at the time when the camp was in operation, was electrified and today is still fitted with the original electrification equipment and flood lights every few metres. The inner fence is situated about 20m inside the outer fence, with a small concrete ditch in between; this is the area the SS guards used to patrol with their Alsatian guard dogs. In addition, there are watchtowers placed about every 100m, from where the guards with their machine guns at the ready could keep a close eye on those inside the fences. When I walk through the gate and enter the camp, I notice that most of the prisoners’ barracks and dormitories have been demolished by the

Allies after the war, but two single rows of barracks on either side of a wide street have been left standing and today serve as silent monuments to those who once lived and died here. The camp’s main administration building as well as the SS quarters, prison cells and crematoriums, however, have been left untouched until this day. The street that runs between the two halves of the camp, is called ‘Street of the Spirits’ and is lined on both sides with high poplar trees - this is where the prisoners were sometimes allowed to meet and enjoy social contact. There are only a few visitors here this Saturday morning, maybe a hundred or so, and they appear to comprise many different nationalities. Most of them walk in little groups, their faces sombre and some seem visibly distressed. Not only is it obvious to me that this is not a place where one hears much laughter as for instance at other, more popular, German tourist places, but suddenly - after having been inside for a while - something rather unusual strikes me. Although the camp lies in an area surrounded with lots of trees, I see and hear no birds on this beautiful spring morning. It is absolutely quiet, and I think to myself: ‘This is a place where birds do not sing.’ * Bibliography: (1) Dachau Concentration Camp by Barbara Distel ‘Comité International de Dachau’ 1972 page 1, (2) p1. Vq"dg"eqpvkpwgf000

News & Views

17 June 2015

CXPRESS

Local man cautions public after being beaten, stabbed, and robbed outside Plett pub A Plett resident was severely injured after being attacked by four men just outside the Bush Pub on the N2 in the early morning hours of Sunday June 7, shortly after closing and cash-up - NIKKI RIDLEY reports ROBBERY NOW LIFETHREATENING: After suffering multiple stab wounds and a collapsed lung, Terrance Tuffin released these images on social media as warning for locals to be vigilant

HE victim, 37-year-old Terrance Tuffin - who stayed behind after closing time at the request of the pub’s owner, to escort her - was walking back past the pub to his own car when he was jumped by four men wearing balaclavas. They hit Tuffin over the back of the head and then proceeded to stab him numerous times, demanding the keys to the pub and taking his cellphone, wallet, car keys, and a heavy silver chain with great sentimental value. ‘Terry’, as he is known to family and friends, fought back and said he thought he managed to knock two of them down before they got

his things (he did not, in fact, have the keys to the pub), also suspecting that it was their intention to incapacitate him before taking the spoils. It could have been worse incapacitation, however, as his injuries include multiple stab wounds to his head, his mouth, his wrist, and one to the back that punctured his lung and caused it to collapse. Though affected by shock and medication administered by the emergency services, Tuffin recalls various details including what he assumed to be the youth of the attackers. “They seemed very young - between 15 and 19, from their voices and the way they were acting - and were very hyped up. They attacked together from all sides, and hit me over the back of the head, once with a brick, I think, and then with a plank.” A local resident living near the pub was alerted to the attack by dogs barking, and surmises that the barking sent the attackers running. Tuffin was taken to Knysna Provincial Hospital where he was stitched, with two of his head wounds stapled closed. He was also treated for the collapsed lung, and was released on June 10. He is currently recuperating, and looking forward to returning to work at a wine farm in The Crags, despite the severity of this injuries

and nerve damage to his right hand from the stab wound in his wrist. In light of the escalation of robbery-motivated crime to include life-threatening violence, and urged to do so by a friend, Tuffin has made details of his ordeal public because of a possible link between this attack and others by men in balaclavas in the Harkerville area. He warns people to be extra vigilant “especially at night”. --• ‘DO YOU THINK WE ARE SCARED OF PRISON? LOL!’ • ‘So wt mut oz dun? Bang wies vi di trunk. Lol’ These responses were re-

ceived from the men who attacked Terrance Tuffin when a friend sent a message to his stolen phone, saying that the pub has CCTV and that they would be caught. Pub owner Nicky Hart was shocked by the attack. “We have never had a reason to feel unsafe here before. There are always people coming and going.” Nevertheless, Hart said that while they have never had any incidents at the pub before, other attacks in the surrounding area had led locals to suspect a connection. “A friend of ours was taken out badly about a month ago in Fisanthoek - also by four men in balaclavas - and an

elderly couple were also attacked about 5km away by four men in balaclavas a year ago.” She added that she didn’t think the attackers were youths, “just small”. Nicky explained the futility of any cash robbery attempt at the pub. “There’s no cash on the property. We have a drop-safe. Terrance was just escorting me, and I’d already left when this happened. “We are installing more cameras and laser beams as well as extra cameras in our parking lot to protect our customers. ADT has been wonderful as well, and they are doing constant drive-bys. “I’m so sorry this happened to Terrance. He is my hero.

We are also desperate to get that chain back - it was a gift from his grandfather. It’s a big heavy silver chain with flat links.” Hart added that people had posted information on social media immediately after the attack and she thanked everyone who put in notifications, but added: “Please be careful to not give criminals more info than they already have.” A spokesperson for the Plett police said on Monday that there is no evidence linking the Bush Pub incident to the earlier attack in Fisanthoek. • As I was sitting at the Bush Pub chatting to Nicky Hart, she received this Whats App notoce:‘Armed robbery at jeweller, Thesen Island. Cops chasing robbers toward Plett...’ - see the story on p5.

CXPRESS

News & Views

17 June 2015

Tourist treated after rape on Sunday run in Tsitsikamma Two men are scheduled to appear in the Storms River magistrate’s court today after the alleged rape of an American tourist in the usually tranquil Tsitsikamma area on Sunday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

HE 47-year-old American woman was attacked by two young men while jogging along the coast near Storms River. Police spokesman Warrant Officer Gerda Swart said the men allegedly overpowered the jogger at about 12pm and took turns to rape her in a secluded area off her jogging route. “After the incident the men fled the scene and the victim was taken to Storms River police station where a case was opened,” Swart said. South African National Parks (SANParks) Garden Route spokesman Nandi Mgwadlamba said the tourist had been staying at a private lodge adjacent to the Tsitsikamma section of the park and was jogging from her accommodation towards the park’s Dolphin Trail. “While jogging she was

chased and raped by two men in a bushy area about 1km from where she was staying east of the Storms River area of the park,” Mgwadlamba said. She added that the woman was rushed to a hospital in Knysna for observation and medical attention before she flew to Johannesburg.

