9 july

9 July 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

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the garden route Remembering Bondi p2

Ladywood killer sought p3

ROCKS! Cailidh Edington from Florida in the USA spent a sunny winter’s morning on the Beacon Island rocks in Plett last week - turn to page 5 for more pics and a short report on her and brother Christopher’s adventurous Garden Route holiday

Holiday fun for everyone p14 & 15

Final World Cup words p20

Enjoy these local festivals until July 13! (more details inside)

Photo: Christopher Edington

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

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CXPRESS

News & Views

9 July 2014

Join the Navy in celebrating the life of a bulldog named Bondi C XPRESS readers are invited to a special event on Thesen Islands tomorrow, Thursday July 10, when Knysna Historical Society hosts a ceremony to comme-

morate the life of arguably the Navy’s most famous bulldog.

Bondi was ship’s mascot on board the HMS Verbena - a sloop of the Flower Class, which made numerous visits

to ports along the South African coast from her base in Simonstown.

These stops included Knysna, where the ship moored, mascot on board, in 1929, 1930 and 1931.

As was usual when Navy ships visited Knysna, a concert performed by members of the crew was arranged during the latter visit, in this case on Friday January 30.

The concert was due to be held in the Market Hall - that little old building tucked behind the municipal offices on Market Square in Queen Street, now known as the Old Town Hall. A detail of sailors was given the task of decorating the hall.

When Bondi left the ship to wander, he spotted the Bluejackets marching into town and he hurried to catch up with them. But that January day in 1931 was particularly hot, and Bondi was exhausted when he reached the Market Hall. He lay down for the last time and succumbed to sunstroke.

Bondi was buried on the wharf just north of where the old warehouse used to stand, and a wooden tombstone was

installed to mark the spot. A brass plate on the tombstone was inscribed ‘Bondi of HMS Verbena’.

Thereafter, whenever a

ship of the Royal Navy visited Knysna, a detail of sailors was sent to maintain the grave. The tradition continued until World War II, when

NAVY MASCOT: Bondi and an unknown naval officer, pictured circa 1930 - Photo: Knysna Historical Society

it stalled temporarily, but was later revived in 1948 with the visit of HMS Neriede.

In 1954, Knysna Harbour was closed to shipping, effectively ending the visits to Knysna by craft of the Royal Navy - an exercise that had commenced in 1817.

The South African Navy revived the tradition on July 13 in 2001, when members of the crew of mine-hunters SAS Umhloti and SAS Umzimkulu polished Bondi’s brass plaque.

The fine custom continues this year, thanks to crew members of the South African Navy ship that entered The Heads on Tuesday for the Oyster Festival.

Knysna Historical Society’s Cathie Garner says that all are very welcome to attend this special ceremony, which takes place at 10am tomorrow at Bondi’s grave in front of the SANParks offices on Thesen Islands.

There will also be a Bondi look-alike competition for the pooch present at the ceremony resembling the ship’s mascot the closest. Email cathie.gar ner@arup.com or call 083 291 7967 for more info.

Notice Board

C 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

ATCH the Old Nick Midweek Market every Wednesday these winter holidays, where an added bonus for little guests is the Young Entrepreneur Days and charity stalls full of second-hand goods and yummy treats remaining dates being today and July 16.

Parents, teach your young one the art of entrepreneurship and giving by helping them setup a stall and sell goods, and then give a portion of their proceeds to Kids of Kurland. Visit www.oldnickmarket.weebly.com to find out more or email oldnickmarket@gmail.com for info.

Doug Fox of Storms River Village in the Tsitsikamma has started The Wellness Support Group recently, and you can join their meetings every Monday night at 6pm

in the St Peter’s Anglican (stone) church in Plett.

“We have had two meetings to date and we are looking to promote a greater awareness of the groups, which focus on attaining or maintaining a state of wellness.

“Traditional support groups focus on a specific topic or illness along with the labels that go with them. We are trying to attract the support of persons from a wide variety of disciplines so that our members have access to a wide variety of modalities and sources of information.”

Doug has 12 years’ experience in setting up, structuring and running such groups. If you have any questions about Plett’s Wellness Support Group or would like to join, call him on 084 731 8749.

Gareth and Louise of Plett

Aquatics wish all swimmers a well-deserved holiday, and remind readers that lessons resume on August 1 at the heated pool.

“We have an exciting winter programme that kicks off with a workshop on Saturday August 23 at the heated pool, from 2pm to 3:30, when our guest will be a para-Olympic coach, who will work with our students in the pool and concentrating on stroke, diving, turns, exercise, diet and the benefits of swimming.”

They also encourage Plett Surf Nippers to start getting ready for the new season, and will be running a special for all Nippers during the month of September. Watch this space for more information.

Email louise@adoptaswim mer.co.za or call Louise on 082 452 2248, and visit www.adoptaswimmer.co.za

or www.facebook.com/adopt aswimmer for additional info.

CXPRESS apologises to historian Margaret Parkes for letting the name “Diepwalle” slip through incorrectly in the story about the Coffee Pots train that served the Knysna forestry and tourism industry from 1907 to 1949 (visit www.cxpress.co.za and read page 2 of the June 25 issue).

“Deepwalls” as per her original article had been changed to “Diepwalle” in the draft gleaned from www.knysnawoodworkers.co.za - and we were subsequently informed that the original name was changed by the government of the time, but that the area had been known as Deepwalls for over a century before, and that many old Knysna families refer to the area by its proper name to this day.

News & Views

9 July 2014

Could Andiswa’s death have been prevented?

MIKE KANTEY reports on the murder of a young New Horizons resident, and urges parents from all walks to pay more attention to the social circles of their teens and young adult children

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MAGINE if your 19-yearold daughter went out one night and never returned.

Imagine your horror in discovering her dead body casually thrown down in a bush on the side of the N2.

As a doting parent, how would you ever recover from such an event?

So much promise, so suddenly cut short. In many cases, already a breadwinner and a parent in her own right, without a caring father to be seen, anywhere.

Because Andiswa Ntokweni’s murder docket has been opened and is under investigation, the case is sub judice and cannot be discussed in too much detail for fear of alerting the suspect or suspects.

According to Plett SAPS corporate communications officer lieutenant Marlene Pieterse, a full report had not been received by our going to press.

Nevertheless, it was revealed that the girl was reported missing at 8:15pm on

June 28, having left ‘Kompong’ in New Horizons on foot for KwaNokuthula with a male companion.

A search for the missing girl was undertaken by SAPS on July 1, assisted by the community, and the body was found among the bushes of the Ladywood area.

A male suspect was taken into custody for questioning, but was subsequently re‘The very strangeness of the violent crimes bear witness to their prevalence’ leased, while the case is being investigated by detective constable Mpengu of the KwaNokuthula police station.

It is precisely because we have such a low crime rate, relative to other ‘hot spots’ in South Africa, that such an event is enough to sound a quiet note of caution.

Even if the younger folk are above the age of consent, they remain vulnerable to

predators and people of evil disposition.

All the more reason for parents to know precisely who their adult children are “chilling” with, their full names and their home address (if they have one).

Better still, we need to know who the parents might be of these younger men and whether they have their children’s best interests at heart.

