7 June 2017
Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors
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Kurland inferno
An entire block of shacks next to the primary school was razed last week when a fire started in the ZawaZawa informal settlement, which forms part of Kurland Village in The Crags - turn to page 3 for the full report
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CXPRESS
NEWS & VIEWS
7 June 2017
Henk’s Little Travelogue: Australia/Tasmania/New Zealand - Part VIII
Ghost trees and glass mountains for an Oz ambience Itinerant contributor HENK BOLHUIS continues his account of the wonders of Down Under - turn to page 2 of the previous seven editions at www.cxpress.co.za to catch up on the series so far RIVING by car through the scenic, mountainous surroundings west of Port Macquarie one sees, as virtually all over Australia, vast tracts of land covered with millions of blue gum trees. I know these trees have generally had a lot of bad press - one of my best friends in Plett, after having visited Australia recently, even warned me before we left: “Nothing to see there but blue gums.” Well, that’s not really true, as there is much other flora but the blue gums, especially the Ghost Blue Gum and many other flowering species, are beautiful. Also known as Eucalyptus (L’Heritier 1789), they comprise a wide variety of beautiful multi-coloured flowering trees that dominate the Australian landscape, to the extent of 92-million hectares. With more than 900 different species, these trees are an integral part of Australia’s identity, life, and culture. I have read that the Blue Mountains west of Sydney (see Part I) received their name not only because of the effect of the sky and distance, but also because the Eucalyptus-dominated vegetation disperses minute drops of volatile oil into the atmosphere, causing a thin blue haze. Apart from in very high mountainous areas and rain forests, blue gums are found everywhere in their natural habitat as well as in plantations. This hardwood is an excellent source of good timber, produces Eucalyptus oil, and is even used for natural medication purposes. Gum trees also serve as shelter and food for many species of Australia’s native birds and
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WHAT A SMASHING VIEW: Mount Beerwah in the Glass House mountain range, seen from a distance
SCARY TREES: A scenic mountain road with Ghost Blue Gums near Haydon’s Creek
animals such as the cute koalas. Late in the afternoon, without seeing any more kangaroos, we arrive back in ‘civilization’ and turn northwards on a proper tarmac road until we reach Rawdon Creek. From here we start our journey back to Port Macquarie via the main road that links us again with the Pacific Highway, taking us right into town where we arrive tired but satisfied and
ready for an ice cold beer. --On April 3, we find ourselves in Brisbane, in the State of Queensland. Yesterday at 10:40am we caught a Virgin Australia flight from Port Macquarie to Brisbane. The small ATR 72-600 is a narrow-body aircraft with a capacity of 68 passengers; only about half full, the flight took just over an hour and 20 minutes, landing at 12 noon. This morning we will explore the Glass House Mountains, roughly 75km north of Brisbane in an area popularly referred to as the Queensland Sunshine Coast ‘Hinterland’. Although called mountains, these 11 peaks are in actual fact only a group of 11 hills ranging from 220m to 556m in height, the highest being Mount Beerwah. Geologists describe them as volcanic plugs formed by molten rock that filled small vents in the surface crust a long time ago - today they stand as sentinels in this hilly landscape. The name ‘Glass House Mountains’ was given by British explorer captain James Cook during an expedition in May 1770. Cook later said that these vertical rocky outcrops reminded him of the large glass furnaces in his English home county of Yorkshire. Maybe that was true at the time, but today one needs a lot of imagination to see any similarity. Perhaps the erosion of these peaks over more than 200 years has changed them drastically. Matthew Flinders (we literally find him almost every-
where on this giant continent) also explored the area about 20 years later, after sailing through Pumicestone Passage - a narrow channel between the Queensland mainland and Bribie Island - in 1799. We leave Brisbane via the M1, aka Bruce Highway, and quickly proceed as far as the Beerburrum interchange, where we turn left onto Route 24, better known as ‘Steve Irwin Way’. Most South Africans and indeed nature lovers worldwide remember Steve ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin - a famous Australian nature expert and television personality. Steven Robert Irwin died tragically aged 44 on September 4, 2006, ironically while filming a new underwater documentary titled Ocean’s Deadliest, after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb. He and his wife, Terri, also owned and operated the worldfamous Australia Zoo, which had been founded by Steve’s parents in June 1970 as ‘Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park’. This renowned zoo won the Australian Tourism Awards for 2003-2004 in the category Major Tourist Attraction. Unfortunately, time does not permit us to visit as it takes at least a full day to really take in all its sights and activities, such as crocodile feedings and handson kangaroo and wallaby encounters. Maybe a next time? By the way, here’s an Aussie joke: “What’s the difference between a kangaroo and a wallaby?” Answer: “The Wallabies play Rugby Union!” To be continued… • See the letter on page 11.
