18 may by CXpress

18 May 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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Pirates of the Keurbooms

Housing saga continues p3

Grand ol’ dame gets a facelift

It’s a dog’s life - or is it?

p11

Photo: David Bloomer@Starz

Scenes for Season 4 of the award-winning series ‘Black Sails’ were shot on Keurbooms River and elsewhere in the Garden Route earlier this month - read all about it on page 5

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

18 May 2016

Life’s about to become a smooth cruise for deserving guardians of Plett beaches

SAFETY IN NUMBERS: Lifeguards were joined by representatives of the various entities responsible for the past safe season, including mayor Memory Booysen and Mark Fourie, at right, of Bitou Municipality, and Gerhard van Huyssteen, third from left, of Plett Surf Lifesaving Club, with some of the young Cha Cha Club swimmers in front - Photos: Martin Hurwitz

N exceptionally successful spell on Bitou’s beaches came to an end two Fridays ago, when a handful of the pros who worked as lifeguards for the past seven months - some of them having served in this capacity for several years already - came together at Plett Surf Lifesaving Club for a jolly end-of-season function. Many thank-yous and kudos were flung to and fro once the afternoon’s

beach games concluded and everyone converged on the club’s deck for the night’s official proceedings, with Bitou mayor Memory Booysen on hand to have the final say. Chas Fraser, who has been in charge of managing and training local teens and young adults as lifesavers for many years, lauded the group for their hard work and commitment, which resulted in a record-breaking season in safety terms.

Commercial carrier CemAir was thanked for its backing in providing the team with gear and contributions to training costs as part of its corporate investment programme (see the below), while Beach Control’s John and Norman were cheered for the fact that they could always be counted upon for essential logistics support. Mention was made of a special troupe of younger kids, The Cha Cha Club, who have become poster boys and girls for Plett Surf Lifesaving, as integral part of its development drive. “The role that surf lifesaving plays in the development and general upliftment of our club members can never be overstated especially those guys from

communities historically left behind,” said Chas on the night. These youngsters, clad in their white and blue Nippers kit, have all come a very long way since joining the development programme less than two years ago, many of them making headlines with their sporting accomplishments and serving as ambassadors for their families, schools and town. These youngsters have been looking up to the older lifeguards who generously help them out during drills, so setting an excellent example of peer training and camaraderie, and serving as inspiration for bright futures working abroad. The club has been abuzz with excitement for the

last month or two because, through the joint efforts of all mentioned above, six Plett Lifeguards have recently scored jobs on cruise ships - an accomplishment that will broaden their horizons immensely while they earn an international income. Four members of what Chas terms ‘The A Team’ are departing for foreign shores this week, with the remaining two hot on their heels. Mayor Booysen was generous with his compliments to all members of the team for their commitment in keeping Plett safe for beach users, and loaded extra praise on the guys about to trot the globe. “When I was still working

CRUISING AHEAD: Flanking Bitou mayor Memory Booysen from left are Juan Wildeman, Dorian Michaels, Dimitri Phekula and Levi Fraser, who this week depart for foreign shores to serve as lifeguards on cruise ships - absent from the photo as they were in Cape Town getting their medicals for the purpose at the time of the gathering were Plett Lifeguards Emelio Oortman and Mario Opperman

COMMITTED COMMODORE: Chas Fraser and his partner, the golden-voiced local musician Tessa Scott

at the Beacon Isle Hotel, I was offered a job in Australia,” reminisced the mayor. “But I was so scared that I turned it down, and today I can kick my butt! “To the A Team, remember that it’s not just about yourselves - yes, you’ve pushed yourselves, and our municipal programme has given you tools and experience that opened you up to these great opportunities. Next come your families, then comes the team. “Always remember that you are ambassadors for South Africa and ambassadors for Plett. What you do on those cruise liners will lay the foundations for generations to come. Sure you’ll miss everything familiar, but resist being homesick because you are there for a purpose. That bigger picture includes all of us.” CXPRESS congratulates everyone involved in the good-news beacon that Plett Lifeguarding has become, and we wish the guys bon voyage and all of the very best for their exciting challenge ahead.

