9 November 2016

Photo: YolandĂŠ Stander

9 November 2016

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

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Not in my schoolyard

After incidents of violence, these parents and concerned New Horizons community members started patrolling the grounds and searching learners at Formosa Primary School, finding items including knives and condoms. Read the full story on page 4.

Starring with Vivien Leigh - p2

Leigh Dunn acquitted - p3

Wooden fat bike for Knysna - p12

the bedroom shop furniture & linen emporium

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NEWS & VIEWS

9 November 2016

This is what it takes to be a Roman soldier for a day Plett reader JOHN PICKERING was kind enough to share this record of a young navy officer who starred as extra in a world-famous 1945 flick RANK Edwin Courtenay (born 1922) died on August 14 after many happy years in Plett. He was well known for his love of the sea and all things nautical. He spent his war years in the Royal Navy. I found this essay, below, among his papers and thought it may be of interest to those who knew him, or to others with like interests. - JP

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Film synopsis The Roman conqueror Julius Caesar (Claude Rains) takes over the Egyptian city of Alexandria, and in so doing inherits a pressing problem: in accordance with local custom, the beautiful young princess Cleopatra (Vivien Leigh) and her even younger brother Ptolemy (Anthony Harvey) have

been married and are to rule the country together, despite their competing desires to rule alone. Caesar takes Cleopatra under his wing, mentoring her in the uses of political power.

• Initial release: December 11, 1945 • Director: Gabriel Pascal • Story and screenplay: George Bernard Shaw • Music composed by: Georges Auric.

On starring in Caesar and Cleopatra HE recent press announcement that the two-million pound British film Caesar and Cleopatra, staring Vivien Leigh and Claude Rains, will shortly be screened in SA, will bring back happy memories to many South African servicemen who acted in the film in the capacity of extras It all started one night when my pals and I - SANF-seconded personnel on indefinite leave in London while waiting repatriation home - went into a pub off Piccadilly for a pint.

Over our mild and bitters we got talking to some Australians who were in a similar position to ourselves and who told us of the good racket they had stumbled on in combining business with pleasure while on leave.

The battle scenes for the new film Caesar and Cleopatra, they explained, were being shot at Denham and hundreds of extras were required as soldiers. Servicemen were especially welcome and the Aussies gave us the address of a Mr Archie Woof, a theatrical agent in Charing Cross Road, who would tell us all we wanted to know.

Next morning, we called on Archie and he said we would do fine as Roman soldiers as most of us were tall while the couple of “shorties” would be okay as Egyptian soldiers.

He gave us each a card to introduce us to the studio people and on which was stamped in big black letters “Seven o’clock call”.

This meant we had to be on the set at seven o’clock next morning and entailed leaving the Springbok Club where we stayed in the regions of 5:30am.

From Kensington we went by underground to Marylebone station and then by Southern Railway out to Denham, this latter part of the journey taking about 45 minutes.

The train was crammed with studio employees and a motor coach shuttle service took them from Denham station to the studios on two miles further to the site of shooting the battle scene.

We went to this latter site along with many other servicemen - mostly Australians, Canadians and Kiwis and ranging in rank from Commander RNVR (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) to private.

At the gate, in exchange for the ticket Archie had given us, we were given a card containing the conditions of employment, describing us as “enlistees” and stating our pay was £3.30 a day

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and 5/3 an hour overtime.

The filming of the battle scenes were being done some two miles from the studios, and in film language we were “on location”. On entering the gate we might easily have been in an army camp for servicemen were everywhere and there were tents on all sides.

We were directed to a large tent to draw our uniforms and on receiving them, in the blank space opposite “wardrobe department” on our cards was stamped “wardrobe issued”. So on to the armoury to draw our armour and weapons where our cards were similarly stamped.

Now we went to the dressing tent to rig ourselves out as Roman soldiers. This proved to be quite a job, for unless one is familiar with a Roman soldier’s outfit, some experimenting is necessary before one gets the hang of wearing the armour and cape in a manner befitting a Roman warrior.

The chaps who were Egyptians began to envy the Romans in their comparatively warm uniforms. The unfortunate Gyppos getup left them practically naked - and remember, it was just after 7am, the month was October and all the Egyptians had only recently arrived from Burma, so they really weren’t too happy.

The next stop after dressing was the make-up tent, where all exposed parts of the body were painted with

IN THE NAVY: Frank Edwin Courtenay was a strapping young seaman in 1945 - this photo and story date from the late 40s

a dark brown concoction to give the correct colour effect when filmed in technicolour.

