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11 December 2013 #379

Published fortnightly by CXpress (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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Fly right in!

The Garden Route is ready to welcome its visitors with an array of activities, events and attractions to ensure the holiday of a lifetime, like Plett Aviation Day on December 15 - read all about it on page 2

Farewell to Madiba

Plett Rage roundup

Development news

Holiday fun guide

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ISSUE 379

News & Views

December 11 - 2013

Driving Miss Crazy

On alternative routes and the way to a traffic officer’s heart JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chaffeur extraordinaire...

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HERE are so many different ways to drive from the Garden Route to Cape Town and back.

Ok. We all know the N2.

A friend of mine who lives in St Francis Bay and commutes weekly to the Mother City swears by the N2 to Swellendam, then branching off to Robertson/Worcester, N1 Paarl/ Cape Town - six and a half hours, he claims, door to door, and only 15km longer.

And the reason he prefers it?

No trucks and less traffic.

I hate driving the same route twice unless in a hurry, or no alternate option.

Very different, and only 20km longer, is Cape Town - Hex Valley - Matjiesfontein (bangers and mash and a pint of draft for lunch at the Lord Milner Hotel).

Then turn off at Laingsburg to

Ladismith/Calitzdorp and do the Seweweekspoort Pass, Oudtshoorn, George and back.

The pass is best going down, as are most passes with a view - Tradouw and Swartberg Pass especially. The dirt roads are excellent and you get the real feel of the Karoo.

Also a great little detour is from Riviersonderend to Greyton, with a stop for tea and cake, or breakfast or lunch. Lovely countryside.

On this particular trip, I was taking a gent to Grootte Schuur to have a detached retina lasered, thus saving him R34’000 if the op were performed locally.

We turned off the N2 at Heidelberg and drove through the centre of town, observing some lovely old Victorian villas, the Dutch Reformed Church and classic country town build-

ings whose varied architecture spanned many centuries.

Then onto a dirt road to Swellendam. You can turn right if you like, and up the Tradouw Pass onto Barrydale, then Montagu, Ashton to Cape Town - a super alternate route, and great scenery.

Another good reason for this Cape Town trip is that it coincided with an Old Boys Christmas lunch party!

There were over 30 of us gathered from different eras, and I hadn’t seen some of the chaps for yonks, let alone recognise them. Much banter and reminiscing, and laughter and wine.

There was a cricket match on at Newlands, so we stopped off there for a few hours. Luckily, I didn’t have to drive as I was staying with a friend in Hout Bay and he was at the wheel.

On the way home, his wife called to say family had unexpectedly turned up and could we bring back some take-away grub. We pulled in at a KFC and picked up a tub. Then, on the way to Constantia, road block!

“Good evening, Sir. Just a routine stop. Can I see your driver’s licence please?”

To this my friend responded: “Officer, we came through here 15 minutes ago, and I felt sorry for you guys, so I turned around and went and got you this.”

He swung around and picked the tub off the back seat and thrust it into the officer’s beaming face.

“Oh! Thank you very much, Sir!” And he waved us on with a salute. Nice one, I thought.

‘Till next time... Buckle up! /"Lggxgu

PLETT AVIATION DAY: DECEMBER 15

Wings and wheels to woo sky-watchers on Sunday

READY TO SHOW OFF: The full restoration of this 1971 Morgan, which belongs to Peter Pretorius, has just been completed so it’s ready to join various other vintage cars on static display at Plett Airport this Sunday

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LETTENBERG Bay Hangar Owners Association (PHOA) will stage the inaugural Plett Aviation Day on December 15 (alternatively, in case of bad weather: December 16) at the Plettenberg Bay Airport.

The theme of the event is Wings & Wheels, and it incorporates an exciting fly-in.

“An invitation has been extended to all vintage and other car and motorcycle clubs on the Garden Route to showcase their machines on the day,” says organiser Harry de Villiers.

“Likewise, we are expecting pilots from surrounding airfields,

even as far as Cape Town, to participate in the fly-in.”

One of PHOA’s primary objectives with the Aviation Day is to create awareness and educate local youth as to the opportunities that exist within aviation and its associated fields.

To this extent, about 180 high school scholars from Plett will attend the open day as PHOA guests of honour.

These lucky youngsters were selected after participating in a competition where they had to write essays with an aviation theme, or build model planes or kites. The winners of the re-

spective age groups will be entitled to a flight in a light aircraft, sponsored by PHOA members.

“Mango Airlines will showcase and highlight the opportunities that exist within the commercial airline industry,” says Harry.

At the time of going to press, final confirmation was awaited concerning participation of the South African Air Force’s Siyandiza initiative, which aims to create awareness and educate the youth about career opportunities that exist within the SAAF. Barring the various aircraft, cars and bikes on static display, Plett Airport will be a hive of activity with incoming and departing aircraft. Although not officially an air show, there will

be various flying activities and you can expect to see jet and fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, microlights and various radiocontrolled crafts and drones, as well as skydiving.

An array of prizes will be up for grabs during the day, among others two return tickets sponsored by Mango Airlines and two tandem skydives sponsored

by Skydive Plettenberg Bay. Various food and beverage stalls will cater for the needs of the public. Activities commence at 10:30am and entrance is free. Bring along your camping chairs and enjoy this unique event which promises to be fun for the whole family.

Call Harry on 082 807 2091 or email harry@htdevilliersatt. co.za for more information.

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Final farewell must fete Madiba’s life

Bitou mayor Memory Booysen – at centre in the pic above right – was joined by councillors and Plettenberg Bay residents on Friday morning to pay tribute to former president Nelson Mandela, who died on December 5 after a long battle with illness. Booysen said: ‘Today Mandela’s family mourns his death, but we in Bitou will celebrate his life.’ - Photos: Ewald Stander

Knysna passes motion of condolence

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NYSNA Council convened a Special Council Meeting on December 6 to pass a Motion of Condolence to the family and loved ones of Nelson Mandela following the official announcement of his death the previous night.

Paying tribute to Madiba ahead of the motion, deputy mayor Esmé Edge said the nation’s first democratically elected president not only had impact on national and international level but also contributed to the Knysna and Garden Route economy in terms of exposure.

“Some of our locals have met Nelson Mandela right here in our community.

