27 November 2019

27 November 2019

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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CXPRESS

27 November 2019

NEWS & VIEWS

Kikoi for a cause: Alwynia Simon’s winning design to brighten Mungo shelves HIS year the team at Mungo established MOVE - their very own CSR programme dedicated to empowering the community and protecting the environment.

As part of their ongoing outreach efforts, they facilitate an annual textile workshop at Mungo Mill where students from The Crags Primary School learn about textile production and get to design their own kikoi.

Through a vote, one wining kikoi is selected and a run is woven and sold in the Mungo shops. All proceeds from its sale are donated to the Kids of Kurland School Project - a charitable organisation focusing on youth upliftment in the Kurland community.

In this way, Mungo raises enough money to fund a muchneeded additional teacher’s salary at The Crags Primary.

“As one of the founders of the Kids of Kurland Project back in 2001, I am thrilled that the initiative enjoys the support from a company like Mungo,” says CSR director Janet Holding.

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“After incredible success in 2018 with the first Kids of Kurland Kikoi, we hosted our second workshop in July this year.

The workshop kicked off with a mill tour by our weaving supervisor, followed by a lesson in colour theory by our designer.

Then the students went on to design their own kikoi colourway.

“The Crags Primary School doesn’t currently have the resources for art classes, so we hope that this workshop will inspire students to get in touch with their creativity and give insight into the process of manufacturing a product - a process that most people today have lost touch with.”

Monday November 18 saw the Mungo and Kids of Kurland teams converge at The Crags Primary grounds to present the winning design to the school: Mungo Moon, designed by Alwynia Simon.

There was great excitement as each of the children who participated in this year’s project received a kikoi of the winning design. Visit www.oldnick.co.za for additional information.

a t s i n o i h s a F a L

082 251 8134

CLOAK OF HONOUR: Alwynia Simon shows off her winning kikoi

JOINT EFFORT: Crags Primary Grade 7s with Jill McIlleron, at left, viceprincipal Aubrey Andrews, at centre, and Kids of Kurland stalwart Ann Fermor, at right, during last week’s do

NEWS & VIEWS

27 November 2019

CXPRESS

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Rage celebrates two decades of matrics partying in Plett Thousands of school leavers have started flocking to Plett for the annual student festival that kicks off on Friday - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports HIS year is extra special as Plett Rage celebrates its 20th year, making it the oldest festival of its kind in South Africa.

Organisers are expecting between 5,000 and 6,000 school leavers to visit Plett to celebrate their newfound freedom during the festival, which runs from November 29 to December 6.

For the third year the

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event is being hosted at the outdoor festival grounds dubbed CoCo Valley just off the N2. This is where students gather for evening entertainment, while daytime activities take place at what is being called Bikini Beach just off Central Beach.

Festival founder Ronen Klugman said Plett Rage 2019 is set to host some of the biggest names in the SA

music industry including Das Kapital, PH Fat, Nasty C, Desmond and the Tutus, Shortstraw, Spoegwolf, Francois van Coke, The Kiffness, Jeremy Loops, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Goodluck, and Jack Parow.

There will also be a variety of top DJs to ensure the party does not stop.

Klugman said they also spend countless hours work-

Rugby hero welcomed home by adoring crowd When his hometown welcomed Springbok fly-half Warrick Gelant back on November 20, after his recent return to South Africa from the victorious Rugby World Cup in Japan, residents of Knysna and other Garden Route towns rocked up in droves to lay eyes on this humble hero. He is pictured at right with acting Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, left. - Photos: Gigi Lewis

ing with various role-players to ensure the safety of young festinos. One of the features of the festival is its massive transport system.

“This is our biggest investment. We’ve spent R1.2million on ensuring a good transport system. We however do it with a smile as we want to make the event as safe as possible.”

Klugman said to avoid drinking and driving, transport is provided between central pick-up and dropoff points and the festival

grounds for the evening entertainment. No private vehicles will be allowed at the venue. This service is free.

During the day there will be shuttles, at specified rates, for students to get around.

Another feature of the festival is its cashless nature.

Each student will receive an armband on which they can load money and pay for food, drinks and other items.

“Attached to each armband is the student’s profile.

Should a student get into difficulty, this band can be

scanned to bring up the youngster’s information.”

Keeping thousands of students safe over the festival period is a mammoth task and therefore a detailed plan has been put in place that involves cooperation between police, local law enforcement, local and provincial traffic departments, private security companies and the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association, as well as local neighbourhood watch groups and volunteers.