Mgwadlamba praised the police for their swift action. “We wish the victim all the strength in this difficult time and we are confident that the perpetrators will face the full might of the law. “The area in which the victim was attacked is part of a hiking trail which is usually booked overnight and pro-

‘While jogging she was chased and raped by two men in a bushy area about 1 kilometre from where she was staying - the area is part of a hiking trail which is usually booked overnight’ Swart said that shortly after the matter was reported, police launched a search effort in an attempt to locate and apprehend the suspects. “At about 7:30pm on Sunday detectives arrested two male suspects. The one is 25 years old and the other 26.”

vides guided walks,” she said. This was not the first time the picturesque stretch of the Garden Route has been hit by sex crime. In November 2013, a day visitor to the lookout point near the Tsitsikamma suspension bridge was attacked and almost

raped, before a tour operator came across the incident and intervened. In July 2010, a 22-year-old Dutch nursery school volunteer was allegedly raped by 27-year-old Francois Klaasen. She was walking home when Klaasen, who was known to her, approached her and offered to walk with her. He allegedly overpowered her in a wooded area and raped her. He was convicted and sentenced to 10 years behind bars shortly after the incident. Three men were arrested within hours of allegedly raping two Belgian tourists near Port Elizabeth on Tuesday. And in 2000, two Belgian hitchhikers were raped in the Storms River area by three men who offered them a lift. They later escaped when the men stopped at a Kareedouw petrol station.

Security beefed up at Plett preschool after alleged abuse

POPULAR Plett preschool has beefed up security after a six-year-old boy was allegedly sexually assaulted by a school handyman. The man, 34, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was arrested on June 8 and appeared in the local magistrate’s court the next day where it came to light that he had two previous convictions - one for attempted murder and another for assault - and had been out on parole at the time of the alleged incident. According to police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Marlene Pieterse, the sexual assault allegedly happened at Footsteps Preschool between April and May this year. The matter was postponed until today (June 17) for formal bail application. The state will be opposing bail. In the meantime the school has implemented a series of safety measures to reduce the risk of related and other incidents. “Footsteps views this [the alleged incident] in a very serious light as we strive to create a safe environment for our children with preferably no, but practically little opportunity for children to come to harm, physically or otherwise,” school principal Kim Matter said. She added that the matter had been handed over to the relevant authorities and that the employee had since been suspended pending the police investigation. Matter said since the matter was reported they had also changed the entrance gate access code and a gate

monitor had been appointed for peak times. “We are in the process of installing CCTV cameras at the school and we have organised with an educational physiologist to do a workshop to equip parents to keep children safe in regards to preventing child abuse, identifying the signs thereof and put preventative measures in place,” Matter said. She added that they had also assigned a bathroom monitor and was in the process of having background checks on all staff done. “This was started before the incident and has been made a priority.” During a meeting scheduled with parents after the incident, Matter admitted that although they were in the process of having background checks done, they had not done so before the incident. She added because it was an ongoing investigation, many of the facts of the alleged incident were still unclear to them. The child’s mother however said that her son told her that the alleged sexual assault happened in the school’s bathroom over an extended period. She said she realised something was wrong several weeks ago when her son’s behaviour suddenly changed and he refused to go to school. After several conversations with him, he told her what allegedly happened, and they reported the matter to police. The child and his fiveyear-old brother are no longer at the school. [qncpfê"Uvcpfgt

Baby porn accused back Yolandé Stander in court today

HE Plettenberg Bay computer engineer, 37, allegedly linked to a horrific international baby pornography network is set to take his place in the Knysna Regional Court for the first time today. A large crowd of anti-child abuse activists is expected to gather at the court after the matter against the local man, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was transferred from the Plett to Knysna Regional Court on May 11 this year. The accused was arrested on January 13 following a lengthy investigation by Belgian and South African police. He was tracked down by members of the Antwerp police child and sexual exploitation unit who found his internet address on an obscure chat room for alleged

paedophiles with fetishes for the sexual abuse of babies in nappies. The matter has since made international news headlines and sent shockwaves through the community of Plettenberg Bay." A large group of protesters has gathered at court during each of his three previous appearances, and today will be no different. Garden Route Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) member Yvette Wilschut confirmed that representatives will again gather at court, joined by among others local antichild abuse group the Green Hearts of Plett. They do this in an attempt to put pressure on authorities to, inter alia, hand down harsher sentences to paedophiles and child abusers. Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc

News & Views

17 June 2015

CXPRESS

Broad daylight armed robbery on Thesen Islands Nikki Ridley

OLDSMITHS jewellery store in Long Street in Thesen Island Harbour Town is open for ‘business as usual’ after a brazen daylight robbery. Four men, one of them armed, entered the jewellery store just before 3pm on Thursday June 11, tied up staff members, forced one to open the safe at gunpoint, and stole an undisclosed value of diamonds and jewellery items before making their escape, reportedly in a red Volkswagen Golf GTI with a

CA registration number. The getaway car was spotted heading toward Plettenberg Bay and police set up check-points along the N2, but the suspects managed to evade detection. No shots were fired during the robbery and no-one was injured, but the incident has left its mark not only on the staff of Goldsmiths but on other shopkeepers and assistants, who are questioning a prior general sense of safety. Reluctant to divulge particulars of the robbery over and above “the details that have already got into the press”,

Goldsmiths store owner Darryl van der Velde said on Friday that they would be releasing a statement on Facebook, adding that “we don’t want a big song and dance about it. We are handling everything in-house, and we just want everyone to know that we are open for business as usual.” The day after the robbery the characteristic serenity of the upmarket shopping area on Thesens was broken only by the chatter of shop assistants from other Long Street stores in the immediate vicinity of Goldsmiths, dis-

cussing what had happened, and amazed that no-one had noticed anything. They uniformly stated they were unaware of the robbery in progress, in fact, of anything unusual going on at all, until security cars arrived on the scene. “It was quiet. I saw nothing, heard nothing. There wasn’t even anybody in the street.” One person said that they had always felt safe on Thesen Islands. “There’s only one exit from here, so you would think that if anything happened, the security would

block it off before anyone could get away.” Another agreed on this sense of safety, added that she thought the security company patrols were excellent. “They are always patrolling. I would never have thought something like this could happen here.” • The Knysna SAPS reported on Monday June 15 that no arrests had yet been made. The incident was still being investigated and they urged members of the public to come forward with any information that may

assist with the investigation. Please contact Warrant Officer Reginus Quine on 044 302 6652 - information will be dealt with confidentially.

OBITUARY

Farewell with love to the little lady on the scooter

Ilse Viljoen

Carol Schwartz: 28.3.1954 - 4.6.2015

FLYING FREE: Skydiving was one of the things on Carol Schwartz’s bucket list - the photo was taken on the day she ticked it off her list

UR dear friend Carol Schwartz passed away on June 4 after a three-year battle with cancer. This ‘little lady on the scooter’ touched so many people’s lives in a gentle and compas-

sionate way. Carol was very well loved and respected in the recovery circles in Plett and worked and served tirelessly to help others in recovery and those still struggling with alcohol-

ism. She celebrated 25 years of sobriety this year and her humility and kindness was tangible in helping others to achieve sobriety. Carol made good friends wherever she worked and was loved for her quirkiness and positive attitude and willingness to learn so that she could give her best. Carol had such a zest for life, she loved exploring beautiful places and would play like a young girl in Plett’s ocean, go for long walks on our beaches with her dogs and was always ready for a cuppa with friends. She fought cancer bravely for the last three years. Inbetween chemo and radiation sessions, she carried on with her life as much as she could muster. She continued getting out and about as often as possible. Carol was surrounded by many people who helped and cared for her throughout this period. Thank you to everyone who took meals, did lifts to George/Knysna and back, and those friends who took her for a cuppa and a chat or just to go sit on the beach. She treasured those times of friendship.