NEWS & VIEWS
7 June 2017
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Crags settlement recovering from most recent blaze Reconstruction of shacks lost in the devastating fire that destroyed about 15 homes in Zawa-Zawa informal settlement in The Crags last week is underway, thanks to the dedicated response and concerted efforts of local authorities and residents alike - NIKKI RIDLEY reports and Kurland Village have suffered several fires over the years. Committee spearheads speedy coordination project Crags resident and The Crags DA Volunteer Ward Committee member Deb-
TOTAL DESTRUCTION: Fire fighters on the scene claimed that nary a single item survived the flames, the intense heat and hot wind causing both structures and contents of houses to be totally incinerated - Photos: Manfred van Rooyen
O-ONE was injured in a blaze that started during the early afternoon of Wednesday May 31 and despite the intensity of the fire, the rapid response by emergency services saved many more of the tightly-packed homes from destruction. This was no easy task, taking into account the unfavourable weather conditions that included a warm berg-wind. In a statement from Bitou Municipality, Fire Services chief Hedley Venter said the fire progressed quickly as flames were fanned by
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winds, in addition to the radiant heat emanating from the structures. According to Manfred van Rooyen, spokesperson for deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam, affected families were quickly gathered for a meeting with the deputy mayor and ward councillor for the area. Arrangements were made for Bitou Disaster Relief to provide emergency supplies such as blankets, mattresses and food parcels. Kamkam also set about mobilising the local community to assist with sleeping arrange-
HEAPS OF HELP: Volunteers help to sort piles of clothing donated by Crags community members, who also donated various other goods and supplies to help those who lost their homes to get back on their feet
ments and to start gathering information for the replacement of important documents such as ID books. Van Rooyen said that although plans were made to accommodate people in the local community hall, residents of the Kurland settlement pulled together and all of the affected individuals were housed with friends and relatives on the night after the fire. Local Crags residents also mobilised on the day to start collections for clothing, food, blankets and various household items in addition to building materials such as planking and roof sheeting to assist with speedy rebuilding efforts that started within days of the blaze. Further donations of goods and building materials collected through the combined efforts of Bitou Municipality and residents were distributed to the affected families on Monday June 5, and rebuilding is continuing. At the time of going to press, the cause of the fire was still being investigated; the Zawa-Zawa settlement
bie Fermor went to great lengths to explain the speed and efficiency of the local response through an appeal on a Crags Community Chat group. Since the day of the fire, Fermor has worked with
Leanne Lane (another of the Volunteer Committee members) and deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam to coordinate the donations received and efforts made by residents, local businesses, and volunteers.
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Date set for Nichol Boukes memorial service The memorial service of Nichol Boukes (17 February 1992 - 28 May 2017), who tragically lost his life in a car accident two Sundays ago, will be held at NG Kerk Wittedrift on Friday June 9 at 2pm. CXPRESS extends condolences to Nichol’s parents Tinka and Migiel, brothers Michael and Brian, his sister Wallace, and all his friends and extended family members. Michael Boukes requested that everyone meets at NG Kerk Plettenberg Bay in Marine Drive at 12:30 on Friday to depart in convoy to Wittedrift.
