5 October 2016

Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

Meet the

green surfer ‘Greener Surfer’ and board shaper supreme John McCarthy will share his knowledge of swimming, surfing, and the sea with kids participating in Plett’s awesome Adopt a Swimmer programme. As special guest of Sasfin, this breath control guru will guide his charges on the body’s direct response to being in water, while guests at the weekend’s Wine & Bubbly Festival will test the same effect when tasting the town’s prime products of the vine. Find out more about John on page 5 and turn to page 11 for everything you need to know about the festival and other holiday treats.

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Crags mom brutally murdered p3

Near drowning on Central p4

Focus on mental health p12

Photo: Bruce Buttery

5 October 2016

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

5 October 2016

Loss of beloved pet leaves Larters topsy-turvy Plett resident PAT LARTER contributed this obituary with a difference - suffice to say, the fact that the dearly departed in this case is of the canine variety hardly makes it less heart-breaking for her and husband John than if a human loved one were lost ANY of your readers knew our little Topsy well, as she has appeared in CXPRESS on a few occasions in the past. We are saddened to tell you all that our beloved dog had a stroke on the morning of September 22, so is now surely the bestest white angel in doggy heaven. But what a void it left in our world!

Topsy came into our lives on December 20, 2002 - a tiny seven-week-old fluffy puppy - and grew to be the most loved and intelligent pet anyone could wish to own.

As a puppy, she had much fun chasing Fred (the dog of neighbours Brian and Jane) around the back lawn for hours.

Another of her favourite pastimes was sitting on the back steps and drop her ball for John to collect from where he was sitting in the garage. She would also place her ball into the pipe on the driveway and run down to the bottom to catch it, and then start the same game again.

What a pleasure it was to see her on the beach chasing her ball or digging holes and burying her ball, all the while undermining us as we sat and watched her frolicking.

She had many adventures,

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WE SALUTE TOPSY, THE ADVENTURER: These photos were the first and last taken of Topsy, aka Plett’s best-groomed pooch

from riding on the front of John’s quad - with Fred on the back - to being packed into my anorak when we went for a ride on the scooter. She even

Plett Animal Welfare Services facts and figures AWS chair Di Butlin along with kennel manager Tracy van der Byl and inspector Robert Ruiters presented reports at their AGM on September 21. Some of the more disconcerting matters include the fact that disposal of dead animals has now reached a crisis point.

Carcases are no longer buried at the dump site, so freezers at the vets and PAWS are used to store them before being transported to George for mass cremation - a cost borne by Bitou Municipality while other options are being considered.

2015/6 stats • 6,915 dogs/cats treated (including dipping, deworming, wound care, tick and flea pre-

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vention, inoculation) in an area of 150km2 • 348 PAWS animals sterilised at a cost of R208,900 (including R100,000 spent on animals from other agencies) • 108 lost animals found • 105 animals admitted to kennels • 21 fostered • 121 animals rehomed (sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated) • 183 animals euthanased at vet’s discretion (confiscated, terminally ill, injured, suffering, infectious diseases or requested by owners).

The team thanks the Plett community, volunteers, businesses, vets, the PAWS shop, the media and the many others who assist in many ways. Email marsjahg@netactive.co.za if you would like to get involved.

came along sailing offshore on our Halcat.

Topsy also enjoyed cruises in our inflatable and flights in John’s planes - never mind the

endless rides in the car with her head out of the window, fluffy ears wafting back.

She did have her fair share of problems, from back-leg operations to eye operations, and many other minor matters. Here we give thanks to Bert and Tina of Marine Way Animal Hospital for their love and support throughout.

To Lara, thank you for her beautiful grooming, making her the prettiest dog ever.

John and I are truly devastated and, for the time being, lost for words. We hope to pick up communications with our friends once the grieving has subsided.

Topsy, please rest in peace and know that you will always be in our thoughts.

• Bitou CVC thanks the Plett public for continued support and donations to the CVC shop in Atmar Centre, round the corner from the CBD branch of Pep Stores.

The Community Vet Clinic workers continue their mission of sterilising pets from disadvantaged communities while offering primary health care.

For collection of goods from your home, please contact Tina on 072 296 4283.

Get your paws on the new KAWS Calendar now on sale ACH year, Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) publishes a calendar as part of its fundraising efforts. Printing of the calendar is largely funded by the fees paid to enter a photograph - or many photographs - of pets into a competition, and through the generosity of local businesses sponsoring the calendar’s pages.

The popularity of the calendar competition has gained momentum with each passing year. The 2017 calendar is the fourth in the competition series, and attracted a record 244 entries, giving the judges the unenviable task of whittling down the number to just 25 winners - two for each month and one for the cover.

For the all-important cover, the undisputed winner was Birgitt Heyer’s entry of her Irish Setter, Barni, and his best friend, Benny (adopted from KAWS a few years ago) in a boat on the beach as if waiting for the tide to come in and take them away on an adventure.

Images on the inside pages also equate to a feast for the eye, from coy puppies and dogs in action, to contemplative cats and playful kittens.

This year’s competition was open to all pets, not just cats and dogs, and entries were received of chickens, horses, a pig, and even two goldfish.

Bird lovers will enjoy the magnificent photo of 17-year-old African Grey Thandi, entered by Frank Lifson and

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adorning the March pages.

The 2016 calendar was a complete sell-out, leaving many people unable to buy a copy disappointed. This year, KAWS has increased the print run to ensure that everyone who wants a copy - or 10 - is able to find stock.

Despite inflation and increased printing costs, the selling price remains R100, making it the ideal gift for animal lovers.

The calendar is available at various outlets in Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness, and Plettenberg Bay, including the KAWS Shop in Market Street and kennels in Marlin Street, Hunters Home.

A list of stockists is posted on the KAWS Facebook page where there is also an album of all the entries. Visit www.knysnaaws.com or call 044 384 1603 for additional information.

