1 july

1 July 2015

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

Shark attacks

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Dylan Reddering who survived a shark attack at Plett’s Lookout Beach last Friday is surrounded by the caring staff of Knysna Private Hospital.

Read more about his ordeal and of another attack in Buffels Bay the very next day on page 3. The inset shows Dylan surfing in Fiji last year. Do diarise the Plett Wedge Classic, one of the top events on the SA body-boarding calendar, held from July 5-7 (www. wedgeclassic.co.za)

Grand news for Plett p7

Spice up your holiday p11

Oysters and beer for all! p13

Photos: Marty Reddering

10 000 FREE COPIES OF CXPRESS DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE EVERY WEDNESDAY

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CXPRESS

News & Views

1 July 2015

A place where birds don’t sing

Truth of the horrific acts brought to reality in Dachau buildings and SS quarters HENK BOLHUIS, who shared memoirs of growing up in the Netherlands during WW II on these pages before, continues his account of a visit to Dachau concentration camp in Bavaria (see p2 of the June 17 & 24 editions at www.cxpress.co.za for Parts I & II)

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Z Dachau, the first of many of Nazi Germany’s many concentration camps, stretched over an area of about 20 acres that comprised the actual prisoner’s camp of roughly five acres as well as the large SS barracks, including the building of the SS training school, the main administration building, the infirmary and some small factories.

Life in the camp consisted basically of a daily routine of work, either within the camp’s confines or outside the camp, which began early in the morning after roll call and which lasted until late in the afternoons.

At first all kinds of light industry took place within the original camp, but KZ Dachau soon became too small and had to be enlarged.

At all times the inmates were forced to work for seven days a week, at an exhausting pace and with an absolute minimum of food.

Soon after the outbreak of the war and realising the abundant supply of cheap labour, the SS therefore started to expand its activities and began to use the prisoners for large road construction projects, work in the nearby munitions factories, in marsh cultivation, and in the gravel and stone quarries in the vicinity.

As this proved to be highly successful and profitable, not long thereafter a further three concentration camps were built close to the quarries: Flossenburg, Mauthausen and Buchenwald, with Dachau becoming the main supplier of prison labourers.

“There they had to work in the quarries under the hardest of conditions without the lightest safety precautions.

Indeed, prisoners were often pushed to their deaths deliberately; large numbers became victims of what was called ‘annihilation through work’.”

Eventually, as the concentration camp prisoners became more and more indispensable to the Third Reich’s war machine, the number of inmates at KZ Dachau’s main camp together with its 36 smaller subsidiary camps grew to a vast forced labour force, totalling well over 370,000 prisoners.

However, as a result of the lack of proper nutritious food and because of the hazardous and exhausting working conditions, many of the prisoners - especially the elderly and weak - would frequently become sick or suffer from injuries and the death rate was extremely high.

Sick inmates were usually too scared to go to the infirmary and ask to be treated, as this would often be an excuse for the SS to have such a person killed.

“The SS had no interest in financing the medical and nursing care of the prisoners.

The camp leader determined whether a prisoner was sick and should be permitted to see a doctor, or perhaps should receive a ‘punishment notice’ for ‘malingering’.

“A prisoner was not permitted to be absent from work until his temperature had risen to over 40 degrees Celsius and he could no longer stand up. With a few exceptions, the SS doctors were of no help to the sick prisoners.

Often inadequately trained, they performed dangerous and unnecessary operations on the prisoners.” (*11) Apart from the poor treatment of sick inmates - also the case in all other concentration camps - Dachau, in particular, became notorious

for the inhuman medical experiments that were carried out and performed on many of its prisoners.

According to the official records of KZ Dachau discovered after the war and corroborated by evidence that came to light at the Nuremberg and Dachau War Trials, these cruel medical experiments rated as some of the worst atrocities ever committed during WWII. Surviving correspondence reveals that SS Chief Heinrich Himmler allowed and supported SS physicians to use many of the camp’s inmates as guinea pigs for medical research and experiments.

Barbara Distel elaborates:

the “patient” recovered, the process was often repeated until the subject died or became too weak to be of any further purpose. In that case the unfortunate victim soon thereafter usually succumbed to another illness.

After the war, at the Dachau War Crimes Trials, this man had the audacity to appeal to the court to be allowed to finish his report on the medical experiments that he had carried out on the camp’s prisoners.

The Chief Air Force physician, SS Lieutenant Dr Siegmund Rascher, was another one of these inhumane medical doctors. He used some of Dachau’s prisoners for his decompression and high altitude experiments to study the effects of a sudden loss of pressure or lack of oxygen, which would occur when air crew had to make a parachute jump from great heights.

KZ Dachau’s records reveal that “... from mid-March to

Initially, from August to October 1942, the camp was also used by Professor Holzlöhner and Dr Finke, in conjunction with Dr Rascher, the Chief Air Force physician, for their freezing experiments.

Their objective was to determine how a pilot, who had been shot down and ditched into icy water, could quickly and effectively be helped to recover.

Again, using some of the most able-bodied prisoners, these unfortunate inmates were actually dressed in a pilot’s gear and then placed for periods of time, sometimes for hours, in basins filled with ice water and blocks of ice; thereafter followed a variety of methods of re-heating their frozen bodies.

As in the previous experiments, these exercises were often repeated until the subject either expired or became too weak to be of any further use.

The results of these experiTRIBUTE TO ITS VICTIMS: Today on the assembly square stands a massive monument, erected and unveiled in September 1968, to commemorate all those who have been incarcerated at Dachau Photo: www. scrapbook pages.com/ Dachau Scrapbook

“In part, these experiments were to determine the methods by which German soldiers’ chances of survival and recovery could be improved.

The health of innumerable men and women was ruined for life; countless numbers met agonising deaths in these experiments.” (*12) One of these Nazi doctors was Dr Claus Karl Schilling, a specialist researcher in tropical medicine, who opened a malaria research station in the camp.

In order to discover a successful method of immunisation against this sickness, he took about 1,100 healthy prisoners and infected them with the disease by injecting them with malaria agents or by placing them in a cubicle full of malaria carrying mosquitoes.