NEWS & VIEWS
7 June 2017
News Briefs • There has been confusion over the deadline for public comment on the proposed development of Erf 4367 between Shell Ultra on the Plett N2 and Santini Village in Bowtie Drive. Contrary to notices in the local press, which advertised a May 30 deadline, the Plett Ratepayers Association urged residents to submit objections before June 11. “We recommend that all concerned parties read the ‘Motivational report for the subdivision for Erf 4367’ proposal that can be viewed at the Town Planning offices in Monks View. Please lodge your personal objections direct at the Bitou Council offices,” advised the statement. Email info@plettratepay ers.co.za to obtain an objection template and view www.plettratepayers.co.za for additional information. • World Oceans Day, observed annually on June 8, is a chance to remember and celebrate the vitally important role of oceans and the diverse life they support. This year’s theme is ‘Our Oceans, Our Future’. Over the last four months, Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre has admitted five penguins: two with injuries and one with avian malaria, while two others were moulting. All five penguins have recovered well and will be released on Saturday June 10 (since inclement weather is forecast for the 8th) to celebrate WOD in collaboration with BirdLife Plett, the Nature’s Valley Trust, and
CapeNature - meet the team near the Lemongrass parking area at 9am. • Knysna police spokesman sergeant Chris Spies advised that a 27-year-old suspect, Siyanda Nquka, was arrested at White Location on Friday June 2, following the death of Siyabonga Hoyi, 21, of Greenfields. SAPS members responded to a complaint at Concordia Road where a group of people gathered on May 31 at about 9pm. They found a man lying on the ground and learnt that some members of the group assaulted the victim after he was accused of a burglary. The victim sustained multiple injuries and later died in hospital. Arrested after he was positively linked to the incident, Nquka appeared in the Knysna magistrates’ court on Monday, where the matter was postponed to June 7 for a formal bail application. He will remain in custody. Investigation into this matter is still at an early stage and more suspects may be arrested as facts come to light. • On Sunday June 4, the NSRI issued a safety warning as big sea swells were expected around the country’s coastline. Sea swells of up to 12m are foreseen, and even higher sees where a cold front will impact during the week. Officially, the SA Weather Service predicted wave heights of 9-12m around June 7, while also warning that gale force winds would lash large parts of
the coastline. “This cold front, bringing heavy, rough sea swells and gale force winds will be further affected by the approaching spring tide which will peak on June 9 at full moon,” said the statement, which urged boaters, paddlers, surfers, the fishing community and bathers to be cautious. Dial 112 to report a sea rescue emergency. • A report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services indicates that 10 people died on the province’s roads over the weekend. Two of these fatalities took place in CX Country, when a passenger died on the N2 Knysna and a driver in George, both on June 2. Provincial traffic officers arrested 28 motorists for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol on Friday and Saturday, five of these in Knysna and three in George. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Mossel Bay area: at 1.17mg of alcohol per 1,000ml of breath, this is over four times the legal limit of 0.24mg. Four other arrests included two for reckless and negligent driving in Mossel Bay and Somerset West, and two for false documentation in Knysna. Shorter, darker days, fog and rain during the Western Cape winter months hamper visibility and can increase the risk of a road traffic crash. Travel more slowly when visibility is poor and roads are wet.
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7 June 2017
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NEWS & VIEWS
7 June 2017
The BATS are back to entertain with Noel Coward’s ghostly comedy INCE their formation four years ago, Plett’s BATS - or members of the Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society - have delighted local audiences with entertaining live theatre productions. From modest beginnings they have grown into a confident troupe now more than capable of staging Noel Coward’s sophisticated and most-celebrated comedy Blithe Spirit. Coward wrote this satirical work about ghosts and marriage in five days while London was being ravaged during the German Blitz of 1941. His London flat and office were destroyed in the bombardment. At the time, he was also conducting covert operations as a member of Britain’s Secret Service. This improbable farce about an upper-class household haunted by ghostly exwives was exactly what warweary Londoners wanted, and they flocked to the theatre in their droves. Since its initial success in the West End and Broadway, Blithe Spirit has never been off the stage and has enjoyed countless worldwide revivals over the past 75 years. Most recently, the play toured the US in 2015 with Angela Lansbury (aged 89) as ‘Madame Arcati’. It has been adapted for radio and TV and was turned into a musical, while David Lean also