22 april

22 April 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

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Farewell to beloved Plett folk p2

Albert takes the mud cake p5

PeeBee’s Good Friday p14

No bail, max jail

Photo: Ewald Stander

Hundreds of residents joined a march to protest the granting of bail to suspected paedophiles on Saturday, and all eyes are on Plettenberg Bay today as an international news-making court case kicks off in the town - read the report on page 3

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

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CXPRESS

News & Views

22 April 2015

OBITUARIES / IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of ‘Sister Jess’ Garden of Eden inhabitant Debbie Stanley of Eco Ed fame is the eldest daughter of well-known Plett resident Jessica Stanley, and shared with us this moving tribute to her mother Jessica Stanley: 11 November 1941 - 8 April 2015

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ESSICA lived in Plett for the past 23 years. She and husband Mike retired to Plett after living their whole childhood and working life on Cullinan diamond mine.

Sister Jess had headed up a large addiction rehabilitation centre for women, near Cullinan, where she worked for 30 years.

She was a dedicated nurs-

GENEROUS AND KIND: One of Jessica Stanley’s last wishes was for her daughter to have something printed in CXPRESS. Says Debbie: ‘My mother always loved CXPRESS and has written many a letter to you in her years living in Plett.’

ing sister, and her skills and love of nursing and caring for people would not allow her to retire, and so she continued working in frail care facilities at Formosa Garden Village and Strombolis Retirement Home, as well as a number of private addiction rehab centres around town for the next 21 years.

She was finally forced to retire for health reasons at the age of 72.

Jess loved her life in Plettenberg Bay and although the past year saw a rapid decline in her mental and physical health, she regarded it as her home ‘till the end. She befriended people from all walks of life and was a generous and kind person.

I will miss our lunches at Old Nick, Global Village, and The Heath, and our

many family gatherings at the BI. I am just sorry that she never had the opportunity to retire in the full meaning of the word, to enjoy the beauty of Plett.

Thank you to all who attended mom’s memorial service on April 18. I thank her doctors - Dr Nel, Dr Olivier, and Dr Viljoen - as well as Sr Petra and all the staff at Knysna Lifestyle Estate where she was so loved and cared for by a wonderful team.

Her last words to her carer before she died were: “I am going home to Plett now.”

You were a wonderful wife, mother, granny, and great granny and you will be sorely missed. And to Mike, your dedication as a loving husband for the past 53 years is truly commendable.

Fly high now, Jess.

Ou vrinne bring hulde aan ‘n man van formaat Hierdie drie huldeblyke gepen deur vriende van Tobie de Vos wie vir jare lank en tot met sy skielike afsterwe laas maand op Bitou Munisipaliteit se Ouditkomitee gedien het - is deur JP van der Walt van Thanda Vista gastehuis-faam met CXPRESS gedeel Tobie de Vos: 12 Maart 1938 - 29 Maart 2015

Our 10 000 free copies are distributed every Wednesday to a multitude of outlets along the Garden Route, with emphasis on Knysna and Plett and drop-offs at *Sedgefield Tourism *Caltex StarMart in Wilderness *Lynn Schroeder, Build It and other select outlets in George *Storms River Village and Bridge in Tsitsikamma - phone 044 533 1004 (o/h) with distribution queries.

If you’ve missed out on a hard copy, read the electronic version online at www.cxpress.co.za

Htkm"Dctpctf< Ek en Tobie was kollegas vanaf vroeg in 1974 tot die middel van 1985 by die WNNR se Bounavorsingsinstituut. Ons het verskeie projekte saam gedoen en ek was altyd beïndruk met Tobie se inisiatiewe en “buite die kassie” denke.

Tobie se eerlike aard het ook altyd in sy navorsingsresultate weerspieël, selfs in gevalle waar hy sy opdraggewer moes aanvat.

So byvoorbeeld het ons as deel van die studie wat die Erika Theron Kommissie vir die destydse regering gedoen het oor die sosio-ekonomiese omstandighede van die kleurlingbevolking, hul behuisingsomstandighede ondersoek.

Tobie was die projekleier en ons het onder andere met ‘n resultaat gekom dat die voorskrifte van die beleid reëlreg in botsing is met die slumswet, en die huise wat

gebou was nie voldoen het aan vereistes nie.

Tobie het vas bly staan by ons bevindings en geweier om dit weg te laat of te “versag”. Op akademiese vlak was Tobie een van die bestes wat ek geken het, heel moontlik omdat hy ‘n goeie besigheidsman was en die vermoë gehad het om praktyk en teorie met mekaar te laat praat.

Tobie was ook my medepromotor tydens my doktorale studies en sy eerlike belangstelling, intense betrokkenheid en ook sy geregverdige kritiek, hetsy positief of ook teregwysend, was vir my van besondere waarde omdat dit bygedra het om my eie denke te rig.

Ek en Tobie het baie harde werk met lekkerkry klaargemaak en sy afsterwe is vir my werklik ‘n groot verlies.

Fktm"xcp"Tqq{gp< Met die terugdink aan Tobie word mens getref deur ‘n wyd geskakeerde en onderskeidende lewe wat sinryk benut is met waardes toegevoeg op sovele terreine.

Op akademiese gebied het hy uitgestyg met drie meestersgrade en ‘n doktorsgraad in Ekonomiese en Bestuurswetenskappe.

Sy sterk wetenskaplike ingesteldheid, vlymskerp on-

dersoekende gees en intelek was sy basis om op vele terreine waarde toe te voeg.

Hy het deurgaans daarna gestreef om met kliniese korrektheid die waarheid te ontdek, wat hom in staat gestel het om reg en regverdigheid te laat seevier. So ook het sy professionele loopbaan sy nalatenskap se stempel van kwaliteit gedra.

Tobie se belangstelling en aktiewe betrokkenheid by gemeenskapsake het wyd uitgekring. Hy was reeds vir etlike jare lid van Bitou Munisipaliteit se Ouditkomitee en daar was groot respek en waardering vir sy waardevolle insette. Hy het voorwaar ‘n verskil gemaak.

As sportman was Tobie reeds van jongs af uitstaande en het op gevorderde ouderdom steeds in mededingende atletiek, op nasionale en internasionale vlak deelgeneem en horde medaljes verower. Tobie het nie sommer verloor nie!

Tobie het nou die lewenswedloop voltooi, die wenstreep behaal en sy diepe geloof behou. Ons bring met deernis en mooi herinneringe hulde aan hom.

Uwpng{"W{u< Tobie was ‘n baie spesiale lid van ons sosiale hengelklub. ‘n Vaardige hengelaar was

BAANBREKER: Tobie de Vos het nie slegs op akademiese vlak uitgestyg nie, maar was ook met nimmereindigende jeugdigheid geseën

hy beslis nie, maar sy sosiale teenwoordigheid tydens ons uitstappies het altyd gesorg vir die lekkerste lekker kuiers om die kampvuur.