Our excellent rehab centres and private practitioners are being kept very busy with the scourge of excessive alcohol abuse, accompanied by the use of extremely dangerous and mind-altering drugs.

The very strangeness and ferocity of the related violent crimes bear witness to their prevalence.

We therefore need to close the circle of care and ask all parents, no matter what their class position, to pay less attention to wealth, careerbuilding, and high status achievement, and more attention to the social circle of their adult children after dark.

Driven over the edge...

Plett resident Keith Lurie shared this picture, taken on Tuesday July 1 at about 11:30am, of an unfortunate parking exercise in KwaNokuthula, bemused residents looking on while police members from the neighbourhood ascertain the damage. As far as we know, no-one was injured in this ‘July Fool’ incident.

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News & Views

9 July 2014

Bitou in limbo while courts in recess

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ITOU Municipality remains in limbo until the end of the month, when the recent takeover debacle will be heard in the Western Cape High Court.

This is the case after six ANC councillors and deputy major Adam van Rhyner of COPE called for a special council meeting last month to serve a motion of no confidence in mayor Memory Booysen, speaker Annelise Olivier and Van Rhyner himself - and, if accepted, replace the three.

The request for the meeting on July 1 was turned down by Olivier, as she claimed it did not comply with the municipality’s rules of order, as well as issues around Van Rhyner’s suspension by COPE last month and whether it prevented him from participating in council and party activities.

He was suspended after

breaching COPE’s agreement with the DA where there is a coalition arrangement in hung councils.

Olivier then turned to the Western Cape High Court to stop the meeting from taking place and in court documents indicated that the application was an urgent matter as fears existed of a “coup d’état” at local government level.

She further added that the “situation is extremely tense” and unless relief was granted and the meeting went ahead, she feared the ANC councillors and their supporters would attempt to physically and, if necessary, violently remove her and Booysen from the offices, suspend the municipal manager, intimidate staff and unlawfully gain access to municipal funds.

Although the matter was set down for last week Monday, Judge Owen Rogers post-

poned the matter indefinitely.

Olivier did not convene the special council meeting last Tuesday, despite an undertaking by the councillors not to take over the municipality illegally or forcefully.

This was followed by a counter application by the six councillors - Mpakamisi Mbali, Hilda Plaatjies, Thelma Besana, Sandiso Gcabayi, Nolan Stuurman

and Monica Seyisi - and Van Rhyner last week.

The councillors are seeking an order to force Olivier to convene the meeting, claiming that it is in line with the rules of order, as well as to set aside the municipality’s decision to declare Van Rhyner’s seat vacant and declare that he remains a councillor until lawfully unseated.

They are also seeking an

order to stop the replacement of Van Rhyner and labelled his suspension as unlawful after a series of conflicting instructions as to his membership status.

The instructions came from COPE’s Congress Provincial Committee (CPC), but the party’s constitution conferred the power of expulsion on the National Congress Committee and therefore the CPC did

Yolandé Stander

not have the authority to expel Van Rhyner.

On Friday, the matter was postponed to July 29, as the court is currently in recess.

“Our council’s pleas that the municipality is in limbo - no meetings, will of the majority and so forth - did not convince the court to have the meeting sooner,” the councillors’ legal representative Hardy Mills said.

Plett Airport looking great, thanks to Russ and Chris Plett Hanger Owners Association member John Larter shared this photo and wrote: ‘Work on resurfacing the taxiways at Plett Airport is well underway, while the general appearance of the facility has improved greatly since the main access road to the hangars was fixed, and grass was cut in all open areas.

So now, with CemAir’s schedules flights increasing, the airport should truly go from strength to strength. A word of thanks is due to Russell Honeywill of Bitou Municipality and airport manager Christopher Satula for being instrumental in precipitating this process.’

Photo: John Larter

News & Views

9 July 2014

CXPRESS

Robberg excellence award a feather in CapeNature crew’s cap

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ECOGNISED by the world’s largest travel site as a top performing tourist destination, Robberg Nature Reserve has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award for 2014.

The accolade is awarded only to establishments and

destinations that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and represent some of the top tourist spots worldwide.

Situated 8km south of the town of Plettenberg Bay, Robberg is not only a nature reserve but also a na-

Cruising the Route and Lake Kariba on the good ol’ Yankee Dollar

Siblings Cailidh and Christopher Edington from Florida in the United States shared these pictures taken during a visit to their grandparents, long-time Plett residents Ronald and Jean Edington, for the past fortnight. Said Cailidh: ‘We shot these photos while enjoying the clear winter morning on July 3 on the rocks surrounding the Beacon Island hotel, and we’ve also experienced an offshore dive near the BI. So far, we have done a lot of shopping and have also visited Knysna and Sedgefield during our stay. We plan on bungy-jumping off Bloukrans Bridge and may check out the cage-diving in Mossel Bay as well. And when leaving the Garden Route, we’ll be heading to Zimbabwe, where we’ll be staying on a house boat on Lake Kariba.’ Aah, for the power of the US Dollar in Africa... Thanks, guys, for sharing your lovely holiday shots and sentiments.

tional monument and Marine Protected Area (MPA) that extends 1.8km offshore and preserving some of the Western Cape’s most vulnerable species. The MPA is also home to an abundance of seals.

Visitors to Robberg can expect inspiring landscapes, exciting dolphin and whale sightings in season and a variety of birds frequenting the coastline. Other highlights include spotting the rare blue duiker - the province’s smallest antelope - and viewing the highest navigational light on the South African coastline at the Cape Seal Lighthouse (146m above sea level).

Lookout points, hiking trails and braai facilities are available, while an overnight hut called the Fountain Shack is also on offer for those who want to spend more time on this beautiful peninsula.

“Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for CapeNature and the entire team at Robberg Nature Reserve, and we thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,”

says CapeNature tourism manager Erika Swanepoel.

“As the award is based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to CapeNature and further drives our commitment to providing world class eco-tourism facilities on our nature reserves in the Western Cape.”

When selecting Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honourees, which takes into account reviews ratings.

Businesses must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, and reviews must be recent. Additional criteria include a business’s tenure and popularity ranking on the site.

“The Certificate of Excellence gives top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most - their customers,” says TripAdvisor for Business president Marc Charron.

“From Australia to Zimbabwe, we want to applaud exceptional hospitality businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.”

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CXPRESS

News & Views

9 July 2014

Tsitsikamma volunteers tops

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ONGRATS are in order after a Garden Route crew scooped the coveted Region of the Year 2013 award during the recently-held Honorary Rangers Indaba.

Tsitsikamma Honorary Rangers chair Theo Engelbrecht said he was stunned by the news. “I was shocked when Tsitsikamma won, because we are a relatively small region and I was always under the impression that we have no chance against the big guns.

“This made me very proud and I thank all our members who worked so hard to realise this achievement.”

Added Garden Route National Park (GRNP) general manager Jill Bunding-Venter: “The team’s hard toil has paid off! They work extremely well with our staff in the Tsitsikamma section of GRNP, from educational initiatives to making the Park beautiful and accessible to visitors.”

Honorary Rangers this year

LOVE OUR PARKS: Ranger Marlene Liebenberg at one of the team’s educational open days at a local school - on this occasion assisting GRNP People & Conservation officer Richmond Gewers during SA National Parks Week Photo: Richmond Gewers

celebrated 50 years of existence. Launched in 1964, the organisation grew to about 301 members by 1987. In 1988 it became compulsory for all volunteers to attend formal training.