directed a most successful film of the play in 1945, starring Rex Harrison and Margaret Rutherford. And now, local audiences can look forward to Coward’s enduring genius, wit and charm when the BATS present their latest and most ambitious work to date. David Hall-Green - BATS actor, director, set designer, and chief cook and bottle washer - says, rather ruefully: “We’ve always maintained that we may be amateurs, but we continuously strive to put on a professional show. “This play, however, is another matter altogether and has been far more challenging than the others.” He’s had great fun designing and building an Art Deco-style set, creating some surprise “special effects”, and scrounging all manner of goods and services to make this a BATS production never to be forgotten. “I am very grateful to the many Plett people who have come forward to help in many ways, donating wood and paint, lending us French windows and trailers to transport them, donating fabric for curtains, making costumes, recording music and voices, and providing lighting and sound services. “We are also thrilled to have so many volunteers helping during the entire run - a veritable mini-theatrical industry. We are bless-
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WIT ADMITTED: Noel Coward said he knew his well-constructed comedy would be a success
GRANDE DAME: Angela Lansbury, 89, featured as Madame Arcati when ‘Blithe Spirit’ toured the US in 2015 Photo: Johan Persson
ed with an abundance of skilled and generous people in Plett,” he said, adding that few people realise what a huge effort it takes to put on a demanding theatrical production such as this one. The wonderful cast of amateur thespians have worked tirelessly, learning their lines and attending evening rehearsals twice a week. For the past three months they have cheerfully sacrificed family time to devote themselves to the success of this production. Their reward is the joy of acting and bringing the magic of live theatre to Garden Route residents. “Every one of these talented actors has worked hard on their stagecraft and it is a privilege to work with them,” says David, who portrays novelist Charles Condomine. As the play opens, Charles is preparing to host a séance in preparation for his new book. He invites eccentric psychic Madame Arcati (Rose Shearer) to preside, expecting nothing more than a silly escapade. When his long-dead wife, Elvira (Josie Crooks) makes a spectral appearance, Charles finds himself in a delicate position with his current and very much alive wife, Ruth (newcomer Leilani Anderson). Also featured are BATS stalwarts Rodney Grosskopf and Ingrid James (Dr and
Mrs Bradman), and another newcomer, Caitlin van Dyk (Edith, the maid). Of his writing of the play, Noel Coward said: “I sat, with the usual nervous palpitations, at my typewriter. The table wobbled and I had to put a wedge under one of its legs. I smoked several cigarettes in quick succession, staring gloomily out of the window. “I fixed the paper into the machine and started: ‘Blithe Spirit. A Light Comedy in Three Acts.’ On May 9, the play was finished. I will admit that I knew it was witty, I knew it was well-constructed, and I also knew that it would be a success.” Coward’s other celebrated comedies were Hay Fever and Private Lives, but Blithe Spirit was his undoubted masterpiece. Do not miss this exceptional theatrical experience - an evening of light-hearted enjoyment and laughter with our very own BATS. The run starts with a gala opening evening at St Peter’s Anglican church hall with wine and snacks on Tuesday June 20 (tickets R150, gates open strictly at 6:45pm, all shows start at 7:30pm). Tickets cost R100 for the June 22-24 shows (reserved seats only) and are available at Barney’s Kiosk next to Mugg & Bean at The Market Square. Call 044 533 3219 for more information.
BUSINESS
7 June 2017
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Creators of Quartet review property options for retirement OUTH Africa offers many different purchasing and rental options for retirement, including full freehold and sectional titles, share block and life rights, including long and medium-term rentals. These options are normally offered within gated property entities called retirement villages with operational and acquisition criteria subject to the Retirement Persons Act of 1965. The ‘life-right’ option is a contract of guaranteed life tenure that is becoming increasingly popular, as it avoids a number of expensive costs such as VAT, property registration fees and, in some cases, body corporate obligations. This option sees the developer and purchaser conclude an agreement in terms of which the developer makes the accommodation unit available to retirees to use, occupy and enjoy for the duration of their lives, or until they elect to move on. In quality life-right schemes, retirees are also entitled to use communal benefits of the main facility, and any care and medical support provided. In most life-right schemes the life accommodation entitlement cost takes the form of an interest-free loan, secured or unsecured to a corporate or private developer who manage the entity, or to a non-profit association or equivalent who run the facility through a body corporate or similar structure often made up of elected residents, who employ the management and staff through their committees.