“In January 2008, he spent some time in Knysna at one of the Knoetzie Castles where he had taken a well-deserved break following extensive travel.

“There are lovely stories of people walking on the beach at Knoetzie, not believing their eyes when the world’s most fa-

mous leader started waving to them from the Castle balcony.

While he was obviously tired at the time, he was more than willing to have his picture taken with staff members of the hotel - from the owner right down to the cleaners.

“In 2005, the Garden Route hosted a 46664 concert at Fancourt - an international HIV/ Aids fundraiser and awareness campaign that brought famous musicians such as Will Smith, Annie Lenox, Katie Melua and Queen to this region.

“While he made only a brief appearance during the concert, Madiba hosted the celebrities and continued to be the best public relations officer this country ever had.

“He made sure the celebrities knew why they were here - to give of their time and money towards the country’s children and the fight against HIV/Aids and left a lasting impression on all of them, ensuring that they

remember the Garden Route with fondness,” said Edge.

She reiterated her earlier appeal to the people of Knysna to use the time of mourning to show respect and appreciation for Madiba’s legacy of peace and reconciliation.

“We know that the collective sadness has the potential of becoming hysterical, but we appeal to all South Africans to let this time be filled with all the hope and positive energy for which Madiba was known, as we believe that is what he would have wanted.”

She reminded the public that the municipality would open municipal venues as places of tribute from December 7, where citizens could pay their last respects and write in provided books of tribute.

Residents will be informed of municipal-related arrangements via loud-haling, the website www.knysna.gov.za and @ KnysnaMuni on Twitter.

“While his physical presence will no longer be with us, Nelson Mandela’s legacy will remain irrevocably part of SA and its people. In his memory, we will strive to become the best we can be - as people and as a municipality.

“In his memory we appeal to our people, our neighbours, our country and the world to remember Tata respectfully and with a greater purpose in mind: to improve the lives of others wherever they may go,” concluded Edge.

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Promotion

News & Views

December 11 - 2013

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Counterfeit passes don’t take away from troublefree Rage Yolande Stander & John Harvey

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HILE this year’s Plett Rage was incident-free in terms of crime, a few issues did surface during the 10-day festival including counterfeit Freedom Passes, used by teenagers in an attempt to gain access to the various party venues.

Plett Rage organiser Anthony Jacobs said events at various venues around town had been without incident and the security professionally handled.

He did however confirm that counterfeit passes had been circulated.

The authorised passes were attached around each punter’s wrist by way of a very special clip made in China, which then

could relay information about the party-goer.

“Our security staff knew how to tell the real from counterfeit.

Also if they pulled gently on the counterfeit version it would come off the person’s wrist.”

While both wristbands were orange, the real version could also be differentiated by its markings.

However, in terms of crime this year’s event had been trouble-free, despite 16’000 matrics having descended on the holiday town.

While drinking was to be expected at the annual festival, Otto Olivier, chairman of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Preven-

tion Association said that this year’s matrics had been very well behaved in terms of respecting the law.

And while school-leavers may have engaged in sexual intercourse, the majority at least practised safe sex with the town’s retail outlets and garage shops revealing that condoms had been flying off the shelves.

Some retailers were selling up to 600 condoms a day during the festival.

Sales of alcohol almost doubled after the arrival of matrics for the official start of Rage late last month.

“They came in from 10am and bought a lot of shooters, vodka, beers and ciders. They bought cases of booze at a time,” said Tops Liquor spokesman Prespy Daweti.

ONCE IN A LIFETIME: One of many happy scenes captured at this year’s Rage, taken during the Stimorol Infinity Dance Adventure at Forever Plettenberg on December 5 with the likes of Niskerone, Goldfish and Jack Parow on stage - Photo: Christy Strever - ShowMe Plett

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Ragers ‘old enough to fight in wars’ bringing and their own moral thank you, Plett! codes, and no reflection on the As the parent of one of the matric students who descended on your town for Matric Rage 2013, I must thank you wholeheartedly. I can only imagine the levels of disruption 15’000 over-excited young people can cause in a town accustomed to peace and tranquillity.

Yet, all indications are that our teens were welcomed, looked after and treated to the best week of their young lives by the residents, retailers, resorts, restaurants, clubs, transport ser-

Team effort pays off

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N a December 9 email to the many volunteers and organisations involved in keeping Ragers safe, Plett Community Police Forum chair Bruce Richardson wrote, inter alia: “Rage has now formally ended on a successful note.

“Rage organisers and sponsors alike seemed very pleased with the results achieved which will help secure this important event for our town in future years, and I would like to congratulate you all on a job well done.

“The students were a very nice, cooperative and appreciative group this year and notwithstanding an ill-informed press story seeking to find something wrong to report about the event, the standard of behaviour was generally good and it was a pleasure to host them.

“The most important thing is that we all worked as a coordinated and dedicated team. Imagine what we could achieve as a town if we worked together in this manner all year around!”

vice providers, police, security and organisers alike.

The collective effort made by the town to make this event safe and enjoyable is immensely impressive. The task of organising it all must have been enormous, yet it was executed flawlessly.

I know there were certain reports that cast Plett Rage in a negative light, but let’s be realistic - these are not children.

They are legally old enough to fight in wars, drink, drive and any number of things parents would rather not think about.

If you unleash a bunch of alcohol-fuelled 18 to 20-yearolds on a party, some will get themselves into trouble. Whatever they do is due to their up-

way the town received them.

I, for one, wouldn’t want thousands of drunken 18-year-olds partying in my backyard. Yet the town of Plett showed amazing tolerance. I thank you all for your efforts - for parents such as myself, it was a huge relief to know that everything possible was done to ensure that the event ran safely, and that our kids had a fantastic break after their hard work of the past year.

The good news for you is that, although it’s all over for another year, the wonderful memories you’ve given our kids means there is every chance they will be coming back for their holidays for many years to come.

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The popular Flashbacks nightclub in the centre of town was also packed to the rafters every

night.

“The matrics started coming in from 9pm onwards. We were

selling a lot of shooters, particularly tequila,” said spokesman Peter Matsobane.

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News & Views

December 11 - 2013

Isabelle joins Rotary fellowship of remarkable folk B

JUST DESERTS: During the handover function hosted by local Rotarians are, from left, Remi de Backer, Belinda Coram, Isabelle de Smul-Brink, Vyv Deacon and Ruby Chetty

ORN in Africa director Isabelle de Smul-Brink was recently honoured for her positive impact on the Bitou community, when the Rotary Club of Plett presented her with a Paul Harris Fellowship award.

