8 october

8 October 2014

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

FREE

It’s HOLIDAY - a feeling epitomised

by Bitou mayor Memory Booysen, in blue, with, from left, Emma Brown and cllrs Wayne Craig and Nevelle de Waal jumping for joy at the official opening of Plett’s Wine & Bubbly Fest - see pics on p12

Where’s the R17-million? p3

Business B i and d property p8 & 10

Fun for young and old p13

Photo: Sharyn Hodges - ShowMe Plett

Yay!

Bring your ‘Bat-eared, cross-eyed Staffie-Jack’ to Wild Oats this Saturday turn to p16 for details

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

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CXPRESS

News & Views

8 October 2014

Driving Miss Crazy

To market, to market, to market we go... Final JEEVES shares his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire...

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

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

N Part I [CXPRESS of September 24], I had been commandeered by a couple to drive them to Sedgefield Saturday Market for their weekly grocery fill-up.

Upon our return, a packet of cheese had mysteriously disappeared.

Five weeks later [in Part II - CXPRESS of October 1], I was summonsed to assist since there was a dreadful smell emanating from the garage.

The cheese was discovered, in the back pouch of the passenger seat in the car - which hadn’t been used during that time, because hubby was recovering from a knee replacement and anyway, now he was touring Oz and Kiwiland, following the Springboks on tour.

I was asked to dispense with the cheese...

Having departed the house where the packet of fiveweek-old cheese had been discovered in the rear of the couple’s car, the stinking glob was now tightly wrapped in a refuse bag in the boot of my car, the boot-lid slightly ajar so as not to encapsulate the rotten odours of a medley of seriously off blue cheeses and brie.

Destination: the rubbish tip next to Knysna Fire Station.

Upon my arrival, it transpired that the circulating draft in the partially open boot combined with the car’s vibration, a bumpy ride and erratic swerving (in order to avoid all the pot-holes) had successfully resulted in the bag opening up and disgorging some of its content onto the floor!

The obliging staff at the refuse drop-off point came to assist, and I pointed to the boot. We all peered in, only to see, and smell...

“UKGU" ocp." Occuvgt!” shrieked the one toothless lady, and, “L{"mcppkg"fkg"fkpi" jkgt"nqu"pkg!” shouted the other, slamming the boot closed.

Emergency - this is a job

for the NCRI (National CHEESE Rescue Institute)!

I jumped into the car and sped off, clueless about my next destination.

A million thoughts raced through my mind as to how to dump the stuff. Roadside dustbins, into the bushes, burying it... or what?! Go up Phantom Pass and hurl it into the ravine below? ‘‘Sies man, Maaster!’ shrieked the one toothless lady, and, ‘Jy kannie die ding hier los nie!’ shouted the other, slamming the boot closed... this is a job for the NCRI (National Cheese Rescue Institute)’ Bury it! Bury it! Ah, yes but where?

After considering various options, I decided on a nearby beach, simply because logic suggested that should the pong prevail from underground, the resulting odours could be mistaken for the ‘smell of the sea’ - a blend of sea air, kelp, seaweed and mussels from the rocks.

Not so?

Luckily, it was an overcast, windy day and the beach was deserted.

A grave was dug a metre deep, and the Sedge Market cheeses from a month ago were dispensed with, literally ‘dead and buried’.

--Some days later, out of curiosity, I returned to the beach for an inspection under the guise of a ‘walk’. It was a splendid summer’s day and there were six other cars in the parking lot, not unusual for the time of year.

On the gangway down to the beach, I noticed four people standing in the vicinity of where the cheese had been buried beneath the sand.

I ambled past them; their arms were outstretched, their heads high, eyes closed as they deeply inhaled the ocean breeze with its mystic smells.

Amazing, I thought, how the fresh ‘sea air’ was stronger at that particular spot than anywhere else!

--Upon my next visit to the beach for a walk, the car-park was full. I thought a beach wedding was in progress, my suspicions to be confirmed by a gathering of people in one particular area.

But there was no bride, no

groom, no priest, no chairs for the guests... I was mistaken. They were all standing around the cheese spot, revelling in ‘the smells of the sea’.

By word of mouth, people were coming to this spot from far and wide to savour the fresh sea air! flVknn"pgzv"vkog."ftkxg"uchgn{" /"Lggxgu PS: There’s a very similar tale about a fellow in the English countryside named Bishop, who makes a Stilton-type cheese as a hobby.

He mislaid a batch once, only to discover it weeks later while pursuing his nostrils in search of the source of a particularly strong smell.

It was now very ‘mature’ and he started marketing it as Stinking Bishop! It’s famous now, and he recently rejected an offer of two million Pounds Sterling for the sale of his business, and the secret to his ‘Stilton’ recipe...

News & Views

8 October 2014

CXPRESS

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What happened to the R17-million that would lift Tsitsikamma’s people from poverty?

Yolandé Stander

details and proof of all benefits paid over to the community, a list of assets acquired by the trust as well as assets alienated, disposed of or sold by trustees. They are also required to respond to all the complaints by the community.

After several media reports about the alleged irregularities, the trust responded to

TRUSTED HEADQUARTERS: Vehicles belonging to Tsitsikamma Forest Village Trust parked in front of its offices, situated close to the Bloukrans Bungy operation of Face Adrenalin - one of the trust’s major contributors - Photo: Ewald Stander

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HE community of Tsitsikamma has very little hope that the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Trust annual general meeting in coming weeks will shed any light on the alleged irregularities the trust had been riddled with over the past eight years.

They have lost faith in the trustees’ ability to operate transparently to such an extent that they even turned to the Pretoria High Court, where the trust deed is lodged, to stop the meeting from taking place.

For the past year, beneficiaries of the trust - which was established to provide infrastructure and support to underprivileged communities in the area - have been demanding answers to various questions including how the R17-million paid into the trust since its establishment in 1995, had been spent.

They claim that the impoverished communities have enjoyed very little of the fruits of the trust.

Tsitsikamma Business Chamber chairwoman Yolande le Roux, who recently lodged a complaint about how the trust is run with the Master of the Pretoria High Court, said it had been an uphill battle to gain insight into

these issues.

“Firstly, an AGM has not been held since 2006, despite the fact that the trust deed stipulates clearly that one has to be held every year,” Le Roux said.

She added that there was an attempt to hold an AGM in 2010, but that this was declared illegal as financial statements were not available.

When the statements were made available, it was very difficult for the community to process it as they were only allowed to view the documents at the trust’s office and were not allowed to make photocopies.

Le Roux said there had also been questions around the legality of the trustees.

“According to the trust deed, there has to be seven trustees at all times, but it seems that for the past year there have only been four.

“Some of them have been trustees for the past three years despite the fact that a third of the trustees have to be re-elected every year by beneficiaries - something which has not been done.”

Other allegations contained in the document submitted to the Master’s office include that the trustees paid themselves between R400

and R500 per trust meeting, despite the fact that no provision for such payments is made in the trust deed.

“It also stipulates that trustees and their families may not benefit financially from the trust. We believe however that several loans by trustees or their families have been approved.” Very little of the money has been repaid and large portions written off.

CXPRESS has a copy of a letter sent by the Master’s office to the trustees’ legal representatives in which it requests various documents and information pertaining to the administration of the trust.

Trustees have 14 days to respond and if they fail to do so, they will be removed from office. This period expires on October 16.

Some of the information required includes all financial statements from inception, all bank statements, contracts entered into by the trustees, and the minutes of all meetings.

Also required are all resolutions passed by trustees, steps taken by them to promote objectives of the trust, details of benefits received by trustees from the trust, and details of all payments received by and from the trust.

The Master’s office wants

the allegations in a statement and committed to holding an AGM on October 25.

“We have asked the court to stop the meeting from taking place as we feel it won’t be a legal meeting, because the trustees are in breach of the trust deed. We also have very little hope that our answers would be answered openly,”

Le Roux said.

“The trustees have, through their legal representatives, taken active steps to address any concerns which the Master of the High Court may raise as a result of the negative publications contained in the press,” the statement read.

It further read that the trust To page 4

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CXPRESS

News & Views

8 October 2014

Crime on the rise but Southern Cape still safest spot in province Words & photo: Bob Hopkin

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OLLOWING the release last month of national and provincial crime statistics for the 2014 financial year, George Cluster commander Major General Thembikile Patekile hosted a detailed presentation on the situation in his area of responsibility, which covers most of the Garden Route.

Whereas the stats showed a

gradual increase in Southern Cape crime in general, with notable peaks in Knysna and the George suburbs of Thembalethu and Conville, Patekile was cautiously optimistic that tactics used in the George Cluster were bearing fruit.

“While overall statistics for the province are rather disheartening, it is pleasing to report that this cluster’s con-

tribution to those figures is quite small. In general, the area under the protection of our 18 stations and four satellites remains the safest and most crime-free part of the Western Cape,” he said.

Admitting that resources were stretched, with staffing levels at only 75% of the optimum for the area and population, he said that frequent use of statistical analysis allowed his staff to concentrate on categories of crime that were increasing.

Although the statistics for Knysna indicated a deteriorating situation, Patekile said that the need for police pres-

ence at sporadic demonstrations on poor service delivery contributed to a dilution of effort in patrols and crime prevention.