The attacks of malaria that followed were then treated with a variety of drugs and if

mid-May 1942, about 200 inmates, including political prisoners and Polish clergymen, were misused for these experiments. The subjects had to enter a decompression chamber which simulated the conditions to which pilots were exposed when their planes were destroyed at great heights. (*13) The extreme cruelty of such experiments on innocent human beings becomes even more evident from the words in Dr Rascher’s personal report to Himmler, dated May 11, 1942, when he writes: “To clarify whether the severe psychic and physical symptoms described ... are due to the formation of pulmonary embolisms, particular subjects, before they had gained consciousness, but after they had recovered somewhat from this type of experiment, were placed under water until they expired...” (*14)

ments were presented in a research paper entitled ‘Concerning Experiments in Freezing the Human Organism’ and it was read at the scientific gathering of the German Air Force’s Medical Branch in October 1942. (*15) The truth of these horrific acts is brought to stark reality when I enter the former main administration building and SS quarters.

The administration building has been converted into a museum and it has an extensive documentary and photo display, as well as a large reference library and archives. * Bibliography: (11) Dachau Concentration Camp"Barbara Distel Comité International de Dachau 1972 p7-8, (12) p10, (13) p11, (14) Nurnberg Document 220 Vtkcn"qh"UU"rj{uk/ ekcpu."tgugctejgtu."cpf"5"jkij" Uvcvg" qhhkekcnu Protocol p656 & 665, (15) Doc 428.

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News & Views

1 July 2015

CXPRESS

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Shark shock as Garden Route sees two attacks in as many days CX Country residents have been left reeling after two shark attacks in less than 24 hours last weekend - NIKKI RIDLEY reports

LUCKY ESCAPE: The shark hit Dylan Reddering ‘in a proper 30km/h full-steam attack - as it would attack a seal’

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HE first attack occurred on Friday June 26 at around 5pm at Plett’s Lookout Beach, when 19-yearold local Dylan Reddering suffered deep lacerations to his right hip and upper thigh from a single bite by a 2-3m great white.

Reddering is due to leave hospital on Friday, but it will be several months before the wounds have healed sufficiently for him to walk properly again.

Knysna Blue Flag-beach Buffels Bay was the scene of the second attack at midafternoon on Saturday the 27th. Holidaymaker Caleb Swanepoel - also 19 and, like Reddering, a student at UCT - was bodyboarding with his two brothers when he was attacked, evidently also by a great white shark.

The Prince Albert youngster lost a leg in the attack, and sustained severe lacerations to the other. He was airlifted to George Mediclinic and underwent surgery on Monday.

Veteran Plett surfer Lloyd Chapman was in the water at Lookout on Friday with two other surfers, Wojtek Orzechowski and Adriaan Augustyn, when Reddering was attacked.

He gave CXPRESS a detailed account of the events of that afternoon, applauding the young man’s calm attitude throughout his ordeal and saying that Reddering’s surfboard most probably saved his life.

“The shark hit him hard - it looked like he’d been hit in a proper 30km per hour fullsteam attack - as it would attack a seal. But it got the board with its bottom row of teeth and Dylan with the top row, and that’s what I think saved Dylan.

“The shark couldn’t bite down fully on both sides of Dylan. If it had, the outcome would have been very different. He was knocked off his board but managed to grab it, pull himself back on, and catch a wave in.

“Adriaan caught the next wave towards Dylan, but I was farther out. By the time I got to the beach, Adriaan and Wojtek were struggling to get Dylan out of the water because of currents, so I grabbed him by the arms and dragged him up the beach.”

Chapman went on to describe how Reddering stayed fully conscious and calm throughout the ordeal, even when they had to drag him away from the water.

“We told him, ‘It’s gonna be sore, we gonna drag you another 10 metres,’ but he stayed calm, speaking coherently and totally conscious.

So we started joking, telling him he’s gonna have a lovely story to tell the chicks, just to keep his spirits up while waiting for the NSRI. “They took about 10 minutes, but those 10 minutes felt like forever! When the NSRI guys arrived [including Marty Reddering, Dy-

lan’s father], they got him onto his board and carried him off the beach.

“He was very chilled out the whole time and that impressed me a lot - how relaxed he was. I’m no scientist, but in my books, being relaxed like that makes a helluva difference to your chances of surviving the shock.”

Chapman was also in the water in 2011 when Plett local Tim van Heerden was fatally attacked. “I was able to assess Dylan’s wounds, knowing what I did from Tim’s attack - how bad that was.

“I saw the difference and I knew, ok, this is bad, but he’s going to be alright.”

Meanwhile, bathers are asked to heed the signs at local beaches before entering the water.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

1 July 2015

Two child crime suspects back in court, third to apply for bail this week Yolandé Stander

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WO men accused of crimes against children appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court last week and another is scheduled to take his place in the dock tomorrow.

Following his arrest on June 8, a 34-year-old local

handyman, who allegedly sexually assaulted a six-yearold, briefly appeared in court on Friday.

The man, who worked at a popular Plett preschool, was scheduled to apply for bail despite the fact that during his first appearance it came

to light that he had been out on parole during the time of the alleged incident and that he had two previous convictions, one for attempted murder and another for assault.

State prosecutor Henriette Breedt however informed the court that attempts to apply

for bail would be “a fruitless exercise” as the Department of Correctional Services informed her that they had decided to revoke his parole due to his recent arrest. His parole would have expired on September 26, 2018.

The accused, who cannot be

Dog found hanging in Ladywood tree

Nikki Ridley

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AWS and KwaNokuthula SAPS are looking for information after a dog was found hanging in a tree in Ladywood just after 11am on Monday June 29.

It had evidently been strung up alive and its body was still warm when discovered by a Ladywood resident, who immediately contacted Tracy van der Byl at PAWS. The body has been taken to Robberg Veterinary Clinic, where they examined it and compiled a report for an intended case against the perpetrator or perpetrators.

The dog was a young female, likely just over a year old, in good condition, a medium-sized cross-breed with a tan colour coat.