This is the Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programmes, and Isabelle received her award during a formal function on November 29.

After a short introduction and summary of Isabelle’s past by Rotarian and BIA chairman Remi de Backer and his wife Lieve, Plett Rotary president Ruby Chetty lauded her significant efforts. Then it was time for Rotary District Governor Vyv Deacon to present her

award to a beaming Isabelle.

Named after founder Paul Harris - a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905 - the award has been bestowed upon iconic South Africans such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and FW de Klerk.

Isabelle praised her staff for their hard work and said she was “incredibly proud” to become a Paul Harris Fellow, thus joining the company of remarkable people across the globe recognised for their devotion to the ideal of goodwill, peace and understanding.

The goal of Rotarians the world over, it is one that Isabelle clearly shares and the BIA team is truly proud of their director and founder.

Open days on Lookout Beach will shed light on bird research Dr Mark Brown Nature’s Valley Trust

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S you walk along Plett’s beaches this summer, you may notice a few odd looking characters in and around the bird breeding colonies on Lookout Beach, and the Keurbooms and Robberg peninsulas.

These are interns and students of Nature’s Valley Trust, in partnership with BirdLife Plettenberg Bay and CapeNature, working on the kelp gulls and African black oystercatchers that share the beaches with us.

Specifically, we are studying the extent to which these species have adapted to urban liv-

ing, how climate change may affect them in the long run, and how disturbance by people and dogs affect their breeding.

The programme includes an MSc project done by Minke Witteveen at UCT and an internship project done by Shirley van de Voorde from the Van Hall Larenstein Institute in the Netherlands.

One of the things you may see us do is flying a remote-controlled drone over the colonies to photograph nests, enabling us to do accurate population counts. Last year’s counts suggest we have 5’000 kelp gulls in Plettenberg Bay. We will also place egg loggers in nests to record incuba-

tion temperatures, strap GPS units onto birds to enable us to see where they spend their time, and ring birds to enable longterm monitoring of specific individuals.

Feel free to interact with the researchers when you come across them and learn more about this work. The data collected will help CapeNature better manage the areas where these spectacular birds breed.

Most importantly, it will assist BirdLife SA in securing Important Bird Area-status for Plett’s rivers, estuaries and beaches, helping to protect these areas for generations to come to enjoy as we do today.

We are having public open

days on Lookout Beach on December 14 and January 11 at 9am, so please come along for a personal encounter with birds and researchers alike.

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MINE, MINE: An African black oystercatcher enjoys a snack

News & Views

December 11 - 2013

Timber old and new in the Knysna spotlight

ALL FOR TIMBER TOURISM: Jim Parkes from Geo Parkes & Sons - flanked here by Morne Smith from Fechters, left, and Timber Village’s Jock McConnachie - introduced the new and upgraded Knysna Timber Route brochures

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EW and improved brochures for Knysna’s Timber Route were presented at a function at Fine Furniture on December 3.

The route was established by Jim Parkes of Geo Parkes & Sons - a key player in the local timber industry. Parkes said that timber was once the lifeline of the Knysna economy.

“The focus dwindled over the last decade and I established the route not only to inform visitors about the colourful history of the industry, but also to direct them to numerous operators that, with sustainability at heart, keep this area at the forefront of timber design and produce quality products.”

Parkes said Knysna had a group of highly-acclaimed furniture designers and manufacturers, and others such as Pierre Cronje used wood from the forest to manufacture acclaimed furniture pieces.

“The Knysna area is steeped in history and has numerous opportunities for tourists to explore, including the Big Tree,

Elephant Museum, Millwood House and its timber museum.

“St George’s Church in Main Street houses many examples of local woodwork and here are elephant walks and cycle trails in the forest. Residents and visitors should go out and explore,” he said.

As not all visitors have the time to drive around and visit some of the destinations on the route, Parkes created the Knysna Furniture Showcase at Fine Furniture in Woodmill Walk - a one-stop shopping haven for lovers of all things wood.

He said sustainability of the industry was under threat, but added that it had the ability to create numerous jobs and revive the dwindling local economy.

“I think we should embrace our heritage and make sure that Knysna once again become known as SA’s timber hotspot.”

The map is available at Knysna Tourism and Fine Furniture - visit www.timberroute.co.za or www.finefurniture.co.za, or call 044 382 1118/9 for more information.

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New life for Plett’s oldest building

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HE Old Timber Shed, just off Hobie Beach, has led a most varied life over 200 years.

It was first commissioned by the Dutch East India Company in 1778 in order to store massive logs of timber before these were floated out to sailing ships in Formosa Bay. Over the following centuries is has slowly decayed to the derelict, yet still attractive stone structure we see today. Several attempts have been made at repairing the building in more recent years, but to no avail.

Nevertheless, at their recent AGM, members of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society

voted a modest sum of money for a clean-up of the Timber Shed site and the removal of alien vegetation growing from the walls, in the hope that residents will take their friends and visitors to view one of Plett’s most striking national monuments.

In 2014, the Society intends making another attempt to persuade provincial authorities to permit the rebuilding of the shed under the informed guidance of local resident Johan Jerling, whose ancestor was the original builder of the shed.

Also, Bitou Municipality has made a contribution by way of removing human debris from

STRIKING STONE: Johan Jerling, whose ancestor was the builder of the Old Timber Shed, surveys the derelict structure

the property and cutting the grass while a private contractor has tackled the removal of the invasive plants on the property.

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News & Views

Business

Investor Focus

December 11 - 2013

Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

Drawing the right income from your Living Annuity

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Living Annuity (LA) does not guarantee a regular income, but it does make regular payments which are dependent on the value of the capital within the LA. The value in turn is dependent on two things, namely the performance of the underlying investments, and the income level that you decide to draw each month.

If you do not want to expose your LA to the ups and downs of the market then you can use the funds to buy a ‘traditional annuity’, which will pay you a regular but fixed income for life. There are other options within this category like escalating pensions that can be explored, but could prove to be either expensive or inappropriate.

An LA can be converted to a traditional annuity at any time.