Tobie se positiewe gesindheid en gesonde lewensstyl het ons altyd mateloos beïndruk. Terwyl só baie van ons met oudword-skete sukkel, het dit gelyk of Tobie met nimmereindigende jeugdigheid geseën is.

Sy prestasies op internasionale atletiek-vlak is verstommend en dit was altyd ‘n voorreg om met dié beskeie wêreldrekord-houer hieroor te kon gesels.

Ons as hengelvriende gaan vir Tobie baie mis en wil ons innige meegevoel teenoor Henriëtte en haar kinders en kleinkinders uitspreek.

Notice Board • Travel from ‘Eden to Antarctica’ with Dr Pete Berning TONIGHT when he reports back on his adventure on the white continent [read the full story in the February 4 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

April 22 is the date, Plett’s White House is the venue, and you need to arrive at 6:30 for 7pm with a R50 donation towards the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative.

• The Market in Plett’s Main

Street cooks with live music and a wide variety of delicious food. Catch Pete the Greek TONIGHT and John Craig live on Friday April 24.

• Knysna Mall hosts the annual Autumn Rose Show on April 24 & 25. This festival is organised by the Knysna Rose Society and entries are free and open to all with special classes for Juniors (under 16), Novices, Retirement Villages and more. Registration

is from 7-10am on Friday.

Visit www.knysnarose.co.za or phone Hugh Collier on 082 931 2657 for info.

• In CXPRESS of April 6, a space slipped into the email address of WESSA’s Eden branch [turn to page 5 of the April 8 edition at www.cxpress.co.za]. The correct address is wessageorge@isat. co.za - find out more at www. wessa.org.za or www.facebook.com/wessa.eden.

News & Views

22 April 2015

CXPRESS

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Baby porn accused in Plett dock today More than three months after international police swooped on a Plettenberg Bay home in efforts to crack open a horrific baby pornography network, a local computer engineer is scheduled to take his place in court over alleged links to the syndicate today - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

JUST SAY NO: Last Saturday, Bitou residents joined hands again for a second march to oppose bail for suspected child abusers - Photos: Ewald Stander

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HE 37-year-old man, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, was arrested on January 13 after an extensive investigation by South African and Belgian police who followed a trail of horrors from Belgium, where an alleged paedophile was arrested in October last year, to Plettenberg Bay. While using the Belgian suspect’s profile, members of the Antwerp police child sexual exploitation unit found the Plett man’s internet address after coming across a cyber meeting space for alleged paedophiles with fetishes including the sexual assault of babies.

After his arrest, the local man was released on R10,000 bail and the matter postponed until today for further investigation.

The eyes of children’s rights activists and concerned residents will be on Plett as several role-players plan to use the opportunity to voice their concerns over child pornography in South Africa.

Since his arrest several efforts had been made to highlight the horrors of child pornography, including two marches by local residents and

a petition to put pressure on lawmakers to relook courts’ approach with regards to bail for alleged paedophiles.

So far more than 2,000 residents and visitors have signed a petition and during the latest march about 200 locals took to streets of the coastal holiday town on Saturday to voice their concerns over a spate of child pornography related crime in recent months.

One of their biggest concerns is bail being granted to alleged paedophiles. Not only was the Plett suspect released on R10,000 but on March 11, a Grahamstown businessman was arrested for allegedly procuring, manufacturing, possessing and distributing child pornography and was released on R40,000 the following day.

He will appear in court again on April 28.

This was followed by the arrest of a Port Elizabeth couple on March 17. They were also released on bail, but this time R5,000 each and the case was postponed until Friday April 24.

Two days later, a 39-yearold Midrand man was arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography

and released on R5,000 bail.

He will also appear in court again on Wednesday.

“What we want to accomplish with the marches and the petition is that bail be denied to suspects so seriously implicated in these cases and that they are detained until date of trial.

“In our case in Plett the suspect was arrested in his home on January 13 and the trial will only start on April 22.

It is in this time that perpetrators can continue to harm children, destroy evidence and warn fellow perpetrators,” march organiser Yvette Wilschut said.

Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) has also thrown its weight behind

Plettenberg Bay’s efforts and representatives are set to attend court proceedings today.

WMACA advocacy manager Germaine Vogel said the

only way forward was that South Africa’s laws be implemented properly.

“A number of recent judgments point to a failure by our courts to understand child pornography in the context of sexual abuse and brutalisation of children.

“International crime experts have confirmed that our laws are sufficiently sophisticated and there are comprehensive tools to combat these cybercrimes, but our judicial system is failing in implementing our laws.”

He added that although child pornography was an offence, South Africa’s laws were lacking as there are no set penalties for the various crimes involved under the term child pornography and as a result, the court’s discretion can be for sentences from a fine of R15,000 to 15 years direct imprisonment.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

22 April 2015

We look after our own here...

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UST after 1:30 on Sunday afternoon April 19, NSRI Plett duty crew members received a request for assistance. The difference to this call was that there was a most familiar voice at the other end of the line.

Stalwart Station 14 volunteer Laurent Eray - a boat coxswain at NSRI Plett and in service for nearly three decades - reported that during his normal morning jog, between Nature’s Valley and Keurbooms Beach, he had

become trapped by rising tide on a cliff face in the area known as Oupa and Oumas.

In a chat to CXPRESS shortly after his return to NSRI Plett’s Central Beach headquarters, Laurent said he had been climbing over the cliff at Oupa and Oumas but got to a point where he couldn’t climb any further.

“But turning to go back, I started slipping on the cliff face rocks, from wet shoes after earlier wading through water, and to add to the dilemma

the route back had also been cut off by high tide.”

Realising he had managed to get himself into a rather precarious situation where his safety had become compromised, Laurent got on the blower to his rescue mates.

At least he knew the number.

On realising where Laurent was, his NSRI friends knew full well that the rising tide and increasing sea swell state ruled out the possibility of a boat rescue attempt. So the only option was to alert the

MORNING RUN TURNED DEADLY: Plett NSRI volunteer Laurent Eray exits the rescue helicopter on Central Beach Photo: NSRI Plettenberg Bay - 082 990 5975

provincial health services.

Next thing, the Red Cross rescue helicopter manned by technicians Hilton Romer and Mohamed Shaik was

summoned, touching down in Plett only to collect rescue swimmer Bruce Noble.

“While waiting, I had started to experience hypother-

mia, from wet clothing, and muscle spasms, from being in a confined space on the cliff face,” said Laurent.