In addition, as Knysna had only one reporting station, the statistics showed an overall deterioration when, in fact, the centres of crime were in

SERIOUS ABOUT CRIME: Major General Thembikile Patekile makes a point during the presentation on crime statistics

What happened to the R17-million...

From page 3 was committed to transparency, that audited financial statements up to 2013 were available, and that these could be inspected at the trustees’ office.

“The trust’s financial statements are audited in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and the latest statements were made available to the public by

way of advertisement on December 4, 2013.”

In the statement, the trustees said any “loans” paid out by the trust had taken place in accordance with the trust deed and that repayment plans were in place to recover all outstanding debt.

“All the trustees work on a volunteer basis and pay their own costs of travel and telephone, etc. required to per-

form their trust duties.”

They further said beneficiaries had derived benefits through various projects aimed at uplifting the level of education, the elderly, and youth, sport and local business development.

They resolved to ensure that new independent trustees were appointed on the basis of skills, knowledge and expertise, while an audit and

distinct areas similar to the suburbs of George.

When asked how members of the public could help reduce crime levels, he said simple measures were often the most effective. “Keep valuable items out of sight both at home, in the car and while walking in the streets.

Identify your valuables by noting serial numbers or using a microdot system.

“If you have firearms, always keep them under lock and key. Be observant and report suspicious activity to the police. Don’t worry about victimisation, as we will keep your identity a secret. Join your neighbourhood watch but don’t engage in vigilante activities - let us deal with it.”

risk committee was also being set up.

Member of Parliament and DA constituency leader for Kouga and Koukamma Elza van Lingen said she would ask the Arts & Culture Minister several questions regarding the saga and would also write to SARS to investigate the annual financial statements of the trust and those “insiders who allegedly benefitted from trust funds”.

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News & Views

8 October 2014

Meet Plett Clean champ Patrick Windvogel MY WORK IS NEVER DONE: When CXPRESS caught up with Patrick, he was making his way on foot from his New Horizons home to Plett CBD, picking up rubbish along the way with his ‘stick’ and filling an everpresent black bag with roadside litter

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INCE the February start of a campaign to keep Plett clean - teams of volunteers tackling different blocks all over Bitou, from the CBD to outlying corners of Wittedrift and Kurland Village to remove rubbish and create gardens big or small - the name ‘Patrick’ has been on everybody’s lips.

“That guy does the work of 10 paid workers a day,” was

the general consensus. But campaign initiator Alison Bryant regards that figure as a bit of an underestimation, Patrick having become an invaluable part of the Plett Clean machine.

For holiday visitors not familiar with this drive to beautify the town and surrounds, but aware that something has changed for the (much!) better: Alison and Nic Bryant

and a team of volunteers get together for an hour or two after work on Tuesdays, convening at The Grand traffic circle and heading out from there to hit problem areas.

Regular and sporadic contributors include individuals and local businesses, and several of the town’s gardening services contribute in some way or another. But other than the Bryants, Patrick is the other rock-solid constant that ensures the campaign’s success to date.

The only breadwinner of a family of five, Patrick, 31, told how he spotted Alison at work in Main Street one Tuesday afternoon many months ago. “I needed R20 anything - to buy food for the three kids and my girlfriend, so I offered her a hand.”

After helping her clean around the pretty whale tail circle, he received the bucks from a big guy named Nic, who he soon realised was Alison’s husband.

It was the start of a most productive relationship.

“After seeing me work, Alison offered me a job for three days. After those three days, she said there was another job for two weeks,” he smiles, clearly proud of his cleaning proficiency.

No trees for Knysna potholes, please!

This picture by Chantal van Greuning of Sedgefield was pilfered from the Algoa FM News site, its caption reading: ‘Apparently Knysna residents are so frustrated with all the potholes in town that they have threatened on social media to plant a tree in each pothole.’ Knysna Municipality released a statement on September 30 alerting residents to the danger of this practice. Under the heading ‘Pothole trees not a safe solution’, it said the municipality fully recognised ‘the frustrations and the annoyance the potholes cause’. It continues to explain the town’s road hierarchy system, drawn up and including budgets in this regard allocated to various wards. ‘The R4.9-million budget was divided into R1.620million for resealing, R1.3-million for general road maintenance and R1.990-million for gravel roads.’ The municipal manager appealed to the public to be patient and to phone 044 302 6300 with enquiries regarding specific work planned in the various wards.

CXPRESS Patrick has already had to bid farewell to both his parents, with whom he’d moved from Port Elizabeth to Plett in 1991, and two children who passed away over the past decade. But he remains positive that, through hard work and perseverance, he would finally be able to look after his partner and remaining children, aged between five and 11 years.

“I work every day, no mat-

ter if it’s weekend. If I see the streets are dirty, I grab my stick and bag and start cleaning. I speak to the people who live around me in New Horizons and they know by now that I’ll never give up.

“My kids have also realised this and say, ‘Daddy doesn’t like to leave behind rubbish or dirt’. So I try to lead by example. But it still feels as if I’ve not really managed to get anything done!”

5 Patrick’s work for the Plett Clean Campaign does not equate a permanent job at all, of course, and the money he receives arrives purely through donations. There’s a Patrick Pot at Rice & Linen in Plett’s Main Street so if you would like to contribute, pop in there or call Alison on 082 572 1027.

(Also see the letter Igg"fkê" itqgr" flgpigng‚" flp" Pqdgnrt{u" xkt"Pgvjgkf# on page 19.)

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CXPRESS

News & Views

8 October 2014

Ebola en slim apies als deel van héérlike Vic Valle breek In CXPRESS van 27 Augustus het ons berig oor die groep FNB slimkoppe - onder andere Margaret van Huyssteen van die Plettenbergbaaitak, wie ‘n vakansie by die Victoria Watervalle gewen het - met die belofte om foto’s in te sluit met hul terugkeer, so hiermee Margaret se reisverslag en kiekies

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IT was ‘n baie lekker drie-dag toer. Die weer was wonderlik en ons uwp/ fqypgt bootrit was heerlik, met die soort ongelooflike sonsondergang wat mens gewoonlik net op prentjies sien.

Ons het baie olifante en seekoeie gesien, veral in die water, en een groot krokodil.

Die apies was te pragtig en besonder besig by die David Livingston Lodge & Spa... Jy moes jou goed mooi oppas.

Ons het die tweede aand gaan uiteet en die deur op die balkon was toegemaak maar toe ons terugkom was al ons piesangs weg! Hulle is so slim - het die deur gevoelvoel en toe dit soos ‘n konsertina effens oopskuif, het hulle deurgekom en die piesangs opgeraap.

Die Vic Valle was ongelooflik en ons kon die sprei van die water op ons voel waar ons gestaan en kyk het, en met rukke het ons dubbele reënboë gesien. Die tyd van die jaar is die weer pragtig daar en mens moet vroegoggend na die watervalle gaan om die beste uitsig te hê met daai reënboë.

Daar’s baie aktiwiteite waaraan jy kan deelneem, soos byvoorbeeld helikopterritte of ‘n oketqnkvg vlug (vir 15 minute kos dit ongeveer US$175, wat vir ons twee saam so by die R4,000 sou kos!) en tkx/ gt" tchvkpi - alles wat ons by Stormsrivier kan doen kan jy daar ook doen. Mens kan ook tussen die leeus gaan stap vir US$150pp vir ‘n paar uur.

Dit is baie droog in die dele van Zambië wat ons gesien het maar omdat ons op die rivier oewer tuis was, was alles groen daar. Die hotel is baie mooi, die diens uitstekend en die kos was baie lekker. Ons het alles geëet, van voorgereg tot nagereg heerlik, hoor!

Die mense daar is heeltemal anders as ons Suid-Afrikaners - baie vriendelik, nederig en hulpvaardig. Jy voel veilig en hulle help graag met wat jy ookal wil weet. Dit is asof daar so ‘n ugtgpkv{ en vrede op hul gesigte is, al is meeste van hulle baie arm.

Ons was ook op die brug

KRUIN VAN GENOT: Margaret van Huyssteen het laas maand haar bankkantoor vir drie dae vir die natuurskoon van Zambië en luukses van die David Livingston Lodge & Spa verruil

NATUURWONDER: Hendrik van Huyssteen bekyk die dubbele reënboë wat verskyn wanneer vroe-more sonlig die valle se sprei vang

tussen Zimbabwe en Zambië gewees tot waar hulle sê dit is niemandsland. Die vragmotors het vir kilometers ver gestaan om oor die grens na Zimbabwe te gaan.

Toe ons terugkom, word ons getoets vir Ebola, kan jy glo? Nie dat ek weet wat die verpleegster met daai liggie van haar kon sien nie. Maar soos genoem, ons het veilig gevoel tussen die mense daar en hul houding is heeltemal anders want hulle het nie “in die verlede” vasgehaak nie.

Ek dink hulle wil graag hul lot verbeter en buitelandse kapitaal word nou stadig maar seker gebruik om die gebied waar ons was bietjie te ontwikkel.

Die huise in Livingstone is

baie oud. So rondom 1912 gebou, herinner dit aan ons ou spoorweghuisies.