It is important to achieve a balance between investment returns and your income when managing your LA. If the investments and the income level are managed appropriately, then you will achieve a rising income for life and still be able to leave the remaining capital to your beneficiaries.

When choosing an income level, one should consider: • Life expectancy - Studies show that the average life expectancy is increasing so that if you draw too high an income, you could erode the underlying capital which could run out before you die.

• Inflation - You must try to protect your capital over the

long term. Healthcare, services (i.e. rates, electricity, etc.) and food increase at rates well above the official inflation rate. If you spend R15’626 per month now, and experience an average inflation rate of 6% over 30 years, then you will need R100’000 to buy the same goods at that time!

• The investment performance of your LA is clearly of upmost importance. You must choose a suitable portfolio using either unit trusts or direct equities on the JSE. Your advisor will help you decide on the best asset mix that suits your circumstances. This portfolio of unit trusts should determine the eventual performance of the LA. We have experienced exceptional investment returns over the last five to six years and as a result, LA investors have been able to draw high levels of income. However, we are now facing a very different environment where single-digit returns could well become the norm.

Low-equity portfolios, also called ‘conservative balanced’, should ideally give a return of inflation (CPI) plus 5% over a rolling three-year period. This will allow the retiree to draw an income of 5% p.a. without eroding the spending power of his/her capital.

One should also consider the risk of reckless conservatism, where the asset mix within the LA is so conservative that inflation eventually erodes the value before you die.

Likewise, a recklessly aggressive portfolio could result in a sharp drop in value, resulting in you receiving a lower income the following year. Both of these scenarios are common faults emphasising the absolute need for a professional needs assessment to be conducted by an experienced advisor.

As most retirees are aware, you can draw a minimum income equal to 2.5% of the value of the underlying portfolio, and a maximum of 17% p.a.

The income can be paid monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually.

A rough rule of thumb in determining your income is dividing your age by 10, i.e. if you are 50 years old then you should not draw more than 5%. Similarly, a 70-year-old could potentially draw 7% p.a.

Other considerations depend on your personal circumstances. If the LA is your only source of retirement funding and the total value is low, then very careful mixing of asset classes will be needed.

Investment tools like inflation linked bonds, very low equity levels, and high income unit trusts will have to be considered. However, a seriously wealthy retiree will look at an aggressive balanced portfolio with maximum exposure to equities and offshore markets.

Your financial advisor will help you to select the asset mix that suits your circumstances.

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CXPRESS

Cash in on your car • Become a driving instructor and rake in cash from the comfort of your driving seat. Providing you’re over 21 and have been driving for at least three years, almost anyone can train to become a driving instructor.

• Fancy becoming a chauffeur? It’s not just Hollywood stars who need drivers. Businesses need cars to ferry their staff to and fro - and for the physically disabled a driver can be vital.

• Deliver cars for money.

A popular driving gig is to deliver cars from motor auctions - and also for individuals who are going on holiday and don’t wish to leave their car at the airport.

• Why not start a wedding car hire business? Some cars, like a white Rolls Royce or a Black Mercedes Benz limousine, make the ideal choice for wedding cars. All you need is a nice uniform and you’ll be whisking nervous brides off to church in no time.

• Set up a small scale delivery firm. This is easy to do if you primarily cater for local business and offer delivery within a 100 mile radius.

Look at local businesses in your area that might require this kind of service.

• Start your own mobile advertising business. Fix a set of 4x6ft boards to a large vehicle or van - then printed posters can be fixed on either side to promote local businesses. yyy0hur0eq0|c

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AUCTION!

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AUCTION!

AUCTION!

News & Views

December 11 - 2013

Last vacant stand on incredible Robberg Beach A

UCTIONS Extreme and RealNet Knysna are marketing one of the most unique and desirable properties in South Africa.

This is an 8’565m² (eight thousand five hundred and sixty five square metres) plot situated right on Robberg Beach with direct beach access.

There is nothing in front of you except an incredible view of the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, the Indian Ocean and the magnificent Robberg.

This property is positioned next to Solar Beach and it is an extension of Plettenberg Bay’s famous Beachy Head Road (Millionaires Drive).

It is the ideal opportunity for the individual to build a dream home on this unbelievable piece of real estate.

This is the very last property

of this size available on Robberg Beach.

Properties with similar views - but not as private because of the close proximity of neighbours, roads in front and a size of less than 8% of the property described herein - are being sold for prices ranging between R17-million and R27-million.

According to Renate du Rand from RealNet Knysna this property will be sold far in excess of R33-million as it presents far more benefits and opportunities than any other beachfront properties currently available.

During the latest 12-month period there were sales of two similar sized stands of approximately 8’000m² and these stands were sold for between R25-million and R27-million.

This particular stand being marketed at the moment has su-

perior views and more privacy than the other two recent sales.

This, according to Du Rand, is why a selling price in the region of R33-million will most certainly be achieved.

This marketing campaign has started 10 days ago with an incredible amount of serious enquiries from potential buyers from South Africa and overseas.

According to Johan Kotze from Auctions Extreme, it is quite possible that a substantial offer for this property might be accepted and confirmed prior to the auction taking place.

• For further information and viewing, please contact Renate of RealNet Knysna on 081 821 3034 / 082 566 7897 or Johan of Auctions Extreme on 082 854 4685, and see the advert on page 4.

Holiday Activities

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Social Scene

PRINCESS FOR A NIGHT: Proud mom Debbie pictured at left with hubby Robin and ‘chauffeur’ Mauro, right - shared this pic of her daughter Kelly’s Plett Secondary matric farewell to thank everyone who contributed towards making it such a special occasion. ‘A big thank you goes to Dalene, Linda, Seeff Properties, Rene Barnard, Mauro for driving and Enrico for the cool car. We really appreciate everybody’s input, not least of which that of my sister Maggie, Gaynor, and my wonderful husband who went all the way out to make this a special night for our Kelly. God bless you all.’

People, places & events

BANDS AND DREAMS: Plett’s Greenwood Independent School hosted a most successful Music Evening at Old Nick Village on November 23. The PTA ladies and gentlemen worked feverishly to organise this wonderfully relaxed event, featuring excellent bands and food stalls selling delicious eats. The school also congratulates its pre-prep children and staff on their charming concert ‘Once Upon A Dream’, performed at Plett’s White House Theatre, pictured above.