“In a difficult technical rescue operation, Hilton and Bruce were hoisted from the hovering helicopter to collect me off the cliff.”

Laurent was then stabilised and safely lifted into the helicopter before being airlifted to his familiar sea rescue base, where he received rewarming treatment and he needed no more of the assistance he’s been dishing out so generously over the past 29 years as NSRI Plett volunteer.

News & Views

22 April 2015

CXPRESS

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Master of the soil and king of carbon sequestration, Albert’s plan wins the prize From the deep forests surrounding Plett, an idea was spawned that may cause ripples in the world of soil science...

SEEING THE WOOD FOR THE TREES: Albert Ackhurst, right, receives his special award for the most innovative MTech research project from Prof Raymond Auerbach, head of the Saasveld School for Agricultural Management

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ONG-TIME Bitou local Albert Ackhurst was awarded his Master of Technology (MTech) Forestry degree from the Faculty of Science at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University George Campus on April 10.

Albert’s research was of particular interest since he invented a novel method and device for the determination of soil organic carbon levels.

The title of his dissertation is ‘The Use of a Rapid Incineration Field Test (RIFT) for Determining Soil Organic Carbon in The Southern Cape Region’.

His study supervisor and co-supervisor were Prof Raymond Auerbach and Prof Jos Louw respectively.

From humble beginnings, while doing re-forestation research in the Tsitsikamma forests during the spring of 2008, Albert was searching for a cheap and fast method to test the carbon content of the forest floor soils at Forest Hall Estate in The Crags.

Forests sequester carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere and they also fix the carbon in their soils, thereby mitigating climate change. There is also a flourishing international carbon trading market that pays US Dollars for each ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) sequestered.

Since soil holds the most

carbon on terra firma, it is becoming very popular to sequester carbon through the planting of trees, grasslands and even through the planting of Spekboom in the Klein Karoo.

This could lead to multimillion dollar restoration projects that not only provide jobs to communities but also restore valuable ecosystem services on which we depend for our sustainability.

Of course one will need to test the soil to determine the baseline carbon levels and to test and verify at a later stage how much the carbon has increased. Lots of tests are needed, indeed.

But current testing methods are prohibitively expensive, take relatively long and in some instances use hazardous chemicals to determine the soil organic carbon levels.

This got Albert thinking about various ways in which this problem could be solved and eventually led to his invention and his Masters research that aimed to prove its efficacy.

The study found that his method was as effective as but even more stable than current reference methods used in laboratories and, if tested more widely and adopted, would lead to a method that is much cheaper, less energy dependent, faster and safer.

The method has the potential

to drastically reduce the cost of soil testing for carbon sequestration projects and general agricultural purposes.

At a special awards event on graduation day, hosted by Prof Auerbach of the School of Agricultural Management of Saasveld Campus, Albert also received an award for the most innovative MTech research project.

Albert - who currently heads up the Biodiversity component for the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) - continues to be active in the area by supporting and volunteering scientific advice to TheGreen-Ticket and the newly found Garden Route Natural Sciences Research Facility (GRNSRF) at Forest Hall.

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CXPRESS

News & Views

22 April 2015

The experience of a lifetime for boys who love their toys Plettenberg Bay resident HENK BOLHUIS writes about the latest adventure ticked off his personal bucket list

STEAM ME UP, SKATTIE: Henk Bolhuis at Sandstone Estates, next to one of the large NG-class steam engines on display

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O you, like many people I know, have a ‘bucket list’ of things you would still like to do? If yes, I suggest that you put the following item right at the top: a visit to Sandstone Estates.

Allow me to share my recent experience as I take you to this huge farm of over 7,000 hectares, just about 14km to the north-east of Ficksburg in the Free State, adjacent to the R26.

Developed originally in the 1830s, greater Sandstone Estates is situated right on the Lesotho border in the shadow of the magnificent Maluti mountain range.

However, it is not only essentially a 100% organic working farm with a large herd of cattle and producing, among other things, maize, wheat, soya beans and fields of sunflowers.

Here, every year during March/April, the public is allowed access to the farm when the Sandstone Heritage Trust (SHT) presents its annual Stars of Africa event.

Thousands of visitors come from all over the world to watch the largest private collection of agricultural machinery and road/rail transport vehicles anywhere on earth.

Most of these machines are pretty old and the majority are steam operated; virtually all of them have been carefully restored and are today in perfect working condition.

The owner and the Trust’s president, entrepreneur Wilfred Mole - who bought and developed the farm in 1995 - has constructed a 2ft (610mm) narrow-gauge railway track on which a vari-

ety of beautifully restored old steam locomotives and wagons take visitors along a 26km scenic route.

Among the more than 20 steam locomotives presently in operation and many still in the process of restoration, are several huge NG-G class engines, including a Henschelbuilt NG-G 15 2-8-2 model and a number of small steam locomotives. Look out for the French Decauville locomotive designed by Paul Decauville - a French pioneer in industrial railways.

But the Stars of Africa is not just about steam trains and agricultural machinery.

It is jointly presented by the SHT and South Africa’s School of Armour Museum that is based at Tempe in Bloemfontein.

On display and accessible to the public is a variety of military vehicles and equipment, the majority of which have seen some kind of action in World War II or in the Angolan war.

Among these fighting machines are several main bat-

‘And with the sound of roaring tank engines filling the air and armoured personnel carriers negotiating man-made hills, overhead a few planes joined by a helicopter added to the noise’ The large collection also includes ‘Miss Brakpan’ - a 2-6-2 tender-locomotive of miniature scale that has been beautifully restored and converted to the 2ft narrow gauge track.

The event offers visitors a variety of short and long train rides, including a full twohour trip on ‘The Mountain Wanderer’, starting at the old railway station at Hoekfontein (the main farm).

The route takes you to places like Grootdraai in the south, all the while travelling past large fields of yellow sunflowers or through stretches of colourful cosmos flowers.

On the way back, via Mooihoek and Vailima Sidings, the train twists and turns through the beautiful landscape and skirts some of the magnificent sandstone mountain ranges.

tle tanks, such as a WWII Sherman, a South African Olifant tank and even two Russian tanks, as well as a number of SA armoured vehicles like the Eland, Buffel, Ratel and Rooikat.

Each day, Lt Col Raymond Hohls and his museum men, along with SHT personnel, staged a joint military action display called ‘Sounds of Thunder’.

And with the sound of roaring tank engines filling the air and armoured personnel carriers negotiating man-made hills and trenches, overhead a few Harvards and De Havilland Tiger Moth planes, joined by an Alouette helicopter, added to the noise.

Visiting Sandstone Estates during the Stars of Africa event is an unforgettable experience and a must for boys who like their toys.