Van der Byl then contacted the KwaNokuthula SAPS

STRUNG UP ALIVE: The young female dog photographed after being taken down from the tree on a Ladywood property adjacent to a public area

due to the gruesome and unusual character of this incident, and also to lay the groundwork for a criminal case, which she is determined to pursue.

“What made this horror discovery very suspicious is that it wasn’t a normal snare. The dog was hoisted off the ground with wire. I have never seen anything like this.

“My head can’t get around this kind of cruelty towards animals - even though we currently have two court cases pending for animal cruelty, one against a dog owner who tied up and then abandoned his dog, and another against an individual who threw boiling water over his neighbour’s dog.

“Both dogs are deceased as

a result of these incidents of cruelty.

“We have also found dogs caught in snares laid out for bush-meat - bush pigs and bushbuck in the outlying and farming areas of Plett, The Crags, Harkerville, and Kranshoek.”

If anyone is missing a dog or has any other information relating to this incident, please contact Van der Byl on 083 287 9917 or KwaNokuthula SAPS on 044 533 3121.

Van der Byl urged people whose dogs had gone missing in rural areas to walk around and check for snares.

“The dogs usually survive, sometimes needing stitches or medical attention, but if found in time, they normally make it,” she said.

named until he has pleaded, then indicated that he no longer intended to apply for bail, but that he would revisit the option if circumstances changed.

The matter was thereafter postponed until August 5 for further investigation as well as a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether the case should be heard in a higher court.

Following his stint at Valkenberg in Cape Town, where he was admitted for psychiatric evaluation, alleged child killer Lulama Candani was also back in court on Friday.

The 18-year-old suspect allegedly slit little Sesona Bhayibhile’s throat and dumped her body in dense bushes near her home in Bossiesgif in December last year.

He later voluntarily pointed out where the body was hidden after handing himself over to Knysna police on December 9 - a day after the child disappeared.

In April, Candani insisted on undergoing psychiatric evaluation at the hospital, but the process was delayed due to an extensive admissions waiting list. Thanks to pressure from local anti-child abuse groups, the hospital moved him up the waiting list and by Friday the evaluation had been com-

pleted and Candani was back in the dock.

Breedt said the report by the hospital indicated he was fit to stand trial and that there were no signs of mental illness.

The matter was postponed to August 3 for a DPP decision on whether he would be tried in a regional or high court.

Tomorrow, a 42-year-old local primary school teacher is scheduled to apply for bail after his arrest last Monday after claims surfaced that he had allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy at his school.

The teacher, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was arrested after the Grade 2 learner’s guardian reported the alleged incidents to the police.

Police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie said she suspected something was wrong when the boy suddenly started wetting his bed. He revealed to her that the suspect had sexually assaulted him on two occasions during May at a swimming pool and at the school respectively.

She reported the allegations to local police whereafter a docket was opened, before the case was handed over to the George FCS unit for further investigation.

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News & Views

1 July 2015

CXPRESS

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Tree-killer coughs up R50k but criminal case still pends

After a lengthy legal battle, a retired Plett homeowner recently managed to secure compensation from his former neighbour after the man allegedly deliberately poisoned several trees and plants in his garden - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

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OT only did Graham Yendall’s trees and shrubs along his boundary wall die, but after a series of tests it came to light that a highly destructive industrial herbicide was used, which will leave his soil contaminated for several years.

Yendall said after returning from holiday in September 2012, he noticed that some of his trees and shrubs were showing signs of dying. By November, some had died and more were showing signs of deterioration.

“I realised something was amiss and that there was more to the situation than nature taking its course,” Yendall said.

He added that he suspected his neighbour at the time who cannot be named as a criminal investigation into the claims are underway had a hand in the sudden deterioration of his garden.

“I’ve seen him on several occasions before liberally using herbicides in and around our neighbourhood.”

He said they had never had animosity towards each other but, in February 2013, he confronted his neighbour about the situation. “He admitted that he used an herbicide called Orbit GR on his side of the wall.”

Orbit GR - which contains Bromacil, Terbuthylazine and Triazines - is registered as an industrial herbicide intended to control weeds on industrial sites and non-crop areas. It is not registered as a home garden herbicide in the normal retail market and can only be sourced from agricultural remedy distributors and agents.

Yendall said his neighbour admitted he had bought the product in Cape Town, as it was not available locally. He added that he had mixed 1.5 litres to 300 litres of water - a very large volume.

Yendall later found granules of this particular herbicide around his trees and shrubs. He therefore decided to take legal action and approached poison experts to

CHEMICAL NEIGHBOUR: The deterioration of plants and trees in the Yendalls’ garden within a few months of the suspected use of ndustrial fertilizer is clear from these before/after pics

assess the situation.

One of these experts was the director of Griffon Poison Information Centre in Port Elizabeth, Dr Gerhard Verdoorn. He advised Yendall to send soil samples for testing, which came back positive for Bromacil.

“I then checked the soil around the dead and dying trees and was utterly surprised to find virtually unaltered chemical granules on the soil surface. These granules were clearly discernible in the sandy soil and could be seen by the naked eye,” Verdoorn said in his report.

Verdoorn said Orbit GR was registered under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act as a nonselective granular herbicide for weed control of industrial sites, e.g. along railway lines, electrical and storage yards, on roadsides and other noncrop areas.

“So according to the Act, it may not be used in residential areas and it may not be used to kill trees, although Bromacil is a definite tree killer,” Verdoorn added.

“Bromacil is a total weed control herbicide with a long residual action - half life is five months in soil, which means it will have an impact on all plants for a prolonged

period of time, depending on the dosage that was applied to the affected area.

“If 1kg of Bromacil was applied it means that after five months half a kilogram of active Bromacil will still be present in the soil. After another five months, 0.25kg will remain, and so on.

“Henceforth one must assume that any quantity of Bromacil applied will impact on all plants to a lesser or greater extent for several years to come.”

Verdoorn said the sandy soil and sloping surface on Yendall’s property would result in a slow dissipation of the Bromacil to the drainage line. “It is therefore highly likely that other plants, including trees, further down the garden would be negatively affected.”