South Cape TVET College Suid-Kaap Kollege Ikholeji yaseZantsi-Kapa

Suspense prolonged for Willemse supporters Ludumo Tede as court date postponed again ONCERN is growing deeper among supporters of former Knysna mayor and Ward 9 councillor Mark Willemse - this after his court date to hear the outcome of his challenge to the DA was once again postponed, this time to November 28.

In October this year, Willemse was stripped of his mayoral power and his position as Ward 9 DA councillor by fellow party members.

This action raised many questions and concerns among the local public, many of whom assumed that this pointed to infighting or even factionalism within the party in Knysna.

However, DA constituency head Dion George denied such allegations at the time.

Following the termination of his contract, the former mayor refused to go down without a fight. He took the

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challenge of his party’s decision to the Western Cape High Court, to have his removal from the DA placed on hold and delay the date being set for a by-election.

After his interdict request was approved, the municipal manager and Independent Electoral Commission head were barred from determining a by-election date for Ward 9 until the application (to set aside his termination as DA member) was reviewed.

The court proceedings were set to take off on November 18, only to be rescheduled for Friday the 22nd, before being moved a third time to Thursday November 28.

The reason for the latest date shift was that allegedly a different judge was supposed to preside over the hearing. Reasons for this change remain unknown.

Currently, deputy mayor

Aubrey Tsengwa of the ANC is at the helm of the newly-elected Knysna Municipality mayoral committee. However, depending on the outcome of Willemse’s court hearing tomorrow, the committee may well be altered again.

• In a recent twist to the tale, some of the former mayor’s supporters blame the DA for stalling the process by postponing court dates. They say it is a tactic to bankrupt Willemse so that he can no longer afford legal fees as he is responsible for his own legal costs and currently has no income.

Willemse’s supporters have pledged to back their mayoral man and called on likeminded members of the public to donate funds directly into a Chimes and Van Wyk Attorneys Nedbank account (number 1091160333, ref: DC01).

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

27 November 2019

Bitou public safety force inspected ahead of peak season Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

NDILE Sakati, Bitou’s senior manager of Public Safety, last Friday held an inspection of the municipality’s combined public safety force - comprising Traffic Control, Fire and Rescue, and Law Enforcement - in preparation for the forthcoming holiday season.

The inspection was held at Plett’s driving licence testing centre in the presence of Bitou mayor Peter Lobese, who was accompanied by municipal manager Lonwabo Ngoqo and councillors Monica Seyisi and Anne Windvogel, as well as senior municipal officials.

Under the command of senior firefighter Mervin de Waal, 34 officers of Bitou’s Public Safety force gave a splendid performance of marching and parade ground drill. The councillors and officials inspected a guard of honour and were given an overview of the vehicles and equipment used to maintain safety, law and order in and around Plett.

In their address, the mayor and other speakers stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of visitors over the course of the peak holiday season, when there is normally a considerable increase in the number of people in Plett and environs.

Said Lobese: “We have to ensure that visitors to our

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LEFT-RIGHT LEFT-RIGHT LEFT-RIGHT LEEEFT! At the Bitou Public Safety inspection on Friday, 34 members of the force gave a splendid display of marching and parade ground drill, under the command of senior firefighter Mervin de Waal, at left

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town feel safe at all times.

The visibility of law enforcement officers is very important. During December 2018, and in the early part of this year, there were no incidents of note for which we thank you.

“We are confident that you will carry out your duties properly over the forthcoming holiday period. Keep up the good work!”

At the inspection, several

Public Safety officers were presented with certificates of achievement by Lobese, who also bestowed upon Mervin de Waal the epaulettes signifying his promotion to the rank of senior firefighter.

CXPRESS wishes the staff of the Public Safety Force in Bitou every success in their endeavours and in the execution of their duties over the busy weeks of the festive season.

PAT ON THE SHOULDER: Bitou mayor Peter Lobese, left, conferred upon Mervin de Waal the epaulettes signifying his promotion to the rank of senior firefighter

STRENGTH IN UNITY: From left are, respectively, Fire and Rescue, Traffic Control, and Law Enforcement officers Linomtho Mhlana, Thandi Ntshudu, and Faith Madokwe

Supporting schooling for excellence

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NEWS & VIEWS

27 November 2019

Bolster this fund and you may well secure our health corps for the next half a century!