Make-up experts did your face while you did your own arms and legs. Cards were again stamped on being passed okay.

Later on when the sun came out, shouts of “everyone on set” was heard so gathering up spears and swords and slapping on our armour, we made our way to the set where a miniature desert had sprung up in the middle of the English countryside.

Some distance from the desert was a splendid palace boarded by a beautiful lake to be used in lake shots. In front of the palace stood two chariots drawn by magnificent white horses, while on the palace steps stood beautiful princesses and their attendants.

In the foreground, fine-figured Roman officers talked in groups and by the palace gates a street vendor cried his wares.

Anyone wandering unknowingly onto the set might well think he was back in the good old days of the first century BC, with Anthony and Caesar vying for Cleopatra’s affections.

However, the illusion would be shattered by the voice of director Gabriel Pascal over the Tannoy loudspeaker system, calling all Romans to line up four-deep in preparation for an attack on the Egyptians, holding the crest of a sand dune.

As there were over 400 Roman soldiers, all inclined to treat the affair as rather a joke, this lining up process was not done as easily as one might think. However, British Army sergeants with loud voices and tons of power-of-command were pressed into service, the better to impress upon the Romans the director’s wishes.

Once the combined efforts of the sergeants had lined up the Romans satisfactorily, there still remained another 200 Egyptians reinforced by a hundred genuine West African natives on the top of the hill to attend to. This complicated matters no end and a so-called interpreter was practically useless.

The Egyptians and West Africans were so long forming up that the Romans down below became bored and began to drift away and sit down.

Soon crown and anchor boards were taken from behind armour and unrolled on the ground, poker dice and cards appeared mysteriously from nowhere, and by the time the sergeants got back from the top of the hill, stakes among the Romans were changing

SCARLETT NOW CLEO: The movie poster calls it Vivien Leigh’s first great role since playing Scarlett O’Hara

hands at a rapid rate.

Eventually, all was ready and after much exhortation by ‘Gabby’ (as Pascal was affectionately called) to make the fight realistic and yell in a blood-thirsty manner, we heard the camera man shout “ready” and “roll them” - our cue to advance to battle.

Picture some 400 Roman soldiers advancing at the double, spears at the ready, up a desert sand dune to be met with a rain of armour from the defenders at the top.

The plan of campaign called for the Romans to advance halfway up the hill before the Egyptians rushed down to meet them, at the same time starting an outflanking movement.

On coming to grips at close quarters, bow and arrow and spears were discarded for swords and battle was waged in grim earnest. Dead and wounded men were trampled underfoot and notwithstanding, they fell with their shields conveniently covering themselves. Many sustained injuries.

All the while we were doing our best to shout bloodthirstily, and were quite hoarse when someone shouted “cut it” and fighting ceased.

Gabby, a Hungarian Jew, now addressed us in his queer English. Apparently, we had done nothing right and he told us what he thought of us in no uncertain terms. Among other things, he called us “a lot of duly svindelaars” for taking his £3.30 and not giving our best in return.

He wasn’t really fed up, but it was his way of seeing to it we did even better next time.

At the next attempt, we evidently excelled ourselves for he said “very goot boys, very goot”. It must have been if the number of casualties were any indication, for there was a que with “wounds” requiring attention outside the first aid tent.

Persons receiving wounds requiring stitches were paid extra at the rate of 5/ per person per stitch.

Shooting was now suspended for lunch and after lunch, as it had become overcast, officials came around shouting “packup for today, lads”.

So we returned our gear and had our cards stamped “wardrobe returned”, “armour returned” and then collected our £3.30 for a very easy day’s work - as one chap said: “Money for old rope!” - Edwin Courtenay

NEWS & VIEWS

9 November 2016

Sex crime Leigh Dunn was accused of ‘did not happen’, according to child A well-known Plett teacher was on Thursday acquitted in the Knysna Regional Court of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old child in his class last year - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

FREE TO GO: Leigh Dunn, left, and lawyer John Gillespie in front of the Knysna courthouse last week - Photo supplied

EIGH Dunn, 42 - who received the Education Department’s National Teaching Award in 2012 first pleaded not guilty when the trial against him kicked off on Thursday morning, but after only the testimony of a social worker and the child, he was acquitted.

During cross examination, the child testified that the crime his teacher was being accused of did not happen.

Dunn was first arrested on June 22 last year after claims surfaced that he allegedly sexually abused the boy at a swimming pool in Plettenberg Bay in May. He was subsequently arrested, but later released on

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R3,000 bail.

The matter was transferred to the Knysna Regional Court from Plett Magistrate’s Court.