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News & Views

17 June 2015

Volunteers brighten Knysna with their Oceans Day art We are EXTREMELY proud of our U/11 netball girls... for winning the Knysna/Plett/ 6HGJHÂżHOG 8 1HWEDOO /HDJXH last weekend. Seen here with proud coaches Mrs Celeste Vos, left, and Mrs Sarie du Plessis are, DW EDFN IURP OHIW 7KXOL *HOHPEH Simanye Vandala, Shanice Olivier DQG /L\HPD %RRL ZLWK 8EHQDWKL Sakati, Simone Fourie and Den ise Boukes in front. This is an out standing achievement, congratula tions ladies!

MAD ABOUT OCEANS: In front from left are Romeo Solomons (Mad about Art), Ashra America (YES), Kimberley Coetzee (YES) and Sharon Ali (Mad about Art), with Knysna Municipalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joclyn Fearon, Amanda Ndlanga and Kim-Leigh Davids, speaker Eleanore Bouw-Spies, mural artist Carlyle Lodewyk and Geneva Botes (Knysna Municipality) in the second row, and Curtis Moses (Mad About Art), Londeka Phetha (DEA Local Government Support) and Natalie Solomon (Knysna Municipality) in the back row

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Meruska Massyn FRPSHWHG LQ WKH 6$ -.$ 1DWLRQDO &KDPSLRQVKLS DQG $IULFDQ &XS VHOHFWLRQ KHOG LQ -RKDQQHVEXUJÂśV 6WDQGDUG %DQN $UHQD RQ -XQH 6KH ZRQ WZR JROG PHGDOV DQG RQH VLOYHU PHGDO DQG LV QRZ WKH 6$ -.$ 1RYLFH \HDU ROG JLUO FKDP pion for Kata, and the reserve champion for Kumite. She also competed in the Elite 6HFWLRQ RQ 6DWXUGD\ JLYLQJ KHU WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR EH VHOHFWHG DV D PHPEHU RI WKH 6$ -.$ 1DWLRQDO 7HDP IRU WKH $IULFDQ &XS LQ 6HSWHPEHU 0HUXVND KDG WKH ORZHVW JUDGLQJ RI DOO WKH FRPSHWLWRUV WKH (OLWH GLYLVLRQ LV IRU EURZQ EHOW DQG KLJKHU ZKLOH VKH LV RQO\ UHG VR VKH KDG WR FRPSHWH DJDLQVW EURZQ DQG EODFN EHOWV %XW VKH ZHQW RQ WR ZLQ WKH VHFRQG JROG PHGDO IRU .DWD DQG EHFDPH WKH -XQLRU (OLWH *LUO \HDU ROG &KDPSLRQ Meruska received her SA JKA national colours on Saturday will now represent the SA -.$ 1DWLRQDO 7HDP LQ WKH -.$ $IULFDQ &XS RQ 6HSWHPEHU :2: ZKDW DQ RXWVWDQG LQJ DFKLHYHPHQW DOO RI XV DW 336 DUH H[FHSWLRQDOO\ SURXG RI \RX VACANCY - ADMIN CLERK (FULL TIME 07:30 TO 15:30) Requirements: Bilingual (Afrikaans and English) Excellent typing and computer skills (Word, Excel) Knowledge of WCED school admin systems a recommendation 2IÂżFH PDQDJHPHQW PXVW EH DEOH WR PXOWL WDVN ([FHOOHQW LQWHU SHUVRQDO VNLOOV DGXOW DQG FKLOGUHQ

PLETTENBERG BAY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Starting date: Closing date for applications: Send CV to: Or email: Tel:

ORLD Oceans Day on June 8 was celebrated under the theme â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. In Knysna, speaker and ward councillor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, municipal officials and volunteers from YES (Youth Environmental Services), Mad about Art and the DEA Local Government Support Group took to the street to recognise the importance of our oceans by creating two temporary murals at Woodmill Lane. Participants painted a selected mural around two stormwater drains with each art piece taking about an hour to complete. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ocean is the heart of our planet and these murals highlight the importance of saving our oceans as well as the danger of pollution when contaminated water flows through stormwater drains,â&#x20AC;?

said Bouw-Spies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to get involved in this as Knysna is an internationally recognised coastal town known for its beautiful beaches. Our town has two public Blue Flag beaches [Buffalo Bay and Brentonon-Sea] and a pilot beach in Swartvlei, Sedgefield. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This means that Knysna has been recognised as a town that aims to conserve marine and coastal habitats,â&#x20AC;? she continued. Blue Flags are awarded to those beaches that comply with standards including up to 33 different aspects, spanning over four areas of coastal management. The criteria include water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management (including access to sensitive areas), and safety and services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Blue Flag Programme aims to raise awareness on

environmental education and to increase sound environmental practices among tourists, residents and beach management. I urge everyone to get involved in preserving our beaches. Everyone can help protect the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oceans,â&#x20AC;? said Bouw-Spies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The day was celebrated in good spirits while the murals drew attention to a very important cause, and our town was brightened up in the process.â&#x20AC;? She thanked artist Carlyle Lodewyk from Rheenendal for sketching the beautiful murals, as well as the municipal employees and volunteer painters for their participation. Blue Flag in association with Knysna Municipality aims to keep local beaches as safe and clean as possible. Visit www.blueflag.org.za or www.worldoceansday.org for further information.

Crags Ecopreschool kids get creative

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VAKATURE - ADMIN BEAMPTE (VOLTYDS 07:30 TOT 15:30) Vereistes:

PLETTENBERG BAY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Tweetalig (Afrikaans en Engels) Uitstekende tik en rekenaarvaardighede (Word, Excel) .DQWRRU DGPLQLVWUDVLH YHUPRs RP WH ÂľPXOWL WDVNÂś .HQQLV YDQ :.2' VNRRO DGPLQLQVWUDVLH VWHOVHOV ÂľQ DDQEHYHOLQJ Uitstekende interpersoonlike vaardighede (kinders en volwassenes)

Aanvangsdatum: Sluitingsdatum vir aansoeke: Stuur CV na: Of epos na: Tel:

1 Augustus 2015 20 Julie 2015 3RVEXV 3OHWWHQEHUJEDDL admin@plettprimary.co.za

If you would like to get involved with our fundraising initiatives, please feel free to contact Taryn Antunes on 044 533 2126. PLETT PRIMARY PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

Old hands young feet... The Crags Eco-preschool extends a big thanks to local reflexologist Christine Smidt and her colleague Daphne for taking the time to spend a morning treating the feet of all the little ones at the school. Reflexology is a fantastic technique used to diagnose what is happening in our bodies and especially meaningful when treating children, who often do not have the words to describe how they are feeling. The school thanks these ladies for sharing their expertise.

Students at The Crags Eco-preschool created this beautiful land art depicting our planet, using leaves and seed pods collected on the farm in celebration of International Earth Day on June 5.