Promotion

22 April 2015

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Business

22 April 2015

Ideas for entrepreneurial wannabees

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O you wanna be an entrepreneur do you? You don’t like bosses or you’re newly retired but too clever to just sit at home waiting for your kids to visit, or you need the extra cash. The only problem is, you have no idea which business to pursue.

More and more retired folk are leaving retirement and dusting off their entrepreneurial skills in a bid to augment boredom or their meagre pension fund, which means we have hosts of skilled individuals who want to re-enter the economy but without a clue which business will get them the most money, the quickest.

And with the exorbitant cost of living rising every day, many people are turning to side jobs to earn extra income.

Don’t want to waitress?

Then try some of these ideas out for size. These businesses can be rather profitable and don’t require too much previous experience: Dgcwv{"htqo"Jqog Are you sociable and well groomed? There are a number of beauty schools that offer beauty courses specifically catering to people who want to make money from home.

Bronze Academy (bronzebeauty.co.za) in Durbanville, Cape Town, offers a threemonth course covering topics like eyelash extensions,

manicures and pedicures, facials and nail extensions, all for R18,000 after which time you will be fully qualified to work from home.

Etchvu"cpf"Ecpfngu Are you creative and love working with your hands?

Then take a course in candle or soap manufacturing. Buy candle wax, moulds and accessories from Candle Deli (candledeli.co.za) after which you’ll be ready to start selling at craft markets or online.

Ocmg"Uqogvjkpi Do you know how to sew and make clothing or something else there’s a demand for? Then start by making a few items and selling them through third-party websites like OnTheWay (onetheway. co.za) or Utique (www. utique.co.za).

Once you’ve got the sales coming in, you can create your own website and sell direct to customers.

Oqqpnkijv Are you a bookkeeper? A copywriter? Love golf? Then make extra money on the side by working evenings and weekends. Just make sure you don’t break any contracts with your existing employer.

There are a few key considerations to take into account before you get started: Equvu"qh"Rtqfwevkqp If the cost to make or sell your

item exceeds the money you will ever make from it, then don’t do it, try something else. You have to make a decent enough margin to cover the cost of renting a stall at the flea market or cost to hire a seamstress or cost of training.

If your margins are tiny then you’re going to have to sell a heck of a lot to make any money.

Investor Focus

Ucngu The hardest part about being an entrepreneur is the sales.

Where are you going to find customers? Optimise your network of contacts by making sure your neighbours and friends know about your services or products.

Offer them discounts and just get them in the door for the first time to try it out. A

glass of red or white wine won’t hurt either.

Octmgvkpi Create a Facebook page with photos of the items you’re selling - once you’ve sold a few, you can justify the expense of a proper WordPress site. If it’s well designed, it will rank in Google and bring in most of your clients from there.

Attend networking events and use social media to make sure there’s a constant stream of valuable contact and com-

munication with your customers.

Dwukpguu"Rncp Take the time to write out a one or two-page business plan to make sure you’ve thought everything through properly - it will be worth the time and might save you a lot of money.

Don’t give up. Being an entrepreneur is tough but it is always better than working for a boss. Good luck! jvvr<11ujkhvqpg0eq0|c

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

Do your homework before using new investment vehicles

T

AX Free Saving Accounts (TSAs) became available from March 1 and are being offered by most financial institutions.

Vjg"twngu"vjcv"iqxgtp"vjgug" pgy"rtqfwevu"ctg"cu"hqnnqyu< • You may invest a maximum of R30,000pa.

• You can invest monthly different product providers have different rules. I have seen R250 per month but there could be better offers.

• You can withdraw cash at any time, but you may not replace it in the same year, i.e. you are restricted to the R30,000pa mentioned above.

• If you pay more than R30,000 pa you will face a serious penalty. This is par-

ticularly relevant as you will be taxed at 41% of the excess capital contributed.

• You can save a maximum of R500,000 over your lifetime.

• They will only become transferable in 2016 as the transfer rules are still being finalised.

• They are not transferable, i.e. between spouses.

• No loans are permitted against TSAs. Vjg"vcz"ucxkpiu"ctg"cu" hqnnqyu< • No withholdings tax on dividends.

• No capital gains tax.

• No tax on interest.

• TSAs are, however, included in your estate and will

be subject to estate duties.

Vjg"Kpxguvogpv"ejqkegu"ctg" cu"hqnnqyu< • Any cash or money market deposits.

• Unit trusts that do not charge performance fees.

• Exchange traded funds (ETFs) - this is a grey area, as you may be forced into specific ETF portfolios, for which a management fee is charged. Anyone following this path should make specific enquiries.

While these products are attractive, one should always consider your personal circumstances. Interest is tax free up to certain levels, depending on your age. So check if it is really worthwhile.

Retirement Annuities offer better tax exemptions when contributing (TSAs offer no contribution relief). They also offer the same investment tax incentives, and they do not form part of your estate.

Retirement Annuities have far less investment restrictions. But these TSAs do offer an interesting savings vehicle. One should do careful homework and find the product that suits your personal circumstances.

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News & Views

22 April 2015

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Social Scene

22 April 2015

SHOWING TEETH FOR FEMKE’S 10TH: Femke Murray - at centre in front - is surrounded by buddies who rocked up in droves to celebrate her 10th birthday on April 20 with an ‘Amazing Race’ theme party on Sunday the 19th. Congrats on the double digits, young Mz Murray, and keep up the good work of always making everyone in your company crack a bright smile.

Photo: Glenn Murray Photography

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MAZAL TOV! Shannon Amoils - here getting a warm hug from proud mom Karen - celebrated her Bat Mitzvah last weekend.

Well done on reaching this milestone with such grace, Shannon, and all the best for that exciting journey called adulthood.

WATCH WATERS ROCK: The Beach House (on Plett’s Hobie Beach parking area) is hosting folk rock artist Heather Waters, at centre above, and her band for a party on the deck on Friday April 24. A brilliant songwriter, Heather’s feel-good, inspirational folk-rock performances burn with the type of energy that gets feet tapping - and that at the ultimate location: think sunset views, a cool blue pool and cocktails in combo with live music on the deck. A cash bar will be open and a new menu is now available, as is the comfortable, affordable Beach Bar accommodation (book early to avoid disappointment).

Entry costs only R50, so book your ticket now via email at info@backpackersbeachhouse.co.za or by phoning 079 036 3123. There is a covered area in case of bad weather. Visit www. heatherwatersmusic.com for more information.

People, places & events

OCEAN... WHAT OCEAN? John Larter sent this pic of his wife Pat at Plett’s Signal Hill view site and wrote: ‘Thought you might be interested in this photo taken on Sunday April 12 at about 2:30pm. We had fog for the last couple of days - strange in the fact that the fog sat exactly on the beach and nowhere near the houses. I haven’t seen it like that ever before, looking dirty in some areas and snow-white in others.’