“We had a beautiful vegetable patch we had to get rid of as we were uncertain if there were dangers to consuming vegetables that could have been contaminated. I had many exotic birds, which I had to get rid of out of fear.

Our chickens stopped laying eggs for a while. We had sleepless nights.”

Yendall later decided to sell his home after getting rid of the contaminated soil.

On June 9, the two parties settled out of court and his neighbour agreed to pay R50,000 in damages.

Despite attempts to contact the neighbour, he could not be reached for comment before going to print.

Yendall has in the meantime reported a case of malicious damage to property to the Plettenberg Bay police.

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CXPRESS

Business

1 July 2015

Robberg Beachfront - the sought-after strip where property values soar from one year to the next STEVE NEUFELD of Sothebys Plett provides a market overview on one of the most sought-after stretches of real estate in the land...

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INCE 2000, property markets around the world - including South Africa and Plettenberg Bay - have experienced some of the most interesting times in property for many decades.

We enjoyed exponential growth that saw properties growing at double-digit figures yearly and in some places properties doubled in value over a 12 to 24-month period.

Then along came the financial meltdown in 2008 and property prices plummeted by as much as 40% in a short period of time. This left many people exposed to negative equity and almost all banks had huge exposure to the downside.

This resulted in the National Credit Act, which sought to regulate how banks lend to clients to stop over-lending.

Since then, there has been a

limited recovery in certain sectors.

In Plettenberg Bay, there is still an oversupply of vacant land, so this sector is still struggling. The lower and middle housing brackets appear to be following general national trends, while the top end of the market looks to be doing spectacularly well.

This has all made for a very interesting period in property ownership.

This report deals only with properties on Robberg Beachfront in Plett, which are some of the most sought-after properties in South Africa. There is a limited supply and high demand, which naturally leads to higher values.

Not enough properties transfer in this area to make statistics entirely reliable (about three per year on average), but general trends are evident. At

EXQUISITE: This five-bedroom contemporary eco-design beachfront home was awarded Top 25 Designs Internationally in the World Architectural News Competition 2010 and the asking price is R44-million - call Hein of Sotheby’s International Realty on 083 701 3159

a quick glance, it appears that values have roughly doubled between 2000 and 2008, only to lose or stagnate in value until 2012, after which there has been a substantial upturn.

As an example, on the front of Beachy Head Drive in 2013, four sales registered for an average of R17.95-

million (from R16.8-million to R19-million) and in 2014, four sales for an average of R26.25-million (from R25million to R27-million). This is a 46% increase in one year!

The three sales that have registered so far this year give an idea of the full spectrum of the property market in this area.

There was a sale for R11million of an older home on Jack Case Street in The Sanctuary area, an auction of a large portion of special residential land further up the beach for R17.625-million (auctions are generally below market value), and R35.8-

million paid for a large home on a double plot in Robberg Beach End. The majority of buyers are South African and from the Gauteng region.

R43-million in 2013 was the highest Robberg Beachfront price to date and was achieved by Hein Pretorius, principal of Sotheby’s International Realty. This was for a very upmarket home on a property zoned as special residential, with land that is much bigger than the average single residential property, while zoning and building regulations also differed.

The highest price for a sin-

gle residential zoned property was shared by two properties on Beachy Head Drive in 2014, which each sold for R27-million.

Current beachfront asking prices range from R9.8-million for a vacant plot (closest to Beacon Island Resort) on Beachy Head Drive, to R29million for the house next door, and R44-million for an upmarket home in Whale Rock Beach.

It is common practice for older homes to be demolished when sold and replaced with new bigger houses. Over the past few years approximately 10 new or substantially renovated homes have been built.

The figures above were taken from deeds information from South African Property Transfer Guide (SAPTG) on June 25.

• Steven Neufeld is manager principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Plettenberg Bay and a professional associated valuer and appraiser for SA Property Valuations. Contact him on 044 533 2529 or email steve.sir@plettenbergbay.com and see the adverts on the cover and on page 3.

Entertainment

1 July 2015

Paul and Jill play with words and song at Grand on July 17 RACONTEUR, RESTAURATEUR: Paul Deans founded PD’s in Rosebank where he started cooking from a wheelbarrow for 30 guests, expanding to a seating capacity of 150 - he is pictured here caught in that very same act during last year’s Food Film Festival (see story below) Photo: Maggie Ubsdell

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ILL Kirkland is a musician, artist and writer well known for her role in the Jans Rautenbach movie, Mcv/ tkpc0 She has recorded many long-playing records of folk songs, and has written scripts and performed for the SABC. Jill is currently preparing an updated performance of prose, poetry and music which was originally presented, to great acclaim, at the Grahamstown Arts Festival, in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Paul Deans is a writer and

poet, a bon vivant, raconteur, philanthropist and restaurateur. He is renowned for his restaurant PD’s in Rosebank where he started cooking from a wheelbarrow for 30 guests before expanding to a seating capacity of 150.

He then built and opened the Hertford Country House Hotel in Lanseria, acclaimed for its welcoming atmosphere and charm and innovative food.

Paul appeared on 26 cooking programmes worldwide

as well as cultural food programmes within South Africa.

These two highly talented Plett residents will read a carefully and sensitively chosen anthology of poems interspersed with music played

by Matthew Brouckaert, Jane Donald and Robyn Brouckaert at The Grand in Main Street on Friday July 17.

Directors of the PlettAid Foundation/Hospice Plett are most grateful to all the artists for their support and efforts they have made in the compilation of the evening and the management of The Grand for hosting the event.

Tickets at R150 each include a welcoming bowl of soup and a glass of sherry or wine and are obtainable from David Dix at the Grand Café & Rooms at 27 Main Street.

Reach David at david@ grandafrica.com or on 071 607 0778 with queries.

Doors open at 6pm and the recital in aid of Hospice Plett and the PlettAid Foundation commences at 7pm promptly.

For further information contact Lady Conyngham at aconyngham@telkomsa.net or on 044 533 5178.