A great deal of work goes into staging such a show, but this paid off when judging by the amount of oohs and aahs on the night.

OFF TO A RUNNING START: Since opening on December 3, the PAWS second-hand shop has been a hive of activity. Says Marsja Hall-Green: ‘We are constantly amazed at the interesting items we discover in the black bags donated to us - a fabulous Kodak camera, like new; a pair of brandnew Tods moccasins and elegant Ferragamo court shoes; a large Ezra Bosch platter and more. Some of the goods were sold successfully on Gumtree for about R8’600, swelling the shop takings very nicely.’ Pictured above, kennel manager Tracy van der Byl, with Yoda, and PAWS inspector Robert Ruiters enjoy the opening event. Below, Roger Davis, left, and David Hall-Green present a cheque to the value of R14’000 to PAWS chairperson Diana Butlin from proceeds of their recent production of the comedy thriller ‘Secondary Cause of Death’ by the Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society. Phone Marsja on 044 533 4578 if you would like to volunteer your services and see the story on page 15 for additional information on the shop.

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People, places & events

BARK FOR BUCKS: The annual Wilderness Woofathon dog show raises funds for George SPCA. Winner of the Cutest Dog prize was spaniel Buddy, above, belonging to Wilderness resident Megeara Jones. Fellow local Alan Hamblin’s dachshund Buster, below, trotted off with the Best SPCA Adoption Dog prize.

Photos: Bob Hopkin

BLUE SAPHIRE FOR 65 YEARS: Congratulations to Joan and Peter Tullis who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on November 27. The couple, who have known each other for 67 years, were married in Pretoria on a Saturday in 1948. Says daughter Lesley Mallows: ‘Our family have been holidaying in Plett since 1969, and my parents have lived here permanently since the mid-80s. My father has been actively involved in town matters. Currently chairman of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society, he was very much responsible for saving The Old Post Office from demolition and worked closely with the Ovenstone family in their careful restoration of The Old House Shop, as well as the cottage that houses Nguni - one of the oldest buildings in Plett. The Society is the driving force behind the restoration of The Old Timber Shed (visit www. pletthistory.org and see the story on page 7). My husband and I have lived abroad for 30 years, always returning to Plett for holidays. When we decided to take an extended gap year, it made sense to base ourselves in Plett and enjoy Joan and Peter’s excellent company.’

BOWLING ALONG HAPPILY AT 90: Plett residents Ivan and Jean Baker, pictured above with their daughter Carol, moved to Formosa Garden Village recently, where Ivan celebrated his 90th birthday on Monday November 25. Both active members of Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club, the sprightly couple still enjoys playing competitively on a regular basis.

We congratulate Ivan on reaching this milestone.

14

CXPRESS

ISSUE 379

Interval

December 11 - 2013

Wat is ‘n senuwrak?

Dis ‘n man met ‘n huispaaiement, ‘n motorpaaiement, ‘n vrou en ‘n skelm – en almal is ‘n maand laat…

50 SHADES OF GREY F

The male version

OUR guys have been going on the same fishing trip for many years. Two days before the group is to leave, Ron’s wife puts her foot down and tells him he isn’t going.

Ron’s mates are very upset that he can’t go, but what can they do?

Two days later, the three get to the camping site only to find Ron sitting there with a tent set up, firewood gathered, and dinner cooking on the fire.

“Hell, Ron, when did you arrive, and how did you talk your missus into letting you go?”

“I’ve been here since yester-

Dog for sale

day. Yesterday evening, I was sitting in my chair and my wife came up behind me and put her hands over my eyes and said: ‘Guess who?’

“I pulled her hands off, and she was wearing a brand new nightie. She took my hand and pulled me to our bedroom. The room had candles and rose petals all over.

“On the bed she had handcuffs and ropes. She then told me to tie her up and cuff her to the bed, so I did.

“And then she said: ‘Do whatever you want.’

“So, here I am!”

Every dog gets its day...

T

WO Irish nuns have just arrived in the USA by boat, and one says to the other: “I hear the people in this country actually eat dogs.”

“Odd,” her companion replies, “but if we are going to live in America, we might as well do as the Americans do.”

As they sit down on a park bench, they hear a push cart vendor yelling: “Hot Dogs! Get your dogs here!” and they both walk towards the hot dog cart.

“Two dogs, please!” says one of the nuns.

The vendor is very pleased to oblige, wraps both hot dogs in foil and hands them over.

Excited, the nuns hurry back to the bench and begin to unwrap their ‘dogs’.

The older of the two is first to open hers. She begins to blush and then, after staring at it for a moment, leans to the other nun, and in a soft brogue whispers: “Which part did you get?”

THE DOOR ... something to think about

E

VER walk into a room with some purpose in mind, only to completely forget what that purpose was?

Turns out, doors themselves are to blame for these strange memory lapses.

Psychologists at a prominent university have discovered that passing through a doorway triggers what’s known as an event boundary in the mind, separating one set of thoughts and memories from the next.

Your brain files away the thoughts you had in the previous room and prepares a blank slate for the new locale.

Thank goodness for studies like this. It’s not our age, it’s that damn door! Phew! What a relief to learn this.

If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?

Free to good home.

Excellent guard dog.

Owner cannot afford to feed him anymore, as there are no more thieves, murderers, or molesters left in the neighbourhood for him to eat.

Most of them knew him as ‘Holy S*it’.

Entertainment

December 11 - 2013

Plett’s Alpha Dog is KIFF! Tshisa Talent 2013 winner Alpha Dog is reaping the rewards of his prestigious title, hard-won and claimed at the finals of this local contest that exposes Bitou’s finest performance artists. After a live interview on SABC’s Expresso morning show, ‘The Dog’ winged his way back to Plett in time to open Dinah Eppel’s stage show at The Music Factory. And now this talented young rapper from Kwanokuthula has been booked as opening act for chart-topping duo The Kiffness, flanking him in the pic, at Plett’s Surf Café on December 13, 20, and 27 and on January 3. His new five-track CD will also be on sale, making for an occasion no self-respecting partyhead could consider missing out on.

Visit www.tshisatalent.co.za to book Alpha Dog or any other performance artist falling into the awesome-localtalent class for your next celebration.

New retail therapy option now open in Plettenberg Bay Industria T HE Plettenberg Bay Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) opened a charity shop in Plett Industria on December 3.