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When the life right terminates for whatever reason, a typical agreement makes provision for a refund of the original interest-free loan upon the reallocation of the house or apartment to the next retiree for a new loan, usually less an agreed percentage. Plettenberg Bay’s Formosa Garden Village, for example, pays back the initial loan less 20%. Quartet - a recently renovated and redeveloped hotel in Plettenberg Bay - is doing things differently. Its life right differs from other typical agreements by making repayment of the loan (formalised by an interestfree redeemable debenture) based on the accommodation life right’s future market value less 25% at the time of repayment and not on its original value. This allows retirees or their estate to enjoy the benefit of capital appreciation as property prices increase over the years. The debenture loan instrument is used to finance and renovate and redevelop the hotel for the life-right clients and the property remains unencumbered. Quartet Hotel also fully secures its debenture loan through an independent trust that simply holds the individual sectional titles owned by the hotel for each life-right unit until the full value of the replaced debenture has been repaid to retirees or their estate, according to the agreement. When it comes to any potential disadvantages from life-right schemes, some might argue that purchasers forfeit a percentage of their
capital when the life right ends - which is not the case in freehold and sectional title schemes. This, however, should be offset by the lack of transfer fees, VAT payments and the potential of Capital Gains Tax when a unit is sold on a conventional title resale. Also, due to the high standard of hotel maintenance with constant on-site management, it will be in top condition at the time the unit changes hands. The Quartet Hotels Retirement Lifestyle concept is based on the principle that residents should be provided with a level of comfort in a hotel estate where the move from their previous home is an easy, enjoyable experience. High quality hotel service standards are applied to all housekeeping, maintenance and catering tasks, with helpful staff available at all times. Quartet Hotel’s secure retirement environment set in landscaped gardens offers flexible on-demand services that only a hotel hospitality management structure can provide comparable to highquality leisure resorts, which incorporate central hotels as a facility to provide discretionary service options. The hotel has designed its programme around services and facilities that retirement residents can choose and are tailored to provide quality retirement lifestyles. Personally owned by a group of well-known international hoteliers and businessmen, they have created an environment where everyone will feel secure, and where you can enjoy as
much or as little attention as your lifestyle requires while remaining confident in the knowledge that Quartet is your home, designed and managed for your attention and privacy. Quartet goes beyond the services of the average retirement facility and, where required, provides managed access to quality medical care through carers in your own house or apartment, as well as onsite doctors’ rooms for residents’ convenience. The medical wing includes independent doctors’ rooms comprising six fullyequipped medical suites, with high-end care givers under qualified supervision. They will be available to resi-
dents if in-house medical attention is not recommended by personal physicians. Quartet Hotel’s gardens create a relaxed and ecofriendly environment where residents can relax in a natural setting at peace with their surroundings, affording the opportunity to be excited that each day can bring with it a new adventure. Whether you prefer an outing up the river or a game of golf next door at the well-known Goose Valley, everything is designed to keep Quartet residents busy. Then again, you may just feel like curling up in front of a wood fire with a good book or your favourite TV programme.
You can also indulge yourself by ordering room service from the hotel or enjoy high tea in the hotel and perhaps meet up with friends for lunch or dinner. A quiet reading area and library, heated pool, wellness centre and many other amenities are exclusively available to residents. Three property options are now available: bedsitters (56m2), two-room apartments (112m2), and free-standing two-bedroom garden suites (130m2), with prices ranging from R1-million to R2.75-million (no transfer duty and no VAT). • See the advert on this page for further information and contact details.
Sotheby’s International Realty Plett welcomes Louise Terblanche EW Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, Plettenberg Bay, extends a warm welcome to Louise Terblanche who has joined its administration team as marketing specialist. Louise grew up on a farm in The Crags and attended local schools Plett Primary and Wittedrift High. She loves the incredible scenery of Bitou, which she explores through her passion for photography. Louise says: “Sculpting myself into the person I want to be through the guidance of our lovely locals and getting to call this beautiful place my home has always been a massive blessing. “Now I am even more blessed to say that not only
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LOCAL LASS: Look out for Louise when visiting Sotheby’s International Realty in Plett
was I born and raised here, but I’m now also employed in my hometown at one of
the biggest international real estate agencies. “My amazing new colleagues have gone out of their way to make me feel like a part of the family. I am highly motivated to make a success of this opportunity and am extremely excited to see the outcome of this new adventure.� Hein Pretorius, principal of the Plettenberg Bay branch, says: “We are very glad to have Louise join us. Her enthusiasm and motivation bring a new dynamism to the team. Louise will be working at the front desk, so will be the ‘face’ of our branch. “We look forward to working with Louise and seeing her grow from strength to strength.�
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INTERVAL
7 June 2017
Facts from long ago - Part III
A SHOT OF WHISKEY In the old west a .45 cartridge for a six-gun cost 12 cents, so did a glass of whiskey. If a cowhand was low on cash he would often give the bartender a cartridge in exchange for a drink. This became known as a ‘shot’ of whiskey. BUYING THE FARM During WW1 soldiers were given life insurance policies worth $5,000. This was about the price
of an average farm, so if you died you ‘bought the farm’ for your survivors. RIFF RAFF The Mississippi River was the main way of travelling from north to south. Riverboats carried passengers and freight, but they were expensive so most people used rafts. Everything had the right of way over rafts, which were considered cheap. The steering oar on the rafts
Can you picture this embarrasing situation? Y wife, Julie, had been after me for two weeks to varnish the wooden seat on our toilet. Finally, I got around to doing it while she was out shopping. After finishing, I left to take care of another matter before she returned. Julie came home and prepared to take a shower. Before getting in the shower she got undressed and then sat on the toilet. As she tried to stand up she realised that the notquite-dry epoxy paint had glued her to the toilet seat. About that time, I got home and realised her pre-
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dicament. We both pushed and pulled without any success whatsoever. Finally, in desperation, I undid the toilet seat bolts. Julie wrapped a sheet around herself and I drove her to the hospital emergency room. The doctor got her into a position where he could study how to free her, while Julie tried to lighten the embarrassment of it all by saying: “Well, Doc, I’ll bet you’ve never seen anything like this before.” The doctor replied: “Actually, I’ve seen lots of them. I just never saw one mounted and framed.”