BARNI AND BENNY IN A BOAT: This pic of two best buddies, seemingly waiting for the tide to come in and transport them on a daring dogventure, was the judges’ choice to adorn the KAWS 2017 Calendar’s cover

NEWS & VIEWS

5 October 2016

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Cruel murder of Crags mother leaves local community shocked and sons traumatised Tragedy struck in The Crags on Monday when the body of a local mother of three was found brutally murdered - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

DREAMS ERASED: A recent photo of Jenerica Roman, who hoped to find a job to provide for her three sons - Photos: Ewald Stander

HE body of 33-yearold Jenerica Roman was discovered in bushes behind the sawmill in The Crags on Monday morning by passers-by. Police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie confirmed the incident and said the woman’s throat had been slit.

Roman’s family said yesterday they realised that she was missing on Saturday.

“Her 16-year-old son became worried after not seeing her most of Saturday.

He was worried as it was

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unusual for his mother to disappear without a trace,” Roman’s sister, Ciska Christians, said.

Christians added that the teenager then started searching for his mother, going from house to house asking if anyone had seen her.

“He walked around that entire night, in the rain, looking for her and came home at around 2am on Sunday morning.”

She said later that morning he continued his search.

“We intended on going to

the police the next day to ask for assistance with the search, but received a phone call from a family member at about 7am on Monday morning informing us that my sister had died.”

Christians said they later found out that her body was found in the bushes and that she had been murdered.

“We also heard that someone had come forward about the body, saying they had come across it on Sunday already, but said nothing.”

Christians did not have the details of how her sister had been killed, as she had not seen the body before going to print.

“We are so shocked. You can come to accept death, but if someone was murdered it is very difficult to process. We cannot accept the way she went.”

Christians added that her sister left behind three sons aged 16, 14, and seven.

“We have taken the boys to a psychologist who will be helping them get through this trauma, but it is very difficult for them to accept.

The youngest told us that he didn’t believe his mother was dead.”

She said she trusted that those responsible for her sister’s death would be brought to book. “Nothing will bring her back, but knowing that those who did this will pay for what they have done will definitely help us heal.”

Christians said that the support from the community had been overwhelm-

ing. “Everyone is shocked about what happened.

These horrific crimes don’t happen very often here in The Crags, so it is especially difficult to deal with. Our local councillor has also offered support.”

She said her sister had big dreams for the future. The former Knysna Secondary pupil wanted to go back to school and finish matric.

“She had to drop out because of financial reasons.

She was very intelligent and always wanted to fin-

ish school. She also had a dream of getting a good job and providing for her three children. She wanted to be a good mother.”

Christians said her sister’s death comes in the wake of another trauma, the death of their mother. “Our mother died of cancer on January 20 last year.”

By the time of going to print, no one had been arrested in connection with the murder. Pojie said that police were investigating a case of murder.

BEREFT AND REELING: Ciska Christians talks about her sister’s murder, in the hope that seeing her body later that morning would answer some of many questions

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Don’t let your guard down just because you’re on holiday IEUTENANT Marlene Pieterse of Plett police urges CXPRESS readers to be vigilant during their time on the Route.

“We encourage visitors at B&Bs and guesthouses to observe reasonable safety precautions while on holiday.

On arrival at your destination, don’t leave your bags, cellphones, or other valuables visibly inside the vehicle. Take all your belongings with you.

Lock all valuables in the boot of your car or behind the seat

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5 October 2016

if it is a bakkie.

“Do not leave your belongings unsupervised on the beach. Never swim alone on a deserted beach or walk alone in deserted areas. Close all windows and lock all doors and security gates when leaving your accommodation.”

She warns that thieves are known to target car parks.

“Always park your car in attended parking lots and be constantly on the look-out for suspicious-looking characters,” Pieterse concludes.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Friend tells how former Plett Nipper averted near drowning N Monday, 15-yearold Jonathan van den Dolder of Knysna gave CXPRESS a blow by blow account of what happened when his friend Kade Dickens saved a teenager from drowning after he was swept off rocks close to Beacon Island Hotel.

“On Thursday September 29 at 11:40, my friend Kade and I were about to leave the beach after surfing when I spotted what looked like a person in distress just beyond the reef.

He was splashing around at first - then, suddenly, only his hand was visible.

“Kade is a bodyboarder and former Nipper from Plett Lifesaving Club. He immediately grabbed his board and swam out to the person in distress. He managed to reach the guy and hold him above water.

“Only after the guy had been brought towards the beach by Kade was he taken to shore by an NSRI member,” said Van den Dolder, who attends Oakhill School in Knysna along with his lifesaver of a buddy.

He added that Dickens was off to attend the SA Bodyboarding Championships in Onrus this coming Saturday.

Kade Dickens’s grandmother, Plett resident Jennifer Howorth, confirmed that her grandson had indeed swum out and “saved

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SAVED: NSRI medics and Med-Life paramedics attend to the two casualties on Central Beach, with Kade Dickens pictured standing at right - Photo: Traffic Garden Route

the life of the 14-year-old boy who was drowning”.

“Jonathan was staying with Kade in Plett for a few days over the holidays when this happened. Initial reports about the incident did not have all the facts straight so we contacted the relevant newspaper to inform them.”

The report by NSRI Plettenberg Bay deputy station commander Robbie Gibson states that his crew were activated at 11:46 on Thursday “after an NSRI crewman, doing routine maintenance at the sea rescue station, noticed two males being swept off rocks by a wave at the Central Beach side of the Beacon Island Hotel”.

NSRI swimmers responded to the scene while a rescue quad bike was dispatched from the base and Med-Life ambulance services called to action.

“Three young men, believed to be Sports and Recreation employees of the Beacon Island Hotel, who we believe had been notified by eye-witnesses, ran to the scene from the hotel and jumped into the water to go to the assistance of two casualties.

“On NSRI’s arrival on the scene we found that the three young men had managed to rescue both of the casualties safely to the beach.”

Gibson names Dickens along with Dylan Meyer

and Kyle Hans, both aged approximately 20, and commends them for rescuing the two casualties local friends aged 14 and 20 respectively.

“They were treated for shock, exhaustion and minor scrapes and bruises sustained from being swept off the rocks by waves, and the 14-yearold was treated for nonfatal drowning symptoms.

“Both were transported to hospital by ambulance in stable conditions for further treatment and the 14-year-old will be placed under observation for secondary drowning, but both are expected to fully recover,” Gibson’s report concludes.