Dunn said he was thankful that the months of trauma he experienced was finally behind him and “that the truth was finally out”.

He added that his faith and the overwhelming support from family and friends carried him through “this difficult time”.

He was, however, surprised that the matter ended on the first day of the trial as he expected several more witnesses to take the stand before the case concluded.

“I knew the truth would

prevail and so many people supported me and believed in my innocence. I wasn’t ever alone. I had incredible support from family, friends and the Plett community at large.

“I even had friends travel all the way from New York to come and support me today. All these people believed in my innocence, too,” Dunn said.

His popularity was apparent from the start when his lawyer, John Gillespie, handed in statements of support for the accused, including those from 17 of his colleagues, a former principal, an art therapist, and an orthopaedic surgeon during his bail application.

This support did not fade as the case continued, and on Thursday a group of friends and family gathered at court and celebrated with Dunn after the judgment was delivered.

A lifelong family friend, Pastor Charles Breda, from Plett said that he had known Dunn from a young age and saw the way he had been brought up.

“So I knew he was a good man and that he was innocent from the start - I never doubted it,” Breda said.

Another long-time friend of the family, Elsabey Clark, said she too believed in his innocence.

“And then I had my faith and so many people out there who were on their knees praying for me. For that I am so grateful,” Dunn said.

He added that while this case was “hanging over him” he never experienced any negativity from the local community. “Even people who I knew did not support me, were courteous, always greeting me when we bumped into each other in the shops.”

CXPRESS

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NEWS & VIEWS

9 November 2016

Department called in after acts of violence at primary school Parents of a primary school in New Horizons have intervened after a series of alleged violent incidents at the hands of young learners at the school - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports ORMOSA Primary parents and concerned members of the Plett community have not only demanded the school and the Western Cape Education Department address their issues, but have also decided to patrol the school grounds to ensure the safety of learners and teachers.

A large group of parents gathered at the school last Wednesday to voice their concerns and start patrolling. They also demanded that learners be searched after which several items from knives to condoms were confiscated.

Community member Kelvin Skey said parents have been concerned about the safety of teachers and learners for quite some time after several violent incidents at the school.

The latest, which also sparked the action, happened on Tuesday last week when a school governing body member was chased around the school grounds by a 12-year-old learner armed with a knife.

Skey said since the start of the final term, there had been at least four other incidents where teachers had been either attacked physically or verbally. A classroom had also been turned upside down, all books dumped on the floor and damaged.

One parent, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she had brought these issues to the attention of the school, but that her plight had landed on deaf ears.

“The child responsible for attacking a teacher was suspended, but back at school the very next day. How is this going to change the situation?”

Parent Ursula Fillis, who has two children at the school, said her chil-

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DESTROYED: An empty classroom at Formosa Primary, which received a complete makeover from province a couple of years back, was vandalised by learners, while another was turned upside down by Grade 7s, with books strewn all over the floor Photo: Yolandé Stander

dren did not want to go to school anymore as they were fearful.

“We need the department to intervene here as the situation is not improving,” Fillis said.

While principal Colin Wildeman did not comment on the matter, departmental spokesperson Jessica Shelver confirmed that concerns from parents had been reported to the department.

She said the latest incident allegedly happened between a Grade 7 learner and a school governing body (SGB) member who was at the school to assist with supervision.

Shelver added Wildeman reported that the SGB member asked the learner to remove a cap he had been wearing, and which was not part of the school uniform.

“The learner reportedly became brazen and tried to assault the SGB member.

He took the learner to the principal’s office, where the learner reportedly attacked the SGB member.”

Shelver said the principal

allegedly tried to calm the learner down, but that the youngster walked out of the office and allegedly returned with two rocks.

“The learner reportedly threw one of the rocks at the SGB member, which hit a window. The learner allegedly ran out and attempted to damage the cars in the parking lot. He then left the school premises, returned with a knife and allegedly tried to stab the SGB member. Fortunately, he was unable to.”

Police and law enforcement were called and a case of assault was opened.

“The learner will now face disciplinary action in terms of the school’s code of conduct.”

Shelver said district officials have in the meantime attended a meeting with all role-players involved. The principal also wrote a letter to parents to explain the incident.

“The school safety committee will meet again this week and the situation will be monitored by our district officials.”

Garden Route Media

No telescope needed for Supermoon!

N November 14, the moon will appear 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the average moon, according to NASA, and will be as close to our planet as it has last been in 1948.

Supermoons occur when the sun, moon and Earth align and the moon's orbit is at its closest proximity to Earth. Also called a perigee moon, it is known by its spectacular size and brightness.