How to be happy campers loaded van pulled in to the only remaining campsite. Four children leaped from the vehicle and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up the tents. Two of them rushed to gather firewood, while the other two and their mother set up the
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camp stove and cooking utensils. A nearby camper marvelled to the youngsters’ father: “That, Sir, is some display of teamwork.” The father replied: “I have a system… no one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up.”
A Frenchman walks into a bar with a parrot on his shoulder. The bird is wearing a baseball cap. The bartender says: “Hey, that’s neat. Where did you get that?” The parrot replies: “France - they’ve got millions of them there.”
was called a ‘riff’ and this transposed into riff-raff, meaning low class. COBWEB The Old English word for ‘spider’ was ‘cob’. SHIP STATE ROOMS Travelling by steamboat was considered the height of comfort. Passenger cabins on the boats were not numbered. Instead they were named after states. To this day, cabins on ships are called staterooms. SLEEP TIGHT Early beds were made with a wooden frame. Ropes were tied across
the frame in a criss-cross pattern. A straw mattress was then put on top of the ropes. Over time the ropes stretched, causing the bed to sag. The owner would then tighten the ropes to get a better night’s sleep. OVER A BARREL In the days before CPR, a drowning victim would be placed face down over a barrel and the barrel would be rolled back and forth in an effort to empty the lungs of water. It was rarely effective. If you are over a barrel you are in deep trouble.
SOCIAL SCENE
7 June 2017
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People, places & events
A SUPER ‘BOK SOJOURN! It was quite a sad sight for those Plett locals who witnessed the Bok bus depart last Sunday, after a week of training and chilling (in some cases literally, in big bins of ice on the beach, after their game against SWD Eagles on May 30!) on the field at Bitou Rugby Club and at various venues in and around town. Thousands of residents and visitors received autographs and words of encouragement, especially the multitude of youngsters lucky enough to bask in the glory of their favourite rugby heroes’ presence. Visit www.alloutrugby.com/warm-plett-welcome-boks/ for one of many accounts that flooded the national media over the past 10 days. Photos here were submitted by various locals but the real good ones are the work of Instagrammer par excellence Sharyn Hodges - visit http://sharynhodges.co.za/ to pore over her marvellous portfolio.
Photos: Esther de Villiers
MUSIC MAKES THE BUCKS GO ROUND: Plett Bowling Club’s dining room was packed to the brim last Friday, when 18 teams of up to six players each competed for podium positions in ‘The Complete Music Quiz’ - a fundraiser organised by Barry Ricketts to benefit Plett Surf Lifesaving Club’s Nippers and the town’s young Goju Ryo karateka. After hours of sonorous brain-racking, the B-Sharps team of Susan and Dr John Donald, Mike and Sonja Kantey, and Tina and Dr Bert van Reenen came up trumps with 152 points. Runners up were the Lifesaving Club team (143), with Half n Half (135) third. Pictured at left, the winners show off their trophy and at right, Barry is flanked by beneficiary representatives Sensei Elrie Bosman and PSLC secretary Gerhard van Huyssteen displaying cheques of R2.5k each, with Plett Bowling president Gerrit Teunissen at back. Barry thanks sponsors Helen Melon Properties, The Insurance & Investment Shop, Lodestone Wines, Plett Optical, The Table, Lookout Deck, Plett Ski-Boat Association, Robberg Seafood, Kally’s Bakery, My Butchery, Le Fournil and Bodyknots Sports Massage. On the subject of musical proficiency, Monday June 12 will see the Knysna Plett Concert Series welcoming back Lukáš Vondrácek - the celebrated pianist who performed his first concert aged four! Clock in at Knysna DRC hall from 6:45pm.