Ons was ook binne hulle Shoprite wat ek aanneem ‘n nuwe gebou is. Die gehalte van die vleis en die slaghuis gedeelte was so skoon en het nie die reuke wat ons winkels het nie. En die pryse vergelyk goed met ons in Suid Afrika. Mens het amper gevoel of jy in ‘n winkel in jou eie land is en moes net heeltyd onthou die pryse is Kwatcha en nie Rand nie.

Ek hoop die terugvoer gee CXPRESS lesers ‘n idee van ons trip wat regtig lekker was - en drie dae is net genoeg by so ‘n plek, tensy jy die vondse het om al die ekskursies te doen.

Notice Board The midweek market at Old Nick Village off Plett N2 celebrates its second birthday vqfc{ (Oct 8) from 10am to 4pm so swing past and share in their fun festive agenda: a Local Makers Market; Peter’s Picnic Classic Car Show; PAWS second-hand stall; a jumping castle and rhino car; and a fairy dress-up competition for three to nine-year-olds.

Entry costs R20.

On Saturday Qevqdgt" 33" Plett Animal Welfare Services hosts its popular 4xPAWS Dog Walk for Plett’s canine residents. This is a wonderful outdoor event for the whole family, setting off on a 5km walk along Beachyhead. See you at Longstone Park (behind BI Kwikspar) for registration at 9am. Entry is R30 and all dogs must be on leads. Call Di on 082 569 2571 for more info.

It’s Pink Trees for Pauline time again, when Plett unites in hope against cancer by buying pink cloth at R20/m to wrap around a favourite landmark and raise funds for Cansa. Cloth are sold at The Old House Shop and outside Pick n Pay on Saturdays.

Call Hanlie on 082 688 3152 for more info and watch this space for news on the culmination of this annual campaign on Friday Qevqdgt"53.

News & Views

8 October 2014

KNYSNA LITERARY FESTIVAL

An evening with Gareth Patterson - October 16

K

NYSNA Literary Festival presented by Pam Golding Properties is bringing yet another celebrated author to Knysna for what’s sure to be an entertaining evening.

Mark your calendars for Thursday October 16 at 5pm, when acclaimed wildlife author Gareth Patterson will talk about his book O{"Nkqp‚u" Jgctv at Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa. Patterson is an environmen-

talist, independent wildlife researcher and author who has worked tirelessly for more than 25 years for the greater protection of African wildlife, including the elusive Knysna elephants, as recorded in his 2010 book Vjg" Ugetgv"Gngrjcpvu.

Well known for his work on the African lion as well as animal rights, he has written numerous books including Et{" hqt" vjg" Nkqpu (1989), Yjgtg"

Only six Garden Route eateries get the Amex Fine Dining nod

E

XCITEMENT was the order of the day when recipients of the American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards were announced recently, the Garden Route walking away with six awards this time round.

Plett’s only recipient for the 2014/5 period - and that for an impressive fifth year running - is Zinzi Restaurant at Hunters (where CXPRESS Garden Route Culinary Awards convenor Anne Hadley had the pleasure of spending the past weekend).

Congratulations, too, to Knysna eateries Pembreys (no surprise there, Pete & Liz...) and The Orchid Room at Simola (where Delia con-

tinues to delight), to La Locanda in George (you rock and you know it, Papa Dario), Serendipity in Wilderness (ignwm." uqqu" cnv{f. Lizelle & Rudolf), and Transkaroo in Great Brak River (uq" flp" dgm" oqgv"Lcopgem"mt{#).

All six of these restaurants are Hall of Fame regulars in the annual CXPRESS food stakes - confirmation of the rock-solid credibility of Annie and fellow convenor Francois Ferreira and their team of ghost diners.

This year’s Top 20 and other CXPRESS culinary award category winners will be announced during a function at Kurland Hotel in November watch this space for details...

vjg"Nkqp"Ycnmgf (1991), Vjg" Nkqpu‚" Ngice{ (1991), Ncuv" qh" vjg" Htgg (1994), Ykvj" O{" Uqwn" Coqpiuv" Nkqpu (1995), F{kpi" vq" dg" Htgg (1998), Ocmkpi"c"Mknnkpi (2000), and Vq"Ycnm"ykvj"Nkqpu (2001).

Following the talk, Patterson’s latest books will be available for purchase and signing, and attendees with have the chance to mingle while enjoying an artisan cheese, bread and wine tasting.

Tickets for this incredible evening are priced at R160 per person and are on sale at Pam Golding Properties - see the advert on this page for more info and contact details.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

Business

8 October 2014

New ‘bubbly region’ label a springboard for Plett, says Pam Golding Properties

BRAMON IN BLOOM: The view across the vineyards of the wine estate for which Pam Golding Properties now holds the sole marketing mandate, its 660m² wine cellar part and parcel of the package

A

CCLAIMED as a global golfing mecca, the Garden Route has in recent years seen Plett becoming renowned for the sport of polo, with no less than 10 polo fields of international standard, and more in the pipeline.

Now Plett is set to further boost the region’s global tourism appeal as the Sparkling Wine Route of South Africa.

Host to some five million

visitors per annum, the Garden Route is rapidly emerging as a unique and wellrespected Wine of Origin region thanks to pioneering Plettenberg Bay, says Pam Golding Properties (PGP) area principal for Plett and Knysna, Ling Dobson.

PGP has just concluded the sale of the boutique Luka Wine Farm near Plett for close to the asking price of

R7.25-million. Set on seven hectares, the estate’s Sauvignon Blanc received a Silver International Michelangelo Award in 2012 and SA Double Gold Vitis Vinifera Award 2013.

Now PGP holds the sole mandate to market the Bay’s ground-breaking Bramon Wine Estate - the first producing wine farm so far east of the Western Cape, initial-

ADVERTORIAL

Local business sales remain buoyant

O

NE of the indicators of business confidence in a town is the sale of businesses to new residents, especially when the sellers remain in town to continue with a brand new venture.

“Add to this a situation where there are constant enquiries for businesses from people seeking to relocate to Plettenberg Bay, and it’s clear that the positive signs abound. Happily, this has been happening more and more lately,” says Robert Auersperg of

Re/Max Prime Properties in Plett’s Main Street.

“Recently, I brokered the deal on The Cleaning Company, owned by Charmaine le Roux. The business was bought by new Bitou residents, Beverly and Barnaby Pyper from Zimbabwe.”

Robert explains that Charmaine is now establishing a bistro-style restaurant on a smallholding out near the airport, and anticipates launching this new venture early in the New Year.

“I congratulate both parties and wish them great success in the future.”

The Cleaning Company offers char services, contract cleaning, and cleanups of building sites. Call Barnaby on 082 447 3919.

“Should you be interested in buying or selling a business or receiving advice on either, please feel free to contact me, Robert, on 072 246 9929.”

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ly planted to vines in 2000.

Explains Dobson: “Bramon has been the pioneer and key driver of our innovative Wine & Bubbly Route, further enhancing the unique character of the region and providing a boost for tourism as well as impetus for job creation and other economic development opportunities.

“With a thriving restaurant and award-winning boutique concept wines, it is well placed to support further growth in the burgeoning wine industry here since Bramon’s wine cellar acts as the central production facility for the region.

“Currently, with 50 hectares under vine, some 18 new wine farms are being developed, seven of which have their wines vinified at Bramon. Others are coming on line and many more are in the planning phase.

“These growers have the option to sell their output to the cellar, the grapes processed into Bramon Méthode Cap Classique and still wines, or alternatively have their harvests processed and bottled under their own labels.

“Plett Tourism has assisted in creating the Plett Wine Route, which aims to establish this as a world class wine region,” adds Dobson.

Pioneers of wine-growing in Plett and producing a variety of cultivars including Méthode Cap Classique, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Shiraz Rosé, Bramon has won numerous awards, including a Michelangelo International Silver 2013, a Vitis Vinifera Gold 2013, an Old Mutual Bronze 2013, and 4 and 4.5 Stars in Platter 2014.

Cellar master Anton Smal of Villiera acclaim enthuses about the diversity of flavours attributed to soil, climate and

good old-fashioned care.

The estate’s 660m² wine cellar boasts a 250-ton capacity and state of the art equipment, and its three-bedroom main house with deck and pool overlooks a waterfall with mountain views to boot.

The estate further includes a two-bedroom log home plus bachelor flat, 200-seater restaurant, tasting centre, vineyards, two dams, and 700m of river frontage.

Says Dobson: “The Plett Winelands has been compared favourably with New Zealand, not only for its climatic and geographic characteristics, but for the style of New Age-style wines that are changing perceptions of wine and bubbly, making local ngm/ mgt indeed.

“With a gentle ocean breeze sweeping through the vines, glorious weather and a wine region that can be traversed in a variety of ways, the Plett Winelands - which hosted its inaugural Wine & Bubbly Festival last weekend - is making a definite mark on the South African wine industry.”

Commenting on the property market in Plett and Knysna, Dobson says PGP sales in excess of R84-million from March to August 2014 show a healthy increase in turnover from R74-million for the same period in 2013.

“Our average selling price is currently R2.775-million, which reflects a significant increase of 31% over last year and is indicative of buy-

are now on the market and offering good value for money.

There seems new energy and confidence in the market in general and, most positively, construction is taking place, with 12 houses currently being re-built in Plett’s Beachy Head Road.