Pair Plett wines and cheeses with great films from the States and France The Plett Food Film Festival and Pam Golding Plett & Knysna present two wine-inspired premiers - the delicious documentary ‘Cheese Nun’ and ‘A Year in Burgundy’ - to whet your palate with local wine and cheese pairing experiences and to complement these exquisite films on July 10

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HE late-afternoon premier of Ejggug" Pwp features Mother Noella Marcellino - not your average organic foodie. She makes cheese from scratch at the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut.

As her fellow Mother Telchide Hinckley puts it, in their practice of cheese-making, the sisters are always thinking two things: “How can we be as monastic as possible?” and “How can we be as professional as possible?”

Mother Noella discovered her interest in creating cheeses the old-fashioned way ,when she became a nun in the 70s. She attained a PhD in microbiology and went

on to study cheese-making in France for three years.

Her dedicated and fascinating journey is chronicled in Ejggug"Pwp. The evening film, C"[gct"kp" Dwtiwpf{ directed by David Kennard, follows the seasons in France over the course of a year and focuses on winemaking - a heavenly experience.

The journey is seen through the eyes of wine importer Martine Saunier and is both pleasurable and informative.

Says Saunier: “To understand why Burgundy may be the most special wine region on Earth, you must visit and meet the people.”

The documentary explores the history of the vineyards

and winemaking, which began when the Romans arrived, and the importance and diversity of the terroir in a region where one village can produce 400 varieties of wine.

Director David Kennard follows seven different families as they struggle against nature and the land in an attempt to create singular bottles of wine.

Guests will enjoy mingling with Reza Mahammad and Plett’s own chefs, cheese makers and wine producers as they pair the best of Plett produce. For the premier of each film, enjoy six wine tastings, paired canapés, and your own bubbly flute to take home.

So diarise July 10 for this blissful combination of food, film and excellent company.

A complimentary cheese and artisanal bread table and live, sultry tunes by Minx will ensure a great end to the day.

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 Plett 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.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Interval

1 July 2015

Two drunks were staggering home along a railway line. “This is the longest staircase I’ve ever climbed,” moaned one.

“It certainly is,” slurred his buddy, “and the banister’s so low my back is killing me.”

Shy is as shy does...

A

very shy guy goes into a bar and sees a beautiful woman sitting at the other end of the counter.

After an hour of gathering up his courage he finally goes over to her and asks, tentatively: “Uhm, would you mind if I chatted with you for a while?”

To which she responds by yelling at the top of her lungs: “No, I won’t sleep with you tonight!”

By now, the entire bar is staring at them. Naturally,

the guy is hopelessly and completely embarrassed and he slinks back to his table.

After a few minutes, the woman walks over to him and apologises.

She smiles at him and says: “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. You see, I’m a graduate student in psychology and I’m studying the way people respond to embarrassing situations.”

To which he responds at the top of his lungs: “What do you mean R200!”

I don’t like making plans for the day, because then the word ‘premeditated’ gets thrown around in the courtroom.

Preacher playing hooky

A

preacher decides to skip Sunday services and go to the golf course to hit a few.

When he gets there, he discovers there isn’t anybody else around, and he has the entire course to himself.

But he does have witnesses... It seems God and Jesus are keeping an eye on him, and they don’t approve of his church hooky-playing.

“Look at that guy,” Jesus says. “He should be in church instead of out there.

C’mon, Dad, let me hit

him with a lightning bolt or something.”

“No,” God says, “I’ve something else in mind for him.

Watch what happens when he makes his next shot.”

The preacher sets up a ball and drives it off the tee. It sails 200 yards and lands squarely in the hole.

“What kind of punishment is that, Dad?!” Jesus yells.

“That has to be one of the greatest golf shots in history!”

“That’s right, Son, indeed it is… and because he’s alone, he can’t tell anyone about it.”

A case of selective hearing

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HILE getting a checkup, a man tells his doctor that he thinks his wife is losing her hearing.

The doctor says: “You should do a simple test. Stand about 15-feet behind your wife and say ‘honey?’ Move 3-feet closer and do it again.

“Keep moving 3-feet closer until she finally responds.

Remember how close you were when she gives you an answer. That will help me

know how bad her hearing loss is.”

About a month later the guy is at the doctor again and the doctor asks: “Well, did you do that experiment with your wife’s hearing?”

“Yes,” the man says.

“How close did you get before she answered?”

“Well, by the time I got about 3-feet away, she just turned around and said: “For the FIFTH time... WHAT?”

Don’t worry, he’s on a leash.

Promotion

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Social Scene

1 July 2015 Photos: Timothy Twidle

People, places & events

FOUR FAB FERMORS AND A BIRTHDAY FOR BARRY: Enjoying the Plett Fringe Festival on Saturday June 27 were, from left, Saskia, Oliver, Chris and Zarah Fermor, while on the fest’s second night, Friday the 26th, Sue and Barry Lipschitz celebrated the latter’s birthday by attending the well-organised event at The White House Theatre.

The festival concluded on Monday, a packed house relishing 90 minutes of ribald humour with Nic Rabinowitz’s ‘What the EFF?’ Watch this space for more information and images of the successful annual Fringe Festival.

RUGBY ROAD-TRIPPIN’: Plett Primary’s U11 rugby teams returned last week from a marvellous tour to Riversdale and Swellendam, where they taught their opposition a few tricks before learning a lesson or two from the latter town’s team. The joy of the excursion, however, was the experience of road-tripping and settling in at Round the Bend camp on the lovely Breede River. Great thanks are due to coach Gerhard van Huyssteen for initiating the tour, to Crystie Spurrier for playing mom to 40+ boys, and to Mr Dorfling for bussing the tour party around safely. Gratitude also goes to all the parents who went along, and those who opted to show their support from home. In the pic above, some of the guys sport their tour hoodies, kindly sponsored by Plett Tourism, Century 21, and Equi-T (www.equi-t.co.za) while visiting the Drostdy Museum. At the top, Crystie shows her mommy mettle when taking care of a baby tooth that got knocked out on the field. More tour images are sure to feature in the Plett Primary School newsletter, which will be back in its normal spot on page 6 in CXPRESS of July 22.