CemAir CSI programme allows lifeguards to soar EMAIR has selected the Bitou Lifesaving Programme to be part of their corporate social investment (CSI) drive for Plettenberg Bay. The programme’s mission is to train and employ local youth from all Bitou communities to become qualified lifeguards at the town’s beaches. Since inception, they have successfully passed more than 130 youth through the Lifesaving SA Qualifications Programme. One of CemAir’s key objectives is to give young adults a platform to acquire basic workplace

skills that may equip them for future job opportunities. The yellow and red lifeguard shirts are well recognised in the community and give a level of status and responsibility to the wearer. The programme started in 2004, first as water-proofing initiative for children. With little to no support, the programme was eventually terminated. It was resurrected in 2007 after Plett ‘imported’ lifeguards from Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Eventually, local teenagers were brought into the programme and trained to the highest standards. During 2012, the pro-

gramme was recognised by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Due to the high standards and commitment of the programme, they have financially supported the initiative and allowed for Plett to employ additional lifeguards and purchase muchneeded equipment. After nine years the success of the programme is self-evident - three of the lifeguards have joined the SA Navy, one the Fire & Rescue Academy, four paramedic services and now six have received notification they had been accepted by

a cruise-ship company as full-time lifeguards. The immediate impact on the community is extremely positive. When asked about the effect it will have on his family, a recent graduate replied: “My parents have never had an opportunity to do anything like this. “They never thought they would have the resources to put one of their children in this situation. My parents are so proud - I am grateful.” (Read the full story at www.flycemair.co.za/gene ral/skynews.php on p6 of the April/May edition.)

NEWS & VIEWS

18 May 2016

CXPRESS

New Horizons housing battle... the latest episode in extended history of top dogs baring their teeth Bitou’s first citizen last week laid a criminal complaint against his former deputy Adam van Rhyner over housing protests in New Horizons - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports N a statement, Bitou mayor Memory Booysen said the complaint involved malicious damage to property, or alternatively inciting violence after a series of vicious housing protest actions in March, during which five RDP homes were destroyed. Some of the reasons for the protests included the number of homes constructed being out of kilter with the backlog and the need in the community. Another concern was the alleged sub-standard construction of the homes which was later rubbished after an independent investigation into the claims revealed the units met acceptable standards. Booysen said he decided to lay the complaint after he received what he had labelled “evidence” that Van Rhyner not only

EX NUMBER TWO: Former deputy mayor Adam van Rhyner - Photo: Supplied

made threats to destroy the homes (currently being rebuilt) when the units reached window height, but which also pointed to his alleged involvement in the initial protests. But Van Rhyner denied his involvement and said he had been made a scapegoat for the shortcomings

of Bitou’s leadership. He added, however, that he did say once the homes had reached window height, he would start an “anti-building campaign”, which would include making use of a petition against the development. This petition has been signed by more than 1,000 residents. He said the community’s biggest concerns included the number of homes being constructed - about 60 compared to the 2,000 backlog - and fact the community had not been informed that the project would be rolled out over several phases, or that most of the units would be duplexes instead of single units. This is the second time the two had issues with one another; in 2014 this friction caused chaos within the municipality when in

Baby porn accused back in court in August Yolandé Stander

FTER more than five months of plea negotiations in the Plett baby pornography network court case, no agreement has been reached and the matter has therefore been set down for trial. The 37-year-old man accused of having links to a horrific international child pornography chain - distributing images of babies as young as a few days old being raped and tortured - briefly appeared in the Knysna Regional Court on Thursday after the matter was postponed for a plea and sentencing agreement to be finalised. But when the accused, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, took his place in the dock, the court

heard that the State had had no offer from him and his lawyer Carl Jeppe - this despite negotiations having already started in December last year. State prosecutor JJ Marx therefore asked for the matter to go to trial. The case was set down for plea and trial on August 11 this year. The accused still has the opportunity to continue negotiations until then. Initially ordered to report to a local police station twice a week, the accused asked the court to relax his bail conditions further. He now only has to report on Fridays. This is not the first time he has asked for his bail conditions to be changed. The conditions initially prohibited him from leaving the Plett area but he

was given the go-ahead to travel to Kimberley to search for employment. The accused was the first South African to have been arrested as part of Cloud 9 - cooperation between South African and Belgian police responsible for cracking down on a child pornography ring linked to a cyber meeting space for paedophiles whose fetishes seem to be the sexual abuse of infants. The Plett resident was arrested on January 13 last year when international police raided his seaside home and allegedly found sections of files containing hundreds of images and videos of violent assaults as well as internet addresses of more than 300 other alleged paedophiles. Garden Route Media

June that year Van Rhyner, also a former COPE member, joined forces with six local ANC councillors to call for a special council meeting to serve a motion of no confidence in Booysen, among others. At the time, Bitou was a hung council and the DA relied on its coalition with COPE. This followed three

lengthy Western Cape High Court applications, including a call to stop the meeting from taking place. The battle continued until the sudden resignation of one of the ANC councillors, Nolan Stuurman, which subsequently led to a by-election in September that year. The DA won, giving the party out-

right majority in council. This also meant that the ANC councillors and Van Rhyner no longer had the majority votes to serve the motion. Van Rhyner was later suspended by the party after breaching its coalition agreement with the DA in hung councils. Garden Route Media