“There is also growing interest in guesthouses, particularly among German buyers, with prices of available stock currently in the region of R6.9million to R11-million in Plett, and from R4.2-million to R14-million in Knysna.

“Further to this, we are experiencing significantly increased interest in industrial and commercial property as well as farms,” she adds.

PGP recently sold two industrial properties in Knysna in the R2-million to R3-million price range, both fully tenanted with yields between 9.5% and 10.5%. These properties were acquired by an investor from the Free State.

Interestingly, Knysna’s industrial area has become something of an old car mecca, with this year’s edition of the annual Jaguar Simola Hillclimb drawing an attendance of over 22,220.

Says Dobson: “A local resident who has made his lifelong passion for cars into a successful business is Norman Frost of Frost Brothers, an icon in the classic and vintage car industry based in premises in the industrial area and operating mainly via the internet.

‘There seems new energy and confidence, with 12 houses currently being re-built in Beachy Head’ ers purchasing in a slightly higher price bracket.

“Apart from local buyers, who are either re-investing, downscaling, or acquiring property for all the usual reasons, Cape Town purchasers many of whom are relocating here - have overtaken those from Gauteng.

“We are also seeing international buyers from Germany, United Arab Emirates, Botswana, Sweden and the UK, the latter usually purchasing property for leisure or partial use for several months of the year.

“All the signs of an improving market are evident. Vacant land sales have picked up, with bargains currently available ranging in price from below R500,000 in Pezula Golf Estate to under R2-million in Pezula Private Estate.

“Residential developments put on hold prior to the slump

“Car enthusiasts come from all over the country and even internationally to buy his cars, and even purchase vehicles unseen.”

Dobson says Knysna CBD commercial properties are generating heightened interest with a number of older buildings revamped to offer appealing retail space as well as new coffee shops and restaurants.

“With fibre optic cabling being installed, Knysna will soon be able to offer faster internet, which together with very competitive rentals and lower overheads is anticipated to attract large corporate companies which do not need to be located in the cities,” she concludes.

• Call PGP Plett on 044 533 2103 or PGP Knysna on 044 382 5574, or email ling.dob son@pamgolding.co.za and see the advert on page 9.

Promotion

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Business

8 October 2014

End of Waring era as Knysna municipal manager resigns

M

AYOR Georlene Wolmarans said it was ‘a big shock’ when announcing at a recent council meeting that municipal manager Lauren Waring had handed in her resignation.

“She was one of the first appointments of the newlyelected DA Council and we

had a good working relationship. We did bump heads at times as expected in our environment, but she has always acted in line and accommodated DA caucus policy and decisions.”

Wolmarans said Waring cited personal reasons for her resignation, which comes

into effect end-November.

“In the light of the unfortunate and tragic incidents she experienced over the last year, I understand her decision.

She, as I am, is a mother and I know a strong support system at home is essential for this type of position, which often requires 12 hour days and

work over weekends.

“In addition to health problems, Lauren lost her support system in a car accident just before Christmas, and had to deal with her own injuries as well.”

Local Government law governs the process by which municipal managers are em-

ployed and Wolmarans said the appointment of a new candidate would be discussed and finalised at a special council meeting.

“A service provider must be appointed to handle the recruitment process and we will have to decide who must be included on the interview panel, among other things. If we have not made an appointment by December 1, an acting municipal manager will be appointed in the interim.”

One of only four female municipal managers in the Western Cape, Waring previously

Merger of property greats bodes well for Plett

Investor Focus

Engel & Völkers Plettenberg Bay recently announced its merger with Plett Realty, and released this statement to clarify this future association and quell ‘abounding rumours’

T

HE recent untimely death of Pieter van Eeden, the principal and sole owner of Plett Realty, was a great shock and sadness to all. He was legendary in most successfully promoting, marketing and selling properties in Plettenberg Bay and surrounds for some 25 years.

Prior to Pieter’s death, negotiations related to a future alliance, trading under the Engel & Völkers banner, were already at a very advanced stage.

The alliance made great business sense, allowing Plett Realty to have an association with a true international real estate company - and what better than that of Engel & Völkers, founded in the elegant Hamburg suburbs along the river Elbe way back in 1977, and one of the most respected realtors in Europe and elsewhere.

Today, it is one of the leading worldwide brokerage services for premium segment residential and commercial properties, and the foundation of a global luxury Yachting Division in 2007, operating from over 500 residential agencies in 38 countries.

To capture and showcase the world of chosen fantastic pieces of real estate in its entirety, led to the creation of E&Vs II (Global Guide) glossy and sophisticated high-end international lifestyle magazine, which fea-

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Pieter van Eeden suddenly passed away on August 17, leaving a void in Plettenberg Bay’s real estate industry - a void which is now being filled by the association with Engel & Völkers he started negotiating before his untimely death

tures interviews with interesting people.

These are aficionados of first-class properties for sale throughout the global network of E&V offices and II is currently published in six languages with a total circulation of 160,000 copies - a most sought-after publication that is prominently displayed on coffee tables in private homes throughout the world.

A national monthly publication, PI (National Guide to Real Estate) is distributed throughout South Africa in vast quantities, and is a popular showcase in advertising the diversification of properties our country has on offer.

With the foregoing in mind, it becomes easy to understand

why Pieter wanted global exposure for all the wonderful properties he had successfully mandated to market, especially as Plett was becoming a very sought after location by more and more overseas buyers and made so much more attractive with the present exchange rate.

Abiding and honouring Pieter’s wish, and since the closure of Plett Realty - a company that made his name synonymous with the marketing of property in Plett, and well known as being one of the top agents, apart from his property valuation ability his agents have now moved to Engel & Völkers.

Pieter was known for his professionalism, integrity,

commitment and expertise.

He was fastidious to the nth degree, pedantic and an absolute perfectionist, which was respected by all the estate agents in town as borne out at his funeral, attended by so many townsfolk.

This sentiment was further expressed by the wonderful words in church from one of his main competitor agencies, Connie Peet of Seeff.

Pieter had become a household name within the real estate industry.

Complementing Pieter’s legacy, the new association with Engel & Völkers is under the helm of vastly experienced franchise owner Dawn Schmoor, supported by newly appointed manager Jan Minnie, who will run the Plettenberg Bay office.

Jan is a well-known exclusive property specialist and enjoyed a long association with Pieter, going back many years through the creation of Valley Estates.

The company is confidently expected to grow from strength to strength and continue to be one of the market leaders in successfully selling idyllic properties in magical Plett, for many years to come.

We pride ourselves in contributing to Plettenberg Bay becoming one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world, so improving the lives of all people who live in this paradise.

served as Knysna’s director of Planning & Development.

She was officially appointed as MM in February 2012.

Some of her achievements in this position include Knysna’s first clean audit in the 2012/13 financial year, acquiring Blue Flag status for two Knysna beaches, establishing the estuary pollution management strategy and task team, and the town being highlighted as one of the top performing municipalities in the Western Cape by President Zuma in this year’s State of the Nation address.

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

The Big Five - Part IV: British American Tobacco

B

RITISH American Tobacco (BAT) traces its roots back to 1902, when it was started in the United Kingdom as a small cigarette manufacturer.

However, it was in 1941 that Anton Rupert started manufacturing cigarettes in his garage. This young entrepreneur, born in Graaff-Reinet, invested 10 pounds to start his company. His brand then was Rembrandt, which was ultimately merged with Rothmans in 1972.

In 1999, the Rupert-controlled group merged with the original British American Tobacco group, the family retaining a minimum of 28.6% of the shares.

The Rupert family has since built an international empire that includes the Swiss-based company Richmond (the home of Cartier, Piaget, Alfred Dunhill, Montblanc, and Chloe, to name but a few), international investment company Reinet and Remgro, the South African conglomerate that currently appears to be targeting Africa as a global growth focal point.

From these small beginnings, BAT has grown into one of the world’s foremost companies. It has 46 factories in 41 countries. It markets

and distributes cigarettes in over 200 countries.

The company sold a staggering 676-billion cigarettes globally in 2013. The spread of countries is incredibly wide, stretching from Cambodia to Chile and from Australia to Austria.

It directly employs over 57,000 people. It owns no tobacco farms, but supports a host of small and large tobacco farmers worldwide. It contributes to their farming skills and ensures a stable market for their tobacco.

BAT has an incredible financial record. It has raised its dividend every year for the last 13 years. In 2000, it paid a dividend of 29 cents per share and, in 2013, it paid 142.4 cents per share.

So your income from BAT would have grown by 13% pa over the period. (I hope your pension is as good!)

This is an incredible company and reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and managerial skills of yet another South African family.

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Interval

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Do you ever get the vuja day feeling?

Not déjá vu. This is vuja day: the strange feeling that none of this has ever happened before. - George Carlin

Cellphone rudeness

A

FTER a tiring day, a commuter settled down in his seat and closed his eyes. As the train rolled out of the station, the young woman sitting next to him pulled out her cellphone and started talking in a loud voice: “Hi, sweetheart. It’s Sue. I’m on the train.

“Yes, I know it’s the 6:30 and not the 4:30, but I had a long meeting.

“No, honey, not with that Kevin from the accounting

office. It was with the boss.

“No, sweetheart, you’re the only one in my life.

“Yes, I’m sure, cross my heart!”