News & Views

17 June 2015

CXPRESS

International music legends play on Plett stage ‘Feast’ for kids of all ages with Murray and Winston Murray Pienaar, celebrity baker and Kyknet Koekedoor finalist, presents a new Disney Film favourite for a children’s programme on July 11 at the Plett Food Film Festival

URRAY will be keeping the little ones occupied in Plett with his fun cupcake decorating in the morning on July 11 during the festival’s Saturday morning Children’s Programme and the film premier of Hgcuv. Children will enjoy the fun and light-hearted styles of other Plett Food Film Festival celebrities Reza Mahammad, Karen Dudley and Lika Berning while they enjoy the short movie, a morning filled with fabulous cupcakes, the Plett Pioneers Field Band, and a special children’s theatre programme. The Hgcuv movie’s main character, Winston, is a beloved Boston terrier who LOVES to eat. His master James spoils him with junk food and leftovers topped over his dog food. When James falls in love with a waitress at the local restaurant, who has him take up a healthy diet and lifestyle, Winston is upset - he refuses to eat vegetables! This film is delightful animation with a wholesome message. • The Plett Food Film Festival is one-of-a-kind in Africa. Plett Tourism and iKasi Media bring you the experience of Delicious film | Compelling food at The White House in Plettenberg Bay during three days of five classic food films and

the food that is central to the film narrative. Visit www.pletttourism. com for the full MAD Festival listing and to book your tickets online.

NTERNATIONALLY acclaimed South African music greats Pops Mohamed and Dave Reynolds will debut in Plettenberg Bay en route to the Main Stage at Grahamstown’s National Arts Festival. They will perform an acoustic set at The White House Theatre on Saturday July 4 at 8pm with the inimitable Tony Cedras (a member of Paul Simon’s band for nearly 30 years, who has also performed with Cassandra Wilson and Harry Belafonte, among others) on accordion, trumpet and guitar. Joining them on stage will be the extraordinary Congolese singer-songwriter and bass player Sylvain Baloubeta. Pops is South Africa’s leading indigenous-contemporary crossover artist. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays kora (African harp), mbira (thumb piano), Khoisan bow, and various percussion effects. He has released 37 albums, won awards such as the ACT Lifetime Achievers, recorded and made movies with the Khoisan people in the Kalahari, and toured globally with musical luminaries Andreas Vollenweider and Baaba Maal.

MASTER OF MANY INSTRUMENTS: Pops Mohamed, right, is South Africa’s leading indigenouscontemporary crossover artist - here he plays the kora, with Dave Reynolds showing why he is the country’s top steelpan player

Dave is South Africa’s leading steelpan player, a SAMRO Award winning composer and acoustic guitarist. He has performed and recorded all over the world with Andy Narell, Steve Newman, Hugh Masekela, the late Gito Baloi, Tony Cox, Paul Hanmer and McCoy Mrubata, to name a few. His latest album Vjg"Nkijv" qh"Fc{ was nominated for a South African Music Award (he has received six SAMA nominations during his career so far). “Bringing a quartet of this calibre to Plettenberg Bay would not be possible were

it not for the collaboration between musicians and promoters with a shared passion for music, and the support of Plett Tourism and CemAir,” said Candice Ludick of Play On Events. “We are excited about giving a local audience the opportunity to become part of the unique musical creation which stems from the collaboration of these performers, all of whom are masters of their craft in their own right.” “I think we all enjoy being part of something - we want to show up, to participate. What I love about this kind of music is that it gives

us a chance to do that,” said Dave Reynolds. “In music, we are what we do. We give ourselves to the music as we compose and collaborate, then we give the music to people.” Discerning music lovers will not want to miss this world-class performance, right here in Plett. Tickets are available at The Old House Shop and Peta Wells Studio or visit www.quicket. co.za to book online. Contact Candice on 044 533 1579 or 074 113 0692 or playon@candiceludick.com for further information. Play on.

CXPRESS

Interval

17 June 2015

“Dad, are they allowed to put two people in the same grave?” “I don’t think so, Son. Why do you ask?” “Because that headstone over there says: ‘Here lies a lawyer and an honest man.’”

Merits of bravery...

man appeared before St Peter at the pearly gates. “Have you ever done anything of particular merit?” St Peter asked. “Well, I can think of one thing,” the man offered. “On a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of testosteronecharged bikers, who were threatening a young woman. “I directed them to leave

her alone, but they wouldn’t listen. So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, ‘now, back off, Buster, or you’ll answer to me!’” St Peter was impressed: “When did this happen?” “Just a few minutes ago.”

Professional advice

T a party of professionals, a doctor was having difficulty socialising. Everyone wanted to describe their symptoms and get an opinion about diagnosis. The doctor turned to a lawyer acquaintance and asked: “How do you handle people who want advice outside of

the office?” “Simple,” answered the lawyer. “I send them a bill. That stops it in its tracks.” The next day, the doctor, still feeling a bit reserved about what he was about to do, opened his mailbox to send the bills, and there sat a bill from the lawyer...

Beer necessities

OUR leaders of the big beer companies meet for a drink. The president of Budweiser orders a Bud, the Miller’s president orders a Miller’s, and the president of Coors orders a Coors.

When it is Guinness’ turn to order, he asks for a soda. “Why on earth didn’t you order a Guinness?” everyone asks. “Nah,” Guinness replies, “if you guys aren’t having a beer, neither will I.”

Advertising and direct marketing explained

OU see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: “I am very rich. Marry me!” Vjcv‚u"Fktgev"Octmgvkpi0 You’re at a party with a bunch of friends and see a gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes up to her pointing at you, and says: “He’s very rich. Marry him.” Vjcv‚u"Cfxgtvkukpi0 You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and get her telephone number. The next day you call and say: “Hi, I’m very rich. Marry me.”

Vjcv‚u"Vgngoctmgvkpi0 You’re at a party and see a gorgeous girl. You get up and straighten your tie; you walk up to her and pour her a drink. You open the door for her; pick up her handbag after she drops it, offer her a ride, and then say: “By the way, I’m very rich. Will you marry me?” Vjcv‚u"Rwdnke"Tgncvkqpu0 You’re at a party and see a gorgeous girl. She walks up to you and says: “You are very rich.” Vjcv‚u"Dtcpf"Tgeqipkvkqp0 You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: “I’m rich. Marry me.” She gives you a nice hard slap on your face. Vjcv‚u"Ewuvqogt"Hggfdcem0

The Ten Commandments

Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to “honour thy father and thy mother,” the teacher asked: “Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?” Without missing a beat one little boy answered: “Thou shall not kill.”

Business

17 June 2015

Dealing with bossy bosses

NSWERING to a bad boss can be a painful experience. Not only do they stress you out but could also hurt your chances of advancement, because other managers would be reluctant to bring in someone from a troubled unit. Godfrey Madanhire is a professional motivational speaker and successful business owner of Dreamworld Promotions. Through his workshops and seminars, Madanhire has been approached and asked about how to deal with terrible bosses. These are the steps he recommends on how to improve your relationship with the “high and mighty” employer. Uvgr"3<"Mggr"tgeqtfu Keeping records on what is asked from you is essential. Not only does it allow you to keep track of your boss’s changing demands, it will also be evidence if you fail to resolve your issues. This

PAINFUL: Dealing with a bad boss is stressful but don’t blame the higher-ups for everything that goes wrong

is vital when the matter has to be resolved through the HR department. Besides writing down what was said, it is probably best to keep electronic back-ups of emails and text messages. If your boss’s behaviour is really troublesome, it might also be a good idea to record your conversations and phone calls. Uvgr"4<"Ocpcig"wryctfu

Investor Focus Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett

How far down will JSE go?