The venture was realised through the generosity of benefactors, who kindly made the premises available for use by PAWS, but who wish to remain anonymous. Numerous volunteers have assisted in converting the premises for use as shop and a veritable avalanche of goods of all types have been donated by the people of Plettenberg Bay, such that a sizeable stock of merchandise has been

Timothy Twidle

built up.

The PAWS shop will benefit Plettenberg Bay in three ways.

Firstly, it will provide an outlet for the disposal of surplus household items, and it will raise funds for PAWS. Thirdly, the modest prices of the goods on sale will be of great benefit to people of limited means.

In the words of David HallGreen on the day, “the shop is a recycling mechanism and everybody benefits”.

Said PAWS chairperson Diana

Butlin: “The shop enjoyed good sales on the first day of trading and at times there were queues of people waiting to buy. All the indications are that the shop should work well.”

Twelve people have volunteered their services to date, but more are needed and anyone wishing to help out at the PAWS Shop should contact Roger Davis on 082 723 2297.

The shop is open from 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Thursday, and from 10am to 5pm on a Friday.

See photos of the opening on page 12 of this edition.

CXPRESS

ISSUE 379

15

Entertainment Diary George Society of Arts presents Ekpfgtgnnc." vjg" Rcpvqokog at George Arts Theatre on Fgego/ dgt" 34/36 and 3:/43. Book at

the theatre on 044 874 3142.

Don’t miss the Hwp"Fc{"("Dc/ |cct at Plett Bowling Club on

Fgegodgt"38 from 9am to 2pm.

Call 072 407 7643 and see advert on the back page for more information.

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 379

Food & Wine

December 11 - 2013

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Peter Bishop

It’s white pears and quince in Plett-produced Sauvignon Blanc V

ISITORS are gaining increasing respect for the Sauvignon Blanc beginning to mushroom around the holiday town of Plettenberg Bay. I always felt it was important to empirically determine if there was a defining style to the wider region, and then to see if specific identifiable features emerge when one tastes different producers - realising that vintage too is a variable, as is the age of the vines, as is the yeast used.

Well, with that mouthful, I ventured forth. And the conclusion was clear: quince and white pears - without trying to contrive.

The predominant grape in the Plett ward is Sauvignon Blanc which has, on a national level, undergone various stylistic changes to impress the excessive number of panels that would have canonised greenness and pyrazines a decade ago, to the extent of getting the green peppers from a local Checkers.

In a reactionary movement, a later call was for gooseberry (Darling), then flint (Elim), then fig (Durbanville), with apple features emerging. To satisfy confused judges, winemakers in the Cape bought grapes from three or four or more sources.

Apostle of this multi-description is Bartho Eksteen, who pioneered a Sauvignon Blanc interest group to keep the wine in the popularity stakes.

Thus it was quite exciting when I tasted a spectrum of 2012 and 2013 Plett Sauvignon Blancs to keep on getting that ‘white fruit - pears - and quince with a fine lime cleanness running through the wines’.

This is salient, and could be the feature that locals and their visitors encounter over the season. Sadly, local restaurants do not yet realise the treasure on their doorsteps, so a sense of adventure is called for.

In its 10th year, Peter and Caroline Thorpe’s Bramon Winery

at The Crags offers their wine for tasting and for sale at the lovely restaurant that elbows into the vineyards.

Pride of place goes to Bramon’s Méthode Cap Classique from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

The salivating Oyster Shell 2008 was tasted - gentle lime and dried apricot fullness.

Winemaker and surfer Anton Smal, who created Villiera’s bubblies for well over a decade, is releasing his first Bramon, the 2009 MCC, over the season.

A run through three vintages of Bramon Sauvignon Blanc showed biscuit, coconut, dried figs in the 2011, white pear and cream in the 2012, and a great clarity and brightness - asparagus and dried pears, with watermelon and quince all waiting to develop in the 2013.

Anton is positive about this wine that recently won Gold at the Vitus Vinifera Awards. Luka Sauvignon 2013 won a Double Gold at the same show.

The Fat Fish restaurant near

Local wines rake in awards

Resident winemaker at Bramon, Anton Smal - at right with Hennie Kritzinger of Luka - achieved the following awards for these two estates during the past year: a Vitis Vinifera gold, Michelangelo International Wine Awards silver and Platter 4-star for his 2013 The Crags, a Trophy Show bronze and Platter 4.5-star for the Bramon 2008 Cap Classique, and a Vitis Vinifera double gold and Platter 3.5-star for the Luka 2013. Anton describes the past year as ‘a great vintage with healthy grapes after a good, cool winter with lots of rain and a dry warm summer perfect for ripening, allowing us to extract maximum fruit from healthy grapes’.

Congratulations to all involved.

Beacon Isle sells this wine so well that Hennie Kritzinger of Harkerville has not got sufficient stock to appease visitors the price of success. Fynbos and spiciness, a touch of green fig.

The Newstead 2013 Sauvignon Blanc also won a Vitus Vinifera Gold to add to fourth place in Bartho Eksteen’s 2012 show. A beautiful texture, white pears and quince, with a touch of lemon leaf. A paradigm for Plettenberg Bay! As I tasted the Rare Earth Sauvignon Blanc of 2013, and found it quite big - more ripe with fine clean acids, and the inescapable quince and the pear - I wrote in my notes ‘chick pea’, only to be told by Anton that the owner’s name is Chick Lee... Trust me!

The Leto Venus 2012 and 2013 differed to reflect vintage, with the 2012 having a good base, more pyrazine, and lemons rather than lime that came out in the deep layered 2013 - with those inescapable white fruits. Owner is Ian Anderson of Keurbooms.

Another bigger more ripe wine was the Redford Lane of 2013, with a good lemon leaf tang that will easily handle a meal.

Gloria Strack van Schyndel of Plettenvale near the old airport produces a Pink Rosé and a pink Méthode Cap Classique of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, if not producing a Sauvignon Blanc.

Peter and Vicci Gent of Packwood are stepping out with their first Pinot Noir to support their first Chardonnay. The Packwood Sauvignon Blanc continues to impress as an upper style wine. It has a quiet texture favoured by winemaker Ted Hall, and sought by those moving away from searing acids in their summer wine.