Honorary Rangers offer their services to the parks

as individuals. Being such a large and widespread group, members adhere to a strict code of conduct and are required to complete a selection of courses to prepare them for involvement in South Africa’s National Parks.

Honorary Rangers rule!

NSRI teaches 500,000 children to deal help and how to initiate with water emergencies for basic bystander CPR while WaterWise Academy manager ANDREW INGRAM announces an impressive milestone recently reached

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HE National Sea Rescue Institute’s WaterWise Academy has taught over half a million children about water safety since its inception in 2006.

This impressive milestone has just been reached by 11 full-time instructors and nine volunteer WaterWise instructors who are based around the country.

R p r o u d ly robberg

The WaterWise Academy is Sea Rescue’s proactive, educational initiative. Our instructors visit the classrooms of previously disadvantaged schools, targeting children who are most at risk of drowning.

In a lesson designed to fit into a class period, they teach children what to do in an emergency, who to call

they wait for the ambulance to arrive.

We give special thanks to TNPA, who sponsor six instructors, the Department of Agriculture for sponsoring one instructor and to Western Cape Disaster Management for additional sponsorship.

Contact me on 082 990 5977 if you would like to invite a WaterWise instructor to your school, or NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon on 082 380 3800 for additional information.

News & Views

9 July 2014

CXPRESS

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Plett Fringe Fest goes from strength to strength TV game show in [qw" Dgv" [qwt"Nkhg, with a cast of Steven van Wyk, Roland Perold and Amy Trout.

The Plett Fringe Festival, a microcosm of the National Arts Festival held annually in Grahamstown, demonstrated that theatre and the performing arts are flourishing in South Africa today.

Prior to each evening’s performance, musical entertainment in the White House courtyard was provided variously by Martin Wolfaardt, Ben Badenhorst, Roy Taylor and Ricky Lorenzo.

Generous sponsorship of the festival came from Private Security Group (PSG), which specialises in advising

Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

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HE second Plett Fringe Festival, held over six days from June 26 to July 1 at The White House Theatre, featured eight performances ranging from music and comedy to storytelling and satire.

The festival began with Dki" Iktnu" performed by Lucy Tops, Vanessa Harris and Cassandra Money, who delivered a fired-up and highly energetic musical revue, centred on a workplace cameo.

Brendon Peel enthralled with magic and illusion in Vjkpm" Vykeg and Plettenberg Bay’s Lunchbox Theatre performed the fable of Vjg"Vtgg" Ujqy with Amanda Valela, Maurice Ncedani, Nkosinathi Xipula, Gaillene Isaks and Momzamo Maga.

David Muller returned to the festival in the role of Oom Schalk with a consummate rendition of Oqtg"Jgt/ ocp"Ejctngu"Dquocp"Uvqtkgu that was superbly acted, providing entertainment of the highest order.

Here Manje Productions, comprising Nomtha Rajuili, Luke Brown, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Samantha Davis, enacted Ogoqt{ - a wonderfully observed sketch

on investment and money management.

Organising committee members Ann Fermor, Jill McIlleron, Carmen Clews, Marie Hoadley and Michelle Dugmore are to be commended on their hard work and fortitude in arranging the festival, and Susie Ovenstone is to be complimented on the quality of the venue.

All proceeds from the festival, after deduction of costs, have been donated to Kids of Kurland, a charity that seeks to improve the quality of education given to the children of Kurland Village situated in The Crags. *Cnuq"ugg"vjg"ngvvgt"d{"Ect/ ogp"Engyu"qp"rcig"3;0+

BET ON PLETT: The last night of the Plett Fringe Festival, on July 1 saw a scathing send-up of the TV game show entitled ‘You Bet Your Life’ with, from left, Steven van Wyk, Roland Perold and Amy Trout

about the elephants of Africa that included marvellous sequences of mime.

Fktv, a one-man performance by James Cairns, ex-

hibited quality acting in a close to the knuckle tale that showed day to day life as it often is. Godfrey Johnson in Ot" Lqjpuqp" Rtgugpvu000" gave

a virtuoso performance on piano accompanied by unusual and varied vocals.

The last night of the festival saw a scathing send-up of the

WILD ABOUT DRAMA: From left Jesse, Jayme, Marina and Shelley Wildeman enjoy the last night of the Plett Fringe Festival on July 1

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CXPRESS

Business

9 July 2014

Final Schoongezicht Country Estate stands now for sale

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HE developers of Schoongezicht Country Estate in Plettenberg Bay have released the final 16 prime development stands at substantially reduced prices.

Schoongezicht is a 60-hectare estate nestled in the indigenous forests of Piesang Valley. Overlooking the Robberg Peninsula, it offers breathtaking views of the valley and Indian Ocean.

Located adjacent to Plettenberg Bay Country Club, Schoongezicht has become a sought-after address for golfers and non-golfers alike.

This beautiful estate has an air of tranquillity with unspoilt flora and stunning wildlife. The indigenous Milk-

Investor Focus

wood Forest is untouched in line with the developer’s desire to keep the pristine natural habitat as well preserved as possible.

Stands for sale are in Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4 and vary in size from 3,358m² to 500m² - the smallest stands being located in the Tuscan Village. Schoongezicht’s various phases thus cater for varying sizes of homes.

Prices of these stands start from as low as R275,000 and go up to a maximum of R875,000 with average prices being in the order of R450,000.

Says Chas Everitt dualmandated agent Bobby Rogers: “Schoongezicht offers

incredible value, and in addition to state of the art security, great infrastructure and environmental benefits, the developer also provides a particularly attractive building package through Schoongezicht Construction with the services of their own architect, if required.

“All in all, these features combine to offer a very costeffective proposition that is unbeatable in Plettenberg Bay for anyone planning on building their dream home.”

Contact Bobby Rogers of Chas Everitt Plett on 084 033 0316 or email bobby.rogers@ everitt.co.za and see the advert on this page for additional information.

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

Part III: Investment Tools - Living Annuities

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IVING Annuities emanate from Retirement Annuities Preservation Funds, Provident Funds and, in some cases, from Pension Funds.

In other words, if you have saved for your retirement in a Retirement Annuity, you may now convert it into a Living Annuity (LA). You may draw all or part of your savings, as detailed in this series last week.

Investments within the LA do not pay any capital gains tax, dividend tax, or any tax on interest earned. The proceeds that you draw for your retirement are however taxed at your marginal rate (which, in normal circumstances, is a lower rate than when you were working).

You may draw a minimum of 2.5% per annum of the value of the LA, or a maximum of 17.5%. The withdrawals can be scheduled to be paid to you either monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or annually.

On the death of the owner of the LA, nominated beneficiaries can continue to receive the income. Both RAs and LAs are exempt from estate duties, and are protected

from bankruptcy.

The exemption from estate duty also implies an exemption from capital gains tax.

An LA thus becomes a very powerful tool to reduce all of the taxes that accrue on the death of the owner.

Assets within the LA can be invested in a portfolio of unit trusts, a portfolio of shares, or simply placed into a money market/income fund type investment.

Most mistakes with LAs are made in the area of investment. They may be invested too recklessly, or too conservatively. A careful needs analysis should be done before the investments are made.