HILE you read this edition in the comfort of your Garden Route abode, 30 medical students from Stellenbosch University are about to set off on a gruelling 1,000km cycling trip from the SA-Namibia border to Cape Agulhas all in pursuit of assisting fellow students who are struggling financially.

Among these mindful youngsters is Plettenberg Bay native Kyle Goosen, who has just finished his fourth year of medical studies after completing a sterling school career at Plett Primary and Bay College, where he matriculated top of his class in 2015.

Says mom Loren Goosen - a seasoned educator of local pre-school kids for the past 15 years: “It’s quite amazing that they have found the time amid hectic study schedules and electives to train for this trip, and are giving up time during their short holiday to help other students.”

But for Kyle and his cycling colleagues, the dire need for this fundraising drive far outweighed other obligations.

“The idea for this project came from personal experi-

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KYLE & CO: Hippocampus Team members are about to cycle across the Cape to raise funds for fellow medical students Plett local Kyle Goosen is crouching at left in the middle row

ences in our student community, where we realised that all students have equal opportunities, but not equal resources to benefit from those opportunities,” he explains.

“The people who will look after the health of our country for the next 50 years should not be struggling to survive while they develop, they should be thriving! As students, we decided to do something crazy to make a significant change.”

The eight-day trek from the Northern Cape border to SA’s southernmost tip serves as incentive for crowd-sourced funding, with all contributions placed in the Nkululeko Fund - an official university platform that facilitates financial aid for students, by students.

“Nkululeko means ‘freedom’, which forms the foundation of what we dream of giving fellow students in the form of financial freedom,” says Kyle.

“Sponsorships for food, accommodation and kit had been established before the trip, so now we are calling for contributions to the actual fund, which will directly benefit deserving medical students.”

• Visit www.givengain.com/ ap/hippocampus18/ if you would like to donate and follow The Hippocampus Team (see block at right) on Facebook and Instagram for additional information, and to track these intrepid young fundraisers’ progress from November 28 right through to December 8.

Why Hippocampus?

HE plan for a fundraising drive started in a medical residence called ‘Hippokrates’, but the dream was to help the whole campus; when combining the two words, you get ‘Hippocampus’ which is a special part of the brain that regulates emotions, the formation of memories, and the process of learning.

“We chose this name because it says who we are and what we want to do,” explains Kyle. “We want to improve the mental health and experience of learning on our campus by decreasing the financial burden experienced by fellow students.”

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CXPRESS

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Let’s welcome these enduring Military Academy students ANDF students of the Military Academy supported by Training Command units will participate in an extensive military exercise from November 29 to December 7, travelling along the coast from Port Elizabeth to Saldanha while providing community services and building civil military relations along the way.

Exercise Trans-Enduro was established in 1983 when a group of young officers that had no leave remaining after exams persuaded their commandant to allow them to undertake an endurance race from PE to Saldanha over 20 days, using inflatable rubber boats.

It was characterised as an event for Military Academy students to develop their leadership skills under difficult circumstances, but underwent a transition where military preservation is now incorporated with community engagement projects.

Mayors from different municipalities en route will back the event and readers are invited to attend morning opening sessions and support the Masiza Community Project, which this year focuses on the Girl Child and Early Childhood Development.

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Nine teams will travel from PE to Saldanha over nine days, staying over in J Bay, Plett and George on the first few nights of the tour.

The cycling team covers a certain daily distance on bicycles, the sea team travels along the coast with two rubber dinghies, and the land team drives from town to town collecting money.

The log team prepares for the other teams’ arrival at the end of each leg and there is also a running team covering a distance of 10km each day.

It is tradition that the mayor of each town writes a short letter of goodwill, which is handed to the exercise commander for delivery to the next town’s first citizen.

Each morning will see a short opening ceremony as organised in conjunction with the various mayoral committees of municipalities along the way. Check this out on Plett’s Central Beach at 7am on December 2 and at the same hour in George’s Garden Route Mall on Tuesday the 3rd.

Call major Herklaas Jantjies on 074 793 7740 for additional information and visit www.cxpress.co.za for a gallery of photos.

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CXPRESS

27 November 2019

NEWS & VIEWS

We’re all ‘differently-abled’ so let’s work and play together URING National Disability Awareness Month this November, the focus has been on including all differently-abled people in normal daily life - a right enshrined in our constitution.