Fifteen minutes later, she was still talking loudly.

When the man sitting next to her had enough, he leaned over and said into the phone: “Sue, hang up the phone and come back to bed.”

Sue doesn’t use her cellphone in public any longer.

A spaghetti love story

F

OR several years, a man was having an affair with an Italian woman.

One night, she confided in him that she was pregnant.

Not wanting to ruin his reputation or his marriage, he said he would pay her a large sum of money if she would go to Italy to secretly have the child.

Furthermore, if she stayed in Italy to raise the child, he would also provide child support until the child turned 18.

She agreed, but asked how he would know when the baby was born.

To keep it discreet, he told her to simply mail him a post-

card, and write ‘Spaghetti’ on the back. He would then arrange for the child support payments to begin.

One day, about nine months later, he came home to his confused wife.

“Honey,” she said, “you received a strange card today.”

“Oh, just give it to me and I’ll explain it later,” he said.

The wife obeyed and watched as her hubby read the card, turned white, and fainted.

On the card was written: ‘Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Three with meatballs, two without. Send extra sauce.’

Laws of…

• Lerman’s Law of Technology: Any technical problem can be overcome given enough time and money. Corollary: You are never given enough time or money.

• Murphy’s First Law for Wives: If you ask your husband to pick up five items at the store and then you decide to add one more as an afterthought, he will forget two of the first five.

• Law of the Search: The first place to look for anything is the last place you would expect to find it. Corollary: It will not be in the last place you expect to find it.

• Kauffman’s Paradox of the Corporation: The less important you are to the corporation, the more your tardiness or absence is noticed.

• The Salary Axiom: The pay raise is just large enough to increase your taxes and just small enough to have no effect on your take-home pay.

• Miller’s Law of Insurance: Insurance covers everything except what happens.

• First Law of Living: As soon as you start doing what you always wanted to be doing, you’ll want to be doing something else.

• Weiner’s Law of Libraries: There are no answers, only cross-references.

• Isaac’s Strange Rule of Staleness: Any food that starts out hard will soften when stale. Any food that starts out soft will harden when stale.

• Kenny’s Law of Auto Repair: The part that requires the most consistent repair or replacement is sure to be housed in the most inaccessible location.

• Second Law of Business Meetings: If there are two possible ways to spell a person’s name, you will pick the wrong one. Corollary: If there is only one way to spell a name, you will spell it wrong anyway.

• The Grocery Bag Law: The chocolate you planned to eat on the way home from the market is hidden at the bottom of the grocery bag.

• Yeager’s Law: Washing machines break down only during the wash cycle. Corollary: All breakdowns occur on the plumber’s day off.

• Lampner’s Law of Employment: When leaving work late, you will go unnoticed. When you leave work early, you will meet the boss in the parking lot.

• Quile’s Consultation Law: The job that pays the most will be offered when there is no time to deliver the services.

• Loftus’ Law: Some people manage by the book, even though they don’t know who wrote the book or even which book it is.

• Lovka’s Dilemma: You never get away, you only get someplace else.

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Social Scene

8 October 2014

FUN HAD BY ALL: The pictures here show the tremendous weekend had by all during Plett Tourism’s wonderful Wine & Bubbly Fest this past weekend - well done and three cheers to everyone involved!

- Photos: Sharyn Hodges, ShowMe Plett

People, places & events SAY ‘CHEESE’: Monday’s Cheese Making Demonstration at Plettenvale Boutique Wine Estate with Alje van Deemter, left, from Fynboshoek Cheese Farm in the Tsitsikamma was a popular event during the Plett Wine & Bubbly Fest. At far left from left is Plett local John Moyes with owner of Plettenvale Boutique Wine Estate Gloria Strack and her son, Grant.

Photos: Nick van der Leek

Holiday Activities

8 October 2014

Win a first-brew tasting experience at Mitchell’s Oktoberfest this weekend

O’ZAPFT, IT’S OCTOBER! This table packed with media representatives - and co-organiser Shaun van Eck at the far left corner of the table - was part of the lucky invitees to witness last Sunday’s launch of the Mitchell’s Oktoberfest, with beer tasting, lunch and Koos Kombuis all thrown in for fun - Photo: Gigi Lewis

T

HIS weekend’s Knysna Oktoberfest will feature the cracking of the first kegs of beer brewed at the beautiful new Mitchell’s brewery on the Knysna’s lagoon-side - and you and a friend could be there as VIP guests.

Simply SMS your name, as well as the name and cell number of another Mitchell’s fan to KNY33903, and the two of you could be drawn in a group of 40 who will taste the virgin brews on Friday October 10.

The extended celebrations will last from 3pm ‘till late on Friday, and from 11am to midnight on Saturday the 11th. It promises to be a singing, dancing, having-fun festival as Oktoberfest and Mitchell’s combine into a party to remember.

“We will be making history as we crack the first kegs of our new brews and those attending will share a unique and exciting celebration with us,” says Mitchell’s master brewer Dave McRae. Mitchell’s Brewery and its beers have been part of the Knysna experience for decades and the building of the new brewery is a massive investment and a vote of confidence in the town’s future.

“We believe that it’s time for bold initiatives to inject energy and momentum back into the economy of our town and we decided that Mitch-

ell’s would be a leader in this movement,” enthuses Frikkie Burger, a director of the brewery.

“So, we would like to renew our partnership with Knysna locals and their guests during the celebration of new beginnings. As we crack the first kegs, we will not only be celebrating the brews, but also the belief that our destiny lies in the hands of our Knysna businesses and in a joint vision of a bright future for our town.

“A positive attitude backed by deliberate action will bring back the self-belief that drove Knysna to the top as a thriving town.”

‘Be Happy Naturally’ will be the call that brings the Oktoberfest-feeling to the Garden Route and launches the start of the summer brewing cycle.

“Three charities will also benefit from a share in the profits,” says organiser Bev van Eck. “Attendees will each get a bottle top and can use this to direct funds to NSRI, Knysna Animal Welfare, or the Hands & Hearts skills development project.

“We also have a special menu planned - very affordable and delicious. Sauerkraut and mash with various German specials like Kessler chops, chicken schnitzel, eisbein and a South African touch of springbok goulash.

“Pronto Coffee and Wurst Express will be there and all of the Mitchell’s brews will be available, as well as a Jägermeister promotion.”

Bev says that Friday starts at 3pm for all honorary guests and that doors will open to the public at 4pm with Ukipcvwtg playing on stage. “At 5pm we will tap open the first keg of the season, opening the Oktoberfest with the traditional German cry of Q‚|crhv!”

Other musical entertainment include Ot" I." Yjcv" Ujg" Uckf, The Knysna Pipe Band (who will make an appearance around 2pm on Saturday), and Cape Town band Vjg" Dgct on Saturday evening in the late slot.

“Friday night will end off with DJ SUB and Saturday with DJ Xavier - a local boy who has done very well in the Cape and has even been played on 5fm,” says Bev. So this Oktoberfest promises more singing, dancing and happiness than ever before as Mitchell’s does it naturally into the party night.

Contact Bev on 084 250 7778 or at shaunvan@mweb. co.za for more information and invite your friends to follow the Facebook page Knysna Oktoberfest.

Tickets cost R50 per day you can come and go as you please - and R80 if you buy for Saturday as well.

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8 October 2014

Social Scene

FUNDS RAISED FOR GYM STAR: Maureen de Beer, left, is pictured here accepting her prize from Love of Linen’s Inge van Reenen.

Congratulations, too, to Bettie Wernich who won a beautiful quilt from Love of Linen, and to JC le Roux and Shaun O’Neill on being the lucky draw raffle winners in a competition to raise funds for Knysna Gymnastic Club’s Crystal Hart to attend the South African Gymnastics Championships being held in Cape Town from October 8-11. The organisers thank all those who contributed to this event and ask all to hold thumbs for Crystal in the upcoming competition.

People, places & events PHAKI SPELLERS TOPS: During the past school term, a Spellathon was held in Circuit 4 for foundation phase primary school students and learners from Plett’s Phakamisani Primary won all the trophies!

Other isiXhosa schools that took part were Christ Nissen, The Crags, and Thembelitsha Primary. From left in the pic are super-spellers Asive Bongisi, Emihle Xhontela, Siphephelo Maarman, Sivuyise Tyam, and Chumani Manqunyane - congrats. - Photo: NJ Faku

F R E S H

SPECIAL CALF AT KURLAND: Farm manager Johan Terblanche let CXPRESS know about the newest edition to the family at Kurland Farm. The baby heifer he shows off here, Madonna, was the second Romagnola calf born that day and weighed in at a healthy 39.4kg!

SPORT OUR HERITAGE: Plett reader ‘Azole’ sent these pic and wrote: ‘The Raymond Mhaba ANC Youth League branch celebrated Heritage Day through sport on September 27 in Bossiesgif next to Plett’s industrial area.’ The photo left shows the local ANCYL leadership along with ward councillor Monica Seyisi, standing out at centre in brilliant shades of green.

4X4 LAMBS SEE THE LIGHT: Magriet of Southern Comfort Horse Ranch in Harkerville sent this pic and wrote: ‘Glin got a few sheep - his latest hobby. Most times we get one lamb, sometimes twins, and we’ve had one or two triplets. But last month we had our first set of quadruplets! I spoke to a few farmers and people involved with sheep and none has ever heard of this before.’ Phone Annelize on 044 532 7885 or visit www. schranch.co.za to find out more...