Go on the White Pear and Quince Prowl, with a bit of bubble to lift you. This wine route is waiting to be discovered.

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Home & Health

December 11 - 2013

Portulaca is December’s plant of the month

CLEVER LITTLE CLOCK: Portulaca grandiflora is pretty and so specific about when it opens and closes that you can tell the time by it

I

N some parts of the world, Portulaca is aptly named the Time Flower, because the flower opens and closes at specific times of the day. You can set your clock to it. They love it hot, are drought-tolerant, and

will flower from summer up until the first frost.

The best uses for this plant are in a rockery, between stepping stones as groundcover, or in a hanging basket. The trailing habit of this plant makes for an

ideal companion in containers as it will spill over the edges and add dimension and depth to the overall appearance.

Portulacas do not require a particularly nutrient-rich soil.

They grow easily in sandy soils with little water and almost no attention. The only important requirement for this hardy little plant is full sun.

The flowers will only open in bright sunlight and will not perform well in shade or waterlogged soil.

There are not too may pests that are attracted to Portulaca, but you may find aphids and nematodes can cause damage if left unchecked.

Companion plant Portulacas with Marigolds, as they enjoy similar planting conditions and repel nematodes and unsavoury visitors.

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Stylish Fish: Fatt and Finn T

HIS week sees the opening of a new retail concept store in Plette, just in time for the peak summer season.

The owners of The Fat Fish restaurant are opening a small retail space, aptly named Fatt and Finn. The tiny store brims with the best products from

designers and artisans and is situated on the landing beside the restaurant.

The Fat Fish restaurant opened to the public in 2010 and is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. So lovers of this local icon will be excited to hear that Fatt and Finn fea-

SMALL BUT STYLING: Look out for the soon-to-be very famous logo of the compact and classy Fatt and Finn store

tures a selection of designer Fat Fish clothing.

The new clothing range is inspired by coastal living and a love of the beach, and sits well with the beach products and lifestyle gifts also found in store.

Simon Ash and his wife Michelle have lived in Plett for many years and understand the needs of their customers.

“Our new retail space is an extension of the experience we want to share with our customers,” says Simon.

The opening of the new store in December has created a buzz around town and is showing early signs of success. Drop in to see this exciting new range of clothing, beachwear, home and lifestyle products.

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HIV programmes show positive results

I

N the wake of World Aids Day on Sunday December 1, it is encouraging to see there have been major advances in the understanding of the disease as well as developments in its management during the last decade.

Gone are the days when it would be taken as a death sentence. Today HIV is a manageable chronic disease like any other chronic condition.

Fedhealth principal officer Peter Jordan says to date the group has over 2’000 beneficiaries infected with HIV/Aids who are registered on the Aid for Aids programme, some already on antiretroviral therapy and others not as yet.

“Being on the programme has a number of benefits. Over and above the payment of the necessary medicine and pathology claims, the programme provides beneficiaries with much-needed support and advice on how to manage the condition.

“This entails both clinical and emotional support. They are routinely called by counsellors to check how they are doing, receive reminders when they are due for bloods tests, etc.,” he says.

As many as 90% of the beneficiaries are thriving on the programme. Jordan says research has shown that beneficiaries who take their medicine

regularly improve their bodies’ defence mechanism and will have a substantially reduced incidence of opportunistic infections largely caused by a weakened immune system.

“This effectively means they will live a near normal life-span with an improved quality of

life and fewer hospitalisations, allowing them to remain economically active.”

Anyone wanting more details can contact one of the national Aids training, information and counselling centres (ATICCS) at www.AidforAids.co.za for a confidential conversation.

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Beautiful Bedroom Shop furniture now available countrywide

Due to increasing demand from all over SA for its locally-manufactured products, The Bedroom Shop’s range of painted and solid wood furniture is now available online, and delivered countrywide. Since launching www. thebedroomshoponline.co.za three years ago, the site has grown to include a comprehensive range of quality bed linen, and plans for 2014 include the addition of a beautiful range of scatters, quilts and homeware.

Clients who are not Garden Route based will be glad to hear that new designs will be showcased at Decorex Cape Town in April next year, and at the Joburg event in August. Visit the website or pop into the lovely Knysna Mall store, and contact info@ thebedroomshop.co.za or 086 138 2283 for more info. See the ad on this page.

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December 11 - 2013

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

December 11 - 2013

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Some rent must be We’ll be back because better than no rent at all Plett impressed us!

I have been away from Plettenberg Bay for many months. On my recent return, I was struck by the very poor state of this important centre - a great many Mellville’s Corner shops are vacant, and the building and parking areas are dilapidated.

I understand the centre is owned by the Government Employees Pension Fund. I also understand that repairs and repainting are planned for 2014.

The purpose of this letter is to urge the owners to wake up and make a serious contribution to job creation, tourism, and the image of South Africa by doing the following: • Be far more flexible with their rentals - for example, some loss leaders would attract more tenants and they in turn

will pay municipal charges and taxes and create new jobs.

• Renegotiate existing rentals to help expand businesses.

• Get The Bridge space back to housing a restaurant.

The weak Rand is good for tourism and a government pension fund needs more income, which it is not getting with so much vacant space.

And, by the way, PLEASE paint the roof green!

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EP Herald or Daily Mirror?

‘Moaner Lisa’ from Knysna shared this clipping and wrote: ‘I’m not sure whether I’m missing the point that EP Herald of December 2 is trying to make, or whether it’s a simple boo-boo, perpetrated by ‘South Africa’s Oldest Newspaper’.

Could it be a not too subtle dig at the degree of literacy of some of our nation’s voters? Every picture’s supposed to tell a story, so somebody please tell me, si yrots eht tahW! With tongue in cheek, might I suggest that this mirrorwriting is a sign of genius (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Mirror_writing)? Let’s not forget that Leonardo da Vinci was a dab hand at it, and look what he did for the world.

When cartoonist Mark Wiggett is asked why this happened, he’ll probably say Veni, vidi, da Vinci...’ (A note appeared in the next day’s EPH, beneath the right-way-round cartoon, explaining that the flip button was inadvertently pressed by a layout sub-editor. Flip happens... – Eds.)