Sports and leisure activities should be available to all, including the differently-abled, since it brings fun, fitness, and a social life.

Lawn bowls is especially attractive because it can be enjoyed by everybody of any age and by those with physical limitations or mobility challenges. In this case, however, ‘accessibility’ to sports facilities is the crucial aspect.

So it is with great pride that a special bowling day is being held this Saturday at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club. The purpose is to raise awareness of lawn bowls as a social sport for all and to showcase the participation of differently-abled bowlers skilfully engaged in a leisure activity alongside the able-bodied on equal terms.

Bowlers from near and far are taking part including two Springbok players. Readers are invited to come and watch the players having fun at the club on Challenge Drive (just off Marine Drive) this Saturday be-

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tween 11am and 4pm.

To focus generally on ‘Accessibility for All’, those in the hospitality and retail industry, businesses and sports organisations are invited to attend a FREE one-hour talk

by Mandy Latimore this Friday afternoon at 4pm at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club.

Says Rita Hardaker of Plett’s Differentlyabled Awareness Campaign: “It is crucial that local councillors attend Mandy’s talk for information on creating the necessary facilities for people in all communities who struggle with mobility and are denied a normal life because accessibility is impossible.”

Mandy is a top consultant in the field of Universal Accessibility and was instrumental in the planning of recent extended facilities and services at George Airport to make it fully disability compliant.

Do not miss this opportunity to find out how to make your premises accessible to every member of our community who needs to use your business. Remember, becoming mobility-challenged can happen to you at any moment, and it will change your life, so let’s all work towards improving accessibility.

FREE talk and Day 4 Disability Those in hospitality and retail, business and sports are invited to a FREE talk by Mandy Latimore on Friday afternoon at 4pm at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club. And on Saturday from 11am, come and watch bowlers having fun on the greens!

PROMOTION

27 November 2019

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

27 November 2019

How was I born?

La Luna

boy was assigned a paper on childbirth and asked his parents: “How was I born?”

“Well, Honey...” said the boy’s mom, “the stork brought you to us.”

“Oh,” said the boy. “Well, how did you and Daddy get born?” he asked.

“Oh, the stork brought us too,” chimed the boy’s father.

“Well how were Grandpa and Grandma born?”

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he persisted.

“Well darling, the stork brought them too!” said the mom, by now starting to squirm a little.

Several days later, the boy handed in his paper to the teacher who read with confusion the opening sentence: “This report has been very difficult to write because there hasn’t been a natural childbirth in my family for three generations.”

Death by engineering N some foreign country a priest, a lawyer, and an engineer are about to be guillotined.

The priest puts his head on the block, they pull the rope and nothing happens. He declares that he’s been saved by divine intervention, so he’s let go.

The lawyer is put on the

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block, and again the rope doesn’t release the blade.

He claims he can’t be executed twice for the same crime, and he is set free too.

They grab the engineer and shove his head into the guillotine. He looks up at the release mechanism and says: “Wait a minute, I see your problem...”

In or out of stock USTOMER: “How much is your steak?”

Butcher: “R149 per kilo.”

Customer: “But at the supermarket it is only R100 per kilo.”

Butcher: “Well, then you

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should go there to buy it.”

Customer: “But they are all sold out.”

Butcher: “Oh, I see.

When we don’t have any steak, we sell it for R50 per kilo.”

Debt = you had more fun than you were supposed to.

INTERVAL

First day as a pilot...

Control tower: “Can you give me your position?”

Pilot: “I’m next to a cloud that looks like a lion.”

Control tower: “Can you be more specific?”

Pilot: “Simba.”

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27 November 2019

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27 November 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

27 November 2019

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Over the moon after ‘Plett Allergy’ cured Ever since arriving in Plett in 1993, I have suffered with severe sinusitis that caused a post-nasal drip and a wracking cough.

Back in the late 90s, a coughing bout was so severe that I gave myself a double inguinal hernia and had to undergo an operation to correct the tear in my abdomen.

Various medications were tried, but all to no avail and doctors would try and treat the cough rather than find the source of the sinusitis that caused it. I consulted a specialist who told me that I had asthma and that I would have to use an asthma pump.

Five years ago, I went to the Path Lab and they took a blood sample and tested my blood against various things such as pet dander, dust, grasses, and pollens. Every test came back negative.