S the threat of rising interest rates has crept closer, bond and equity markets around the world have begun their long-expected cooling down period. Higher interest rates will begin to draw investors out of long bonds and equities as the risk-free returns offered by cash become more attractive. A while ago I wrote of the “yellow card” - the first warning signals of this correction were becoming apparent. The US Fed is now expected to start raising rates from September onwards, and markets are beginning to discount the effects of these rate increases. Our market has already begun the correcting process and the big question we should now be asking is: How far down will the JSE go? This is impossible to answer, but there is an old stockbroking adage that tells of the little boy (or girl) that walks into the sweet shop. He sees that half the sweets are being offered at half price. His best action is then to immediately get out of the shop, buying no sweets at all. If he comes back next week they may ALL be offered at half price, and that is when he should begin his sweet-buying... So, how do we know if all of the shares are at half price now, or if we should wait a little longer? It is very difficult to examine every share on the JSE, but a close look at some of the Satrix offerings are a good guide. These are exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the various JSE indices, so they represent specific sectors and can be used as a simple

proxy. Selections of these ETFs are as follows: UCVTKZ"Vqr"62 P/E ratio 17, Div yield 3.03%, Year to date performance +5.42% UCVTKZ"Cnuk P/E ratio 16.59, Div yield 2.99%, Year to date performance 4.36% UCVTKZ"Fkxk"Rnwu P/E ratio 12.4%, Div yield 5.6%, Year to date performance -1.93% UCVTKZ"Yqtnf"Gswkv{ P/E ratio 17.62, Div yield 2.62%, Year to date performance 2.62% UCVTKZ"Hkpk P/E ratio 14.9, Div yield 2.8%, Year to date performance 2.8% It is clear from the above that based on their P/E ratios the SATRIX Fini looks to be at “half price” with the lowest P/E of 14.9. The SATRIX Divi looks to be equally cheap, while the other indices are trading at P/Es north of 17 against a long-term average of ±14! (These figures are readily available on the Morningstar website.) I would be watching these two ETFs very closely, as they will make a good entry into the market. I would not wait too long, either. Our banks - which make up most of the SATRIX Fini are well run companies; they rarely miss a dividend and are certainly not expensive. If you are tempted to put your toe in the water, this is where I would begin. Ocneqno"jcu"dggp"kp"vjg" kpxguvogpv"kpfwuvt{"hqt"qxgt" 62"{gctu0"Jg"jcu"ytkvvgp" vjku"eqnwop"kp"EZRTGUU" hqt"vjg"ncuv"39"{gctu"cpf"ku" c"urgekcnkuv"kp"ocpcikpi" tgvktgf"ygcnvj0

Stand up for yourself. Yes, your boss is a tyrant who will not hesitate to go the wrong way up a one way street, but this does not mean you should back down and not speak your mind. Before engaging your boss, make sure you state your case in a measured, controlled way and that it is backed up by a lot of evidence. Remember, the goal is to have a relationship where you can have a civil conversation, in order to do your job better. One half of a working relationship is your responsibility, so it is best not to get into a mindset of blaming the higher-ups for everything that goes wrong. Uvgr"5<"G{g"qp"vjg"rtk|g So you have kept records and argued the issues but nothing has changed - now what? Start planning for your future on a new career path. If you cannot move to another job, keep looking ahead and make yourself valuable to the company. Someone in higher management will notice, and maybe you’ll be promoted and become the new boss.

CXPRESS

Social Scene

17 June 2015

People, places & events PIANO AND CELLO CHARM: The fifth Knysna-Plett Concert of the year, held on the evening of June 8, saw a stellar performance of works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Benjamin Britten, Robert Schumann and Frédéric Chopin, played by Anzel Gerber on cello and Ben Schoeman on piano. Enjoying the evening in the pic at left are Cees and Aity van Stegeren together with Joan Probert, centre, all of Knysna. At right, Eveleigh and Mike Driver of Plettenberg Bay attended the performance with Terry Mahon of Johannesburg, right. Photos: Timothy Twidle

GOLFING FUN AT GOOSE: Once again, the Plett Pre-Primary School’s annual golf day turned out to be particularly well-attended and fun-filled. Numerous sponsors, kind donors of prizes, and players contributed to making the day such a big success, and the school thanks Goose Valley staff and everybody else who helped. The day’s play was won by the couple Richardson and Plett Pre-Primary looks forward to seeing everyone back next year for more golfing fun. In the pic above are spade players extraordinaire Andrew Zeelie and David Muller. At top left is Glen Boscombe’s four-ball of Nicolas Woodhead, Piet Patty and Dave Meyer, with Sean O’Sullivan’s crew, left, comprising Albert Bony, Billy Graunger and Andy Rae. KNYSNA SEA CADET’S NEW CHALLENGE: An unforeseen problem arose to threaten Sea Cadet Petty Officer Denilsen Juries’ trip to the States, along with Cadet PO Amber Cloete (read all about it on page 6 of the May 20 edition at www.cxpress. co.za). Commanding Officer Steven Eriksen was stunned to receive an email from the Captain of the Sea Cadet Corps, saying he had been unable to find a sponsor for Denilsen’s journey and unless the local cadet unit could come up with R15,000 within three days, he would no longer be going with Amber. So rather than be the messenger of such devastating news, Steven drew on his personal finances to pay the R15k and so ensure the ticket was bought. The good people of Knysna are now urged to make a contribution to this cost. Contact Steven on 083 653 7060 or at seacadet@seanet. co.za for more information. Any donations can be paid into the Sea Cadet account at Nedbank Knysna (branch code 108914), Acc No 2149017032. In the pic, Denilsen points to the spot on the East Coast of the USA where the international gathering of Sea Cadets will be held. The two deserving Knysna youngsters are due to fly out on June 21.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

Social Scene

17 June 2015

CXPRESS

People, places & events

THIS DADDY MAKES 60 THE NEW 40: Marty Reddering - above with son Dylan - turned 60 on June 4 and celebrated that fact with a party themed ‘You’ll never see my like this again!’ at Plett’s NSRI Station on Saturday the 6th. Friends and family from far and wide rocked up for a shindig that lasted deep into the night. Among the decked out party folk were Suzy & Tony Lubner, top right, and Anya Weil & Lucinda Edwards, far right. At right, Marty hugs partner Carol Surya, aka The Awesome Mistress of Marty’s Diner, and at at midright, Dylan and mom Tania Reddering look cool in a military kind of way. The guys below? We just don’t know what to say about those frocks and socks...

CONQUERING THE CAPE AND NEXP UP IS KNYSNA: The five Plett Surf Lifesaving Club Nippers who gained Western Cape colours earlier this year are fresh back from a fun weekend in Cape Town, where they formally received their medals along with the rest of the provincial team during a presentation in Big Bay. Here they’re doing the touristy thing along with able chaperone for the occasion, PSL Club secretary Shameera Paruk - from left are Kade Dickens, Tamsa Donald, Jandré Strydom, Ellen Kleinsmith and Emma Roode. Please take note that a meeting to establish Knysna’s very own lifesaving club takes place on Friday June 19 at a time and venue that will suit all interested parties. Email edenlifesaving@ vodamail.co.za or call 082 492 4417 of you would like to attend.