It was suspected that the developing New Moon spring tide and resultant large sea swells occurring in the Plett area contributed to the incident.

The Spring Tide peaked at New Moon on October 1, and the NSRI urged anglers, bathers, beach strollers, boaters, and paddlers to exercise caution around the coastline.

Spring Tide happens twice every month, at Full Moon and at New Moon, and lasts for a few days, during which a higher than normal high tide and a lower than normal low tide are accompanied by stronger than normal rip currents.

Police trainee believed to have drowned N October 2, police divers continued their search for a missing trainee officer swept off the rocks at Oubaai Golf Resort near Herold’s Bay, presumed to have drowned since he was last seen shortly after midday on Saturday October 1.

NSRI Wilderness station commander Robert van Helsdingen said the

O S24G EIA PROCESS

Notification of Public Participation for the Unlawful Construction and Operation of a Sawmill and Kiln on Remainder Farm 288 Buffels Rivier, situated within Bitou Local Municipality, Western Cape Province Notice is hereby provided in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (as amended), the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2014, and the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004), of a 30 day Public Participation Process to be undertaken from 14/10/2016 – 14/11/2016 under DEA&DP reference: 14/2/1/3/D1/15/0008/16 Activity: Unlawful Construction and Operation of a Sawmill and Kiln on Remainder Farm 288 Buffels Rivier situated within Bitou Local Municipality, Western Cape Province.

The following listed activities are applicable: Government Notice No. R983, R984, R985 Activity No(s): GNR 983: Activity 19 (i)

GNR 984: Activity 6

GNR 985: Activity 12a (ii)

GNR 983: Activity 27

GNR 984: Activity 28 GNR 985: Activity 14 x and xii; a; f (i)(ff)

The Draft Environmental Impact Assessment can be accessed at the Kurland Local Library, the Crags during the above dates or obtained by contacting the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (details below).

Please provide written comments with your name, contact details and an indication of any direct business, financial, personal or other interest which you may have in the development.

Environmental Assessment Practitioner: Samantha Robertson Tel: 044 343 2232 • Fax: 086 402 9562 PO. Box 1252, Sedgefield, 6573 • Email: samantha@ecoroute.co.za Information can also be accessed via our website: www.ecoroute.co.za

Oudtshoorn Police Academy had requested assistance and its rescue vehicle and swimmers, along with provincial government emergency services, an ER24 ambulance and a Skymed rescue helicopter responded.

“An extensive sea, air and shoreline search commenced for the 29-year-old man, believed

to be from Gauteng and a member of the Oudtshoorn Police Academy,” he said.

It is understood that a group of men had been on the rocks on the shoreline when the trainee was swept off by a wave.

“According to reports a friend went into the surf to try to rescue him. The friend managed to get

safely back to shore after losing sight of the victim. Despite an extensive search no sign of the missing man has been found.”

Van Helsdingen said it was suspected that the New Moon Spring Tide and large sea swells in the area of the Southern Cape coastline on Saturday may have contributed to the tragedy.

NEWS & VIEWS

5 October 2016

Say aloha to John and his Alaia in Plett’s surf this weekend

Sasfin and international ‘Greener Surfer’ sensation John McCarthy are diving in to help Plettenberg Bay’s awesome Adopt a Swimmer programme HE concepts of ‘Sea Change’, ‘Ocean Child’, and getting back to basics without asking nature to pay the price for his love of surfing, are all synonymous with Durban native John McCarthy’s ideals and lifestyle.

This charismatic champion and founder of The Greener Surfer has made a deep impact on increasing environmental awareness, inspiring change, and sharing best practice with all things related to life and the environment.

The quest to share his knowledge of swimming, surfing, and the sea brings John to Plett on October 6 (from 1-5pm) and Sunday October 9 (from 8am to 12 noon) at the indoor swimming pool on the farm On Good Land, located on Plett’s Airport Road.

John will be working with 20 kids aged eight to 16 years, all of whom are products of the successful Adopt a Swimmer programme. The workshop will focus on breath control and the body’s direct response to being in water.

An NGO established in 2012, Adopt a Swimmer is the passion of its founder, Plett resident Louise Auersperg. This vital programme empowers young underprivileged children who are at risk of drowning by teaching them pool proficiency.

John will also be training Louise so that she may continue with the initiative and even increase her team’s success rate of making children who may regard water with great trepidation into ace performers in the water.

Title sponsors Sasfin has donated two of John’s custom-made surfboards to be auctioned off at this weekend’s Plett Wine

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Surf shaper URFBOARD rider and shaper John McCarthy, with his company The Greener Surfer and a network of like-minded friends, are trying to erase the irony surfers face: the wave-riding vehicles they use to immerse themselves in nature are actually highly toxic to the planet.

John has owned and discarded over 300 surfboards in his lifetime, which equates to a shipping container filled with boards.

That might not sound like a lot, but when you break it down into all the non-biodegradable and toxic ingredients that go into making a surfboard - things like polyurethane foam, fiberglass and polyester resin - one wonders what happens to the thousands of surfboards that get discarded across the globe.

Boards that The Greener Surfer has been developing over the last few years include The Alaia, which is based on the ancient surfboard designs used

by Hawaiians in the past, and will be on display when John is in Plett this weekend.

The Greener Surfer boards use Agave wood from the Karoo as core, as it is light and buoyant enough to shape surfboards with. The Agave wood is combined with hemp cloth, Entropy Super Sap Bio Resin, flax and bamboo - all materials to create a much greener surfboard with.

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NOTHING BORING ABOUT JOHN’S BOARDS: The Alaia pictured below is based on the ancient surfboard designs used by Hawaiians in days gone by, and will be on display when John is in Plett this weekend - Photo: Dave Nisbet

& Bubbly Festival, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Adopt a Swimmer programme.

John designs and manufactures non-toxic, natural surf boards and, weather permitting, will be exhibiting these boards in the surf, along with other surfers, during the Sasfin Plett Wine and Bubbly Festival.

“Sasfin believes in giving back to the communities in which we operate.

Having John at the festival allows us to share a vital skill with children in the area,” says Cathryn Pearman, head of marketing for Sasfin.