As I could not believe what I was being told, I asked them where they got the pathogens to test on my blood and was told all the

pathogens were imported from Germany. Great, so no tests for fynbos, wattles, gumtrees, fiddlewood, bottle brush and the other plants and shrubs that do not grow in Germany…

It was interesting that once I was outside of Plett environs - such as Durban or even PE, and a trip over to the UK in September I was totally clear of the cough. I was entertaining thoughts about leaving Plett and my gorgeous granddaughters behind and moving to Durban, purely for my health.

To cut a very long story short: recently, I was going through a particularly bad patch of the malady.

With every breath I wanted to cough and my chest was rattling with mucous build-up.

I put a post on Plett Skinderblad, asking if anyone else was suffering with the “Plett Allergy”. I was amazed by how many people responded, saying that they also suffer badly.

One post was from a lady

who said that she had been put on an asthma pump for an identical problem, but some months back she was introduced to a drug known as Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Now her allergy is a thing of the past and she has never used the asthma pump since starting to use the drug.

Well, on her recommendation I obtained a prescription from my doctor and within three days, the difference it made was unbelievable. Not only has it cured my drastic cough, but it also cured two other ailments, one of which was a permanently-itchy back (only an anaesthetic cream could mask the condition).

I have taken this information on LDN off the web: The conditions that LDN could help with are cardiac (heart) diseases; chronic pain; dermatologic (skin) diseases; ears, nose, sinus, throat; endocrine diseases; gastrointestinal diseases; hematologic/blood marrow disorders; hepatology (liver); immunology; infec-

tious diseases; malignancies/cancers; neurologic diseases; ocular (eye) diseases; paediatric disorders; psychological disorders; pulmonary (lung) diseases; renal (kidney) and urologic diseases; rheumatologic (arthritis and autoimmune) disorders; sleep disorders; vasculitis and women’s health.

I am halfway through my first month’s prescription and at a cost below R300 for 30 tablets I am over the moon, with no side effects whatsoever.

If you suffer with the Plett Allergy, tell your doctor to give you a prescription for LDN in 3.5mg capsule form. Believe me, you will not regret it.

Roger Davis, Plett (Happy to hear about the end of your suffering, Roger! Here’s hoping other readers will benefit from the same product, but please take note that CXPRESS takes no responsibility for inconvenience, disappointment, or any complications caused by LDN… - Eds.)

Anglican Church decision to ‘boycott’ Israel irks I have only recently been informed that the Synod of the Anglican Church in South Africa (ACSA) met on September 26 and resolved to support the Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions campaign (BDS) against Israel.

What an appalling and misguided decision! How can the ACSA, representing the Bride of Christ, accept a Jewish Rabbi as the prophesied Messiah (I have to assume they do) and then reject His people?

By supporting this resolution, the ACSA is leading its adherents into a false theology - viz. Replacement Theology and indirectly supporting groups such as Islamic Jihad, whose only aim is the destruction of Israel.

Members of the ACSA

now have some difficult decisions to make, e.g. all those who have been immunised against polio should visit their GP and ask for the process to be reversed, as the two scientists who first produced a vaccine against polio were Jewish men, namely Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin.

By the same token, supporters of the ACSA who study or work in the fields of psychology or physics should abandon these disciplines, as Sigmund Freud is regarded as the father of modern psychology and Albert Einstein is regarded as the greatest physicist ever to have lived.

One also trusts that those ACSA members studying or working in the field of music will, unfortunately, have to ignore the work

of the musical genius Felix Mendelssohn. Sadly, this could have a negative influence on weddings, as the classic wedding march tune was inspired by the work of Mendelssohn, thus, one assumes that the ACSA will no longer allow this classic tune to be played in its churches.

Finally, I would expect the ACSA to throw away their computers and cellphones, as these vital items today are largely an Israeli invention. How dismal is this decision by the ACSA, which in effect delegitimises Israel by eroding its very rationale for existence, demonises Israel through providing a misleading and incomplete context for the conflict there, and applies double standards by singling out Israel for

blame and having no stated expectations of others.

The ACSA has extinguished a light in a gloomy world. Indeed, we live in dark and dangerous times.

Kevin Meineke, Harkerville The Right Reverend Brian Marajh, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of George, responds as follows: The Church’s Provincial Synod did not reject the Jewish people, but rather rejected the treatment of the Palestinian people by the current government of Israel. The Synod condemned anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in all forms, and the Anglican Communion has long recognised both Israel’s right to exist within secure borders and the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

MPC

Letter to Knysna councillors on differently-abled friendly play parks With reference to the front page of CXPRESS of November 6, with the headline ‘Expressions of Joy’ [see that edition at www. cxpress.co.za], the Differently-abled Awareness Campaign wishes to applaud your efforts to better the lives of your people.