Food & Wine

8 October 2014

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A fisherman’s notes on cooking... mainly fish

First catch your mussel cracker...

ALASTAIR GRANT’s continuing culinary journey takes him to Sainsbury’s from the Beacon Island Rocks

T

HERE was no two ways about it: we couldn’t afford the fresh catch at Sainsbury’s fish counter. It was a lovely display of North Atlantic halibut, ling, cod, red mullet, salmon and trout, to name but a few of the species available in England.

At the far end of the counter there was an arrangement of imported sea-bream, conger, and red snapper spread on the crushed ice. They looked beautiful.

Then Di noticed that some rather large red snapper heads were for sale at 50p each.

What a find! The meat on a large head is the best part.

You know this if you catch your own fish, because fish mongers don’t like to frighten their customers with fearsome heads. (When last did you see a whole monkfish?)

So we bought two heads for a quid and took them home to cook. Di steamed them for five minutes in a large pot containing a little water, sliced onion, carrot, pepper corns and a bay leaf. The flesh was easy to separate from the bones in nice chunks, but it’s a messy operation.

Served cold with a little seafood mayonnaise and a nice salad it was very good indeed.

We opened a bottle of vino verde - that light perlé wine from Portugal - which was quite appropriate to accompany a Mediterranean fish.

There was enough left over to make six fish cakes but the best of all was the liquid stock which Di turned into a bisque (a creamy fish soup - see recipe at right). So we got three excellent meals out of it.

At the table, our thoughts

PeeBee’s Wine Column

went back to South Africa and a memorable event at Beacon Island some years before Southern Sun built the modern hotel block.

We had gone down to the rocks early one morning. Di was with me because she didn’t want to miss the sunrise over the bay. I was there with my rod hoping to get a few fresh elf (shad) for breakfast.

But there was nothing doing. I was about to pack up when Di pointed to a red crab which had come out of a pool.

It was trying to escape the tentacles of an octopus - the main reason why red crabs get out of the water in a hurry.

She suggested I have a go for a mussel cracker, seeing that the best bait for a ‘cracker had just come to hand. I was a little hesitant, as my spinning rod was not the best weapon

Peter Bishop

Bouchard Finlayson - 30 years of reflection

P

ETER Finlayson, brother of Walter, was the son of Dr Finlayson and that most wonderful of women, Eleanor Finlayson, who worked on at Hartenberg - probably ‘till her death.

When I started my interest in wine in 1975, Beejay Lankwarden introduced his Wine of the Month Club (note: this existed before WOM in Cape Town) to Vergenoegd Cabernet Sauvignon and Montagne Cabernet Sauvignon 1972.

Montagne had been the name of the Finlayson farm.

Walter made wine there. I am not sure if Peter did, but Herman Kirschbaum (now Buitenverwagting) did, too.

When Montagne was forced to fold, it was bought by Gilbey’s and was called Hartenberg. Walter went to Blaauwklippen, and Peter bided time before being called on by Tim Hamilton Russell to be the winemaker in Hermanus.

This was in December 1979.

The gravel soil was a plus.

The quota system did not allow grapes to be planted in Hermanus because in 1918, when KWV was constituted, there was an excess of production and the Government set up the system to pay all farmers for their grapes delivered to the KWV whose job it was to turn them into Port, sherry, or wine that could only be sold outside of the country, or to members of the KWV or to politicians. This lasted till 1992.

Tim planted the present sites to Pinot Noir - the BK 5 clone. This Swiss clone grew at Rustenberg, Muratie, a bit at Delheim, and hardly anywhere else. A site up the valley was detailed for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Wine of Origin system could not be utilised by HRV, so a little ‘C1’ squeezed into the label would mean Cabernet 1981 and a ‘P2’ meant Pinot Noir 1982.

In the late 80s, the Nietvoorbij NIWW arranged that the new Dijon clones be planted on trial at HRV. The tannins that expressed themselves in the HRV was a huge welcome feature.

Peter won the 1989 Diners Club Award with Pinot Noir 1985. Taking the prize to Burgundy via Oregon, he met Paul Bouchard who had presented the trophy.

The farm next door had come onto the market and almost overnight Michael Clark and Paul Bouchard bought the new farm and chose Peter Finlayson as the winemaker.

Peter planted with high density, giving less vigour - the key to his viticulture.

The heavy clay kept the vines smaller and squatter.

Experimenting between the Richter 99 and 110 rootstock, he found the best acids and plantings came from the R99. Right from the start, Bouchard Finlayson was planted to the new Dijon Clones.

Asked to comment on texture or structure, Peter replied: “I look for back palate, and structure as in France.

We must not over-extract.

That warm feeling, just like great music is to the ear. We must be patient, like the 1986 and 2000 harvests that were hit by hail.”

Of an array of 12 wines, the Bouchard Finlayson Tête de Cuvee Pinot Noir 2000 showed incredible intensity of nose, a great savoury finish.

The Galpin Peak 2001 was rich in pheromones. Huge length. The Cape Winemakers Guild Pinot Noir 2001 was fruit driven and clean, not a day old, almost New World.

The Galpin Peak 2003 had balance, balance, balance.

Fresh, violets, acids great.

Peter said: “My favourite. Do you get that leatheriness?”

The Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2005 had that animal farm pheromones, depth and dimension. Full, appealing, a top Platter rating.

The Cape Winemakers Guild Pinot Noir 2007 again had pheromones. Still very, very young, it was the highest performer at the Guild Auction. Eternal life.

“What Burgundy has achieved over 1,500 years, we have done over three decades.

We have our quality in place.

We should therefore market our Pinot Noir as ‘global’ and not South African; 88% of Burgundy is made of lesser wines, yet Burgundy’s name is ‘safe’. We decry ourselves too easily.”

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for this purpose.

I had been trying all week for mussel crackers on Robberg without success, and it was getting late for breakfast.

Anyway the crab went onto a big hook and was cast out to deeper water to the right of the redbait reef.

And within five minutes it was taken by a fish which pulled strongly and gained a lot of line, while my rod was threatening to follow it.

Shoot! I would soon be in trouble with such a light rod, no gaff and a big fish.

“Quick, Di - find a gaff!

Ask at the hotel!”

So off she went. (Amazing what a girl will do for love...)

“Er... excuse me, do you have a gaff?”

The receptionist looked up in astonishment - “Sorry, we don’t supply gaffs” - and went on varnishing her nails.

By the time Di got back, my fish was being landed manually by a suntanned young man in swimming trunks. He had been watching from the beach after his early morning swim and saw that I needed a hand.

He didn’t hesitate to dive in and swim out to free my line, which was hopelessly snagged on a rock. I was just as astonished as the receptionist. “It’s OK, I know this spot well - I dive here regularly!”

So my fish was landed, weighed (22lbs/10kg), and taken home.

After slicing off the fillets we steamed the head and skeleton and made fish cakes.

They were very good, very good indeed. A large piece of fillet was baked and the rest curried in the traditional Cape ‘pickled fish’ manner which Maria taught us.

WHATTA WHOPPER! Di Grant captured in 1961 with the 10kg ‘cracker landed off the Beacon Island Rocks, even though there was no gaff in sight

Bisque or Provençal Fish Soup Kpitgfkgpvu • White fish chunks from head and backbone (100g or more) • 1.5 litres of fish stock saved from steaming the head • Juice of an orange • 1 medium onion, chopped • Extra virgin olive oil (about 25ml) • 1 celery stalk, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 2 tbsp tomato purée • Bouquet garni • 1 teaspoon of orange zest • A pinch of cayenne • A pinch of saffron • Half a glass of dry sherry or muscadel • 3 tbsp thick cream • Tabasco (optional) • 1 red pepper (capsicum), chopped (optional) Ogvjqf • Cook the vegetables and garlic in the olive oil in a lar-

ge heavy-bottomed pot over a low heat for 15 minutes.

• Add the tomatoes and purée, bouquet garni, orange juice, zest, and a little salt and cook on a high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it catching.

• Now add the fish stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 45 minutes. Add the fish chunks, saffron, sherry and cayenne and simmer for another 10 minutes.

• Cool slightly and fish out the bundle of herbs, then liquidise the contents of the pot until it’s smooth. (Press the soup through a sieve if it’s not).

• Taste and adjust seasoning and stir in the cream. Don’t let it boil once the cream has gone in.

This delicious soup is served with crusty sourdough bread or toasted French bread and a drizzle of olive oil. Offer Tabasco sauce at the table, too.

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CXPRESS

Home & Health

8 October 2014

Bring your Bat-eared Collie-wawa to be judged by Patricia Glyn

I

F you have a well-behaved mixed-breed dog, this Saturday is your chance to participate in the South African launch of the Unique Breeds Campaign at Wild Oats Farmers Market in Sedgefield.

This fun, first unique breeds only show will be judged by well-known broadcaster, adventurer and author Patricia Glyn. Registration opens at 8am and the show begins at 9am.

The purpose of this national Campaign launch is to motivate more people to adopt a “mongrel” from their local SPCA or animal welfare shelter. Cross and mixed breeds are often overlooked in favour of pure breeds, yet they are truly unique, one-ofa-kind specimens.