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Home & Health

17 June 2015

Pensive pansies and vivacious violas and pen in the next garden club meet

OW the bounty of colour and fragrance offered by the summer months have ebbed, why not top up on both by planting two winter blessings: pansies and violas. Don’t be fooled by their delicate appearance, as these are hardy little plants that will survive the most bitter conditions and bloom throughout winter and well into spring. If you come out one morning to find them all frozen stiff from the wintery night before, never fear, as they will defrost and be just as lovely as they were before. The names pansy, viola and violet are interchangeable, though distinctions can be made by the plants’ size and petal formation. Pansies are the larger flower, having four petals pointing upwards and just one pointing down, sometimes referred to as the beard, whereas the viola has three reaching skyward and two down. The flower of a pansy is markedly larger than that of the viola, though what the viola lacks in size it certainly makes up for in number, providing many more blooms.

Visit www.lifeisagarden. co.za for more information. Ictfgp"enwddgtu"cpf" htkgpfu."vcmg"pqvg Knysna Garden Club will meet on Wednesday June 24 at Penhill Nursery in Wilson Street, Rexford, at 9:45 for 10am, where the discussion will centre on undesirables and aliens. Bring chairs, walking shoes, mystery plants to be identified, and a cup. Light refreshments will be served and visitors are welcome. Phone Elinor on 044 387 1966 for details.

HARDY BEAUTIES: Pansies, above, and violas may be frozen stiff after a cold winter’s night, but will defrost and look just as lovely as the day before a short while into the morning

Thumbs up to these pharmacy fundis

Western Cape Government Health in Eden congratulates Xolani Ndedwa and Jodie Bowie, left, from the KwaNokuthula Community Day Centre (CDC) pharmacy, who have completed the academic portion of the S Buys training programme through EPWP funding and are thus registering as Qualified Basic Assistants with the South African Pharmacy Council. The duo, both of whom have been employed at KwaNokuthula CDC for the past year, will now enrol as Learner Post Basic Assistants.

Longer health service hours

ESTERN Cape Health invites the public to make use of extra hours of service at the following facilities, for comprehensive offerings such as mother and child health, chronic care, curative care, preventative services, tuberculosis, voluntary counselling and testing, reproductive service, nutrition and sexually transmitted illnesses. ß" MycPqmwvjwnc" Eqoow/ pkv{"Fc{"Egpvtg: Tuesdays and Wednesdays except on public holidays from 7:30am to 6pm (Sishuba St - 044 501 5700). ß" Mp{upc" Eqoowpkv{" Fc{" Egpvtg: Tuesdays and Thursdays except on public holidays from 07:30am to 6pm (Gujuma St - 044 382 3935) ß" Jqtpngg" Enkpke: Every second Tuesday (from 07:30am to 6pm (Chappel St - 044 385 0579) ß" Mjc{cngvjw" Enkpke: Every first and third Thursday from 7:30am to 6pm) Chungwa St 044 375 0207).

Have the drugs stopped working?

NYONE who feels they want to stop using drugs may join Narcotics Anonymous (NA), regardless of which drug was used. There are no fees to join or charges to attend NA meetings, where a sustainable solution to recovery is offered. The success lies in the value of addicts working together with other addicts - members share their successes and challenges in overcoming active addiction and living drug-free, productive lives. NA started in the 1980s in SA, a handful of meetings held sporadically; today NA hosts 303 meetings countrywide every week, in support of people who feel they have a problem. NA follows the 12 steps and 12 traditions programme to guide recovery, offering proven guidelines that have helped millions of others across the world. Founded in 1953, NA currently hosts over 61,000 weekly meetings in 129 countries globally. Yjcv"vq"gzrgev"kh"{qw"ctg"

pgy"vq"PC If you’re an addict or think you might have a drug problem, it is suggested that you attend a meeting every day for at least 90 days to get to know NA members and the programme. In your first meeting, you will be welcomed as new member and provided with pamphlets. The journey of recovery begins with abstinence from all drugs, including alcohol. Sometimes people come to NA meetings while still using drugs, detoxing from drugs, or on drug replacement therapy. You are welcome, regardless of what you may be taking when you first join. Newcomers are usually received with a handshake or hug and a welcome key-tag. In most places, it is customary for members to gather in a circle to end the meeting with a short prayer or NA reading. Though you prayers may feature, the programme is spiritual, not religious. Through the 12 steps, each NA member is introduced

to some spiritual principles and guided in applying these principles to everyday life. Cdqwv"PC NA is not affiliated with other organisations, including other 12-step programmes, treatment centres, or correctional facilities. NA does not employ professional counsellors or therapists, nor does it provide residential facilities or clinics. The fellowship does not offer vocational, legal, financial, psychiatric, or medical services. Meetings are often held in churches, treatment centres, or other facilities, because these places tend to be affordable and available. NA is self-supporting and does not accept financial contributions from non-members. All donations are voluntary and given by members that are able to contribute. Based on the same principle, groups and service committees are administered by NA members, for members. Visit www.na.org.za for more information or call the helpline on 083 900 6962.

Food & Wine

17 June 2015

CXPRESS

Spoil your dad with the perfect pizza this Sunday

ATHER’S Day is around the corner and one of the best gifts you could give Dad on Sunday is a full (and satisfied) stomach. With this in mind, the folk at Sasko Flour shared their quick and easy-to-prepare pizza dough recipe, which is ideal for the whole family. Once the dough is complete, choose your favourite toppings (e.g. cheese, tomato paste, herbs, olive oil, salami,

mushrooms) to create the perfect pizza. Ucumq‚u"Rk||c"Fqwij" (makes three pizzas) Kpitgfkgpvu 150g Sasko Cake Flour 100g Sasko White Bread Flour 10g sachet instant yeast 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1 cup lukewarm water Flour for dusting

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Ogvjqf • Pour all of the dry ingredients into a large bowl and stir together to combine. • Pour in the water and stir with a fork until a bread dough starts to form, then turn out onto a floured surface and bring together to form a ball. • Knead the dough for 6-8min until it becomes silky and elastic in texture. • Dust a bowl with flour and put the dough in, cover with Peter Bishop

Whiskey - it ain’t no choking matter STIMULATING AND INFORMATIVE: Luthando ‘Jezz’ Tibini is the national brand ambassador for Glenfiddich, and took great pride in presenting their Solera of which the youngest component is 15 years old, and the bulk much more aged