May I respectfully enquire, especially as November is the Month of the Disabled, whether your new play parks include fun equipment for the differently-abled as well?

This sector of the community is so often overlooked and it would be a

shame if there are no facilities for those children who would dearly like to enjoy the play parks too.

Your confirmation would be appreciated and if you could submit photos to the editor to show the special facilities, we could incorporate your ideas into our

play parks as well.

Rita Hardaker, Plett (This letter was forwarded to Knysna Municipality for a response. The Differentlyabled Awareness Campaign is a Plett-based NPO; contact Rita at ritav@global. co.za for details. Also read the story on page 6. - Eds.)

MPC

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

27 November 2019

#HellofaRun… A local trailie’s first-hand account of SkyRun 2019 LETT trail-runner Lourika Pienaar was last week the only female competitor from behind the ‘Dolfyngordyn’ to tackle the 65km route of SkyRun 2019 - an epic mountain race considered by many to be the toughest trail run in South Africa.

Traversing remote terrain of the Witteberg Mountain range, the event offers three options.

P

The SkyRun 38 kicked off on the Sunday morning, when participants followed an unmarked route of 38km with a seven-hour cut-off time. Athletes tackling SkyRun 100 started on the Saturday at 4am, with a cut-off at 10am on Sunday.

As per the 100km race, the one-day SkyRun 65 is unique in that it is truly selfsupported and self-navigational, with athletes operat-

ing at an average height of between 2,200m and 2,500m above sea level.

Apart from a map, compass or GPS unit to track their unmarked course, they also carry a backpack containing all their food, water and compulsory equipment enabling them to survive this harsh environment.

So how exactly does one train for this ultimate high of a trail trial?

Says Lourika: “I prepared in earnest for about five months preceding the race by circumnavigating Robberg twice a week while also doing two weekly boot camps with Jo Mackenzie, and a long run of about 25km during weekends with Sam Webster [now Kruger].”

But could the combination of these toils prepare her for the actual run?

“We set off at 4am in Lady Grey and during the first 25km I felt really out of breath because of the altitude. Every now and again, I designated a special rock to rest on for a moment, catch my breath and take in the immense beauty - literally on top of the world.

“After 30km I was used to the thin air and started having fun with the run. But mini-disaster struck when, around the 50km check point, my watch ran out of battery, making navigating to Balloch quite a challenge.”

At an altitude of 2,624m, Balloch is the only point where seconding is allowed and supporters can actually lay eyes on the athletes.

“I was ecstatic to see my brother [fellow Plett resident and Ironman contender Murray Pienaar] at Balloch,

DOWN THE WIRE: Lourika Pienaar crosses a barrier, careful not to puncture the hydration packs on her back…

where he replenished my water supply and enabled me to get moving again promptly.

He also told me that I looked ‘fantastic’!”

Thus bolstered, Lourika now had to face a muchfeared race featured called ‘The Wall’ - a massive mountain offering 500m of elevation over the stretch of a mere 2km.

“While busy climbing, I flashed back to the race briefing when we were told to run The Wall with our

hearts in case our legs faltered. This advice was my saving grace. Conquering that wall was harder than passing Grade 1 to 12 - all in one test.”

Doing her town and trail mates proud, Lourika finished strongly in a time of 14:19 - yes, that’s running 65km from Lady Grey to the Wartrail Country Club finish line at an elevation gain of 3,300m. Congrats!

See www.cxpress.co.za for a gallery of images.

Sea Points own antiques roadshow

SPECIAL VALUATION

Don’t miss the chance to discover if you have treasure in the attic...

Bentleys UK have been in business since 1980: we pride ourselves on our honesty & integrity

ROM Coventry to Cape Town, antiques expert Andy Elton has been putting a price on family heirlooms and forgotten relics for over 40 years... and now he’s coming to Sea Point.

The founder of Bentley’s UK - which sets up shop in the Protea Hotel - is just the man to make your dreams come true – or let you down gently.

“A lot of people are very unsure as to the worth of their items, which may have been stored for years in cupboards, lofts, garages and even garden sheds,” says Andy. “Others are convinced they’re bringing something that’s worth a fortune.