Retirees in their early 60s face a possible 20 years of inflation, so some equity exposure is required.

A dilemma often faced is when the LA is the only retirement asset owned by the retiree because then, if the equity markets correct or you enter a bad bear market, your income declines until markets recover.

A portion - normally 20% - can be invested in offshore asset swap unit trusts, but it

is imperative that a properly trained and qualified investment advisor is used to ascertain the correct asset allocation within your LA, considering all aspects of your personal profile before making any decisions.

Finally, all LAs offer the option for conversion either in part or in whole into a traditional annuity. This option can be attractive for those retirees of advanced age, where inflation is no longer a material threat, while a consistent income is essential.

There are many variations of the traditional annuity.

These should be examined by an expert in that field.

It is very clear that Retirement Annuities and Living Annuities have a hugely important role in the lives of all retirees. Remember, we are all potential retirees, so start considering your options as early as possible.

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Promotion

9 July 2014

CXPRESS

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Interval

9 July 2014

I want to open a Facebook account and the name will be ‘Nobody’, so when I see stupid stuff people post, I can ‘Like’ it. And it will say ‘Nobody Likes This’.

Ready, steady, aim!

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HREE women are about to be executed for crimes they have committed. One’s a brunette, one’s a redhead, and one’s a blonde.

Two guards bring the brunette forward, and the executioner asks if she has any last requests.

She says no, and the executioner shouts: “Ready…

Aim... ” Suddenly the brunette yells: “Earthquake!”

Everyone is startled and looks around. She manages to escape.

The angry guards then bring the redhead forward and the

executioner asks if she has any last requests.

She says no, and the executioner shouts: “Ready…

Aim… ” The redhead then screams: “Tornado!”

Yet again, everyone is startled and looks around. She, too, escapes execution.

By now, the blonde has figured out what the others did.

The guards bring her forward, and the executioner asks if she has any last requests.

She also says no, and the executioner shouts: “Ready…

Aim… ” The blonde shouts: “Fire!”

A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills. She has 14 kids, but she doesn’t really care.

The last available seat

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N American soldier, serving in World War II, had just returned from several weeks of intense action on the German front lines.

He had finally been granted R&R and was on a train bound for London.

The train was very crowded, so the soldier walked the length of the train, looking for an empty seat. The only unoccupied seat was directly adjacent to a well-dressed middle-aged lady and was being used by her little dog.

The war weary soldier asked: “Please, ma’am, may I sit in that seat?”

The English woman looked down her nose at the soldier, sniffed and said: “You Americans. You are such a rude class of people. Can’t you see my little Fifi is using that seat?”

The soldier walked away, determined to find a place to rest, but after another trip down to the end of the train, found himself again facing

the woman with the dog.

Again he asked: “Please, lady. May I sit there? I’m very tired.”

The English woman wrinkled her nose and snorted: “You Americans! Not only are you rude, you are also arrogant. Imagine!”

The soldier didn’t say anything else; he leaned over, picked up the little dog, tossed it out the window of the train and sat down in the empty seat.

The woman shrieked and railed, and demanded that someone defend her and chastise the soldier.

An English gentleman sitting across the aisle spoke up: “You know, sir, you Americans do seem to have a penchant for doing the wrong thing. You eat holding the fork in the wrong hand. You drive your cars on the wrong side of the road. And now, sir, you’ve thrown the wrong bitch from the train.”

Property

9 July 2014

CXPRESS

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Goose Valley’s Lynnwood Estate stands popular with buyers

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FFERING some of the most sought-after property in Plett, Goose Valley Golf Estate has been boosted by the announcement of the very last stands to go on sale at the newly-launched Lynnwood Estate.

With its Gary Player signature course, the Estate is one of the most desirable real estate addresses on the Garden Route, and a favourite choice for both local and overseas property investors.

And now the last parcel of land suitable for development within this estate has finally been released to the market, giving buyers the opportunity to acquire one of just 22 large stands on which to build the home of their dreams.

Goose Valley in Plett is a long-standing and highly successful estate that already encompasses three fullyfledged residential developments around the golf course, including a 272-unit sectional title scheme, plus the 60home Turtle Creek and 13home Fairway Close freehold housing developments.

“Following the phenomenal success of the existing developments and the golf course, there has been strong demand from buyers to upgrade from apartments to larger homes and we expect Lynnwood to fulfil this need,” says John

BIRD’S EYE VIEW: The aerial image above shows the location of stands available at Goose Valley’s Lynnwood Estate - below is an example of the modern and airy concept design for houses at the sought-after golf estate

Fuller of the marketing agency Chas Everitt International.

“And because of the large stands and focus on green belts, Lynnwood has full potential to become the crown jewel of the estate.

“We are extremely proud to have been given exclusive

mandate to market the stands in Lynnwood Estate, which will be the final development to take place in the greater Goose Valley Golf Estate.”

These stands range in size from 1,278m² to 1,583m² and are priced from R1.1-million to R1.3m, VAT-inclusive. A

10% deposit is required to secure a stand and there is a four-year building time limit.

Home design guidelines and advice are being provided by controlling architects Starkey Olivier, who are also the estate architects at Simola and Pezula in Knysna and at The Links in St Francis Bay. As at June 30, seven stands have been sold, leaving 15 available. The land just released for Lynnwood Estate, Fuller notes, is situated right in the middle of the golf course, and in deference to its environmental sensitivity, 40% of it will be retained as green belt areas, which will add to the space and privacy enjoyed by residents.

Goose Valley offers a full range of sporting and leisure facilities plus the benefit of its excellent security provisions.

Membership of Goose Valley Golf Club will be available and there are also golf practice facilities, tennis and squash courts, walking/jogging and cycling trails, and swimming, boating and fishing facilities.

The clubhouse has a pro shop and a restaurant, and the estate is only about 2km from the centre of Plett and practically adjacent to The Market Square shopping mall.

Security provisions include electrified perimeter fencing

with embedded underground steel grids, infra-red and thermal imaging cameras every 80m, a guarded entrance with security control room, and 24-hour foot and motor security patrols.

“But above all,” says Fuller, “investors in Lynnwood Estate will enjoy a substantial advantage in that they are buying within a proven, highly successful and desirable estate without any of the normal risks associated with such new developments.

“And, because Goose Valley is also without doubt Plett’s most popular holiday destination, those who so wish would also be able to derive an excellent income from their properties.”

Full details of the development and stands for sale can be accessed via the Lynnwood link on the Home Page of either www.Everitt-Plett. co.za or at www.GooseVal leyGolfEstate.co.za - contact John Fuller on 082 905 1516 and see the advert on page 5.

CXPRESS

Social Scene

9 July 2014

Photo: Watty Watson

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FOR THE LOVE OF BILTONG: Long-time Plett resident Peter Steyn pictured here outside his biltong emporium in Florina Place - welcomes visitors and locals to his shop brimming with that most delicious of delicacies, as well as a whole lot of other goodies. Says Peter: ‘Five years ago, I started working at The Trading Post Biltong Den on the N2, and then realised that I had a passion for making biltong. I was given the opportunity to start my own business and thus the birth of Just Biltong.