“Our funding of the Adopt a Swimmer programme will assist the organisation in helping many more children to

learn to swim. Sasfin is very proud to be involved in this life-preserving initiative and we look forward to seeing how the children benefit from John’s workshops,” she concludes.

Bidding for the surfboards will begin at R5,000.

Important information • Official hashtag: #plett itsafeeling • FB: https://www.facebook.com/PlettTourism • Twitter: https://twitter. com/Plett_Tourism • Instagram: https://www. instagram.com/pletttourism/ Contact Patty Butterworth at projects@pletttourism.com or on 083 453 5331 or 044 533 4065 and see the advert on page 11 for more information.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Drop your Santa Shoebox by October 24 HE Santa Shoebox Project sets out to collect and distribute gift boxes for underprivileged children throughout South Africa. This includes the Garden Route, where kindhearted locals have been generously contributing to this worthy cause over the past few years.

And by following these simple steps, you could brighten up the life of a child in CX Country this coming Christmas: find a box, wrap it with love and fill it with gifts appropriate for kids of one to six years of age.

Send a full box, share a box with a friend, or do-

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5 October 2016

nate just one or two of the items below - every little bit helps these kids in need.

Items for boxes should include toiletries (toothpaste, soap, toothbrush, facecloth), an item of clothing, sweets and an educational toy, book, puzzle or stationery. Complete boxes should then be dropped off at the below addresses in Knysna and Plett before or

by October 24.

Says Plett coordinator Deanne Roberts: “Don’t seal your box, but please wrap and decorate it, and then close it with an elastic band, ribbon or string, as each box is checked.

Remember to write the in-

tended recipient’s gender and age on the box so we can allocate it to a child.”

You can also visit www. santashoebox.org.za to nominate a specific child as recipient of your festive gift.

Plett donors can drop their boxes off at Accommodation Bureau (27 Main Street) or Amici Miei (next to Clicks in Mellville’s Corner), and the Knysna dropoff point is Naturally Solar at 11 Nelson Street (across from Game’s underground parking).

Call Kelly Picken, who is driving Santa Shoebox in Knysna, on 082 464 1147 for more information.

Scouts honoured - Plett Rotarians pay it forward

TAKE THAT! Pictured here with some of Plett’s Sea Scouts during the handover are, from left, Scout Master Jared Harding, Rotary Plett President Patrick Leary, and Rotarians David Pickering, Ruby Chetty, and Philip Murton - Photo: Michelle Pyper

ROM funds raised through the sale of their spectacular annual calendar, Plett’s intrepid Rotarians were able and particularly pleased to donate R10,000 to the Plettenberg Bay Sea Scout movement last week.

The Sea Scouts are part of @SCOUTS@ South Africa, and the Plett branch is run by Jared Harding, who is wonderfully enthusiastic about the enterprise.

Says Rotary Plett’s David Pickering: “Jared’s aim and indeed with substantial success to date - is to instil in both cubs and scouts of all ages self-confidence, respect for other individuals, basic life skills, and a sense

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of fun and camaraderie.

“Also part of the package are the usual scouting achievements for which badges of competency are warded, such as knots, rope lashing constructions, compass navigation and other outdoor skills, as an aid to school-driven map reading.

“As important is team work, pride in serving under the Scouting flag, and a sincere belief in religion and its incorporation into daily activities.”

Being in their infancy, Plett’s Sea Scouts are still in need of basic equipment such as camping, pioneering and first aid kits to help them to make bigger and

better contributions to the lives of more children.

“Rotary wishes them much luck into the future and will continue to watch and support their progress with interest and contributions where possible,” David concludes.

• The 2017 Rotary calendar will hit the shelves soon, once again featuring a compilation of superb photographs of Plettenberg Bay and its immediate surroundings, most worthy of a collector’s interest.

Keep your eyes peeled and support Rotary as you have done so generously over the years. Call David on 073 4040 577 for details.

PROMOTION

5 October 2016

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

SOCIAL SCENE

5 October 2016

People, places & events Photos: Timothy Twidle

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TRIO ENTHRALS WITH SUPERLATIVE TUNES: The seventh KnysnaPlett Concert of the year on September 26 was witness to a superlative rendition of works by Sergei Rachmaninov, Dimitri Shostakovich and Peter Tchaikovsky, played by Sergei Malov on violin, Peter Martens on cello and Bryan Wallick on piano. Enjoying the occasion was, clockwise from the top, from left, Delene Fry and Marichen Conradie of Sedgefield and Eva Murphy and Dina Altini of Cape Town; Tony Bebridge and Ansie Adams of Knysna; and Knysna Music Society committee member Nadya Loutfie, at left, with Dominique Smith and Jacqueline Lamprecht of Knysna. The next KnysnaPlett Concert takes place on October 19 - watch this space for details.

PANTSULA MASTERS: Heritage Day was celebrated with colourful festivities at New Horizons stadium, with the likes of Slow Poison Pantsula group, at right, rocking the stage with their dance moves after the event was opened by Bitou mayor Peter Lobese. Then it was the turn of the FGC Sunday School group, who impressed equally with their groovy moves. And when the crowds finally dispersed, it was with happy hearts befitting a proper cultural shindig.

ARTS ALIVE IN KNYSNA: The Art Hub at Woodmill Walk, part of the Knysna Arts Festival from October 1-9, was in full swing last Sunday. From exquisite paintings, ceramics and sculptures to wood carvings and state-of-the-art photography, you can find all under one roof. Visit the festival for early Christmas shopping and you’ll be hard pressed for choice. Presentations and performances by some of the finest artists will keep you on your toes and there is always a café, bistro, or restaurant nearby for you to relax in.

Above, Gill Dodington is showing her talent by sketching a baobab tree. iThemba Hands and Heart is a skills development centre initiated

by Youth for Christ Knysna.