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

18 May 2016

Grand old forest lady now ready to receive well earned heritage nod RIDAY May 13 marked an auspicious occasion when the Old Coach House at De Poort - adjacent to the Garden of Eden in Harkerville - saw the gathering of all those who played a part in her recent facelift. Constructed in 1848, the building was used as travellers’ inn and built alongside the original ox-wagon route through the forest. In days gone by, it would have taken two days to travel by ox-wagon from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, and the ‘Woodside Inn’ or ‘Wayside Inn’ served as welcome stopover. Its fascinating history has been well researched by historian Margaret Parkes and Philip Caveney of Knysna Historical Society, and is associated with significant local personalities like Sarah Rex, R Holt, Johanna Thesen, Paul Emil Bertlesen, Henry Morgan, William Morrow, Ludwick Johnson and many more, having welcomed visitors over the past 145 years. In 2000, the property and building was made available to Debbie Stanley of

Eco-Ed for lease by Willoughby van Reenen, then owner of the property, to be used as environmental education centre. Debbie and partner Hatti Thesen have been educating young people from all over SA on the fauna and flora of our forests for the past 16 years, and have even enjoyed a visit by a delegation from the American International School in Dubai. The Coach House serves as an historical base from where the Eco-Ed programmes are conducted, and the highlight for all leaners participating in activities offered is the forest night walk, where they experience the mystery of the forest by night. Evenings end around the campfire, where stories of yesteryear are shared. Hatti has created a Natural History Museum made up of the many bones and skulls of mammals like rodents and primates, collected by her father Hjalmar Thesen. These are used as tools to educate young visitors on the fauna of the forest past and present.

The property is now owned by PG Bison, and Eco-Ed continues to lease the property and offer educational activities from this special venue. The recent renovation and painting of the building was made possible by a donation from PG Bison, with Eco-Ed being the main funder. Says Debbie: “It is important for us to contribute towards the preservation of this building identified as an important heritage site by KHS. “We will soon receive our heritage plaque! We are grateful that PG Bison has recognised the need to protect heritage buildings on its property, and appreciative the assistance. “It’s part of the company’s social responsibility mandate to protect heritage sites and promote education, so both of these objectives are being achieved at the Coach House.” She thanks Davey Carelse and Heine Muller of PG Bison for their support, and Chris Manuel and his team from Harkerville who effected the pretty makeover in style.

SPECIAL SPOT: Philip Caveney, Debbie Stanley and Heine Muller, right, marvel at the forest surrounds, with the newly renovated Coach House in the background - Photos: Hatti Thesen

MADE OVER: The back view of the newlyrenovated Coach House, above and, at left, Debbie with painting contractors Hermanus, Trevor and Chris on the front steps of the house

News Briefs robbery took place at business premises on the corner of Marine and High street in Plett on May 4 around 3:30pm. SAPS spokesperson Lt Marlene Pieterse said two unknown men entered the premises, one of them wearing a black balaclava. “He pointed a firearm at the complainant, ordering her to ‘shut her mouth’ and not press the panic button. He demanded that she hand over a large amount of money from the till before both suspects left, locking the victims inside.” A case of business robbery was reported but no arrests had been made by going to press. --Two suspects were arrested in Knysna after business robberies in Concordia and Nekkies. In the first incident on April 18, three men threatened a shopkeeper with knives before leaving with an undisclosed amount of cash. A 19-yearold suspect was arrested. The second incident took place at a spaza shop in Nekkies on May 1, when cash and a cellphone were stolen. Sandiso Faku, 27, was positively linked to the incident and arrested at his residence.

NEWS & VIEWS

18 May 2016

CXPRESS

Plain sailing for Emmy-winning series on Keurbooms and elsewhere en Route CXPRESS was fortunate to catch up with MICK SNELL - location manager for the popular American-produced television series ‘Black Sails’, of which scenes were shot in Plett, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay during the past fortnight - just moments before the crew returned to their Cape Town headquarters on Monday lar. Local lifesavers were involved in these scenes, depicting drowned pirates. Hats-off to them for the hours they spent bobbing in cold water. Many thanks are due to the people of Plettenberg Bay; to SANParks, Cape Nature, MTO and Forest Hall; and to George, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Bitou Municipalities.