I NEED A LOVING NEW HOME: Friendly, socialised and a lively girl, Jassy is about one and a half. She is not foodcentred or aggressive with other dogs or, and she is house-trained and loves affection. She is being fostered by Janet and Vernon Cosser, but they are not in a position to keep her permanently.

If you would like to meet Jassy, or perhaps give her a trial run at your house, please call the Cossers on 044 533 6842, 072 254 7851 (Vernon) or 076 715 1039 (Janet).

WITTEDRIFT WANTS WILLIAMS: Learners at Wittedrift High School who display exceptional talent in singing, dancing and rapping started auditioning a few weeks ago in preparation for a major competition that will take place when Pharrell Williams comes to South Africa in September this year. The world-famous singer, in partnership with Woolworths and MySchool Card, are giving pupils from SA schools a once-in-a-lifetime chance: to showcase their talents on a global scale, because the winners will be performing with the singer in a music video. What’s more, the winning school will receive a cash prize of R100,000! This photo was taken during a practice session at Plett Community Church. With the talented teens is Adele Potgieter, well-known musician and founder of Plett Music Academy, who is helping them with voice training. Search ‘Wittedrift gets ready for Pharrell Williams’ on YouTube as of today (July 1) to see how the local troupe is getting on with their preparations.

Holiday Activities

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Food & Wine

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It’s time to ‘Shuck n Roll’ again with Knysna oysters W

ITH just two days to go to the 2015 Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, Knysna is gearing up for what promises to be the biggest fest yet.

The 32nd annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival takes place from July 3-12 and, with more than 100 activities spread over 10 days, there will be no shortage of fun.

The programme includes numerous sporting and lifestyle events from running, cycling and adventure-racing, to food and wine-tastings, live music, a special children’s programme, and of course, lots and lots of oysters!

According to festival manager Nicci RousseauSchmidt, more than 50,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Garden Route town for the festival, which kicks off with the Momentum Weekend Argus Knysna Cy-

cle Tour presented by Rotary.

Whereas some of the sporting events have been sold out for weeks, tickets are still available for the exciting lifestyle events like the Knysna Wine Festival and Night Market (July 6 & 7).

You can also still book a seat for mid-week signature events like the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival Flavours of Knysna served with Tabasco (July 8), and Oyster Festival Shuckle featuring Marc Lottering and Tumi Morake [see the advert on page 7 for more information], where oysters and comedy take centre stage (July 9).

Tickets are available, too, for the Exclusive Glenfiddich Whiskey & Live Jazz cruise aboard the Paddle Cruiser, and the Bubbly, Oysters & Chocolate Experience at Villa Castollini - two tasting events on Sunday the 5th.

And if you’d like to attend the dinner to honour senior visiting Naval Officers, the Oyster Gala Dinner on Friday July 10 is open to the public and will see guests being entertained by the popular SA Navy Dance Band.

Nineteen Tabasco Hotspots are ready to serve up their own delicious take on the mollusc at centre stage of the festival, and a full list of Hotspots is available on the website.

The Pick n Pay Young Oyster Festival presented by Humpty Dumpty Windmeul Eggs offers a full programme for children from 2-12 years old at the Festival Pavilion, which will keep the youngsters occupied while mom and dad participate in the sporting and lifestyle events.

Daily activities include face painting, sand art, cooking and crafts, puppet shows and juggling workshops,

This brewery is proof of the great plans crafted after a few beers Small Town

and even mural painting and growing herbs for children aged eight to 12.

A free shuttle service will operate daily during the festival between 9:30 and 16:30 between pick up points at Pick n Pay, Waterfront Drive and Thesen Islands and the festival grounds, where there is ongoing free entertainment on the Sony Max stages.

Catch Kahn Morbee, Kurt Darren and Desmond and the Tutus as well as a number of other bands and entertainers." “We are looking forward to rolling out a warm welcome to all our visitors,� said Knysna Tourism CEO Greg Vogt. “It’s that time of the year where everyone is urged to come out of their shells and Shuck n Roll!�

For the full programme and details about events and ticket, visit www.pnpoysterfestival. co.za and follow Twitter @ OysterFestival or Facebook/ KnysnaOysterFestival for daily updates.

Big Surprise!

Darnell Street, Storms River Village

A trip down Memory Lane and now... a Micro Brewery!

Bring the family for a memorable outing! ext. 267 LICENCE TO BREW: Tsitsikamma Brewery produces Storms River Ale and Redwood Ale - its tasting room showcases products from other craft breweries also boasts an off-sales licence

T

OWARDS the end of 2014, three beer lovers Johan Stumpf (master brewer), Pine Pienaar (master beer lover) and Chris Sykes (master apprentice) - decided (after a few beers) that Storms River needed a craft brewery to ensure a constant supply of good beer in the Tsitsikamma.

An old building on the vil-

lage main road has been converted into a brewery and tasting room, and the first test brew took place at the end of August that year.

Says Johan: “Our beer is brewed according to the 1487 German Tgkpjgkuvuigdqv (purity law), using only barley, hops and water. Ingredients are carefully selected and the water is from our own well.�

MASTERS OF BEER: From left, Pine Pienaar, Chris Sykes, and Johan Stumpf take their craft particularly seriously

Tsitsikamma Brewery currently produces two ales, which is generally regarded as having more flavour than lagers: Storms River Ale and Redwood Ale. Its tasting room also showcases products from other craft breweries and, most importantly, has an off-sales licence. “Order you beer within the Village and we will deliver the same day by bicycle!� adds Pine. “But do remember that alcohol is not for sale to persons under the age of 18.�

Visit the beersome threesome in Darnell Street in the Village or check out www. tsitsikammamicrobrewery. co.za for additional information, and see the advert on this page for contact details.