KOM KUIER IN ORANJE: Die Nederlandse Vereniging se jaarlikse Oranjemark vind hierdie jaar vir die eerste keer plaas by Eden Place (voorheen die Rademachers restaurantjie) langs die N2 van 9vm tot 1nm op Saterdag 25 April. Produkte ingevoer van Nederland sowel as produkte wat plaaslik deur Nederlanders vervaardig word sal te koop aangebied word - verwag ‘n fees van lekkernye. Hierdie mark lok altyd vele Nederlanders, maar ook heelwat Suid-Afrikaanse besoekers. En natuurlik is dit vir Nederlanders in die gebied ‘n ideale geleentheid om ander landgenote te ontmoet. Buite die jaarlikse mark organiseer die vereniging op informele wyse gereelde byeenkomste, inligtingssessies en ekskursies. Aan’t pampoen betrag op die foto, van links, is Ben van Biene, Johan van Roon, Bert de Jong en Bert van Walbeek. Stuur ‘n epos na nederlandsvlaamsevereniging@gmail.com vir verdere besonderhede.

Photos: Martin Hurwitz

NIPPERS NATIONALS 2015: These images show Plett Surf Lifesaving Club’s Nippers in action on Strand Beach from April 9-11 - visit www.plettsurf. org.za for more pics and results.

Photo: Isabelle Brink

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Interval

22 April 2015

Red meat is not bad for you.

Fuzzy green meat is bad for you.

Little Jacob’s lesson

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ITTLE Jacob was sitting with his grandfather who was explaining to him how he made his fortune.

Grandfather Goldstein fingered his expensive wool vest and said: “Well, Jacob, it was 1932. The depth of the Great Depression. I was down to my last nickel.

“I invested that nickel in an apple. I spent the entire day polishing the apple and, at the end of the day, I sold the apple for ten cents.

“The next morning, I invested those ten cents in two apples. I spent the entire day polishing them and sold them at 5pm for 20 cents.

“I continued this system for a month, by the end of which I’d accumulated a fortune of $9.80.”

“Wow,” gasped little Jacob. “What happened next, Grandfather?”

“Well, then Grandmother’s father died and left us two million dollars.”

Speed like a fish

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speeding driver was pulled over by a cop.

The driver asked: “Why was I pulled over when I was not the only one speeding?”

The cop replied: “Have you ever gone fishing?”

“Yes,” said the man.

“And have you ever caught all the fish?” asked the policeman.

The missing husband

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wife went to the police station with her next-door neighbour to report her husband missing.

The policeman asked for a description.

She said: “He’s 35 years old, 6 foot 4, has dark eyes, dark wavy hair, an athletic build, weighs 185 pounds,

is soft-spoken, and is good to the children.”

The next-door neighbour protested: “Your husband is 5 foot 4, chubby, bald, has a big mouth, and is mean to your children.”

The wife replied: “Yes I know, but who would want HIM back?”

Holier than thou call girls

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man is driving down a deserted stretch of highway when he notices a sign out of the corner of his eye.

It reads: ‘Sisters of St Francis. House of Prostitution.

Ten miles’.

He thinks this is a figment of his imagination and drives on without second thought.

Soon he sees another sign which reads: ‘Sisters of St Francis. House of Prostitution. Five miles’.

Suddenly he begins to realise that these signs are for real and drives past a third sign saying: ‘Sisters of St Francis. House of Prostitution. Next right’.

His curiosity gets the best of him and he pulls into the drive.

On the far side of the parking lot is a stone building with a small sign next to the door reading: ‘Sisters of St Francis’.

He climbs the steps and rings the bell.

The door is answered by a nun in a long black habit

who asks: “What may we do for you, my son?”

He answers: I saw your signs along the highway and was interested in possibly doing business…”

“Very well, my son. Please follow me.”

He is led through many winding passages and is soon quite disoriented.

The nun stops at a closed door and tells the man: “Please knock on this door.”

He does so and another nun in a long habit, holding a tin cup answers the door.

This nun says: “Place $100 in the cup then go through the large wooden door at the end of the hallway.”

He puts $100 in the cup, eagerly trots down the hall and slips through the door, pulling it shut behind him.

The door locks, and the man finds himself back in the parking lot facing another sign: ‘Go in peace. You have just been screwed by the sisters of St Francis. Serves you right, you sinner’.

We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.

The sucking of thumbs…

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boy had reached the age of four without giving up the habit of sucking his thumb, though his mother had tried everything from bribery to reasoning to painting it with lemon juice to discourage the habit.

Finally she tried threats, warning her son that “if you don’t stop sucking your

thumb, your stomach is going to blow up like a balloon”.

One day, walking in the park, mother and son saw a pregnant woman sitting on a bench.

The four-year-old considered the woman gravely for a minute, then said to her: “Uhoh… I know what you’ve been doing.”

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Food & Wine

22 April - 2015

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Words & Photos: Peter Bishop

Two magic finds at Welmoed on a really good Friday

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ET’S go somewhere different today. This from my new daughter-inlaw Lalla, as she set out on the N2 on Good Friday. We turned left on the R310. Historic Vergenoegd ‘not open for tasting’, so gone was the telling of those stories of the champion SA producer of 1971 and 1972.

Meerlust’s gates were locked, so gone were the stories of how Hannes Myburgh transformed a Hanepoot farm into a top Cabernet Sauvignon producer in 1975, and the great Rubicon story of 1980.

A bit further, we saw cars

in the shade at Welmoed that I had last visited a quarter of a century before.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the premises were controlled by Stellenbosch Vineyards and it offered a range from ‘The Flagship’ Petit Verdot 2010 at R400, supported by a two-white, two-red range of Credo selling at R100.

We tasted the Chenin Blanc 2012, barrel fermented for 32 months from old bush vines, a lovely lustre and balance. I scored it 18.5 out of 20. A worthy wine.

The next range was called ‘Stellenbosch Vineyards’ at

THE ART OF SAVING DAMSELS FROM SAUVIGNON DISTRESS: The author is enlightened here by Kobus Steyn - our knowledgeable waiter from Paarl, who treated us to Welmoed and Kumkani and Stellenbosch Vineyards ranges, and rescued Lalla from her aversion to Sauvignon Blanc...

R70 per white and R85 per red. Less expensive was an array of nine Welmoed wines at R42 per bottle. We tasted the Viognier (peaches and loquats), the Chardonnay (mild lemon and weight) and a fruity brambleberrystyle Cabernet Sauvignon.