SMOKE N DAGGERS: ‘Black Sails’ is a pirate tale set in 1700s Bahamas and this image shot on Keurbooms River last week gives an indication of the myriad specialists, actors and extras required for a single scene to be captured - Photo: David Bloomer@Starz

XPRESS: We believe your crew is packing up now after two weeks of shooting in our pretty neighbourhood. Did all go according to plan? Mick Snell: Yes, it was a very successful two weeks so much so that we finished filming a day early. CX: Could you tell us a bit more about the series and its producers? MS: Black Sails is a fictional tale about pirates, set in 1700s Bahamas. Film Afrika has been facilitating the show for US-company Starz for the last four years, and we are now nearing the end of Season 4. The show is based at the Cape Town Film Studios, where we have numerous sets, including full-scale ships and a pirate town. We occasionally venture out to west coast beaches, and to

sets that we maintain on estates and City property, near the Studios. This season had a requirement for new scenery so we chose some beautiful areas managed by SANParks, CapeNature and MTO, in Glentana and on the historical private property called Forest Hall. A digital plate unit also filmed scenes in the Knysna Heads area. All of these locations have contributed immensely to the producer's vision. CX: Did your team stay over anywhere else or was most of them accommodated in Plettenberg Bay? Plett was the obvious choice as a base, with its broad spectrum of accommodation options, excellent restaurants, and just enough local industry to service our needs.

The town was easily able to cope with the requirements of our ‘reduced’ cast and crew of about 200 and, by all accounts, everyone loved the break away from the Studios. Plettenberg Bay really is a great place to base a film unit. We work long hours before sunrise 'till after sunset - and came back to great accommodation. There's such a range of activities to do on days off, but I suspect most crew sat down at a view somewhere and had a great bite and a drink - what a pleasure. CX: What were the standout moments, if any, during your two-week Garden Route sojourn? MS: If I had to choose, I guess the highlight of filming here was travelling up Keurbooms River to work every day - just spectacu-

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And now for a word from the producers… TARZ reported being “delighted” to film Season 4 of the Emmy Awardwinning Black Sails in and around Plett, George and Knysna. The production brought in a crew from

Cape Town and recruited the local lifesaving team as supporting cast, making use of the various naturally beautiful locations. “We have loved filming here on the Garden Route.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

18 May 2016

Adventure athletes get creative! EFORE setting off on Expedition Africa last weekend, over 200 athletes cycled along the N2 to Sedgefield Mosaic & Outdoor Market, waving their countries’ flags with pride. Each team taking part in this year's gruelling 544km adventure race was paired with kids from Masithandane Bursary Fund to create a unique element of a Mosaic Masterpiece that will live in the market for

GOING PLACES: Members of Team Ride 2 Nowhere flank a young local beneficiary while showing off their pretty mosaic in Sedgefield last Saturday

years to come. The team and sponsor’s names will feature in the mosaic in appreciation for their support, and funds raised will

benefit Masithandane. Expedition Africa started in Knysna on May 15 visit www.ex pafrica.live to track your team’s progress.

Notice Board Pledge allegiance to Knysna Garden Club Knysna Garden Club will next meet on Wednesday May 25 at Pledge Square Nature Reserve at 9:45 for 10am. Walking shoes are a must, and you can bring along chairs and refreshments to enjoy this midtown Eden. Admission to the Reserve is R20 but the Club pays for members. Visitors are welcome. Turn into Grey Street from Main and then left into Bond, which ends at the Pledge parking area. Phone Elinor Clegg 044 387 1966 for more details. Invitation to those who can hold their liquor A liquor licence holders’

session will be held on May 31 from 9-11am in the Lecture Room at Plett SAPS. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the way forward for all licenced liquor premises and it will serve as an information session attended by officials of the Western Cape Liquor Authority, the Designated Liquor Officer, and Plett SAPS management. Call communications officer Lieutenant Marlene Pieterse on 044 501 1933 for additional information. Boot those unwanteds and make some bucks The popular PAWS car boot sale has grown in size and popularity and organisers are delighted to host

such an interesting variety of stalls. For R100 you can dispose of as many of your unwanted items as you like, as there are always people interested in others’ rejects. In addition to the usual books, bric-a-brac, clothing, household goods and appliances, the Sunday June 5 sale will also feature a plant stall. There will be beautiful PAWS crocheted dog coats to keep our furry friends warm, and all other crafters should take note: this is a perfect outlet for your creations. Come and enjoy pancakes and fun in the sun for all ages from 9am to 1pm. Please call Margie Hollely on 044 533 6262 or 082 551 6301 to book a stall.