Cross-breeds are generally

free from health problems and possess great personalities and intelligence. As a key to highlighting the uniqueness of these dogs, their loving owners are invited to invent unique-breed names that highlight physical characteristic in combo with their breeds, such as a Bat-eared Dalma-pointer, Miniature Collie-wawa or Brown-headed Jack-worsie.

The entry categories are for small, medium and large dogs, and judging will include points for name originality and fit, obedience, best trick and most beautiful or handsome specimen. But remember, these dogs have families and are not up for adoption!

This campaign of naming unique breeds was launched in Costa Rica last year through dog shows and intense social

media and advertising coverage, with the result that the adoption rate at animal welfare organisations increased by 1,400%.

Says organiser and Wild Oats co-owner Susan Garner: “These results are astounding, and we hope to achieve a similar outcome here in South Africa.

“The NSPCA - the SPCA’s

national body - is watching the Garden Route’s Unique Breed Initiative with interest and with a view to exposing it to the 90 SPCAs nationwide. We also hope that other animal welfare organisations across SA will run with it.”

Google ‘Unique Breeds Costa Rica’ to see a heartwarming video of the campaign in that country. Susan

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE: Bring your mixedbreed dog to Wild Oats this Saturday and invent a name that highlights its physical characteristics - in this case, an Upsidedown Dracula Jack-Bully?

says this short and inspirational film really caught her attention with the following quote: “But what can be of more value that, because of its mix, is like no other?”

Join in on October 11 from 8am at Wild Oats with your own unique breed dog. The R25 entry will benefit Knysna Animal Welfare Services and Garden Route SPCA.

WORTH THEIR SALT...

Taste - and win - these mineral-rich Kalahari flavours ‘Tis not the first time that MICHAEL OLIVER’S daily update rolling into CXPRESS inboxes has spilt over onto these pages - and so impressed and piqued were we by this snippet on Oryx Desert Salt that we thought you should know about it too, with a chance for three lucky readers to each win a four-pack prize

O

NE of the fun things, now that Braai Day is over and we are seriously into Braai Season, is to try all means of different flavourings on a great piece of rib eye or rump. We tend to like our meat fairly plain but two flavoured salts we enjoy are those from Oryx Desert Salt.

Lucullus, gastronome and late empire Roman Senator would approve.

It is into a remote and unsullied salt lake in the Kalahari Desert that three underground streams - abundant with salts and minerals washed out of the Dwyka rocks below the earth’s surface - flow.

The water evaporates very quickly under the blazing sun to form this complexity of minerals and trace elements that is Oryx Desert Salt.

Sustainable and constantly renewing itself, this process lives in harmony with the natural rainfall and the surrounding environment.

Unrefined and unprocessed, pure with no additives, crystal-white, natural desert salt, Oryx salt is exactly as it existed when traded ounce for ounce for gold and other valuables by the Tuaregs in Timbuktu thousands of years ago.

A smoking expert in Theewaterskloof near Villiersdorp

ORIGINS OF ORYX: Three underground streams, abundant with salts and minerals washed out of the Dwyka rocks below the earth’s surface, flow into a remote and unsullied salt lake in the Kalahari Desert – the inset shows the Oryx Smoked Salt grinder

Win a four-pack of Oryx Desert Salt!

Three lucky readers could win a gift-pack containing Fine, Coarse, Smoked and Wine-flavoured Oryx Desert Salt. Just answer this simple question: Where in Knysna can you now buy Oryx Desert Salt?

Email your answer with contact details to esther@ cxpress.co.za or fax 044 533 0852 before noon on Friday October 10. Winners will be phoned and must be in a position to collect their prizes from the CXPRESS office in Plett.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

smokes the Smoked Salt. I smoked some angelfish yesterday, rather cleverly using a Le Creuset casserole and cooking the fish in it on a piece of silicone paper with a little dish in the casserole in which I had a piece of burning charcoal covered with some hickory chips.

The smoking was very delicate, but by seasoning with the Oryx Smoked Desert Salt, it just brought out the flavour brilliantly. I turned the fish into a chunky pâté and served it with a fresh baguette and a dab of hanepoot grape jam.

The Oryx Wine flavoured Desert Salt is a gem. Dehydrated with Shiraz Wine from the vineyards along the Orange River, we love it just sprinkled on a piece of steak.

Then to serve, a wedge of roasted garlic butter seasoned with the Wine Salt. No way to look back!

Oryx Desert Salt is available at delis and food specialist stores, and the good news is that two Knysna outlets have now been added to its list of national stockists: Metelerkamp’s and Il de Pain.

Yuppie Chef also offers Oryx products on line, which is very convenient for any outlying areas. *yyy0okejcgnqnkxgt0eq0|c+

Home & Health

8 October 2014

FOCUS ON EYE CARE

ADVERTORIAL

Notes on cataracts - one of the most common eye conditions

A

S we get older, the lens inside our eye gradually changes and becomes less transparent (clear). A lens that has turned misty, or cloudy, is said to have a cataract.

Over time a cataract can get worse, gradually making your vision mistier. A straightforward operation can usually remove the misty lens and replace it with an artificial lens to enable you to see more clearly again.

This information is about cataracts in adults. Some children develop cataracts, called congenital cataracts, before or just after birth. They can also be related to a number of infective and inflammatory conditions, but these are usually dealt with in a different way to cataracts in adults.

When you look at an image or object, light passes through the front of your eye, and is focused by the cornea and then the lens onto the retina.

The lens is normally clear so that light can pass directly through to focus on your retina (the lens is clear because of the way the cells in the lens are arranged).

The lens focuses light onto the retina, which converts the light into electrical signals.

A network of nerves delivers these signals from the different parts of the retina to the optic nerve and then onto the brain.

The brain interprets these signals to “see” the world around us. The lens can change shape, allowing us to focus on objects at different distances, called “accommodation of vision”.

As we get older, the lens isn’t able to change shape as well as it used to; even people who can see clearly in the distance without glasses will need reading glasses to see things up close. This condition is not caused by a cataract.

Cataracts result from changes in the way the cells of the lens are arranged and their water content, which causes

SEEING EYE TO EYE: Dr Dylan Joseph is an ophthalmic surgeon who consults in Knysna and Plett

the lens to become cloudy instead of clear. When this happens, light cannot pass directly through the lens and you may notice problems with your vision.

So a cataract is not a growth or a film growing over the eye, but simply the lens becoming misty.

Yjcv"ecwugu"ecvctcevuA Cataracts can be caused by a number of things, but by far the most common reason is growing older. Most people over the age of 65 have some changes in their lens and most of us will develop a cataract in time.

Apart from getting older, the other common causes of cataract include: • Diabetes • Trauma • Medication such as steroids • Eye surgery for other eye conditions • Miscellaneous eye conditions In general, the reason why you have developed a cataract will not affect the way it is removed. Most cataracts are caused by natural changes in the lens, which happen as you get older.

However, the following factors may be involved in cataract development (please note that these are only suggested causes, which are the subject of ongoing research): • Tobacco smoking

17

CXPRESS

• Lifelong exposure to sunlight • Having a poor diet lacking antioxidant vitamins.

Yjcv"ctg"vjg"u{orvqou"cpf" fkcipquku"qh"ecvctcevuA Cataracts usually develop slowly and although symptoms vary, there are some symptoms that most people experience. Most will eventually develop a cataract in both eyes, though one eye may be affected before the other.

When your cataract starts to develop, you may feel your sight isn’t quite right. For example, if you wear glasses you may feel that your lenses are dirty, even when they’re clean.

Gradually, you may find your sight becomes cloudier and more washed out. Edges of stairs or steps become more difficult to see and you may feel you need a lot more light to read smaller print.

Another common symptom of a cataract is a problem with bright lights. Lights can seem to glare, or you may find that the headlights of a car dazzle you more than they used to.

You may also notice a slight change in your colour vision - things may appear more yellow than before. This often happens if one eye develops a cataract first and colours look different when you compare one eye with the other.

If you notice any of these changes, you should have your eyes tested by an optometrist (optician) who will be able to tell whether you have a cataract or not. The optometrist will then discuss the degree to which the cataract is affecting your vision and if you agree, refer you via your GP to an eye clinic.

You may be told during the eye test that you have early cataract or initial signs of a cataract, which does not need referral. If you are unsure about anything during the eye test, then ask for a more detailed explanation.

If a cataract isn’t removed,

your sight will become increasingly cloudy. Eventually, it will be like trying to see through a frosted window or a heavy net curtain or fog.

Even if your cataract gets to this stage, it can still be removed and your sight will be almost as it was before the cataract developed.

Jqy"ku"c"ecvctcev"vtgcvgfA The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove your cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant. This is done by an ophthalmologist in hospital. Lasers aren’t used to remove cataracts and there is no evidence to suggest that changing your diet, taking vitamins or using eye drops can cure cataracts.

The operation to remove your cataracts can be performed at any stage of their development. There is no longer a reason to wait until your cataract is “ripe” before removing it.

However, because any surgery involves some risk, it is usually worth waiting until there is some change in your vision before removing the cataract. This is something to discuss with your optometrist, as a good time to refer may vary from person to person.