Way back in the late 1970s Stellenbosch Farmers Winery (SFW) came out with the Veritas Light range of flavoured wines. It did not succeed.

Welmoed had a bevy of four at alcohols of 5% where wine, distilled water and flavours like mint, aloe, pomegranate and mango sold for R44. We gave it a skip, Lalla was going on and on about not liking Sauvignon Blanc, so our young waiter Kobus Steyn (also from Paarl, and recognising a damsel in distress) decided to spoil us with four wines, all Kumkani Sauvignon Blanc low yield from the same site.

The vintages: 2006 to 2010 sans 2007 that was sold out.

Price: R100, but a bargain.

These were actually from the Lanner Hill range that Nicky Versfeld had so much success with at the Winemakers Guild et al.

The 2006 is unforgettable, complex, asparagus, cat’s pea, a 20 out of 20 reward just for existing! We procured a few. The 2008 was in the same line, refined, clean but will take four years to develop to the 2006 level of

development.

The 2009 was out and out cat’s pea, showing the savage in ‘sauvignon’. The 2010 was royal. Cat’s pea was becoming desirable. Karoo herbs calling for lamb. It easily has a decade ahead!

But that 2006 Kumkani Sauvignon Blanc was an all-time reward for those prepared to break their prejudices about aging worthy Sauvignon.

The Kukani sells at R100 - a giveaway for the experience.

Thank you, Kobus.

The young man saw me rather excited as I asked if I could look at the Cabernet Sauvignon in their various ranges. It was my turn to be spoilt. At R42, the Welmoed had brambleberry scent and rich fruitiness.

The Stellenbosch Vineyards at double that price had that Helderberg structure, the blackcurrants, herbaceousness. I told Kobus that the winery could very well drive to produce a serious Cabernet Sauvignon, as very few producers can match what used to be common in the 1970s and 1980s.

And then onto another spell of magic. Kobus opened the Kumkani 2005 Cradle Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 and 2009. The 2005 still showed its oak, mellowing and at its peak.

But my hands fluttered in all directions when I tasted the 2009. Five ticks, five stars.

Complex, violets, youth, wild berries, firewood. Waiting to lie in someone’s cellar for a decade or two and then reward.

With that Kumkani Cradle Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 and the Kumkani Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (the 2010 for the long haul) in mind and in the boot, we felt that this was a day of discovery. I wish I was a rich man!

The Bistro Restaurant was very pleasant with excellent service. A Good Friday it turned out to be.

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Marvellous halloumi and mushroom skewers

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HIS lovely recipe for veggie-cheesy skewers with a green salsa will add flair to your next braai: Kpitgfkgpvu For the skewers: • 200-250g of halloumi cut into cubes (the size of your baby button mushrooms) • 200-250g of baby button mushrooms • Olive oil • Dried oregano • Rosemary twigs (strip off the leaves apart from the tip) • 12 wooden skewers, soaked for at least half an hour before cooking The Green Salsa: • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled • 2 tbsp drained capers • 2 large handfuls of flatleaf parsley • 1 bunch basil chopped • 1 bunch mint chopped

• 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar • 100ml olive oil • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season

Ogvjqf For the skewers: • Simply thread the halloumi and mushrooms onto the skewers and brush with

olive oil.

• Sprinkle the oregano over each skewer.

• Insert a sprig of rosemary into each end piece of mushroom/halloumi on the skewers.

• Braai the skewers for 5-10 minutes until the mushrooms and halloumi are soft and brown.

The Green Salsa: • Place all the ingredients apart from the olive oil into a food processor and gently blend. Alternatively, finely chop all the dry ingredients and add the mustard and vinegar.

• Gradually add the olive oil until you have the right consistency for salsa.

• Serve with the skewers Tgekrg"eqwtvgu{"qh"vjg" Uqwvj"Chtkecp"Owujtqqo" Hctogt‚u"Cuuqekcvkqp

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Home & Health

22 April 2015

The magic of ‘snaps’

Angus and co trek along our coast to create autism awareness

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SQUEEZE ME, PLEASE! Antirrhinum, or snapdragon, flowers make for excellent entertainment – if not for their multitude of colours and stem lengths, then for squishing those cheeks together

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HE name ‘Antirrhinum’ is one that even wordsmiths don’t enjoy receiving in a spelling bee.

This complex name is derived from the Greek words ‘anti’ and ‘rhin’, meaning ‘like’ and ‘nose’ respectively - which describes the snout shaped flower.

The common name was evidently given because the flower looks like a dragon’s face and snaps when squeezed together.

Is there anyone who has pqv squeezed a snapdragon’s cheeks together?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for something tall, in-between, or short for your garden, snaps have an amazing range when it comes to heights, with your shortest dwarf varieties starting around 15cm and others peaking at an incredible 120cm.

It’s not often that you’ll find snapdragons in bloom

available for purchase in your garden centre - with good reason. If they are planted green, i.e. before they bloom, it allows the plant to develop strong roots first before plummeting all its energy into making those pretty flower faces we love to squish.

This also makes for a much stronger plant from the get go, so if you buy one with flowers, just pinch back the main stem and it’ll be as good as new.

Snaps prefer being planted in full sun, and it’s very important to find a good balance with their water regime. They like moist but not water-logged soil and are not happy if left thirsty.

Don’t plant them too close together as they tend to get a little claustrophobic and like a fair amount of air flowing around them.

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Flutter by famous Brenton blue

NGUS Moore, tour coordinator of the Big Autism Thing (BAT) popped in at CXPRESS earlier this month to share some information on the project - a walk he has undertaken along with five other ‘Autism Champions’ from Port Shepstone to Cape Town to raise awareness, acceptance and funds for this common disorder.

Walking up to 49km on some days, their trek kicked off on March 1 and will be completed in Strand on May 2. Angus and his crew celebrated World Autism Day in Port Elizabeth on April 2, after which they headed for the Route and reached Plett on Thursday the 8th.

The BAT crew had arranged most accommodation along their route before setting off, but Angus thanked the following Plett businesses in particular for everything from meals to fuel to clean clothes: The Dunes, Look Out Deck, Crescent Laundry, Main Street Service Station, Wimpy 1 Stop Plett, and The Table.

Beneficiaries of this year’s BAT walk are Cornerstone Learning Centre in KZN (a newly opened school for kids with autism in Port Shepstone), Autism Sinethemba (a school for kids with autism in East London), Autism Western Cape (provincial association), Autism Project (Eastern Cape), and Association for Autism (AFA) in Pretoria.

Donations may be made into the BAT bank account, or deposited into collection tins around the country - visit www.thebigautismthing.co.za for further details.