OU would never believe it! I went to the Wade Bales 100 Wines & 50 Whiskeys Tasting at the new African Pride Hotel in Cape Town. On Night One, I tasted 19 reds and one white, being impressed by David Finlayson’s GS Cabernet Sauvignon. On the second night, I thought about dutifully going through what I had missed. The place seemed rather empty - even the table of sumptuous snacks was devoid of arms stretching. All the buzz was in the other room with 12 tables and some pretty girls behind the tables. It was rather crowded as the whiskey lads and lasses formed scrums speaking with their hands. One had to be like Gio Aplon in a Stormers jersey to get around. I decided to commit the mortal sin of wine snobs and that was to explore whiskey. I was to taste 18! I have in the past done tastings of bottled water, of beer, of witblits, of olive oil. Whiskey was going to be the ultimate as, on the two previous occasions I was exposed, I listened to the suggestion of Beejay Lankwarden to hold a bit at the back of the mouth. I choked and croaked and coughed the whole night so could not begin to know the difference between the Blue Label and the Black Label. First port of call was Macallan that offered the Amber and the Stella at R500 and R1,000

respectively. Putting my wine-tasting techniques into action, I regarded the first as resinous, rather fat and ugly, while the second showed the aromas that it picked up from the ex-sherry barrels with an orange blossom sensation. It was not ugly. I was on my way, but the girl behind the table must have thought I was odd ball, which I probably was. Highland Park had the 12-year-old and the 18-yearold. The first, at R508, was generous with its fumes but no further complexity. The 18-year-old, at R1,300, had complexity and quite a noble structure. Here I was on a Coca Cola income, looking to start taking to whiskey. I found an opening at the Glen Grant table with its three presentations: a 10-year-old, a 16-year-old, and the Major Reserve. Prices were R430, R750 and over R2,000. They used Bourbon barrels. To me the best was the 10-year-old with a basic clean line. The 16 had a caramel feel that I thought obstructed, and the Major was more sedate with a coconut (the oak) feel. I did not take it as a quality range - but who was I to say. Then to Glenfiddich, where I found their five exemplars and the service of Wonder and of Jezz quite stimulating and informative. The R450 12-year-old had a healthy feel, while the 14-year-old Rich Oak was great. Noble,

the sweet American oak giving taste. Jezz took great pride in presenting the Solera, where the ‘15’ meant that the youngest component was 15 years old, and the bulk being much older. The lustre in the colour and the texture in the mouthfeel showed class. I think it was R800 but, in the context, worth it. The Distillery 15 Year Old Edition at R700 was more yellow and very clean. Jezz suggested the 51% alcohol could soften with an added block of ice that he said brought out other lines. But being intransigent, I chose not to. These wines - sorry, these whiskeys - were all matured in sherry barrels. I forgot to take notes on the 18-yearold, except to draw a few arrows pointing upwards. The Balvenie had been in rum casks and this came out. At R650, the 12-year-old DoubleWood had a good almond feel and lots of grip. The Caribbean Cask aged 14 had a rich nose, a sweet taste, but ended ugly. However, the 17-year-old (at R1,700) DoubleWood had a softness, with perfumes and a cleanness that I took to. My last choice was the Bunnahabhain (‘Mouth of the River’), its whiskeys coming from the Island Islay in the north-west of Scotland. The peat content is low and the water comes from an underground spring. The 25-year-old at R2,743 was darker with depth like crème brulée, and I loved the 18-year-old at R1,042. Harmonious, fireside, grows on one, darker colour, dry fruits - a winner, at last. The 12-year-old at R670 was ripe and sedate. There seemed to be a refinement at Bunnahabhain. The name could be scary, but so too are ‘Buitenverwachting’ and ‘Vergelegen’. Young Wade Bales needs a commendation on his initiatives. All I now need is to do coffee tastings and tea tastings... But I don’t like tea. RggDgg"jcu"mgrv"jku"rcncvg" cnkxg"ukpeg"3;97"yjgp"jg" ogv"Dgglc{"Ncpmyctfgp" kp"vjg"Yknfgtpguu0"Jg" gzrnqtgu"nqecn."pcvkqpcn"cpf" kpvgtpcvkqpcn"ykpgu."nqqmkpi" hqt"flvjg"ewvvkpi"gfig‚0

a cloth/cling film, place in a warm place and leave to rise for 20-30min or until it has doubled in size. • Preheat the oven to 240°C. • Beat the dough back down and divide into three balls. • Dust a rolling surface with flour, place the dough balls on the flour, cover with a cloth and allow to rise for a further 10-15min. • Dust the pizza dough with more flour and roll out to your desired pizza shapes. • Dust a baking tray with

flour to prevent pizzas from sticking. • Transfer the pizza base to the baking tray, prick with a fork, top with toppings of your choice and bake in the oven for 7-10min or until crisp around the edges and beginning to brown. Jcpf{"vkru • It is important that you add warm and not hot water to the dry ingredients because if the water is too hot it will damage the yeast and the bread won’t rise.

• Kneading the dough is a vital part of the process as it allows the gluten in the flour to develop, resulting in bread that is light rather than dense and dry. • If you don’t want to use the dough straight away, then keep it covered with cling film in the fridge until needed (after it has risen and been beaten down). • Before placing your toppings on the pizza, line the base with tomato paste and season to taste.

CXPRESS

Classifieds

17 June 2015

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

17 June 2015

18 June 2015

19 June e 2015

20 June 2015

21 June 2015

22 June 2015

23 June 2015

Rain, cool, windy in the a.m.

Clouds and sun

Sunshine S hi

15° Lo 06°

18° Lo 09°

18° Lo 07°

Precipitation: 65% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:31AM Sunset: 5:24PM Wind: W 24km/h Gusts: 56km/h W

Precipitation: 1% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:31AM Sunset: 5:24 PM Wind: W 11km/h Gusts: 17 km/h W

Precipitation: 1% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:31 AM Sunset: 5:24 PM Wind: NNW 13km/h Gusts: 22km/h NNW

Warmer with plenty of sun

27° Lo 12° Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:32AM Sunset: 5:24PM Wind: NNE 6km/h Gusts: 18km/h NNE

Sunny and d very warm

Cooler with a little rain

A p.m shower in places

27° Lo 13°

19° Lo 08°

23° Lo 07°

Precipitation: 10% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:32AM Sunset: 5:25PM Wind: NNE 7km/h Gusts: 20km/h NNE

Precipitation: 55% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:32AM Sunset: 5:25 PM Wind: ENE 7km/h Gusts: 22km/h ENE

Precipitation: 40% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:32AM Sunset: 5:25PM Wind: WSW 7km/h Gusts: 20km/h WSW

MOON PHASES: June 2015

Wed 17 June New Moon Wed 24 June First Quarter

17 Wed 18 Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21Sun 22 Mon 23 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 29 Mon 30 Tue

TIDES: 17 June - 30 June LOW

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

10h22 10h57 11h30 12h02 00h25 01h02 01h46 02h40 03h55 05h29 06h40 07h31 08h12 08h51

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On the Soapbox

17 June 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Bolhuis stories open eyes to plight of those the family in the midst of the their countries by hardship in war-torn places trauma they lived through. and suffering. I wish to congratulate you on publishing the excellent and interesting series of articles on the experiences of the Bolhuis family during WWII. Could he write about their decision to come to South Africa and their life here in a follow-up article? He was a successful migrant

who settled in well and raised his children in Pretoria, and has had a good career in Pretoria’s Traffic Department. I went to school with one of Henk’s sons, but had no idea of what his father and grandparents went through before coming here. We can only applaud the courage of

The hairy green yellow-bellied LogPletts Monster has escaped!