The pic at top right shows the different stages of creating the wood carving of a bird - from the block of wood at left to the finished painted bird. - Gigi Lewis SATURDAY FUN WITH THE KALABASH CREW: Wonderful experiences were had by all who joined in festivities at Woodmill Lane in Knysna for the first weekly Saturday Kalabash, hosted by SparkLife Studios. A full day of activities were enjoyed by young and old, with children playing safely on Pirate Island, getting their faces painted by Lynette, or being enthralled by Raul on his telescopic legs, right, Wesley with his whirling sticks or Albert the clown creating memories with his magical balloons, above. Adults from all walks of life could stroll through the energised Woodmill Lane’s new stores or enjoy the many varied local craft stalls, demonstration tables, curio vendors and NGO drives now on offer. Others enjoyed a bite at one of the centre’s two new restaurants while listening to live musical entertainment. Festivities were halted briefly when Walt Corbett of SparkLife Studios presented inspirational prizes to winners of the Woodmill Lane Spring Colour Splash colouring competition. The beautiful spring day ended as the late afternoon air was filled with the sounds of M&C productions. CXPRESS readers are invited to join the Kalabash crew in the coming weeks to join in the festivities. Call Sam on 073 493 0579 for details.

BUSINESS

5 October 2016

CXPRESS

Get bigger gains from smaller homes MALLER homes are increasingly popular among South African buyers - not only because it’s all that’s available or all they can afford. Another consideration is that such properties are increasingly proving

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Investor Focus

to be savvy investments.

That’s the message, says Chas Everitt International property group CEO Berry Everitt, to emerge from the latest FNB statistics detailing the rate of price appreciation among properties of

different sizes.

Small homes are sized from 20-80sqm, medium homes 80-230sqm, and large homes 230-800sqm.

These figures show that in the second quarter of the year, small home prices were

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

What portfolio performance…?

ANY investors are questioning the performance of their share/unit trust portfolios over the last two years. Some are blaming their portfolio managers, others their advisors, and those who self-manage are scratching their heads!

A recent Coronation roadshow addressed this problem and gave an interesting insight into the current investment climate.

It has been a period where we saw a serious number of ‘black swan’ events. Their list reads as follows: • Oil price collapse • European immigration crisis • Terror attacks across Europe • Rise of nationalism • Iran and Cuba return from isolation • Brexit • Trump for President • Chinese stock market spectacular rise and collapse • Turkish coup • Nukes in North Korea.

In South Africa we saw Nenegate, together with many confidence sapping political events, and then the changes in the politics of our major cities took place.

This series of events and a prolonged period of zero interest rates globally have left investors with a seriously challenging two years. The

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volatility of both markets and currencies has been impossible to anticipate.

The performance of the unit trust industry reflects the impact of this environment - here are some of the two year performance figures: • MM funds 6.7% • Balanced low equity 6.55% • Balanced medium equity 5.47% • Balanced high equity 5.3% • SA general equity 2.48% • Resources (-5.76%) • Property 12.10% • Global general equity 11.31% • Global real estate 18.08%.

One can see that local cash, property and offshore equity/property were the star performers.

Locally, cash and property benefited from the global search for yield while the offshore investment performance was Rand and zero interest rate related.

The above figures are in SA Rands; if one thinks in US$, then the global figures are far less attractive.

One cannot be blamed for asking: “Why then are equities always regarded as the main drivers of growth?

What about the performance of well managed companies with good busi-

ness plans, good products and clever management?”

This is a clear example of long-term investing. The benefits of sound equity investments only appear in the long term. For retirees, the dividends become very important. A portfolio of sound, high dividend-paying companies is necessary.

Many good companies have continued to pay dividends over the last two years and have even been able to increase their dividend well above the inflation rate.

So in a well-constructed portfolio, you would have seen your income rise even while the overall value of the portfolio has been disappointing.

Remember that the objective of a ‘retired’ portfolio is to provide a sustainable income that outperforms inflation. Capital appreciation will ultimately follow the growing income that the portfolio is generating. It only needs a little time!

• Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 18 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth.

increasing at a rate of 12.5% per annum (up from 12.4% pa in the first quarter); medium home prices were rising at a rate of 6.6% pa (down from 7.5%); and large home prices were growing by 4.6% pa (up from 1.4%).

Similarly, says Everitt, the latest Absa Housing Review shows that among homes of less than R4.4m, small homes showed a 9.9% yearon-year increase in the second quarter, medium-size homes a 6.1% increase, and large homes a 5.6% increase.

“One of the main reasons for these relatively high gains on smaller homes is the additional demand that has been coming from the increasing number of repeat buyers downscaling to smaller homes in pursuit of lower operating and maintenance costs.

“Add this to the traditional first-time buyer demand

for such properties, as well as the slowdown in new housing delivery over the past few years, and you get supply shortfalls - and rising prices.”

Writing in the latest Property Signposts newsletter, Everitt notes that an increasing number of high-end buyers are also choosing smaller properties now for reasons of security, convenience and lifestyle, with the result that “small” is by no means always synonymous with “inexpensive” any more.

“For example, even tiny apartments can now easily sell for more than R50,000 per square meter if they are in the most fashionable and sought-after locations, and prices like that will quickly push up the averages.”

What is more, he says, further statistics suggest this is not just a flash in the pan.

The small homes category

9

has clearly outperformed the other two over the past 15 years - including the boom period from 2003 to end-2007, when falling interest rates actually prompted many homebuyers to upgrade, and spurred high demand for bigger homes.

Indeed, FNB says that between the first quarter of 2001 and the second quarter of this year, smaller homes showed a cumulative 375.3% increase in value; mediumsize homes an increase of 349.8% and large homes an increase of 286.1%.

“In short, those who buy smaller homes can currently and for the foreseeable future expect much better returns on their investments than those buying medium or large properties.

“This means that the traditional steps up the property ladder may soon have less to do with buying bigger homes than with buying more valuable small homes,” Everitt concludes.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

5 October 2016

Timeless truths...

• In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a government. - John Adams • If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. - Mark Twain • Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of government. But then I repeat myself. - Mark Twain • I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. - Win-

ston Churchill • A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. - George Bernard Shaw • Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University • Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.

- PJ O’Rourke, Civil Libertarian • I don’t make jokes. I just watch the govern-

Don’t mention birth control “ALLRIGHT! I’ll drive them to the school sport day tomorrow!” sighed my neighbour resignedly.

Sure enough, the next day found her with a van full of seven- to ten-year-olds.

Clearly distracted, my neighbour cruised right through a stop sign.

“Don’t you know how to stop?” screamed the exasperated traffic officer, running towards the vehicle.