FACEBOOK COMP YIELDS SEVEN FIGS: Kathi du Plessis was the lucky winner of a Fig seven-piece pot set worth R2,500 in the recent Drommedaris Plettenberg Bay Facebook competition. Handing it over to a particularly stoked Kathi is Helga Westall, right, from the flagship Drommedaris outlet on the corner of Robberg and Piesang Valley roads. See the advert on page 2 for current goods you’ve simply gotta have.
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Handyman on call - 072 724 6590
7 June 2017
CLASSIFIEDS
ON THE SOAPBOX
7 June 2017
Letters to the Editor
Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600
Praise for Henk Bolhuis’s travel column and for ‘excellent’ CXPRESS! I am really enjoying Henk’s Australian travelogue - so much so that I cut it out each week and send it to my South African family in Sydney. The story on Sydney Opera House [read it on page 2 of the May 24
edition at www.cxpress. co.za] was particularly interesting, and I wonder if Henk knows that a well-known South African soprano, Elizabeth Connell, was invited to sing at the opening of this famous opera house.
A different ‘cattle’ of fish?
She was the granddaughter of Fred Scott, who designed Hartebeespoort Dam in what was then the Transvaal. Her mother was one of Churchill’s secretaries during WWII - a truly remarkable family. Oh, and I so agree with the person who would like to do away with leaf
Puppy abuse appals I write in response to the letter ‘Puppy abuse at Coney Beach…’ in CXPRESS of May 17 [read it on page 11 at www.cxpress.co.za]. Being an animal lover, I was absolutely disgusted when reading about the terrible abuse of two Jack Russell puppies by the young girls who, in my mind, do not deserve to keep any pets at home. Shame on the mother
Apropos the Kenya camels featured on page 11 in CXPRESS of May 17, here’s even more for the Plettenberg Bay Beach Set to be thankful about - for the moment, that is. Warning: these beach invasions, and probable consequences thereof, are migrating south. They’re already just north of East London… - John Magill, Knysna
Restore the Bok over our boys’ hearts How wonderful to have the Springboks in Plettenberg Bay, using our holiday town to carry out their final training. It was also very pleasing to see the large turnout of Plett folk to support them last Tuesday, and we wish them well with their upcoming games. SA Rugby is hard pushed to get funding after removing the Springbok from over our boys’ hearts; ours was the
only team who failed to wear our badges on their chests at the last Rugby World Cup. It would be great if the players themselves would start pushing to have the Springbok restored in its natural position. What a huge boost that would be to the team, knowing that they are once again carrying the Springbok over their hearts and for the country. Bok Supporter, Plett
Having a hoot on a log
Plett resident John Larter shared this oohsome photo and wrote: “I thought your readers would appreciate this pic my neighbour, Brod Harty, took of an owl perched on branches on the ground opposite his house in Maplin Drive recently.” (Lovely stuff, John - and lekker to know that our owl population’s presence is still such that a prime specimen like the bird pictured here can be spotted on a regular basis in Plett backyards. - Eds.)
blowers [turn to page 11 of the same edition], as they are noisy and inefficient indeed! Thank you for your excellent periodical. Sheenagh Harris, by email (Read the latest of Henk Bolhuis’s travel tales on page 2 of this edition Eds.)