BUSINESS

18 May 2016

CXPRESS

Keep Plett clean - it’s everyone’s business MATT COVARR of the Plett Clean Campaign explains why a spotless town is in the best interest of every local homeowner and business T’S been three years since the humble efforts of a few Plett individuals turned into what continues to draw praise from both local and foreign visitors to the town. The Clean Plett Campaign continues to grow and it certainly seems this is one Plett organisation that’s here to stay. But with only two staff members and a handful of volunteers who meet every Tuesday evening to target key problem areas, only so much can be realistically achieved. At least the most prominent public areas, tourist spots and heritage sites are all kept clean and neat thanks to their toil. You may ask why Plett needs to be impeccable at any given time of day. Well, it’s simple: the cleaner the town, the more visitors it attracts. The knock-on effects of this ultimately result in a better economy and job creation. Over the past few years, the campaign has gained valuable experience and insight into key problem areas, sources of litter, and local organisations who should focus strongly on ameliorating the matter. Homeowners • Dumping of large-scale refuse in public litter bins outside of the area’s designated litter days. • Litter bags placed outside of homes, days before or after the designated pick-up days, resulting in the bags being torn open by birds, or the litter taken and emptied in the nearby bush to see if it contains

PART OF THE PROBLEM: Restaurant waste, black bags spilling their contents in the bush, waste dumped on the side of the N2, or building rubble and garden refuse surreptitiously dropped in quiet spots - all of these actions and need to remedy could be prevented if residents fight the waste war together

Photos: David Scott

anything of value. • Litter cages or wheelie bins are not commonly used. General public • Discarding of rubbish from vehicles, and more commonly by pedestrians, along all major public walkways and footpaths. Restaurants • A similar trend to the homeowner issues, except

that bags contain more hazardous contents. It has been noted that certain contents are disposed of down storm-water drains. Fishermen • Bait containers, fast-food packaging, fishing line and broken bottles are continually found on rocks and along the shoreline. Much more of this lands up out of sight in the sea.

Holidaymakers and letting agents • Towards the end of holiday periods or long weekends, bags of refuse are left on holiday home pavements the morning the tenants leave. Often this does not coincide with collection days, resulting in bags being ripped open and the contents dispersed. Wheelie bins or litter cages would solve the problem. Road agencies • Those responsible for the cleaning of the N2, Airport and Wittedrift Road verges need to ensure more regular and thorough cleaning. The responsibility lies with us all, and while the campaign continues to grow, the focus on the issue of litter and general upkeep of the public areas in Plett, should continuously be highlighted by Plett Tourism, Bitou Municipality and the Environmental Forum, all of whom have a common goal in this grave regard. So let’s all do our bit and make a difference in keeping this slice of paradise sparkling. It’s simple: if we keep the areas around us litter-free and use litter bins, the largest part of the problem is solved. If you would like to contribute towards the wages of the campaign’s full-time cleaners, donations are greatly appreciated (Keep Plett Clean, Nedbank code 19876, account number 1096711974). Otherwise, meet outside The Grand on Tuesdays at 5:15pm and get stuck in.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

18 May 2016

The female praying mantis devours the male within minutes after mating, while the human female prefers to stretch it out over a lifetime.

A special request for my kinda breakfast man goes into a coffee shop and says: “I would like one of your special breakfasts.” “No problem,” comes the reply from behind the counter. “But I want it my way,” says the man. “What do you mean ‘your way’?” asks the waiter. “Well, I want the eggs only half done,” he says. “I want the baked beans done

so they are baking hot on the top and freezing cold on the bottom. “I want the bacon stuck to the plate with grease, with more rind than actual bacon. I want fried bread so greasy that the grease pours out of it.” “I don’t have time to do all that!” replies the waiter. “Well, yesterday it seemed you had the time,” answers the guest.

Supporting a family HE prospective sonin-law was asked by his girlfriend’s father: “Son, can you support a family?” “Well, no, sir,” he re-

plied, caught off-guard. “Your daughter and I were thinking we’d just have to support ourselves, the rest of you will have to fend for yourselves.”

The perfect fairy tale NCE upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, selfassured princess happened to come upon a frog as she sat, contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her very own castle. A frog hopped into the princess’s lap and said: “Elegant lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell on me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dap-

per, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can satisfy my needs, prepare and serve my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so.” That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sautéed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself: “I don’t think so!”

How John stood his ground OHN hobbled into his house and was greeted by his wife. “Dear,” she said startled, “what are you doing home so early?” “The boss and I had a

fight,” John grumbled. “He would not take back what he said.” Glowing with pride, she asked: “What did he say?” John shrugged: “You’re fired.”

All in a day’s work... Interviewer: “So why do you want this job?”

“Well, I’ve always been really passionate about not starving to death.”