My neighbour stopped her car, looked the officer straight in the eye and, clearly upset, said: “What makes you think they are all mine?!”

Aging work of art young woman, pursuing a graduate degree in art history, was going to Italy to study the country’s greatest works of art.

Since there was no one to look after her grandmother while she was away, she took the old lady with her.

A

At the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, she pointed to the painting on the ceiling.

“Grandma, it took Michelangelo a full four years to get that ceiling painted.”

“Oh my,” her grandmother replied, “he and I must surely have the same landlord.”

ment and report the facts.

- Will Rogers • If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it’s free! - PJ O’Rourke • In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one part of the citizens to give to the other. – Voltaire (1764) • Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you. - Pericles (430 BC) • The government is like a baby’s alimentary canal,

with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. - Ronald Reagan • The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. Mark Twain • What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. - Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995) • A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have. - Thomas Jefferson

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

5 October 2016

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Put the ‘heal’ back into mental health

E all know what to do when we cut or scratch ourselves, right?

Our first response, without even thinking about it, is to go for the medicine cabinet - grabbing the antiseptic ointment and a plaster or two.

So what do we do when we experience psychological trauma or damage?

Unfortunately, more common than the physical variety, psychological injuries are a lot trickier to treat than the average abrasion. But it is vital that we learn how to deal with these mental health issues before they are allowed to affect other aspects of our lives negatively.

The theme for World Mental Health Day on October 10 is ‘Psychological First Aid’, and here are a few pointers on how you can practise it in your everyday life: Pay attention to yourself The first line of defence against mental health sabotage is knowing yourself, inside and out. To strengthen ourselves psychologically, we need to acknowledge the things that trigger our negativity.

A good way to do this is keeping a daily diary, jotting down your feelings throughout the day and noting any occurrences that turn your smile up-

W The only pharmacy in Main Street

HOME & HEALTH

5 October 2016

side down.

Practise positive self-reinforcement Think about that person in a movie you’ve seen who is about to have a job interview. Standing in the bathroom, staring at their reflection in the mirror, repeating this phrase: You are strong, you are capable, you WILL get this job.

It sounds silly, but this self-reinforcement has, when practised regularly, served time and again to improve confidence and increase self-esteem. You are your own biggest motivating factor.

Seek a support group Probably most important to maintaining mental health is making use of the support we have all around us. There are more than likely people - be they family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances - that are struggling or have struggled through various psychological issues and can offer great insights as to how they cope with these, and in turn pass on these coping techniques to you.

Guy Winch (PhD) suggests: “Give thought to your emotional needs in such times, and take steps to apply emotional first aid techniques by reading articles and finding the

techniques that work best for you.

“In time, you will develop your own psychological medicine cabinet - one you can use for many years to come, and one you can share with your children and family members.”

A healthy body really DOES equal a healthy mind!

Though it may have been said by every Tom, Dick and Harry in the wellness industry since its inception, the idea that a healthy body equals a healthy mind could be one of the less-noted unsung truths in modern society.

Think about a teenage girl who hasn’t exactly been following healthy living guidelines, enjoying her comfort foods in front of the television and taking part in little to no exercise.

She might see images of healthy women in exercise gear, golden and toned to the maximum, in her favourite lifestyle publication; then all of a sudden she starts feeling inadequate.

The sense of not being good enough could fester in her mind, possibly even leading to the development of mild depression or an anxiety disorder of some kind. This is where healthy eating comes in.

When we eat healthy, we feel healthy and our body begins to look healthy. Developing healthy habits by subscribing to an eating plan comprised of all the major food groups does wonders for our confidence and peace of mind.

Including oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and pilchards into your diet gives our grey matter the food it needs to stay sharp, focussed and, above all, healthy!

--SMOKED SALMON AND AVOCADO SALAD WITH WASABI DRESSING (Serves 4) Ingredients: 160g smoked salmon 80g avocado 100g lettuce 100g alfalfa sprouts 100g carrots 100g green beans Dressing: 90ml Weigh-Less reduced oil dressing ½ tsp wasabi paste ½ tsp soy sauce ½ bunch coriander leaves Place all the dressing ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Slice the green beans and place on a plate along with the shredded lettuce and sliced carrots.

Top with the salmon, avo slices and sprouts. Drizzle with salad dressing.

Get the designer look with bright outdoor lighting OOKING for some bright ideas for your outdoor space? Look no further than these five trends from Builders - not only will they enhance the security and curb appeal of your home, but create a beautiful and striking ambiance, too.

Party Lighting Outdoor string lights are fast becoming one of the hottest trends in outdoor lighting. Think old style café and not Christmas tree, though.

String lights, whether solar or electric, come in many different shapes and colours but remember, they are purely decorative and not really suitable as ambient or task lighting.

Highlight with LEDs Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are energy-efficient and last longer than incandescent lighting. Use them to make those dark, invisible areas of your garden ‘pop’ with colour and

L

ENCHANTING: Decorative string lights can turn any corner of your garden into something striking - Photo: Stephen Michael Photography - Source: www.countryliving.com

texture or to highlight the structural shape of a particularly lovely tree.

Power with solar One of the best (and cheapest) ways to illumi-

nate your outdoor space is powered by the sun. Lowlevel spike lights are great to illuminate the edges of pathways or along driveways where the light is

usually very low.

Run solar-powered strip lighting under railings or along steps to lead the way.

Go big and bold Large, statement lights, like lanterns, are hot right now - especially for homes with large facades.

The outdoor lantern doesn’t necessarily need to be hung from a pergola structure or a tree.

They also make an impact when simply placed on the ground in a curated fashion.

Use timers At the Chelsea Flower Show, the ‘Smart Garden for LG Electronics’ introduced lighting, water features and audio-visual aspects to the garden controlled by the simple touch of a button.

This is definitely a trend to watch as lighting timers and controllers will continue to be a top trend for their efficiency and time-saving benefits.

ENTERTAINMENT

5 October 2016

Shakespeare ‘praat die taal’ at schools festival

INTERPRETING THE BARD: Hartebeespoort Academy, above, and Kings College, below, are two of the groups from around the country that have already shared their performing talents during this year’s Shakespeare Schools Festival, which concludes in George this weekend

OUR hundred years after Shakespeare’s death, the playwright is alive and well in several South African schools, which are making his works their own by performing some of his plays in Afrikaans, isiXhosa and isiZulu for the first time during this year’s Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa (SSFSA).