“You can open a box and know you’re not going to find anything of value. But they’re showing you something that is part of their heritage – you’ve got to be diplomatic.”

On the other hand, Andy is in a position to break some very welcome news: “One gentleman had a Rolex Submariner watch, which had lain unworn in a cupboard since it was given to him by his uncle. He was amazed when I offered him R50 000.

“Then there was the time in South Africa when someone came along with a dusty bronze which turned out to be a rare work by the sculptor Anton Van Wouw – I valued that at R80 000.”

Andy prides himself on offering a fair price: “I treat people as I would want to be treated myself,” he says.

“Everyone wants to make a profit, but you’ve got to be honest.

PROTEA HOTEL, ARTHURS RD, SEA POINT MON 25 NOV 10AM - 2PM

F

Recent WhatsApp message from Port Elizabeth to Andy “Good evening Andy I just wanted to say thank you for the professional service I received from you today. I was very nervous about the process and you were just awesome.”

AND PURCHASING DAY

“I’ve got customers who have been coming to me for 15 years and others who have been referred to me by family and friends. I think that speaks for itself.”

He’s always been interested in antiques and jewellery and has worked with two of the major auction houses in London and another in Nottingham. But he prefers to be his own boss.

“I’ve travelled all over the UK and I regularly go to South Africa, meeting thousands of people along the way,” he says.

“You come across some wonderful stories; I love hearing about how grandad got his medals.

“You never know what the day will bring – that’s why it’s such a lovely job. I’m a very lucky man. Hopefully I’ll be making someone in Sea Point very happy!”

The Bentley’s UK valuation and purchasing day runs at

Protea Hotel, Arthurs Road, Sea Point Monday 25 Nov 10am - 2pm

Bentley’s UK Mobile 076 334 7795 Whatsapp +44776 851 3132 info@bentleysuk.com www.bentleysuk.com

Any gent’s mechanical Omega wristwatch, we will pay you a minimum of R800 (In any condition)

Rolex Submariners, & GMT Master. We will pay you minimum of

We buy broken gold in any form: Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, dental...& any thing un-hallmarked, gold cigarette cases

Sovereigns: we pay a minimum of R3 000 Krugerrands: we pay from

Amber beads, as pictured: we will offer a minimum of

R1 000

Bring them along and let us surprise you!

R25 000

(Even if not working)

Medals, over the last few years, have increased dramatically in value. Also required are any First or Second World War groups, campaign medals, cap badges or any thing relating to wars or militaria.

(Please don’t clean your medals)

(NB: prices are guaranteed)

Swords, daggers, capadges, old uniforms...Any items connected with wars are extremely sought after

Re-saleable silver items required e.g. tea services, trays, picture frames etc.

(We also purchase any broken silver items)

Wanted: Boxed Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox; Britains, Diecast toys, dolls, teddy bears, Action Men etc.

Look in your cupboards and drawers for any old fountain pens – we have a database of collectors waiting.

Old jewellery is extremely sought after at the moment – and we pay a large premium for any re-saleable items.

R20 000

We are also now purchasing old costume jewellery

We guarantee to give you a true valuation. Immediate cash payment.

If it’s just a valuation you want, please visit us. However, if that’s not possible, we are happy to visit you – just call us on the number below. Please visit our website www.bentleysuk.com and read the testimonials.

Gold Coins (GB & world, sovereigns, Krugerrands,Royal Mint proof sets), antiques, wristwatches, pocket watches, gold (English & foreign), silver, re-saleable jewellery items, amber, jade & ivory, any articles by Cartier, Tiffany, Aspreys, etc. Dinky & Corgi toys, Moorcroft & Clarice Cliff pottery, medals & militaria, clocks, swords & bayonets.

WANTED: wristwatches including – Rolex, Omega, Jaeger, Breitling, Universal, IWC, Patek, military watches, Tissot, Seiko...in fact most makes, any condition.

Plus any watch - or clock-related items.

For any other information or home visits call:

076 334 7795

Andy Elton is a fully licensed buyer and valuer Ma^ ^qi^kml h_ ;^gme^r l ND pbee [^ ik^l^gm% cash purchase offers will be available, no obligation, no appointment necessary.

H_Û\^ Main Road Sea Point info@ bentleysuk.com www.bentleysuk.com

WE DO NOT BUY OLD MONEY

ID REQUIRED