Now nearly three years old, the proof is in the pudding - or should I say, in the biltong? Let your taste buds do the tasting! My passion has now grown to making the best biltong ever. I thank all my customers who support me and leave Just Biltong with a satisfied look and a smile of contentment. That is the reason for doing my best at all times. Thank you!’ Pop into the shop at the northern end of Main Street in the beautifully revamped Florina Place or phone 044 533 2356 for more information.

WHEEEEEE! The younger set of Oyster Fest visitors were hardly deterred by the chilly weather and enjoyed the giant inflatables and other fun activities designed especially for them at the main festival grounds on Waterfront Drive during the weekend. - Photos: Gigi Lewis

CYCLE TOUR SUCCESS: Participants of the Momentum Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour conquered the mountains and roads of Knysna and surrounds on July 5 & 6.

Cold temperatures and gusty winds meant the fire pits at the main festival grounds on Waterfront Drive - the start and finish of both races - were a welcome relief. Despite the chilly weather on both days, spirits were high with live entertainment at the festival grounds throughout the afternoons, and the races attracted serious and fun-loving cyclists alike, as proven by the pics at left. Above from left are Knysna Rotary president John Satchell, Michael Vale of Independent Newspapers, 100km road race winners David Maree and Anriette Schoeman, and Carel Bosman of Momentum. At right, Knysna mayor Georlene Wolmarans fires off the starting gun. - Photos: Desmond Scholtz

People, places & events

Social Scene

9 July 2014

THE EMPEROR HAS SPOKEN: Last month, lucky guests gathered at La Locanda in George for the announcement by there will be another spectacle in the Carpe Diem Arena when, on August 23, the sixth annual Gourmets & Gourmands supported by Hartmans will take place at Carpe Diem School.

For one extraordinary night guests will be magically transported in flaming chariots back in time to the antique Roman era.

Tenor Kevin Leo, lovingly referred to as ‘Little Pavarotti’, will have patrons on their feet with a captivating performance and ensuring that the evening runs without a glitch and that the excitement levels stay sky high, South Africa’s own food evangelist François Ferreira will join Kevin on stage. Culinary gladiators from regional restaurants will treat guests to a meal fit for an emperor, and SACA will ensure that the feast is of top quality. Kitted out in garb perfect for the occasion is top foodie Anne Hadley during the launch. Contact emperor Karools Hauptfleisch on 044 874 4074 or at carpekarools@telkomsa.net if you need more information on the event.

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LIFE ART COMES ALIVE: The opening of the Vernissage VI exhibition of life drawing and painting, on July 4 in Plettenberg Bay, was an unprecedented success. Some 100 people thronged the courtyard of Lookout Centre in Main Street, to hear Gordon Froud, Senior Lecturer in Sculpture at The University of Johannesburg, declare the exhibition open. Gordon is pictured above with Myfanwy Bekker, centre - the moving spirit behind the exhibition and who chaired the organising committee – and organising committee member Carol Sachs. Enjoying the event above at right are, from left, Chanel Haurette from Plettenberg Bay, Ella Garrud from Sheffield in England, with Grace Marais and Marcus Mostert of Plettenberg Bay. At right are silversmith Caroline Fine, right, with Sylvie Evenden of Le Fournil. Vernissage VI at the Lookout Centre, Plettenberg Bay, runs until 18 July and is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and at weekends from 10am until 1pm. For more information phone Myfanwy Bekker on 076 066 0483. - Timothy Twidle

People, places & events

GOING TO GRAHAMSTOWN? Be sure to catch Lunchbox Theatre’s new show about children’s rights called ‘Ilifa, The Inheritance’ at Drostdy Lawns on July 10 at 1pm, and on the 11th and 12th at 1pm and 4pm.

Pictured at left is Maurice Ncedani in a scene from the play, and the rest of the cast above. The play was made possible by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

GETTIN’ FEET TAPPIN’: At the opening night of the Plett Fringe Festival on Thursday June 26 at The White House Theatre, Plettenberg Bay, Ben Badenhorst, left, and Martin Wolfaardt played music that was a fusion of traditional Zulu rhythms, jazz, reggae and blues. Call Martin on 072 996 5828 to book ‘em for your next event. - Photo: Timothy Twidle

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CXPRESS

Holiday Activities

9 July 2014

Local design and food celebrated

S

O you like meeting up with friends in a beautiful space with a vibey atmosphere, sipping glühwein and snacking on delicious treats, enjoying soulful rhythm and blues while browsing through an unrivalled collection of local designers’ wares?

This is how the Local Design and Food Market invites you to spend a winter’s evening in Knysna on July 10.

With up to 50 stalls selling beautifully crafted local design pieces, fresh produce and dinner meals, coupled with Knysna’s signature laid back, easily enjoyable atmosphere and new music, this truly local design and food fair has fast become one of the must-visit markets in the Southern Cape.

Organiser Sarah-Jane Barnhoorn explained that the market was started to showcase the talented, contemporary creatives endemic to the region. “Our designers exhibit and sell products that are on par with those handmade in Joburg or Cape Town in terms of quality of design and construction.”

“The market helps inspire designers to keep evolving their products and remain aware of current trends. Shoppers may expect great quality products, made with a lot of heart and effort.

“Our products are truly unique - very different from what you’re used to seeing at other markets around the country!” she chuckled.

“To help keeping it fresh,

UNIQUE: Expect great quality products made with a lot of heart at the Local Design and Food Market

we always welcome a few new exhibitors to the market,” she continued. “We also feature great music with a different artist performing at each market, and this time we’ll be entertained by guitar virtuoso Gerry Liberty.

“In a bid to keep things interesting, new elements are added to each market by inviting various performing artists such as mimes, fire dancers, unicyclists, jugglers, stilt walkers and more to participate in the evening’s festivities.

“The venue is also styled differently for each event, keeping in the theme of the market, or simply staying in tune with the season we’re in.”

The Local Design and Food Market was launched in 2010 as part of the popular Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival held in July each year. This initial effort was a great success and the market now takes place quarterly, firmly cemented on the local

events calendar.

The upcoming winter market is the 13th instalment of this fantastic event, taking place during the 2014 Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival at the Upper Level Parking of Knysna Square in Rawson Street, from 5-9pm.

“Join us on July 10 and discover your new favourite designer,” Sarah-Jane concluded. “The whole family will enjoy the music, the entertainment, the food and the products. With something for everyone, the Local Design and Food Market is sure to become your favourite shopping experience on the Garden Route.”

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Holiday Activities

9 July 2014

Lights, camera, cook!

STRIPES AND STATURE EARNED: Sizzling hot South African outfit Zebra & Giraffe comprises, in no particular order, Greg Carlin (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Alan Shenton (lead guitar), Mike Wright (drums) & Stef Henrico (bass, keyboards) - and they’re playing at The White House tomorrow night, officially opening the Plett Food Film Festival... be there!

T

HURSDAY July 10 hails the long-awaited opening of the Plett Food Film Festival, and on hand to help celebrate is one of the hottest bands on the South African music circuit, Zebra & Giraffe, to open the event with great fanfare.

Their set will be followed by a showing of Eqqmkpi" Jkuvqt{ - a documentary film about army cooks and how the everyday needs of thousands of armed stomachs affect the victories and defeats of statesmen.