Thank YOU! On behalf of the Tuberculosis & HIV/Aids Association of Plett, I would like to extend a big thank you to the following for their donations: • Plett Methodist Church for the monthly donation of E-pap to feed our kids, and the church ladies for the food parcels they gave us to give to the poor Lesley, Dawn and all the other ladies, may God bless you and your family this festive season.

• Brain and Dawn van der Walt for the fridge and the clothes that they donated to us.

• Esther de Villiers at CXPRESS for including our notices, and the team at What’s New in Plett for the effort they put in to advertise our organisation’s appeals for assistance.

• Mike and Dawn for the dry food they donated to the feeding scheme.

• Johnny for the contribution towards our Christmas lunch, and Pick n Pay for vouchers for the children.

We also thank everyone who understands and appreciates what we are doing in the community. Donated goods can be dropped off at the CXPRESS office (6 Park Lane, Plett, from Mon to Thurs 8am to 4pm), and financial assistance can be paid directly into the TB & HIV/ Aids Association’s savings account at Standard Bank Plettenberg Bay (branch code 050714), account no. 10012309735.

For further info, please contact me on 073 513 5119 or at tbandhivass@gmail.com Ujcwp"Vgtdncpejg."d{"gockn

As regular visitors to Plettenberg Bay, we would like to say the following: Plett is looking much cleaner, with much less litter than in previous years. The parking guards seem more professional.

The shops, especially décor stores, are stocking better products for the house, with less

Chinese goods. We were very impressed, for instance, with the kudu heads in Verandah.

The beaches also seem cleaner, and what a difference the Market Square shopping centre makes! Well done, residents of Plett - you will see more of us.

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Lqjcppgudwti

ISSUE 379

19

Cellphone-photography while driving, just as reckless In CXPRESS of November 20 appears a photograph of a Polo overtaking on a blind bend [visit www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘Let’s curb insanity on our roads’ on the Letters page of issue 377].

I fully agree that this type of driving cannot be tolerated at all. However, I can only guess that Margaret Gould took the picture with her cellphone.

If that is so, then her actions are just as foolhardy as that of

the reckless driver.

LG"Uvg{n."Ygnigoqgf Octictgv"Iqwnf"tgurqpfu< Maybe so, but how to bring home the reality of the irresponsible driving on our roads?

Taking the picture was a lot less risky than overtaking on a double line or talking on my cellphone while driving - but hopefully will raise the level of awareness of the stupidity of many South African drivers.

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Sport & Adventure

December 11 - 2013

Catchy prizes for the Bay’s biggest fish P

LETTENBERG Bay Ski Boat Club on Central Beach is hosting its annual Biggest Edible fishing competition on December 21 & 22.

An entry fee of R150 per angler secures your spot in this competition, which boasts prizes in excess of R30’000. The skipper’s briefing, where full rules of the two-day fishing competition will be explained and entry fees collected, will take place at the club on Friday December 20 at 6pm sharp.

Lines hit the water at 6am on December 21, and the weigh-in is done at the club at 4pm. The next day’s fishing also starts at

6am, with the weigh-in scheduled for 3pm.

The prize-giving takes place at Plett Ski Boat Club at 5pm on the 22nd, followed by a braai (the entry fee includes meat packs for anglers) and live music by Dave Mac. Says Plett Ski Boat Club chairman Chris Schorn: “Our fishing competitions are great fun and this year, some very generous sponsors have come on board. The competition is open to non-members as well.

“Some of our members only get down to Plett once or twice a year, so let’s hope the fish play ball and we get some great edi-

Don’t mess with Aiden!

But you’re welcome to help sponsor his way to the States...

T

HE National Mixed Martial Arts Academy recently selected nine-year-old Plett Primary School student Aiden Trahms as member of the South African team to attend the ISKA World Championships in the American state of Florida next July.

Based in the USA, the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) is one of the major bodies regulating karate and kickboxing matches worldwide and its martial arts world championships are held annually in Orlando.

The US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships celebrated its 40th anniversary during this year’s July 4 weekend. The two-day feast of

sport fighting attracts more than 4’000 competitors and 10’000 spectators annually The event culminates in the Night of Champions, which features the ISKA world martial arts champs and airs live on the ESPN3 sports TV channel.

So on top of the honour of being selected, young Aiden is in for the martial arts experience of a lifetime. But apart from the hours of practice ahead, a bigger challenge for Aiden and his dad Andries will be raising the necessary funds to attend the championships Competitors are responsible for their own costs - estimated at R40’000 per person - and children must be accompanied by a parent. There is of course no state support for the sport and no official sponsors, so competitors must arrange their own funding.

bles in. Of course, we also want to grow our Ski Boat Club family and encourage non-members to join up this season.”

The club’s annual Biggest Edible fishing competition has attracted interest from super sponsors like Plett Sports, Cadac, The Biltong Boutique, Pennypinchers, LM in Plett, Mitchells Brewery, Plett Seafood Safari, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani, among others, so winners will score excellent prizes, with the first prize valued at R12’500.

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If you would like to assist in making Aiden’s hard-earned dream of competing in the world champs come true, donations towards the Trahms’s R80’000 goal can now be deposited into a special bank account managed by Andries.

No amount is too small and direct deposits can be made into the savings account Aiden Trahms at FNB Plett (branch code 210415), account number 62442972180.

Donations or fundraising suggestions of any kind will also be welcomed by the family, well known in Plettenberg Bay for their involvement in security issues and as owners of Smhart Alarms.

Readers can follow Aiden’s progress at www.facebook. com/Aiden.Trahms where updates on his training for the championships will be posted

by Andries and the boy’s proud karate teacher, Sensei Elrie.

Please email andries@smhart. co.za or call 082 451 7482 for more information.

Say SPLASH

T

HE Knysna Lagoon Splash is as unique festival scheduled from December 20-22. It is fun for the whole family, with something for both adrenaline junkies and couch potatoes.

Race in traditional Dragon Boats, get dirty in the Mud Run obstacle course, tackle the Lagoon Mile Swim, or watch your yellow duck race with the tide in the Quack Attack.

Splash was launched by the Rotary Club of Knysna in 2012.

Participants of all ages can enter any number of events, have fun and have a chance of winning prizes.

Visit www.knys nasplash. co.za or call 084 029 9924 for more info.

KARATE DREAMS: Young Aiden Trahms was chosen to represent SA in the States next year, and you can contribute towards the realisation of this golden opportunity