Also, congrats on becoming so fluent in Afrikaans and English as second and third languages. I hope these articles will be read more widely, as they form part of the war history of that Dutch region. Well written! It is most enlightening to read what this family and the people in his village had to live through and endure. It should open our eyes to the plight of those in wartorn regions, and also help to make us see that many migrants are driven away from

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Dogs kill birds with impunity in Sedgefield

HANDLE WITH CARE: There is great concern for the LogPletts Monster’s safety because of greater vulnerability to booty hunters in its new position on Lookout Beach

The newly-formed AxSACP (Anti-xenophobic South African Citizen’s Party) has been alerted by its PPPPPPP wing (Protection & Preservation of Plett’s Priceless Peculiar Public Pieces) that the monster - which came roaring out of a forest in the upper reached of the Keurbooms River some years ago during a violent storm and has since commanded the eastern end of Keurbooms Beach - escaped last week. It once more did so under cover of darkness and stormy weather (after coming down the Keurbooms, it turned left to commandeer a stretch of about 2km long, moving up and down with the big tides). Now, for the first time, it has escaped across the mouth to Lookout Beach. The PPPPPPP recently declared it a PPPP and is

concerned about the LogPletts Monster’s safety. It was sawly vandalised by a chain gang when it first took refuge on Keurbooms Beach and is probably unaware of its greater vulnerability to booty hunters outside the reserve. Anyone peeping at this PPPP on Lookout Beach is advised to approach with caution and reverence we’re watching you! - and is requested to encourage it to return by whatever means... PS: One of our PPPPPPP wardens noted in her logbook over the weekend that the LogPletts Monster was sighted on the opposite bank of the shipping lane where it appeared to have dug itself in. She couldn’t confirm whether or not it was intact. Very worrying indeed! Oqpuvgt"Ycvejgtu."Rngvv

It breaks my heart that people are so cruel. I walk daily at Sea Breeze Villas and Placid water holiday flats in Sedgefield, behind the library. One used to hear so many baby ducks and vctgpvcng (guineafowl) in the area – too lovely! A blonde woman came there daily with her two white fox terrier dogs, which jumped in and out of the long grass. She sat there and did nothing. All the squeaking stopped - in 20 minutes, all the ducklings and Vctgpvccn" babies were killed. Not one sound or bird left! The parents (older ducks and vctgpvcng) stood a little

away looking confused. This woman allowed her dogs daily to kill off all the hatchlings, so no more babies will follow the parents. We cannot show our children because she let her dogs kill each of them in front of her eyes and did nothing. I am horrified. She merely shook her head when my daughter approached her. I am heartbroken, and have not been back there now for days. The grass is still flat and you can see where the dogs did all their damage. Could something please be done to save the next batch of hatchlings? Uq"Etwgn."Ugfighkgnf

Help urgently sought for Parkinson’s sufferers I am trying to track down a nice gentleman I met about a month ago in the queue in Plett’s Standard Bank. We started talking and he told me that he had managed to prolong the life of his father - who suffered from cancer and Parkinson’s disease - by two years. He himself is inflicted with Parkinson’s but is coping extremely well, as he is following the instructions of a book on the subject.

As we had to move on in the queue, our conversation came to an end and at that time I did not think about asking his contact details in order to assist my new friends, who are struggling with Parkinson’s and desperately looking for help. If you read here and know (or are!) the gentleman in question, please make contact with me on 044 533 3506. Wtuwnc"Iqfqtt."Rngvv

It’s a must-see it is... but, oh man, that smell!

Ranate Boni, above, sent these pics and wrote: ‘I have been living in Plett since 1998 and have never seen this… Clam-Shell Phenomena on Robberg Beach! I went for a walk and saw this spectacle of shells, however, the smell is best described as fish gone horribly off. At places it is 2m high and I could not reach the end of the beach to have a sit-down on the rocks, as I sank to my knees in shells - rather painful, with some scratches and scrapes.’ (We’ve received lots of feedback on the altered look of Plett’s beaches after recent rough seas, while the above-mentioned smell of dying marine matter permeating the seaside of Longships and beyond has also been discussed with much vigour… Not what you would call a fantastic attraction for tourists, but hopefully the recent cold weather means we’ve whiffed the last of it. - Eds.)

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CXPRESS

Nominate your best Western Cape Sport Legend

HE Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport invites members of the sporting fraternity to nominate their local stars to be honoured as provincial Sport Legends. The Legends Awards are hosted annually by the department to acknowledge those who play a role in growing and transforming sport in the province. Eligible nominees should be over the age of 55 and have played a role in shaping sport in their communities. Ideally, nominees are also people who were not previously recognised because of their gender, race or geographical location. Minister of Cultural Af-

Sport & Adventure

17 June 2015

fairs and Sport Anroux Marais said that this is a vital opportunity to recognise the roles of individuals in furthering sport in the Western Cape. “It is very important that we honour these legends. They are the ones who lay the foundations for sport in our province and are role models for our upcoming sport stars.” Visit www.western c a p e . g o v. z a / d e p t / c a s / documents/public_ info/S/36781 to download a nomination form and ensure that you submit the fully completed form before the August 3 closing date to root for deserving local sports legends.

Kurland’s first eventing trial a rip-roaring success Last weekend saw the first Three Phase Eventing show in a planned series taking place at Kurland Estate. Says local horse lover Jill Mouat: ‘It was the most amazing equestrian event our town had experienced for a while, with a full programme of Dressage and Show Jumping taking place on Saturday June 13, and the Cross Country phase kicking off on Sunday the 14th around 9:30. Competitors from as far away as Port Elizabeth and Cape Town joined the Plettenberg Bay riders for two great days of horsing around on those beautiful grounds, with a surprising amount of support from local residents and visitors. This event served as the first trial, prior to a bigger event in October.’ With free entrance and an open invitation to spectators to take their seats at the beautiful Kurland Pavilion, this news comes as no surprise. In the photos are some of the competitors that enjoyed the riding and refreshments on offer. Photos: Rob Smith www.facebook .com/ robtraverssmithphotography

Hornlee’s upgraded sports grounds to open at the end of this month

EVEN months of reparation and upgrading work has come to an end at the Hornlee sport grounds in Knysna Ward 6, next to Hornlee Library just off the national road. Mayor Georlene Wolmarans explained that the pitch had been exposed to severe over-use. “An extensive amount of soccer matches are played on these grounds and the state of the pitch had deteriorated to such a degree that practising or playing on it was potentially hazardous to the players. “The municipality held a number of meetings with the local football association in order to ascertain the state of the grounds, and to discuss potential closure in order to upgrade the facility,” said Wolmarans, adding that the facility was closed in October last year for the works to commence. A budget of about R400,000 was allocated to upgrading the surface of the field, while facilities including the kitchen, changing rooms, bathrooms and plumbing were revamped last year. The grounds are still closed to allow the freshly laid

grass time to establish itself. The official re-opening of the facility is scheduled for the end of this month. “We understand how important access to these kinds of sporting facilities is,” said Wolmarans. “Not only does participating in sport lead to a healthier lifestyle, but we know if we provide our young people with a wholesome alternative

that also teaches them discipline and teamwork, we can keep them away from bad influences and poor choices. “We look forward to opening the sports grounds and enjoying many games on the freshly laid pitch with the community, because having fun together is part of living in a town where people and nature prosper,” Wolmarans concluded.