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R o WINTE person for 2 c for R40 ed Wine er ite or R R180 p h W f o lass Add a g 0) CMG NKEG QH E 0 - 16:0 EE (11:0 QT VGC YKVJ C U F F O C G CAKE & R QH ĹżNVGT EQHHG EW 'PLQ[ C erson. p :30) R55 per :30 - 10 IAL (07 KPQ C E P S ST WEE EAKFA GU C ECRR HOT BR QV DTGCMHCUV EJGTT[ VQOCVQ V J G F M P C I I 0Q %CTD UJTQQOU TQE G W RQCEJGF $TQYP O ETKUR[ DCEQP P C U G RCTO ce aise sau holland erson. p R75 per

Tel: 044 533 2030 Fax: 044 533 2074 40 Church Street, Plettenberg Bay www.collectionmcgrath.com/plett/

CXPRESS

Wednesday 01 Julyy 2015

Partly l sunny

16° Lo 08° Precipitation: 2% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:33AM Sunset: 5:28PM Wind: NW 11km/h Gusts: 18km/h NW

Classifieds

1 July 2015

Thursday 02 Julyy 2015

S Sunny

17° Lo 08° Precipitation: 1% Thunderstorm: 20% Sunrise: 7:33AM Sunset: 5:28 PM Wind: E 9km/h Gusts: 17 km/h E

Friday 03 Julyy 2015

Plenty lenty off sunshi sunshine

Saturday 04 Julyy 2015

SSunshine hi and d warmer

Sunday 05 Julyy 2015

Monday 06 July 2015

Tuesday 07 Julyy 2015

S Sunshine hi and d partly clouds

Mostly cloudy, a little rain

18° Lo 08°

21° Lo 06°

Precipitation: 62% Thunderstorm: 24% Sunrise: 7:32AM Sunset: 5:30 PM Wind: W 7km/h Gusts: 22km/h W

Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:32AM Sunset: 5:31PM Wind: NE 13km/h Gusts: 30km/h NE

19° Lo 10°

27° Lo 11°

22° Lo 12°

Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:33 AM Sunset: 5:29 PM Wind: NE 7km/h Gusts: 13km/h NE

Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:33AM Sunset: 5:29PM Wind: WNW 7km/h Gusts: 22km/h WNW

Precipitation: 0% Thunderstorm: 0% Sunrise: 7:33AM Sunset: 5:30PM Wind: NE 13km/h Gusts: 30km/h NE

Sunny Sunn

MOON PHASES: July 2015

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Thu 02 July Full Moon Thu 09 July Last Quarter

01 Wed 02 Thu 03 Fri 04 Sat 05 Sun 06 Mon 07 Tue 08 Wed 09 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat 12 Sun 13 Mon 14 Tue

TIDES: 01 July - 14 July LOW

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

09h29 10h07 10h45 11h24 12h04 00h33 01h21 02h15 03h20 04h44 06h17 07h24 08h15 08h57

03h17 03h59 04h41 05h23 06h05 06h48 07h34 08h25 09h29 10h58 12h33 00h59 01h58 02h47

21h21 22h22 23h04 23h47 12h45 13h30 14j22 15h28 17h09 18h45 19h47 20h35 21h16

15h48 16h29 17h09 17h51 18h34 19h20 20h10 21h10 22h24 23h48 13h41 14h33 15h17

On the Soapbox

1 July 2015

Letters to the Editor

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

Take note: only Ireland produces whiskEy I’ve just had the pleasure of reading PeeBee’s column on Whiskey - oops, I mean Whisky [turn to page 13 of the June 17 edition at www.cxpress. co.za and read ‘Whiskey - it ain’t no choking matter’].

I cannot believe that all the whiskies he tasted came from Ireland (i.e. ‘whiskey’), especially not Glenfiddich, the

most popular and best-selling single malt in the world!

There is a difference in the spelling.

Icxkp"Pghfv."Hqwtyc{u."

Lqjcppgudwti Uc{u"RggDgg< I knew it would come - the reproach about the spelling.

Well done, Gavin.

In my earlier days, I would have said: “Thanks for spotting my deliberate error!” Or I would set out to prove - because I have a tad more Irish blood - that I should promote the Scottish to the status of the Irish.

But being humble (ha-ha) and humbled, you are correct.

If you email me your street

address, I will send you a 10-year-old red wine - sorry, not a 10-year-old whisk(e)y.

Editor Esther will forward your street address to me. My twin brother actually spotted the (deliberate) error as well. *Vjcv" 32/{gct/qnf" tGf" ku" kp" vjg" ockn." cu" vjg{" uc{" kp" vjg" encuukeu000"Gfu0+

Registration number cover-up should not afford impunity

WHO TO FINE? Number plates are often obscured by tow hitches or by bicycles strapped onto bike racks

I am a Plett resident and very aware when I’m driving, so can’t help but notice the amount of vehicles without front number plates, while many back plates are either obscured by a tow hitch (municipal vehicles included) or by bicycles strapped onto bike carriers.

As can be seen from the photo alongside, the registration number is completely covered and the drivers seem to drive around with impunity, as they don’t appear to be stopped and checked when passing police vehicles parked on the side of the road.

We even see them being flagged through at official road blocks. Most of the

time if stopped, the traffic officials just want to see your licence and your licence disc and don’t seem to show much interest in the rest of the vehicle - even in cases where certain vehicles obviously have absolutely no chance of passing a roadworthy.

Just imagine the amount of speeding you can do if your vehicle’s number plate is covered!

Could local and Eden traffic departments please give me a ruling on this?

It would be interesting to know how many images from their speed cameras have to be dropped because the number plates are not visible.

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Say NO to horse riding on Keurbooms Beach The beach horse riding debate is once again back on the agenda and the following 10 reasons explain why allowing horses on Keurbooms Beach would be a spectacularly bad idea.

1. Beach description Keurbooms Beach is narrow with extensive tidal fluctuations and surrounded by environmentally protected dunes and forests. It is home to a diversity of wildlife including endangered species.

It is surrounded by existing and pending high-density housing developments, multiple single dwellings and accommodates ever increasing numbers of tourists and local visitors (including subsistence fishermen).