The film will be paired with tastes inspired by 20th Century army chefs and followed by late night blinis and more Zebra & Giraffe, for those with an ear for smart latter day and locally brewed tunes.

Htkfc{"Lwn{"33 Morning movies screened are Dqvvngf" Nkhg and Vjg" Ygnn, with the lunchtime flick being Fcpekpi" ykvj"

Jqtpgf" Ncfkgu - an intriguing portrait of a farm trying to make a difference in a world of chemicals, antibiotics and vaccinations, to be paired with a scrumptious cheese platter.

You will also have a chance to browse and buy the ultimate in locally produced cheeses from Tsitsikamma and Plett, chat to the cheesemakers, enjoy artisanal breads from famous French bakery Le Fournil, and have a laugh with Paul Deans and Maggie Ubsdell, who will be cooking in every sense of the word...

That evening’s film, Lktq" Ftgcou" qh" Uwujk, tells the story of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, who is considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef.

The screening will be hosted by celebrated chef Karen Dudley from The Kitchen and after the movie, festival goers will be transported to a Tokyo subway station to enjoy a delicate plate of sushi.

Ucvwtfc{"Lwn{"34" Morning movies Ncpftwuj" and Cdqxg"vjg"jgctv (not for sensitive viewers) will be followed by Uggfu" qh" Vkog that afternoon, environmentalist Rhian Berning opening the showing with a presentation entitled ‘Climate Change - a hot potato’ while guests get to snack on a Peruvian platter.

Uggfu"qh"Vkog is about the race against time to protect the future of our food and will be followed by coffee and cookies in the courtyard.

The Gala Evening Feast & Celebration will see celebrated chef Karen Dudley serve her legendary Love Sandwiches to compliment the final showing of the festival. Another legend in the food film field, Dcdgvvg‚u" Hgcuv"is an Academy Awardwinning Danish drama that is captivating and wellloved, and a fitting finale to the festival. (See the advert alongside for more info.)

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The first Plett Food Film Festival has finally arrived - kicking off tomorrow and concluding on Saturday July 12, you’ll do well to book your tickets now before they’re all sold out...

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CXPRESS

Food & Wine

9 July - 2014

Oyster Fest-inspired recipe for non-oyster eaters

L

ET’S face it, oysters are not for everyone. But just because you may not be indulging in the fest’s iconic mollusc, does not mean you can’t cook up a storm to celebrate South Africa’s favourite winter festival.

Est. 1984

Pick n Pay has researched the best paella recipes and the below combinations are sure to delight everyone.

These easy paella recipes will allow even the most inexperienced chef to produce a mouth-watering dinner.

EJKEMGP."RTCYP"CPF" EJQTK\Q"RCGNNC" *Ugtxgu"32+ Kpitgfkgpvu< 60ml PnP Finest extra-virgin olive oil 600 grams free-range chicken pieces 2 red onions, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, sliced 250 grams streaky bacon, sliced 1 green pepper, diced 1 red pepper, diced 150 grams chorizo sausages, sliced 550 grams paella rice 500 grams fresh mussels 14 prawns, in shells 300 grams frozen peas 1 bunch parsley, chopped Saffron to taste Ogvjqf< • Heat olive oil in a paella pan (or skottel braai) and seal chicken.

• Remove from pan and set aside.

• Cook onions until soft and translucent.

• Add garlic and bacon and cook.

• Add peppers, cook for a few minutes, then add chicken and chorizo.

• Sauté for 10-15min.

• Soak saffron in 2/5 cup

(100ml) stock for 5-10min, add to paella along with rice.

• Add enough stock to just cover paella and simmer, uncovered, for 20-25min or until meat and rice are cooked through.

• Add mussels, prawns and peas and cook for a few minutes until seafood is just cooked.

• Remove from heat, scatter with parsley and serve.

UGCHQQF"RCGNNC" *Ugtxgu"6+ Kpitgfkgpvu< 500 grams mussels, in shells or tinned 4 tbsp PnP Finest extra-virgin olive oil 2 granulated garlic, crushed 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 1 red pepper, seeded and finely chopped 3 cubed chicken breasts, skinned, deboned and cubed 120 grams chorizo sausages, sliced 1 can tomato, chopped with their juice 1 tsp ground paprika 3 tbsp sherry 270 grams white rice 4 cups chicken stock 12 tiger prawns, de-veined

400 grams calamari rings, frozen 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 pinch salt and milled pepper, to taste 1 lemon, cut into wedges Ogvjqf< • Once the mussels have been thoroughly cleaned, discard any broken shells.

• Pour 1 cup of water into a large pot, add the mussels and cover the pan.

• Cook on a high heat and bring the liquid to a boil.

• When steam is released from the sides of the pan, reduce the heat and simmer the mussels until they begin to open.

Discard any mussels that have not opened. Set the cooked mussels aside until needed.

• Heat the olive oil in a paella pan or a large heavy-based pot. Add the garlic, onion and red pepper and sauté until soft and translucent.

• Add the chicken breast and chorizo and fry until golden.

• Add the tomatoes, paprika and sherry, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10min or until fragrant.

• Stir in the rice and simmer for 5min. Add the stock and bring to the boil.

• Reduce the heat and cook

uncovered until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.

• Add the prawns, lemon juice, mussels and calamari to the pan and cover with a fitted lid.

• Cook for a further 10min or until the prawns are pink and the mussels and calamari cooked and/or heated through.

• Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Vkru"hqt"hktuv/vkog" q{uvgt"gcvgtu Oysters are normally garnished with lemon, Tabasco or cayenne pepper - some even prefer it naked (without garnish).

If you’re a tiny bit squeamish, start off with a smaller oyster, (politely called the cocktail oyster), then move onto the champagne oyster, one size up. When you start getting the hang of it, try larger-sized oysters.

Oysters are best eaten in winter. The cooler temperature brings plump, fresh, clear-looking oysters that taste of the sea. Bad oysters will look and smell… well, bad, and their plump fleshiness will have disappeared.

Congrats, and good luck, to Knysna’s Green Chef finalists

T

HE Knysna Tourism Living Local Green Chefs initiative, in partnership with Wesgro, on Friday announced six finalists who will compete for cash prizes, as well as the chance to participate in worldclass chef and catering training, as part of its annual cook-

ing competition held during the Oyster Festival.

Knysna Tourism office manager Glendyrr Fick explains: “The competition kicks off with participants presenting their dishes to our panel of judges for a blind tasting.

“Finalists are then chosen

and go on to present their creations to members of the public. In the past we’ve chosen five finalists, but this year the competition was so stiff, we had to choose six!”

The public will choose their favourite dish and local personalities will also be on hand

to judge the meals, and the winning dish announced at the end of the week.

Well done and good luck to finalists Amerencia October, Francine Wagenaar, Michelle Strode, Nofundo Ndunana, Rodney Rolleson, and Thabisile Lufundo.

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

Fast schooners, salt cod and good plumbing = prosperity ALASTAIR GRANT revisits the places and people that left an indelible mark on his continuing personal culinary journey

I

T was the enormous bounty of salt cod in the North-Atlantic which lead to the discovery of the shores of America by Norsemen, who had settled on the coast of Greenland, and by Basque fishermen from Europe in the 10th century.

The Basque had the edge in early days with plentiful supplies of salt from the coast of the Iberian Peninsula. They guarded the secret of the source of their wealth very closely.