ENTERTAINMENT

18 May 2016

CXPRESS

Glorious trio woos capacity Ouland crowd to sheer delight of Bitou’s pet protectors the scores of motion pictures and musicals and South African melodies, to contemporary songs, popular hits, and the pulsating rhythm of the tango. A capacity audience of 150 people thoroughly enjoyed the performance and gave rapturous applause to the Trio, who performed a lively encore. At the outset of the evening David Hall-Green gave an overview of the background and operations of PAWS, which has been in existence for 20 years and provides primary health care to dogs and cats of

11 different communities, along a 100km stretch of the Garden Route from Coldstream to Harkerville. Through the good offices of a number of veterinary surgeons of the area, PAWS provides for the dipping, de-worming and spaying of female and neutering of male, cats and dogs, along its region of responsibility. The operations of PAWS cost R60,000 per month, which is funded entirely by way of donations or fundraising events. An earnest appeal was made for persons who are able to give a loving and healthy home to

a domestic animal, to adopt one of the 40 cats and dogs presently being cared for by PAWS. ClemenGold - a global company based in South Africa, of which the core business is the supply, branding and marketing of quality foodstuffs - provided generous sponsorship for the event. As has happened on so many occasions in the past, Ouland Royale owner Wilja Reitz kindly made the venue available for the event. All proceeds, after the deduction of costs, were donated to PAWS.

GOOD PLAN, GREAT EXECUTION: Those principally responsible for the arrangements of the evening of Glorious Music were, from left, Thomas de Bruin and Albert Combrink of Trio de Musique, Ouland Royale’s Wilja Reitz, David and Marsja Hall-Green of PAWS, and the Trio’s Ariella Caira

Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

LETT Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) presented an evening of Glorious Music, performed by Trio de Musique of Stellenbosch, on the evening of Friday May at Ouland Roy-

ale in its exquisite farm setting off Plettenberg Bay’s Airport Road. Trio de Musique’s members - they are Ariella Caira on cello, Thomas de Bruin on flute and Albert Combrink on piano - are all professional musicians who play as soloists and in en-

sembles and orchestras, at festivals, concerts, recitals, weddings and other private events. At Ouland Royale, this competent trio played a miscellany of music that ranged from a variation of Astor Piazolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires,

CHEERS TO TRIO: Enjoying the evening were, from left, Dorelt Herbst, Elmeraine Browne, Terry du Plessis, George McCauley, Silvia Böhn and Shayne Treisman

Lunchbox Theatre’s water competition now launched at three schools in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna

NO FUTURE WITHOUT WATER: As part of their water-saving show ‘The Last Drop’, Lunchbox Theatre actors in the guise of ‘The Professor’ and ‘Neptune’ recruit volunteers from the audience to help save the future

ECOGNISING the dire water situation in our country, and wishing to share the joys and lessons of educational live theatre with the youth, Plettenberg Bay-based Lunchbox Theatre has challenged three local schools to win its watersaving competition. The idea of the project is

to inspire school children, their teachers and parents to consider their water consumption patterns and thus help in safeguarding these precious resources for future generation. This campaign started at the end of last year, when Lunchbox Theatre used Thundafund crowdfunding

platform to raise funds for the water competition. With support from South African and overseas donors, the Department of Arts & Culture, and Knysna Municipality’s Grants in Aid programme, enough funds were gathered to involve three schools. The competition was finally launched at the beginning of May. The show The Last Drop was performed at the participating schools - Plettenberg Bay Primary, Formosa Primary and Hornlee Primary. Around 2,000 children and teachers saw the show and were encouraged to consider, monitor and reduce their water consumption over a period of one month. To assist in this, Lunchbox

Theatre prepared a teacher’s workbook. The workbook includes further ideas for exercises and activities that the teachers could use to engage the learners in addressing the issue of water conservation. At the end of the month, Lunchbox Theatre will compare water-meter reading results from the schools, and estimate which school has managed to save the most water. This school will be declared the Water Wise Winner, while all three schools will receive prizes to acknowledge their eager participation. Lunchbox Theatre wishes to thank all donors as well as the participating schools. Watch the press for more news on the competition at the end of the month.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CXPRESS

18 May 2016

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ON THE SOAPBOX

18 May 2016

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CXPRESS

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

Dog owners suffer because of lawless few We refer to the letter by O Rissik in CXPRESS of May 4 [read ‘Dogged vandals are breaking the law’ on the Letters page at www. cxpress.co.za]. It is our sincere wish that the evidence of vandalism to dog-restriction signs on Bitou beaches had been handed to the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association and SAPS, and the perpetrators brought to book. What is particularly sad about this matter is it once again highlights that the behaviour of a handful of dog owners who wish to deface or blatantly ignore restric-

tion signage on our beaches, is spoiling the enjoyment of the majority of dog owners who take the time to train their animals how to behave in public, clear up after them, and abide by prevailing regulations. It can be no coincidence that those who choose to disregard legislation are the same owners who have the least control over their animals. We have heard many stories of responsible owners being afraid to take their animals into public places due to risk of attack by out of control dogs. Such selfish and destruc-