2. Health and safety - Due to the volume of human traffic and pets on the beach, a health and safety hazard would be introduced if any form of horse riding activities were permitted.

3. Accessibility - Keurbooms Beach is only accessible to horse riding down single track pathways which would, and has in the past, lead to conflict with other beach users (these paths can’t be widened due to DAFF regulations and private property restrictions).

Due to distance from base stations and limitations on access, emergency services would experience major difficulties dealing with an incident requiring human or

horse extraction.

4. Facilities - There are no adequate facilities at any of the access points to Keurbooms Beach to accommodate horse riding activities, e.g. car parking, toilets, watering point, refuse/manure removal arrangements, emergency facilities, etc.

Opinion is that the only recognised area in Bitou which can possibly deal with the basic logistics of getting a horse ‘legally’ onto a beach is Robberg.

5. Environmental - Keurbooms Beach is: a) An important bird area. b) A seagull breeding colony which forms part of the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve. c) Included in the Hope Spot Initiative. d) Host to one Blue Flag with a second application pending. e) Location of Western Cape Milkwood Forests protected by National Forest Act 84 1998 as amended and recognised as an endangered ecosystem under the Biodiversity Act. Horse riding would endanger or compromise all of the above categorisations, which are essential for the ongoing protection of the beach as an environmental haven and tourist attraction.

Legal advice is that if Bitou Municipality attempts to implement horse riding on our beaches without first hav-

ing an Environmental Management Plan in place, they would be acting beyond their scope of authority.

6. Due process - Expert opinion is that there have been procedural shortfalls in the municipality’s historic approach to this matter, which needs to be clarified and, where necessary rectified, before they can reconsider a new application.

Foremost, the municipality should not act on behalf of commercial operators and has a duty to take all necessary steps to protect other beach users and the environment.

7. Horse riding initiatives countrywide - There is not one example of beach horse riding initiatives succeeding on a beach adjacent to highdensity housing. Even in isolated areas where riding has been attempted, it has invariably failed due to a combination of rider ill-discipline/ incompetence, inability of municipalities to micro-manage the process, destruction of the environment and user conflict, e.g. Goukamma.

Trials in Bitou failed dismally in 2003 and 2009 due to user conflict and horse operator ill-discipline. Housing development in Keurbooms over the last decade (and resultant increase in beach usage) would mean any repetition of the process would involve the municipality failing in its duty of care to the community.

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8. Fishermen - Keurbooms Beach is home to both subsistence and leisure fishermen and horse riding is a proven disruption and endangerment to this activity.

9. Employment - Commercial operators in the area agree horse riding would have a negative impact on employment as indicators are that any small gains in employee numbers of already established horse operators would be far outweighed by accommodation operators reducing staffing levels as tourist numbers drop due to beach deterioration and tourist health, safety and hygiene concerns.

10. Public opinion - The overwhelming majority of Keurbooms residents and representative bodies throughout Bitou are opposed to horse riding on all beaches, including Keurbooms. Any attempt to ‘force’ horse riding onto Keurbooms will in all probability result in legal action from representative bodies against the municipality.

Keurbooms prides itself on being a horse-friendly environment, BUT horse riding on this beach is not practical and we believe it would be irresponsible of any individual, commercial operator or the municipality to pursue an application, as it would not pass legal or environmental scrutiny or be acceptable in the ‘court of public opinion’.

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Mgwtdqqou

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

1 July 2015

Mike’s Barbarians beat Gibraltar to game fish crown

P

LETT local Mike Riley recently returned from the EFSA (European Federation of Sea Anglers) Game Championship in Miami as a world champion. Mike was a member of the Barbarians A team that included Joachim Josch (Germany), Antonio Montefusco (Switzerland) and Ria van Ranst (Belgium).

In a closely fought contest, the Barbarians A team emerged victorious over Team Gibraltar B. Going

into the last day of the competition, the two teams were tied on 1,350 points.

The Barbarians A won their last catch first on a slow day with a flat slow current, producing clear water far from the shore. After two hours, only three fishes were caught so teams then headed further offshore and suddenly there were many strikes and catches.

While some of the teams had no luck on the day, Team Barbarians A caught

several fish. Team Gibraltar B was pushing hard to win and caught a kingfish before heading off to deeper waters in pursuit of a winning catch.

It was in the final session that Gibraltar B made a fatal error when they hooked up what would have been the winning catch, only to have the catch disqualified when another member of the team touched the rod.

Riley, who captained the SA team to a silver-medal

podium finish at the 23rd World Big Game Fishing Championships held in Vitória, Brazil at the end of November last year, has now added the honour of a world title to his illustrious fishing career.

“I have been truly blessed with good fortune and the ability to pursue a sport about which I am extremely passionate,” says Riley. As a member of the Plettenberg Bay Ski Boat Association, he brings honour to his club and to the beautiful town of Plettenberg Bay. Visit www.efsafishing.org for all the Miami results and images.

WE ARE THE (WORLD!) CHAMPIONS: Plett angler Mike Riley, left, and the Barbarians A team of Ria van Ranst, Antonio Montefusco and Joachim Josch

Kwano cyclists style at KZN’s Sani2c

The crew at Kwano Cycling Academy is particularly proud of the fact that two Murray High School students in their stable recently performed exceptionally well in a national race in KwaZuluNatal. Masixole Thembani and Melumzi Gagela, right, received a sponsored team entry from Nedbank Private Wealth to participate in the three-day Sani2c race. It was the first time they had ever tackled three consecutive days of extreme distances (85km, 100km and 85km), and they did incredibly well to finish 66th out of 650 teams. This is even more remarkable considering that the other 649 teams came from all over South Africa and overseas, and were adults! The Academy was started last year February in partnership with Murray High, and currently trains 12 students.

It relies entirely on donations to operate and anyone wishing to contribute can do so in two ways. Direct deposits can be made to Kwano Cycling Academy, FNB (branch 210514), acc no 62447916711 (reference: your email address). Donations of kit and equipment can be dropped off at The Bike Shop in Plettenberg Bay’s Piesang Valley Road (please mark clearly with your name and email address).