Columbus had little to do with this early exploration.

He wasn’t born until some four hundred years later.

Salt cod was like bread to many communities and sustained seamen so well they only had to go ashore for two reasons: water (I guess the salt made them thirsty) and to dry their catch - for which they needed a safe landing and an exposed rock surface for their fish racks.

Suitable sites were found in Nova Scotia and Maine, but Basque fishermen kept them

secret. Salt cod was easily stored and transported. Everyone rich or poor liked it, and it fed Europe for hundreds of years.

In the 17th century, the poorer grades were fed to the slaves on the Jamaican sugar plantations. The ships returned with rum and sugar. It was a three-way trade which supplied Europe with fish, sugar and rum; slaves to Jamaica and salt to Nova Scotia.

This eventually brought great prosperity to New England and started the vibrant American economy.

Salted fish, of course, needed to be thoroughly soaked in fresh water before it could be cooked and eaten. This was easily done by suppliers taking cod up navigable rivers into the heart of Europe by trailing slabs of salt cod behind the barges.

After three days it was perfect. In fact, salt cod was preferred to fresh cod. In later years the wealthy, who had plumbing, could put the cod in high level cisterns in the loo. Every time the chain was pulled the salt water was flushed away and the cistern

HUNG OUT TO DRY... Bokkoms being air-dried at Velddrif on the West Coast - Photo: Alastair Grant

refilled. The fish was perfect in a few days.

Now I know why those cisterns were that high. We had one, too, but by then the cod had run out and we never saw it in this part of the world. Our hake is a closelyrelated species and will salt down very well. This makes it much firmer.

But I think we may be missing something here. A similar salt-cure industry thrives in South Africa, where sun-dried harders known as ‘bokkoms’ have sustained fishing communities on the West Coast, at Paternoster and Velddrif, since the 17th century.

These mullet are, even today, trek-netted on the West Coast. The salty aroma of the lagoon comes to the tourists’ plate and lingers in their cars as they drive home.

But it is good traditional food - described often as a ‘delicacy’ in brochures, which underrates its strong character. ß" Tghgtgpeg<" flEqf‚" d{" Mwt/ ncpum{."Octm"/"Xkpvcig"Dqqmu" *ykppgt" qh" vjg" Dguv" Hqqf" Dqqm."Ingphkffkej"3;;;"Hqqf" cpf"Ftkpm"Cyctf+

Home & Health

9 July 2014

Alluring sweet alyssum just the thing this July

C

OULD the significance of a name, in the language of flowers, be any more credible than that of sweet alyssum, meaning ‘worth beyond beauty’ or ‘sweetness of soul’? One would be hard pressed to match a description so daintily apt.

It’s quite a contrast then, to know that the name alyssum actually comes from the Greek word n{uuc meaning ‘rage’ or ‘madness’, while the ‘a’ means ‘against’, completing the term today as ‘without madness’.

History tells that it was used to treat rabid animal bites - which makes sense of its more common name, ‘healbite’. In this modern day and age, it is no longer widely believed to help calm angry souls or treat rabies effec-

WHAT’S IN A NAME? The Greek roots of the name ‘alyssum’ hold that this flower calms madness, while it was believed that it could cure rabid animal bites

tively, so is not readily used in any medicinal capacity.

Sweet alyssum is a member of the mustard family - evident when sampling its edible flowers and leaves, which taste somewhat like

a broccoli leaf. In Spain, the leaves and flowers are added to salads for added spice and a vitamin C boost.

While some people eat sweet alyssum, others sometimes get a rash just from

Gaia Organics - Established... 1987!

Manufacturing on the Garden Route since 1987, the oldest skin care company continues its sterling quest to keep you young and healthy - and here’s a word from its director, CLAUDIA WANTLING

EARTH PEOPLE PETFRIENDLY: These Gaia Organics catalogue covers, dating from 1997, at left, and 1994 respectively, caused the company’s director to trip all the way down a lane of delightful memories

S

OMEBODY told me on my website the other day that they had been using Gaia products “since the 80s”. It then occurred to me that we have actually been in this industry for 27 years!

So I hauled out some old catalogue covers for a blast from the past.

Pushing three decades what an achievement! - and we say a huge THANK YOU to those stockists and loyal Gaia users who have believed in our range for so long, and continue to support us as we grow, organically.

Gaia Research, under the brand name Gaia Organics, has been a veritable pioneer

in the skin and health care industry. Our founder Stuart Thomson, having researched the organic skin care field for more than three decades, is a forerunner in his field and way ahead of his time.

This is what makes Gaia Organics products unique: • Kombucha extracts for hyaluronic acids (proteins that are not derived from animal sources); • Green tea extracts (for superb anti-cancerous properties); • Colloidal silver, copper, zinc and manganese (to prevent bacterial growth and rancidity); • Bioactive cell regenera-

tive substances (otherwise cruelly derived from the animal kingdom); • Innovators of oxygen therapy via alkalising magnesium peroxide and 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide.

Finally, we import the finest quality peasant-grown organic green tea. Pure, original and whole-leaf, our product boasts oxygen-bleached tea bags. So Gaia is truly earth, people and animal-friendly.

We lead - for 27 years and counting - and others follow.

Please come and visit Gaia Organics at 45 Longships Drive in Plettenberg Bay, and phone 044 533 1393 or 082 467 0799 to find out more.

CXPRESS handling it, so be aware if you have a sensitive skin.

After deciding whether you’d like to fill that empty but sunny spot in your garden with something white, pink, purple or yellow, pop down to your local nursery, pick out your favourite sweet alyssum seedlings and rush home to get them in the ground.

Alyssum enjoys afternoon shade but definitely not full shade, so keep this in mind when positioning them.

If your soil is in pretty good condition before planting then you need do little in the way of feeding, since alyssum are not particularly fussy and would really prefer not to be smothered with care.

If your plants have soft leaves and seem less floriferous than they should, it’s probably because your soil has too much nitrogen in it.

With poor soil or containers though, it is advisable to feed them once a month with a water soluble fertiliser, because they’re worth it.

Only moderate watering is required since alyssum can tolerate dry soil conditions.

Ensure the soil is well-draining and that your seedlings are planted 15cm apart giving their roots room to roam.

They are spreaders, after all.

Alyssum is known for prolific seeding so don’t plant too close to beds you’d rather not see it taking residence in. But they make wonderful ground covers, acting quite like living mulch for tall growing plants, and since their roots are not invasive, they can be exceptionally beneficial if employed correctly.

17 Keep them in check where necessary by trimming back if needed.

Imagine your patio or balcony with a couple of hanging baskets spilling over with the most exquisite sweet alyssum blooms thrilling both your sight and smell senses every time you walk outside.

Attracting birds, bees, butterflies and other ‘good’ insects, it’s an investment every household should be running out to make, every year.

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CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

9 July 2014

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

9 July 2014

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Kids of Kurland give thanks after Fringe Fest

BOOST FOR PLETT FEST: At the opening night of the Plett Fringe Festival on June 26 at The White House Theatre, Wessel Landman of PSG - who provided generous sponsorship to the event - is flanked by organising committee members Ann Fermor, left, and Carmen Clews - Photo: Timothy Twidle

After yet another successful and most enjoyable Plett Fringe Festival, the Kids of Kurland Project would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped to make it possible.