SPREADING THE WORD: The Big Autism Thing tour organiser Angus Moore, left, and one of his fellow trekkers, Autism Champ Craig, show thumbs up for the cause in East London, before hitting the road west to CX Country

Notes on autism

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UTISTIC Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how the brain develops, which can then impact on how a person interacts, their ability to communicate and to make sense of the world.

Complex and incredibly varied, it ranges from quite mild to so severe that a person may be unable to communicate. It is called a spectrum disorder because it affects every individual in a very different way.

About one in 68 children is identified with ASD according to estimates from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups, but is almost five times more common among boys (one in 42)

This month’s Knysna Garden Club meeting, on Wednesday April 29, will be at 10am at Ocean View Lodge, which is on Brenton Road, just past the Brenton on Lake turnoff. There is a fynbos path with many indigenous plants to explore and tea/coffee and a muffin will be available afterwards. This area is the habitat of the famous Brenton butterfly so prepare yourself for an eye-feast of spectacular blue wings. Wear walking shoes but there’s no need to bring chairs. Visitors are welcome.

Phone Elinor on 044 387 1966 or 082 377 8084 to confirm attendance for catering purposes.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

than girls (one in 189).

Genetic influences on autism are estimated to be between 74% and 98%, a Medical Research Council study of 258 twins suggests. Researcher Dr Francesca Happe said, although not perfect, all the evidence pointed to genes playing a bigger role in autism than previously thought.

“Our findings suggest environmental factors are smaller, which is important because some parents are concerned

whether things like high pollution might be causing autism.

“Some people think there might be a big environmental component because autism has become more common in recent years, but that’s happened too fast for genetics to be a probable cause.”

The main consensus now is that the rise in diagnosis has more to do with increased awareness of the condition. *Uqwteg<"yyy0dde0eqo1 pgyu1jgcnvj/53935369+

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22 April 2015

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

22 April 2015

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

A guide to good Garden Route behaviour...

With such a vast number of new people from all over the country arriving to stay on the Garden Route, I thought it would be a good idea to write a short, helpful info guide so as to ensure this remains the wonderful place it is.

Good behaviour is essential, naturally, among our peaceful Garden Route Nation.

• We don’t hoot unnecessarily.

• We have much patience on the road, and tolerance while driving - therefore we stick to the speed limits.

• The yellow line is not a lane.

• We treat each other with respect and patience, regardless of our nationality or faith, and abide no racist attitudes in any way. Live and

let live.

• We avoid nasty and rude comments.

• We do not yell from the outside of the field, in other words, we don’t run around interfering and ganging up on others when it is none of our business, as we like a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere among all peoples.

• We help one another in any way possible, without getting bossy about it.

• We don’t gossip or talk down another person or business. We allow for competition, as we see it as a healthy situation for all concerned.

• We like recycling wherever we can, and are extremely aware of our natural surroundings.

• We tread as lightly as pos-

Where do I sign up?!

Working up in The Crags recently, I had a conversation with a chap that is currently employed by Sanral on the roadworks.

While chatting, I commented that it was great to have a job for a while and not having to sit at home not earning a living.

The bloke said that it was fantastic to have a job and a well-paid one at that.

The natural question to follow was, how much can you earn as a casual waving a flag or manning the Stop/Go. The reply?

“Well, R10,000 a month is not a bad salary.”

My reaction: “No way!”

I asked if he was exaggerating as this did not sound right for an unskilled job. I know the going rate for skilled labour in the greater Garden Route area does not come close to this figure.

I was assured that he was not lying or exaggerating he even went as far as calling a fellow flag-waver to confirm the figure.

For R10,000 a month I will gladly stand on the side of the road waving a flag all day long.

Where do I apply for the job?

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Don’t get spooked by ghost traffic fines Bitou and Knysna motorists may be aware of a Cape Town company, Paymyfines. co.za, which sends SMSes indiscriminately to local persons, with the message: “You have outstanding Bitou (or Knysna) Traffic Dept Traffic infringement notices.

Avoid further action, call 0105000077 or www.paymy fines.co.za.”

When accessing this website, one is requested to register to access any information before logging in and one is informed that “by logging in, you agree to the terms and conditions of this website”.

I did not register, but first checked out the terms and conditions, which proved to be a very long one-sided small print legal document, where one expressly gives up all one’s rights of recourse, objections, reporting, etc. should one experience problems in one’s dealings with Paymyfines.

I am not clear, however, whether this binds one to

deal through them exclusively thereafter, should one have to settle a traffic fine in the future.

Mentions are made of dire penalties should one ignore the SMS warning - confiscation of vehicle, etc.

Rather be safe than sorry, and do not go any further into the registration process.

The above is a reaction to receiving an SMS from them out of the blue (worded as above) on April 7, regarding a supposed Knysna offence (I have not driven to Knysna this year).

I replied with a message requesting details, which was not answered.

The next day, April 8, I received a similar SMS, regarding a supposed Bitou offence. I contacted Bitou Traffic Department, who confirmed that there were no outstanding fines against me.

You and your readers can draw your own conclusions!

I refuse to be terrorised by SMS messages.

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sible to keep all of nature co-existing - in other words, we don’t shoot the monkeys, however annoying they might be.

• We treasure our water, even if it seems there’s lots of it.

• We smile a lot and we’re very friendly.

If this is not your experience, consider that your be-

haviour might have caused the treatment received from old locals. Chill out - life is tough for everybody, but we’re all in this together.

And it is great to see so many new faces, from all walks of life, on our beloved Garden Route. Welcome here, and may your smiles in return be manyfold!

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Parent participation at Wittedrift level is priceless With the first term done and dusted, we reflect on what a start to the year it has been at Wittedrift High School.

As a parent of a Grade 8-er, old feelings arise. Do you remember how you felt when your six-year-old started primary school - worried and nervous, but also excited that your child is now starting a new chapter in life?

This is more or less how I felt, but different in the sense that our children now faced initiation, which is a good ‘down-to-earther’ for most of them.

Within the first week of the term our little, but also inevitably big, Grade 8 students were introduced to a new school, new teachers, prefects and the fun process of initiation.

To help new learners adapt to the high school environment, principal Jeremy Marallich introduced an amazing ice breaker that became quite popular in the first term.

The four head prefects along with their fellow prefects had to organise a musical - an “initiation concert” for the Grade 8s to showcase their talents.

What an awesome evening it was for us new parents!

This festive event was followed by a braai, and then we had to leave our new high school pupils in the hands of the initiators, as they set up camp in the school hall for the night.

The first term also saw a Valentine’s dance held in the hall - a great opportunity for the girls to have a dress rehearsal for the matric dance.

Oh, what a wonderful evening we parents had when Wittedrift High School had their musical festival! The production was organised by learners and teachers and all the grades had to choose a theme colour and sing songs related to that colour. Well done to Mr Marallich for encouraging culture at the school.