As many as 70 schools including Tylora, Rosemoor and Heidedaal primary schools are participating in this year’s SSFSA - an increase of over 60 schools since the event started in 2011 and a fitting tribute to the Bard’s relevance in a year marking the 400th anniversary of his death.

The SSFSA kicked off on August 26 and concludes in George on October 9, with abridged 30-minute performances by the learners. In Joburg and Soweto scenes in a few plays were performed in isiZulu and in George, two schools will present plays in Afrikaans and one in isiXhosa.

Eight schools in KwaZuluNatal and five in Cape Town are also part of this year’s Festival, in which a total of 1,500 learners participate.

The SSFSA is the flagship project of non-profit organisation Educape, which has based the Festival on a successful UK model. With the aim to improve language and social skills through the performing arts, the event is a fantastic opportunity for young people to explore their potential in a fun, developmental way, according to Festival Director Kseniya

F

Filinova-Bruton.

“It offers high school students the opportunity to engage their education curriculum for the first time on a professional stage,” says Filinova-Bruton. “This thrilling, non-competitive environment builds capacity and character and fosters an appreciation for the metaphors and nuances of prescribed literature.”

She adds that SSFSA aims to create a “Shakespeare Generation, united by a life-changing opportunity to engage with one another across the barriers of language and educational background”.

SSFSA provides the text for abridged plays and guidance and support during the production cycle, but learners are encouraged to do their own interpretations of plays.

“Watching what they get out of it is wonderfully satisfactory,” SSFSA Gauteng coordinator Tiffani Cornwall explains.

“The reason why I think people should watch the plays is because it gives them a good understanding of what’s coming up in South Africa. Why, for example, are these kids linking Macbeth directly to our political situation? Shakespeare’s plays are universal and their themes are applicable every single day.”

Performances will take place from Friday October 7 to Sunday the 9th at George Arts Theatre (see bookings@ georgeartstheatre.co.za for more information). Visit www. ssfsa.co.za or email info@edu cape.co.za for details.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

5 October 2016

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

5 October 2016

Letters to the Editor

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

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

Who on earth could be THAT important?

It is high time, dear Lady Editors, that somebody wrote a manual on telephone etiquette. It is sorely needed.

Just yesterday, I had a group of unexpected visitors and we chatted excitedly, save for one, who concentratedly fiddled with her bally smartphone.

I’m afraid I rather lost my temper and, borrowing a line from The Barchester Chronicles (by Anthony Trollope, as your readers will know) suggested to this lady that her presence was obviously required. “Oh, where?� she asked, scarcely looking up. “Elsewhere,� I retorted. I

was aware of a silent cheer erupting from the others.

In a recent Spectator, I delighted in a cartoon: a waiter approaches a table at which four customers are seated; three are earnestly playing with their phones, while the remaining chappie waits to place his order, not concentrating on a phone.

The waiter is astonished to see a customer not playing with a smartphone, and asks, with great concern: “Is everything alright, Sir?!�

There was an occasion not long ago when British cabinet minister Claire Short was attending a

Privy Council meeting at Buckingham Palace and, as The Queen was addressing the assembled, Short’s phone rang.

She found the phone and, in great panic, turned it off. “Oh, you shouldn’t have turned it off,� said the thoroughly-interrupted Queen, “perhaps somebody important was wishing to speak to you.�

Short will never live that one down.

The absolutely cheapest and simplest cellphone does for me, and if I take it out with me it is off, and if I am visited at home it is immediately turned

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off. Surely, that is simple good manners?

Martin Rattray, Plett (Thanks for your ingenious input, Monsieur Rattray.

May we ask that you look into the possibility of a local fundi on etiquette who would be good and ready to compile such a guide?

Since many a cellphone abuser or like barbarian may take offence at this necessary guidance, the proposed manual may well be penned using a nom de plume - say ‘Emsie of Plett’ or ‘Queen of The Crags’, or such like.

We await your response in this regard with bated breath. - Eds.)

Campaigning for Keurbooms and rooting for Bitou brand Brands are all important these days. But what is Plett’s brand?

Bitou Municipality’s pansy shell is hardly ever spotted on our beaches any more. Our whale season is not the spectacle it used to be‌ How blessed we are when, with the first thoughts of spring, the hundreds of Bitou bushes - mostly spread by birds who relish their tasty black (‘tick’) berries burst into bloom. Those masses of yellow flowers are guaranteed to lift the most jaded of spirits.

So‌ what about the

NOT JUST A PRETTY FLOWER: Bitou, top, and Keurbooms in bloom could attract visitors to Plett and are a botanical heritage to be celebrated

Keurboom?

Virgilia divaricata / oroboides is a member of the pea family, its seed encased in a pod. This tree feeds nitrogen into the ground, its sparse foliage filters the sunlight, and it is very fast growing - up to 2m a year.

The pink, scented flowers are rich in nectar and attract birds and insects.

They are native to this area, and a botanical heritage is also something to be celebrated.

Let’s start a campaign to plant Keurbooms choice trees - in our gardens and public places.

This tree is relatively short-lived, averaging a 15-year lifespan, but this is not always a disadvantage, as often suburban gardens plant too many of the wrong type of tree, in the wrong spot!

And if the Keurboom gives so much pleasure in a few years, it is not a great hardship to replace it with another affordable specimen.

What a brand our two iconic plants could be - tourists might well be attracted to view our colourful Keurbooms and Bitous in bloom!

Jean Sparg, Plett

Provincial hospitals saved me from death by kidney stone On July 9, I woke up to the most terrible pain in the lower left side of my back. I thought a couple of strong painkillers would do the job. It didn’t.

I spent the next few days going from doctor to doctor in Plett. After a few different diagnosis and a few hundred of rands spent on consultation fees and medicine, I was no better off. The pain was still there.

Only one of the doctors mentioned that it might be a kidney stone, and that I should maybe go to hospital to have it checked out.

Eventually, I asked a friend of mine to take me to Knysna Provincial Hospital, because I don’t have medical aid and can’t afford the private clinics.