Danny doesn’t have time on his side, so please offer him a good home soon

tive behaviour endangers not only the wildlife, ecostructure and natural beauty of our beaches, but also the safety of other users. It further compromises our status as a quality tourist destination and the accreditation of our Blue Flag beaches. If such behaviour continues, the only solutions open to Bitou Municipality would be to firstly put further restrictions in place, making vast stretches of our beaches ‘no go zones’ for dogs; and secondly to increase Municipal Law Enforcement presence on our beaches and fine

transgressors. At R500 for a dog off a leash in a ‘on lead only’ area this, from our observations, could very quickly become a very profitable exercise. So the vast majority of you dog owners who train, control and clean up after your animals will suffer along with the few who cannot even be bothered to apply these basic principles and, in all truth, shouldn’t be allowed to own a dog in the first place. Clearly it is time to name and shame the few for the benefit of the many. ‘LandC’, Keurbooms

Tired of dodging dog doo, and ditto for the lycra brigade I have two complaints about living in Knysna. In the first place, our beautiful beaches and roads are littered with dog poo simply because Knysna’s socalled dog lovers can’t be bothered to clean up after their pets. C’mon dog lovers. Show some respect for your environment, your fellow citizens and for yourselves. Frankly, I’m sick and tired of dodging canine excrement wherever I go. Secondly, cyclists should

have some sort of warning mechanisms fitted to their bikes. On the pavement beside the lagoon along the N2, they soundlessly come racing up behind and past pedestrians without any warning, posing extreme danger to those on foot. Must pedestrians wear rear-view mirrors in future, or could we reasonably expect the vacuumpacked-in-lycra brigade to show some consideration instead? ‘Harry C’, Knysna

Make happy campers of Pine Trees children, please KENNEL-STRESSED: Danny was rescued from dire circumstances but adapted well to the pack at PAWS kennels, until recently when the absence of a home life without loving and dedicated masters started taking its toll

Danny has been at the Plett Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) kennels since February. He is a young neutered male who came from a township. Once he settled down, he integrated into the pack well. He did not show any signs of aggression and has received basic obedience training from our volunteers, loving the attention and being eager to please. However, just recently he has been pacing and running the fence line and scraped his nose by continually pushing against the wire mesh. He now gets short-tempered with the other dogs. All this is due to kennel stress. Danny has not had an easy life. He came to us with one badly-injured eye which is apparently blind. This does not prevent him from enjoying life. More recently he saved a dog with very bad biliary by giving blood. If not for him, the dog would not have made it. We are URGENTLY looking for either a foster home or permanent

home for Danny as soon as possible. He would be best suited to a home with a female dog and people that can be at home with him for a good part of the day - understanding people who will help him recover from the stressful state he is in right now. A secure garden or fenced farm or smallholding would be a bonus. Time is not on this boy’s side, as the more stressed he becomes in our kennels, the less likely he is to be suitable for rehoming. Other choices will have to be made for Danny, including euthanasia as a last resort. If you think you can give Danny a chance, come and meet him at the PAWS kennels off Plett N2 close to New Horizons’ main entrance. Please take note that strict home checks apply for both fostering and adoption. If you’d like to discuss a way to help Danny, please call Tracy on 083 287 9917 or Marie on 084 780 8626. Marie Gorton - PAWS adoptions manager, Plett

The Pine Trees Community Outreach Project cares for our families and children most in need, and is run from The Farmhouse in New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay. We realise that business is slow at this time of year. But we write this letter in an effort to reach out to businesses in Bitou in the hope that you will assist us with donations or sponsorship. We are planning our annual camp for 30 children in our care during June, and are in dire need of the following items for this outing: tracksuits, takkies, toiletries and food or financial assistance for catering. The children’s sizes are

medium to large (teens) and we would really appreciate anything CXPRESS readers could contribute for this purpose. We will follow up with more specific needs as the time comes closer and the exact date is set for our camp. If your readers or local businesses wish to discuss this opportunity for giving back to a forgotten part of the Bitou community, please call me on 063 531 8090 or 073 513 5119, or email pinetreesproject@ gmail.com for additional information. Shaun Terblanche Director: Pine Trees Community Outreach Project, Plett

A pink and blue Monday...

John Stegmann shared this stunner, taken on Plett’s Keurbooms Beach around sunrise on Monday May 9. So ya, there’s an autumn nip in the air but reminders - like this pic - abound to reiterate how fortunate we are to live behind the

CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

18 May 2016

Sport Shorts PAC sees comrades off After their regular Thursday time trials on May 19, Plett Athletics Club holds a send-off at the Ski-Boat Club for six members who will compete in the Comrades. Great food is on offer, and it’s essential to

RSVP at jbwoodhead@hot mail.com today! Plett Surf AGM Plett Surf Lifesaving Club holds its Annual General Meeting on May 26 at 6pm at the clubhouse. Call 083 304 5087 with queries.