Most people choose to have their cataracts removed when the change in their vision starts to cause them difficulties in everyday life. The timing of this varies from person to person.

If you have problems in bright light, or you find reading or getting out and about, cooking or looking after yourself increasingly difficult, then it may be time to consider having the cataract removed. When attending your appointment in the eye clinic, you need to make clear to the specialists any everyday problems you are experiencing.

Many people with cataracts are still legally able to drive.

If you have any concerns

about whether you should be driving, your optometrist should be able to tell you whether your sight is within the legal limits for driving.

Sometimes people may be legally able to drive but might find driving difficult in bright sunlight or at night.

If this is the case, you should consider having your cataracts removed.

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La Luna

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CXPRESS

8 October 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

8 October 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

19

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Step right up, Bitou suckers... er, ratepayers!

In response to the letter ‘Being ripped off for services not delivered’ in CXPRESS of September 24 , I too received a charge of R2,622 for ‘journals’ which I neither ordered, nor received.

Upon enquiry at Bitou Municipality, I was given an ‘explanation’ that made absolutely no sense.

After further enquiry, I was given a copy of an ‘official’ letter on a municipal letterhead, and was basically told to go away and read it. I was

obviously not the only one with this query, judging by the bored, not-another-idiotic-consumer look on the employee’s face.

Now I consider myself a fairly intelligent human being, although my family and friends may tend to disagree, but it took quite a few reads before I was able to get the gist of what the letter said.

To break it down to what I think it tries to say, I have created the following scenario, where Bitou Municipality is

the ‘shop owner’, and you and I, the suckers (‘consumers’).

Consumer walks past Bitou Municipality’s offices: BM: “Good day sucker, I mean sir, would you like to see what we have on sale today?”

C: “Not really, but ok, why not?”

BM: “For a small fee of R2,622 you may enter and browse around.” (This is basically what the Municipality’s explanatory letter tries to say, per my understanding.)

River land claimed - but is it legal?

Plett resident Stewart Smith sent these images, saying: ‘I had to take these pictures of a naughty development next to the old Protea Hotel on the Keurbooms River, and I’ve reported it to CapeNature and the Plett Community Environment Forum.

The culprits are dredging the river with a huge pump, then using the silt to claim land out of the river by filing the white bags.’

(No response had been received from either abovementioned bodies, but we’ll keep an eye and try get to the bottom of this matter in terms of legality. - Eds.)

Gee dié groep ‘engele’ ‘n Nobelprys vir Netheid!

Ek ry gister bult af huis toe en toe ek by die Piesangvallei en BI Total verkeersirkel kom, sien ek “die engele” het ‘n pragtige tuin geskep op die hoek van die straat waar die motors parkeer voor OfftheHook!

Dit sal goed wees as julle ‘n artikel kan plaas van Alison Bryant en haar span, en veral die wonderlike Patrick Windvogel wat help sorg dat dinge in ons dorp gebeur.

Alison het haar eie inisiatief geneem om Plettenbergbaai se beeld te verbeter met die skoonmaak van ons dorp se strate en die algemene aansig van die dorp met behulp van vrywilligers en besighede wat bydra om die algehele netheid van die dorp te verbeter.

Hopelik kan mens ook met die mense van New Horizons, KwaNokuthula en Die

Crags gesels en vertel wat hier in die dorp gebeur, en uitvind of hulle nie ook in hul eie buurte algehele skoonheid en netheid wil bevorder en sodoende trots wees op hul woongebied nie.

Ek sal ook graag wil hoor wat Bitou Munisipaliteit se antwoord is op dit wat mense in hierdie dorp doen (omdat hulle dit nié doen nie, al betaal ons belasting daarvoor), en wat hulle van hul kant af bereid is om te doen om byvoorbeeld die algehele toestand van paaie te verbeter, en om algemene dienslewering te verbeter.

Alison se Plett Clean Campaign benodig al die hulp moontlik van mense wat op Dinsdagmiddae na-ure kan help om die dorp skoon te maak, sowel as diegene met tuindienste of wat ander dien-

Will would-be thieves be fried?

This photograph show the supposedly repaired electrical works in Plett’s Crescent Street. The area was dug up with exposed cables for more than a month.

The earth has now been shovelled back (if barely) but there are still four intertwined cables above ground. We have asked Bitou to investigate, but no response has been received and we do not know if these cables are live, so we can’t work to restore the pavement (which we know council will not do). And if a would-be thief tries to steal the cable, he may well be fried.

Perhaps your well-read paper may illicit a response. - Aquarella resident, by email

ste en donasies kan aanbied.

Neem asseblief ook kennis dat Patrick vrywillig werk en afhanklik is van donasies, wat in die ‘Patrick Pot’ gelos kan word by die Rice and Linen winkel wat in die middel van die hoofstraat geleë is.

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C: (Hesitantly...) “Ok.” BM: “Well then step inside and check out our wonderful offers! We have water at R301.44 pm, sewerage at R370.89 pm and electricity at R240.93 pm.”

C: “Actually, on second thoughts, I think I’ll give it a miss. My stand is empty, has nothing on it yet, not even squatters, so I don’t really need any water, sewerage or electricity. But I will certainly be back when I do require what you have to offer.”

BM: “Well I’m afraid it’s now too late! You will from now on receive a monthly bill for the above services whether you use them or not!”

And so this is how we are fleeced into paying over R1,000 per month for absolutely nothing in return. Nice work, if you can get it.

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Save a life adopt a stray The people at PAWS (Plett Animal Welfare Service) are well known in the area for their dedication to providing shelter for helpless pets on the streets. Recently, I’ve been helping out there.

PAWS is doing such a wonderful job, caring for these strays. The dogs and cats are just the sweetest little things!

Some are strays since birth and can get a little crazy while playing fetch.

Some come from homes where they have been neglected or abused and love nothing more than a bit of attention and a belly rub. There are also a few fully housetrained ones that can even do tricks, whose owners have either moved or passed away, leaving them homeless.

PAWS has taken them all in.

The sad news is that they have nowhere to go from there, because people prefer to adopt puppies from pet stores and breeders, rather than mixed breeds from the pound.

Please, if you are considering acquiring a pet, go to PAWS first or visit its Facebook page and take a look at the animals up for adoption. These pets are loving and trainable and need good homes, whereas homes for dogs on sale are guaranteed.

Be kind; give the homeless a home. Adopt a stray today.

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Est. 1984

20

CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

8 October 2014

Knysna’s Melikhaya snatches victory on Robberg

Melikhaya Msizi finished first in 49 minutes - sporting that ever-present smile, he told CXPRESS that he thoroughly enjoyed his first Robberg run

Plett Athletics Club’s Robberg Xpress Trail Run on Saturday was very well attended and took place in perfect Plett weather - at left in the pic above is third-place finisher Leo Sorensen, who visited Plett for the weekend along with a group of 19 of his Quest Africa colleagues (www.questafrica.co.za), specifically to partake in this awesome event - Photo: Sharyn Hodges, ShowMe Plett From left, Kei Heyns was one of the first runners home, with Gerhard van Huyssteen, and Deon Coetzer of main sponsor Plett Sports finishing in the pack’s first third; at right is Plett’s Olivier fam, dad Ollie representing Plett NSRI Photos: Esther de Villiers

Ross Taylor surfers raise R35k for Hospice Nicky Goodall, on behalf of the Ross Taylor Surf Contest organising committee

T

HE sixth Ross Taylor Surf Contest was held during the last Women’s Day weekend. The event came about as last bequest from an incredible young man whose journey with cancer has become legendary.

Surf fanatics from all over SA have annually converged on Buffels Bay to experience what locals have aptly called “love shine” - a feeling of giving and love evident throughout the event.

The contest has become a favourite among surf enthusiasts, doing something they love while giving back to those less fortunate. Dr Janet Stanford of main beneficiary Knysna Sedgefield Hospice is extremely proud of this event, and grateful for the funds raised.

It is also a fantastic opportunity to spread the word about the important work done by Hospice to as many people as possible.

Over the past six years this event has seen incredible growth in participation and support. This prompted the small but dedicated local organising committee to bring in the speciality services of Nature Sport Company to help with the running and organising of the event.

The NSC team added great value to the event, with a new running format and restructuring of the evening proceedings, offering excellent sporting and other entertainment. NSC chief Daron Smit said that giving loyal Ross Taylor supporters a fun filled weekend was all part of the plan. “The positive changes were well received and we look forward to

keeping this event running for many years to come.”

It’s been a tough economic year, but this did not deter those who stepped up to help. With only two real days to work with, all the stops were pulled out to make sure those who attended the event left with great memories and a promise to return.

After all the tallies were done, the Ross Taylor 2014 raised R35,000 for Hospice.

The Nature Sport team and organising committee extend our sincere thanks to everyone who came on board to donate time, money, prizes, or just support the event. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2015.

For photos, videos and comments visit www.face book.com/rosstaylorsurf contest or click on www. rosstaylorsurfcontest.co.za for additional information.

First vet home Steph le Roux, and first junior to cross the finish line Dylan van Wyk, right, smiled as broadly after the race as during this ‘before’ photo

Plett trail star Vic Gugushe, who came in second, pictured here with Robberg’s wild side as beautiful backdrop