On arrival, I went straight to the emergency ward while my friend was filling out the paperwork.

It was my first visit there.

After waiting for a few hours (four or five), I was seen by a doctor. To my surprise, all the doctors around were very young and funky, wearing jeans and boots.

The pain was still acute,

and I was put on a drip of some sorts. Within a few minutes the pain had disappeared. I was asked to spend the night there for observation.

The nurses in the sleeping ward kept on apologising about the state of it, as it’s still to be renovated.

Then I was showed to a room with two single beds, which I had all to myself.

At last I had a good night’s sleep for the first time in a week or more.

I was woken up between 4:30 and 5am the next morning by a nurse asking me if I wanted a bath or a shower. Not knowing that I was going to stay overnight, I didn’t have anything with me, i.e. bath towel or soap, etc. So that was provided by the nurse.

Another surprise was that the shower had more pressure than mine at home in Plett, the water hot and extremely clean!

By the time I’d returned to my room, my bed had been made with clean sheets and a bowl of hot porridge awaited.

After having an X -ray, I was released and given a couple of boxes of strong painkillers and asked to

return if the pain did not subside. So a few days later, I was back‌ The queue wasn’t as bad so I waited for about an hour to get my folder and another 90 minutes or so to see a doctor.

Young, beautiful and very competent, she told me that the X-ray result may well point to kidney stones, which explained the excruciating pain.

She seemed to truly feel sorry for me and, just to be sure, booked me for a CT scan at George Provincial Hospital on July 24.

I arrived on the day at 7:41am and everything, scan included, was over and done with by 8:25am (yes, on the same day)!

Again, all the nurses and doctors were very professional and amicable.

And the pain was gone.

I still had to go back to Knysna for the CT scan results. Most fortunately, the stones had disappeared, probably having dissolved due to the bicarbonate of soda I’d been taking twice daily.

Having high blood pressure, the doctor (doc number four, by now) did an electro cardio something

and found that my heart was beating irregularly, with a tremor to boot.

So now I’m taking blood thinner meds and anticoagulants until my blood is thin enough to do some kind of electroshock (sounds worse than it is, apparently‌) therapy.

In the past three months, I’ve been to Knysna Provincial pretty much every Monday. During that time all the doctors and nurses that looked after me have been extremely professional and very efficient. I’ve been very well cared for and feel a million times better than just a few months ago.

Both George and Knysna provincial hospitals are very clean and bright and all the staff are very helpful and pleasant. Don’t believe the negative stories you may hear – one might have to wait a while, but it’s well worth it.

I sincerely thank all the doctors and nurses who looked after me for the last three months. I reckon you probably saved my life and I will be forever indebted. God bless and keep up the good work.

Laurent Battut, Plett

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

5 October 2016

Rub shoulders with top runners on SA’s trail mecca HE Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park will once again become South Africa’s Trail Running Capital on Saturday October 15, when some of the world’s best trail runners set foot onto the Otter trail to see records fall.

Says Mark Collins of awesome event organisers Magnetic South: “We urge anybody - either for the excitement at the finish line or to set their own feet onto the trails - to plan spending the day at Storms River Mouth.”

T

Swiss elite runner Marc Lauenstein will be back and everyone will be wondering if he can repeat his performance of last year. His record-breaking 2015 run, finishing in 3hrs 59min 29secs was nothing short of spectacular.

This year, he will have the benefit of knowing what the trail is going to dish up in terms of technicality, ascents, descents and, of course, incredible views.

But running the trail from west to east (RETTO = OTTER spelled backwards) may

TOPMOST DASSIE: Record holder Landie Greyling will be on hand to check if any trailblazing ladies will beat her record

throw a spanner in the works, as the second half of the race features in a number of massive climbs, whereas the route’s most technical section over rocks and boulders lies in the last 3km.

“This final section of the Otter hike forces any trail runner’s heart to skip a beat - it’s trail running at its absolute best!” says Collins.

Admittedly, this might not be the best case scenario for most athletes at the end of a full marathon. So how about running the Otter’s little cousin instead?

The Dassie Trail Run (6km or 10km options) offers the trails, the views, some climbs and descents, and the final section over rocks and boulders, while concluding through the same finish line as the

elite Otter athletes sure to be following shortly behind.

Salomon-sponsored elite athlete Landie Greyling calls herself the Trail Dassie - and not without a reason. She is holding the ladies record of the west to east running of the Otter, having finished it in a time of 5hrs 11min 46secs.

In the last year alone, Landie has won the 100km Skyrun, the Tankwa three-day trail run, the African X three-day run, the SOX and the Table Mountain Challenge. She came second in the Two Oceans Trail Run and sixth among an international trail-running field in the 85km Maxi Annecy Race in France.

Landie is now focusing on the Trail World Champs in Portugal

and thus decided to give this year’s Otter a miss. However, she will be joining Dassie runners and mingle at the Retto finish line, waiting with bated breath to see whether her Retto record will be broken by one of the very strong ladies field, including some of her biggest trailrunning rivals.

Enter the Dassie today and enjoy a day of world-class trail running. Visit www.otter.run and see the advert on page 11 for more information.

• Local trail aficionados should diarise Plett’s (in)famous annual Robberg Express which takes place on October 9. Visit www.racingsnake.net or call Plett Athletics Club chair Vicki Meggersee on 072 271 0788 for details.

Sport Shorts • Catch the Tour de Plett racers finishing in grand style this weekend on Central Beach.

Quick facts include that this challenging mountain bike cycling event takes place on the outskirts of Plett on Saturday October 8, with the first batch setting off from Wittedrift High at 7:30am. Online entries close at 11pm on October 6 and manual entries can be made at Central Beach on Friday the 7th from 3-8pm. Visit www.tourdeplett.co.za for everything you need to know.

• This year’s Knysna Mayoral Charity Golf Day on October 14 at Simola will again raise funds for education and skills development.

A four-ball costs R2,500 and this includes a bite to eat at the halfway house, golf cart and gift. There will be a shot-gun start at 12:30 and handicaps are limited to max 24 for men and 36 for ladies. Call 044 302 6381 or email cbezuidenhoudt@knysna.gov.za to book your team’s place.