who watched without doing anything. She should be reported to the SPCA or Knysna Animal Welfare Services. This certainly is no way to treat animals, let alone to bring up children! I really take my hat off to your reader from Grahamstown who stopped the torture of the poor little dogs. Well done for interfering. Heartbroken, Plett
Gratitude expressed after a wonderful educational tour I would like to thank the following people for making sure this year’s Plett Tourism Educational Tour was a success once more. Plett Tourism chairman Peter Wallington and your team, thank you for believing in the dream and often going out of your way to ensure we always achieve our level best. Kudos to you. Life would be very difficult without our esteemed sponsors: Ocean Blue Adventures, you guys are amazing, thank you for never stopping to show excitement and zeal each year when we bring the kids to you guys great stuff. Thank you Flashbacks for making sure that our kids have transport to drive them around all day. André and PJ, you guys are
amazing, we take a bow. Mike and your team at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, it’s always a delight and the kids really do enjoy their annual visit. Special thanks to James, too, for being so good with the kids. Monkeyland’s Favour and crew, you’re the best as always. Thank you to Plett Game Reserve, for being part of this year’s tour - we had an amazing time and the kids can’t stop talking about the ‘Big Five’. Finally, I thank all participants for sharing that Plett Feeling with us. CXPRESS readers are welcome to contact me on 072 543 9502 or at mike.sebezo@gmail.com for more info on our initiatives. Wandisile Afrika Sebezo: Eden Social Network, Plett
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Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za
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CXPRESS
SPORT & ADVENTURE
7 June 2017
Adopt a Swimmer’s graduates reap just rewards Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za
La Luna
AY 13 was a lucky day indeed for eight Adopt a Swimmer students, who graduated with pride and much fanfare during a ceremony held in their honour. But there was a bit of ‘bittersweet’ involved, says Adopt a Swimmer (AAS) founder Louise Auersperg. “The occasion was both happy and sad, as we had to say goodbye to these incredible kids. Having completed the course successfully, we ensured that every one of them received a certificate and prizes to celebrate this achievement.” The good news is that, thanks to local and international sponsors, many such groups will be able to wade their way through this deserving NGO initiative in future. According to Auersperg, most of the youngsters are quite fearful of water at the start. But like the latest batch of graduates, future students will learn to float on their backs and be able to accomplish a 100m crawl, swim under water
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WATER-AND-LIFE-WISE: AAS trustee and financial advisor François Geldenhuys, at left back, joined the Auersperg trio of, from left, lifeguard volunteer Alexander, coach Peter, and founder Louise during the graduation party
for 5m, scull 50m on their backs, surface dive, and even be able to perform basic rescues. As part of the programme they will also participate in a surf lesson and enjoy the privilege of attending an NSRI water-wise course. Last month’s graduates even had instruction from legendary water guru John McCarthy, who taught them vital water skills during a five-hour breathing workshop. Finally, the children are taught practical skills in order to safely enjoy swim-
ming in dams and lagoons. Watching the documentary in this regard as presented on the Sasfin and AAS websites gives viewers a clear understanding of the absolute necessity of the programme. “Part of the AAS mandate is to enrich the lives of our students while opening up opportunities in other spheres of life. We would not have been able to positively impact so many youngsters without the support of local businesses and individuals,” says Auersperg.
She thanks Steers, Spur and Plett Sports for graciously donating prizes for the awards ceremony. “Your kindness goes a long way to improve the wellbeing of these kids. We are also indebted to Plett Surf Lifesaving for the use of its clubhouse for the awards ceremony.” Finally, the AAS crew thank Ocean Safaris for treating their students to educational excursions that greatly enhanced the youngsters’ understanding of the creatures that share our marine environment. So what’s next on this exciting journey? Four of the graduates have joined Plett Nippers, and three of them are soon to join Chas Frasier’s development lifeguards when the new season takes off, their ultimate dream being to serve as Plett Lifeguards and NSRI Station 14 volunteer crew. Hats off to AAS and all the parties who contribute selflessly to safeguard and facilitate the dreams of these Bitou kids.
Back Bitou’s tug of war Gazelle and win great prizes LETTENBERG Bay lass Danette Kapp was recently selected for the Springboks’ Gazelle tug of war team and will represent SA in the U/23 Ladies in various weight categories. The team is scheduled to participate in Southport, England, from September 21-24, although Danette will be leaving Plett a bit sooner. Danette started doing tug of war as a 13-year old at Wittedrift High School and under the firm hand of Pieter Coetzee and her mom, Lynn’e Kapp as coaches, she has finally reached her goal of representing South Africa on international level. As a young lady fresh out of high school, funding this trip is of paramount importance. Local businesses have stepped up to the plate with goods and vouchers for her to use as
raffle prizes. Tickets are available at various Bitou outlets so please support Danette by purchasing a
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raffle ticket or three. Alternatively, you can make direct donations via www.backabuddy.co.za/
danis-dream-campaign or call Lynn’e on 061 407 6635 for additional info or bank details.
TOP OF HER GAME: Recently selected to represented SA in the U/23 tug of war team, Danette Kapp - in action at left, and in the front row at right with coach Pieter Coetzee and some of her Wittedrift High team mates, above now calls for support of a raffle to back her September Southport participation
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