Wittedrift also knows how to put a smile on learners’ faces. During the last week of last term, the matrics were surprised with an unusual display. When they exited their classes after tests, they found their matric farewell invitations hanging from a tree in the quad!

They were very excited and

enjoyed the decadent “matrics-only” cupcakes set out for them. The farewell took place on April 17.

Athletics started in earnest during the first term, keeping teachers and learners focused on the SEC-meeting, the oldest in the country.

Wittedrift High hosted the event and achieved a successful first place.

The school’s swimming gala is now a more serious affair than in previous years, but is still a lot of fun for learners. Items included breast stroke, butterfly and doggy paddle, and even a few water polo games were played. We were impressed with some swimmers displaying exceptional talent.

Watch out, Chad le Clos!

The chess tournaments held at Wittedrift High in the first term were well attended. Grade 8 learner Bradley Raymond performed outstandingly well when the school hosted the KnysnaPlett tournament.

Cricket is growing to become a huge sport item, and the past term also saw the start of some winter sports in the form of netball, rugby and soccer. Wittedrift teams have already played their first rugby matches in Kareedouw.

A highlight of the sport programme was when netball, hockey, and rugby teams set off to Despatch to participate in the annual Despatch Sport Festival.

A new governing body was elected in the first term and will govern the school for the next three years. Parent members Julie Smith, Peter Auersperg, Alan Connelly, Cheryl Williams, and Jeremy Grootboom are chaired

by Phil Raymond.

A meeting for parents of current Grade 7s was held at Plett Surf Lifesaving Club on March 25. We thank everyone who came to listen to Mr Marallich’s informative presentation.

As new Wittedrift High parents we look forward to an interactive and active second term. Best of all is that we as parents are a big part of it. You can’t put a price on that level of participation.

Thank you, Wittedrift High - the small school with the BIG heart.

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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Candidate attorney, not qualified lawyer The March 25 edition of CXPRESS featured an article on the Bitou Community Educational Trust, about the success of their bursary students. It was erroneously stated that Nokubonga Ncera was a qualified lawyer.

Nokubonga is presently in her second year of ar-

ticles. She is a candidate attorney with Regional Court appearance. She extended her period of articles in order to gain more experience.

We wish to apologise to Nokubonga and wish her every success in achieving her dream.

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

22 April 2015

Knysna Motor Show shoots for new heights this year

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HE 2015 Knysna Motor Show taking place on the Knysna High School sports fields in Waterfront Drive on Saturday May 9, promises to be an experience to remember for young and old.

Garden Route Motor Club chairman Peter Pretorius described this year’s motor show as “the original art of the automobile and motorcycle - there will be something for the whole family”.

Visitors will see an array of Ferraris, Jaguars, Porsches, Sunbeams, Triumphs, Fords, Morgans, Austin-Healeys, MGs and American Muscle cars along with exciting vintage and veteran cars. These will include a 1929 Bentley, 1929 MG M-type, and three beautiful Packards of the 40s and a great many more fourwheeled beauties.

Also on exhibit will be the Brian Bruce car collection of classic sports Jaguars, Fords and Rolls Royces. In total, more than 250 personally selected high quality cars will be on display.

Building on the 2014 Motor

Show, this year’s event will again feature a display of interesting motorcycles from vintage, road and race bikes to more modern classics as well as unusual custom motorcycles, including some of the rarest in the world.

Over and above the fantastic and unique cars and motorcycles on display, some very interesting elements have been added to this year’s event.

“We are privileged to have a stand covering the Bloodhound SCC attempt on the world land speed record on Hakskeenpan, taking place later this year,” said Pretorius.

On display will be a 13.5-meter modular car, artefacts including a 95kg aluminium test wheel, a topographical model of the pan plus other exhibits. (The rocket fuel pump is driven by a Jaguar V8 supercharged 555bhp engine.)

The project is a global engineering adventure, using a 1,610kph world land speed record attempt to inspire the next generation about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Bloodhound SSC Education director Dave Rowley will be on hand to answer questions, while Nelson Mandela Metro University will display its Eco-Car. “The Shell Eco Marathon project is based on student teams producing an ultralightweight vehicle to achieve high mileage on minimum fuel, thereby exposing the students to the concept of efficiency, lightweight design and more economical solutions to the challenges presented to society in respect of carbon footprints,” explained Pretorius.

This also exposes the students to focus on science, technology and engineering in order to achieve these multi-disciplinary outcomes.

Project manager Clive Hands and his team will gladly explain the project to visitors.

“In line with the educational theme and in particular for the younger generation, we will also have three stands explaining how a petrol engine works, the function and design of a radiator and the workings of a transmission

and differential.

“A further interesting display will be Rusty Crowhurst’s display of his Meteor Special fitted with a 27-litre Rolls-Royce designed unsupercharged version of the engine used in Spitfire and Hurricane aeroplanes,” enthused Pretorius.

For the motoring memorabilia collectors Johan Rabe, the only South African who is a member of the Guild of Motoring Artists (UK) will exhibit and have for sale a selection of Le Mans winning cars, that he has specifically prepared for the show.

Paintings will include winning models of Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, etc. for the period from 1951 to 2012.

To tempt collectors further, John Dalton will be offering a selection of paintings which include Sarel van der Merwe with his original signature ‘Power and Glory’, and 22 original signatures of leading Le Mans drivers.

The Knysna Motor Show is a fun day for the whole family and not just for petrolheads.

The beer tent will be pouring Knysna’s own Mitchell’s Brewery brews and a variety of food stalls will cater for everyone’s tastes.

Entry is R30 (under-18s enter free) and all proceeds of this charity event go to Hospice, Animal Welfare, E-pap, Famsa, Change for Change and Knysna High School.

For further details on this year’s exciting Knysna Motor Show, visit www.grmc. co.za or contact Peter Pretorius at peter p@afrihost.co.za or on 082 321 4724.

SILVER DREAM: Rusty Crowhurst shows off his spectacular Jaguar Meteor Special

IMAGES OF LE MANS: For the motoring memorabilia collectors Johan Rabe, the only South African member of the UK’s Guild of Motoring Artists, will exhibit and sell a selection of Le Mans winning car creations - the model pictured here is the Ferrari 250TR59-60 that came out tops in 1960

EARTH-FRIENDLY: The NMMU team will be on hand to explain their Eco-Car project

King and queen of the Plett greens Plett Bowling Club’s Ladies Singles champ Sheila Horn, at right, and Men’s Singles champ Deon Huge, left, receive their winning trophies from competitions secretary John Swinley after a hotly contested tournament played on April 1.

Photos: Eleanor Swinley