Visit Knysna Volkswagen h Fest details. for the Hatch AGEN LKSW

HATCH FEST

Never too senior for sporting fun UNDREDS of senior citizens from every Bitou municipal ward converged on KwaNokuthula Sport Complex for the Annual Golden Games on Friday May 13, when the morning started with treats of sandwiches and hot beverage for all the lucky participating seniors. A short opening ceremony was conducted by Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, who delivered a short keynote address. Welcoming the seniors in attendance, he said: “It’s always good when our elderly convene at the Golden Games and this year is no exception. I expect an excellent event filled with sporting fun for everyone.”

The autumn-year athletes competed in great spirits in various sporting disciplines and many of the participants indicated that they enjoyed the Golden Games as something completely different to their normal daily routines. A local DJ provided music to add beats and musical flavour to match the increased heart rates. And once the races and related games were completed, lunch was served before the elderly made their separate ways home. This year’s event was again supported by the SAPS and the departments of Social Development and Health. The event is held under the banner of

RECORD-BREAKERS: A runner in blue blitzes the ladies sprints as stopwatches are checked, with officials and bystanders alike delighting in the competitive spirit of Bitou’s seniors

the Gender Desk - a section managed by the Office of the Executive Mayor. Everyone that attended the event agreed that it was

the best Golden Games ever and should remain an annual feature on the events calendar of Bitou Municipality.

Knysna Motor Show reaches brand new heights From

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VIEW FROM THE TOP: A record number of visitors streamed through the gates to marvel at the delights on offer at the recent Knysna Motor Show Photo: EkronVision Aerial Photography

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NYSNA Motor Show on Sunday May 1 turned out to be a real blockbuster that beat all expectations. Held in perfect weather conditions, the display ranged from vintage and veteran cars, classic sports models and super cars, to classic and vintage motorcycles. A continuous stream of positive comments were received from participants as well as the public: “Comparable with overseas motor shows”, “The best ever car show”, “Must rate as the best in South Africa”, “Extremely well organised,” “Will definitely be back next year!” Says Garden Route Motor Club chairman Peter Pretorius: “Knysna Motor show continues to grow exponentially and it is wonderful to see its increase in popularity from across SA. Participants and visitors from all parts of the country were thrilled with what they saw. “Our strategy to personally select and invite participants is clearly paying off, ensuring that we maintain the high level of quality and interesting models displayed. It’s not about the volume of cars and motorcycles, but a show where quality and interesting displays remain the focus, thus keeping the show fresh every year.” Apart from the eye candy

for petrolheads, a further highlight was the awarding of floating trophies and prizes in the following four categories: • The Meilleur View Voiture trophy for most beautiful vintage or veteran car was won by Kevin Casey with his 1911 Ford Model T Runabout. • The Concours d’Elegance trophy for best classic car in terms of appearance, cleanliness and authenticity was won by Lawrence Kroff with his 1967 Mercedes Benz W113 Pagoda. Both these floating trophies are sponsored by Classic Car Africa magazine, and Protea Hotels sponsored a prize for each winner of a two-day stay at any Protea Hotel in SA. • The Style Et Lux trophy for best featured one-make car on display was won by Sunbeam Sports Car Club of SA with its brilliant display of Sunbeams and regalia. The trophy is sponsored by Auto Glym Polish and Shampoo, while Fancourt donated a twonight stay at the beautiful Fancourt Resort. • The best Classic and Vintage motorcycle on display, as voted by the public on the day, was won by Gerard Roelofs with his 1946 Sunbeam S7 motorcycle. The trophy is sponsored by Allsound Security Knysna along with a set of

motorcycle tyres. In addition, Roelofs won a weekend away at the beautiful Karoo Cottages in Prince Albert. “Not only was the motor show bigger and better, but all records were literally smashed this year,” says Pretorius. “Close to 400 awesome cars and motorcycles were on display and this was complemented by a fantastic exhibition of new cars and motor related trade stands. “The visiting public literally streamed in and including our various participants, in excess of 5,000 people attended this year’s Knysna Motor Show. Gate takings almost doubled from last year - a further record-breaker for 2016. “While the costs to continually deliver an event of this magnitude have increased substantially, we will still be able to distribute the remaining funds after costs to the designated charities including Hospice, Knysna Animal Welfare, E-pap and Famsa. “In short, we were very happy with the final outcome of this year’s show. A big thank you goes out to each and every participant, the motor trade, the public and, most importantly, our sponsors. “This support is greatly appreciated and vital for us to stage the show in years to come.”