It could not have happened without everyone’s support and particular thanks go to our main sponsor, PSG - an independent financial services company with a branch in Knysna.

Our great appreciation goes to all of the performing artists, the able teams of The White

House Theatre and Nguni Restaurant, Events & Tents, Caitlin Truman-Baker of CTB Design, all the talented courtyard musicians, Wild Spirit and Amakaya Backpackers, Ian McMillan of Music Box, Stuart Palmer of Lunchbox Theatre, and Coastal Hire for backup power.

Finally, to Plett Tourism for the support and to every single person who attended, thank you!

Ectogp"Engyu."qp"dgjcnh"qh" vjg"Mkfu"qh"Mwtncpf"Rtqlgev" /"d{"gockn

Ongoing disabled bay abuse The other day while waiting for my wife at Beacon Isle KwikSpar, I could not help noticing a white LDV bakkie pulling into the parking bay reserved for disabled folk.

I watched as the driver got out, looked at the sign, and went back to his bakkie to switch on his hazard lights.

He then went and ordered a take-away from the burger counter outside the shop.

When the man saw me taking a photo, he quickly jumped into his vehicle and drove away - minus his hamburger.

Despite all the letters and correspondence on this sub-

ject in CXPRESS and elsewhere, one still encounters many arrogant drivers who insist on parking in these bays, as it is the closest to the shop they want to go to.

It is also quite common to see the driver sitting in an illegally parked car while the passengers hop out and go shopping.

I suppose it is only when one is actually handicapped that you fully understand the heartlessness of this habit, so these inconsiderate drivers continue doing what they’re doing.

Rngvvkg."d{"gockn

Please help David raise funds for the ‘forgotten’ David Kleynhans, right, spreads awareness for old age homes, and his latest campaign was an attempt to cycle from Cape Town Civic Centre to Knysna in less than 24 hours last week. And although he arrived in Knysna 26 hours after having set off, at 6pm on Friday, his important message was spread during a fruitful visit at the Oyster Fest grounds throughout the weekend. You can support his campaign, all proceeds of which benefit Vermont Centre in Knysna, by buying a R60 ticket with fantastic prizes to be won, the first prize being a Samsung Galaxy Trend Plus valued at R2,000. Says David: ‘Please help me share my love for those who have been forgotten.’ Call Vermont Centre on 082 752 7883 and visit www. causes.com/FRAIL4OAH for additional information.

INCAPACITATED BY HUNGER? The driver, pictured in the background at the boerie counter, legged it when realising his illegal parking had been captured on camera

Give your books to Friends to benefit Bitou readers Plett’s Friends of the Library (FOLA) is holding a book sale during the July holidays and is in need of more stock, so if you have good and recent books that you no longer need, please consider donating them to us.

Books can be dropped off at the library in Mellville’s

Corner, or call me on 082 569 2571 and I will collect them from you.

We use the funds generated from these sales to buy new books for all Bitou’s libraries, so thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause!

Fk"Dwvnkp."qp"dgjcnh"qh" HQNC"/"d{"gockn

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CXPRESS

Sport & Adventure

9 July 2014

SOCCER WORLD CUP FOR DUMMIES

Obrigado, Brazil - and very well done

Soccer fundi GLENN MURRAY penned this piece as the last week of WC 2014 dawned, with hosts Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Holland set to clash in the semi-final rounds

A

ND then there were four… and what a quartet it is. Two powerhouses from Europe taking on two from South America - who could ask for more?

Few will argue that these are the most deserving teams left standing, and Sunday night’s final between the top

two will give us the undisputed best team in the world.

The football at Brazil 2014 has been scintillating at times, very good at others and, once or twice, downright nasty.

The match between Italy and Uruguay started off by displaying the worst example of sportsmanship by two teams

intent on spoiling the tournament’s slogan of ‘fair play’, and then descended into a farce when Luis Suarez bit

an opponent.

Fittingly, neither team made it out of the group stages and Suarez received the longest

EYE ON THE BALL: David Ospina from Colombia in their game against Brazil - the young Colombian team will be one to watch in the coming years

AU REVOIR, LA FRANCE: Karim Benzema from France in their quarter-final against Germany - the latter powerhouse battling it out for WC 2014 victory this week

Paddle into action with When the excitement on the canoe polo water is over, visit Dry Dock

G

ET a taste of Oyster Festival adventure during the Obikwa Canoe Polo Challenge taking place at the Knysna Quays Waterfront on July 12 & 13.

Head to the Obikwa Wine Tent for a front-row seat to all the action and exploits of this range of affordable, adventure loving wines with a different variety for every day of the week.

While the Canoe Polo teams battle it out for the Knysna Championship, you can relax and put Obikwa to the test, with no less than nine wine varieties to explore.

restaurant, Tapas Oyster Bar, or 34° South for a quick bite shared with your favourite bottle, be it a refreshing white to enjoy after glugging down a few oysters, or a flirty red with something more meaty.

If you prefer to be part of the action, contact Knysna Canoe Polo Club to participate.

This thrilling water adventure starts on Saturday at 10am, with teams competing in the finals on Sunday the 13th.

For enquiries call Nelson das Fontes on 072 277 7664, email ndf@adept.co.za or visit the Knysna Canoe Polo Club’s Facebook page.

ban ever to be handed down

by FIFA. For the most part, though, the matches have all been of a very high standard and we have seen plenty of goals.

The main stars have all shone; some went home earlier than others, but the crowd favourites all left their mark.

Several new stars are burning bright - none more so than James Rodrigues from Colombia, who scored six goals. Tim Howard, the man between the posts for the USA, and his opposite number, Guillermo Ochoa from Mexico, were sublime and they certainly proved correct the saying “you build a team from number 1”.

Sadly, no African team made a major impression and yet another first in the Cup’s history, no team from Africa featured in the last four.

Ivory Coast had their chances and Ghana were minutes away from progressing but mediocre - almost lacklustre - starts to all their matches, where they conceded early goals, were their downfall.

Nigeria on paper came closest and they will leave with many friends, especially after the delightful match against Argentina that produced five goals.

Belgium will be happy and will be one to watch in the coming years, as will young teams Colombia, Chile, France and the surprise package Costa Rica, who conceded only two goals in four matches.

As for Italy, Portugal and Uruguay, it is back to the drawing board for them. Spain and Argentina need fresh legs as they are both running on old, tired legs.

For Cameroon, it is back to the loony bin after a World Cup where embarrassing off the field antics - from matchfixing allegations to pay disputes and in-fighting - disgraced their nation.

The Golden Ball trophy for the player of the tournament is going to be tough to pick: Rodrigues (Columbia), Robben or van Persie (Holland), or Messi (Argentina)?

Maybe Thomas Mueller, the gigantic German? A big match in the final should surely swing this one.

So has the Cup been a success, then?

Yes, indeed. Strikes and disruptions threatened by a small portion of the host country’s population didn’t take place. Stadiums were completed on time and they were filled to capacity by the most colourful of supporters.

Well done to FIFA, they played their part and pulled off a successful tournament.

Now let’s see if Brazil can do what South Africa, unfortunately, could not when failing to build on the foundations and infrastructures created for our fantastic 2010 tournament.