This phenomenon usually takes place every 13 months, but are very seldom as close to Earth as it will be on Monday. And although December brings another Supermoon, a behemoth of this month’s

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New or 2nd hand toys THANK YOU!

SUPER SHOT: This beauty was captured in Baviaanskloof during a recent full moon affair - Photo: Gigi Lewis

proportion will only be seen again on November 25, 2034.

The best time to view the Supermoon would be with moonrise and, according to Traveller24, moon gazers will get the best views and

clarity when “moving away from bright city lights and pollution” - so that makes anywhere in CX Country a great vantage point, although getting yourself to a spot of elevation surely wouldn’t hurt.

NEWS & VIEWS

9 November 2016

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Plett Open Gardens sure to delight once again this year ARDEN lovers and other visitors are in for another treat when four lovely local gardens go on show to raise funds for Plett Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). The popular annual Plett Open Garden Day will take place on Saturday November 19 from 10am to 4pm - all over Plett.

Since its inception in 2012, this event has grown in popularity, last year attracting over 400 visitors and raising almost R40,000 for PAWS. Every year, visitors from as far afield as George and other towns along the Garden Route make their way to Plett for this purpose.

Says organiser Marsja Hall-Green: “Guests are invited to enjoy a day in our beautiful town, while having the opportunity to view a selection of exceptional and different gardens, usually hidden from sight.

“For me it’s not just about looking at the planning and planting of individual gardens, but about the stunning backdrop against which these gardens are set. We are privileged in Plett to be surrounded by natural beauty, and our spectacular ocean and mountain views become an integral part of many of our gardens.”

Featured this year is a garden on the famous Beachy Head Drive, another under huge Milkwood trees, and the third fabulous natural garden is spread out over three stands and includes a lovely water feature.

In addition to these gems, visitors will be able to wander around the Ouland Royale gardens and nursery, while enjoying a relaxing cup of tea and cake.

The traditional PAWS Plant and Cake Sale will also be held at Ouland, with delicious home-baked fare and bargain plants on offer. Sadly Rae Gilbert has decided not to open her award-winning Bosky Dell Rose Garden to the public this time

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FEAST OF FLORA AND CONFECTIONERY: These images show the delights of last year’s event, comprising thrilling gardens, superb views, company of the like-minded and a cake sale to write home about

around, as she will be doing some necessary maintenance work.

Tickets are R80 for four gardens and can be bought at any of the following gardens Ouland Royale (Opposite Plett Airport) When designer Wilja Reitz left Cape Town, she had a vision of building a beautiful baroque barn, set in a lovely garden with a pond and views over Plett’s valleys to the sea. A firm favourite for breakfast, coffee and cake, Ouland Royale on the Reitz family farm has since become one of Plett’s most popular venues for musical and other events.

Oppenheimer Garden (2 Hood Point Road, corner of Griz Nez, 0.5km from the Longstone turnoff) Since featuring in the second Plett Open Garden Day in 2013, Jetty’s spectacular natural garden has been expanded to include a lovely water feature. While sensitive to the fynbos in her garden, she chooses plants primarily for their “designerly feel”, reflecting texture and shape that satisfy her artistic talents. She will also be showing off her lovely Nojo Design Shweshwe décor items.

Harris Garden (8 Beachy Head Drive) Set on Plett’s most iconic road, this garden has it all. Designed by Graham von Hoesslin [see the GvH Landscapes advert on this page], it features predominantly indigenous planting with a focus on colour. From the colourful sidewalk, stairs lead down into a courtyard from where an impressive roof garden can be seen. More steps lead down to a stunning garden overlooking the ocean and Robberg Peninsula.

Park House (Great Basses Road, off Beacon Island Drive, opposite Longstone Park) Now nicknamed The Tree House, the sensitive design of the house with its ample timber detail was dictated by the majestic

old existing Milkwood trees. The shady garden has a mystical feel, with a natural indigenous planting scheme.

Another great Graham von Hoesslin design, plants were selected to attract nectar and fruit-eating birds like the Knysna Loerie, as well as bees and butterflies. A visit to the Legers’ Groenfontein Toy Project Studio is also a must (www.toyproject.co.za).

“Quite apart from raising very necessary funds for PAWS, it has been my great pleasure to organise the Plett Open Garden event over the past four years,” says Marsja.

“I have met so many delightful people garden owners and designers, gardeners and enthusiasts - all of whom share a special love of plants and growing them.”

She gives special thanks to the garden owners, the tireless volunteers on duty at the various venues, the generous nurseries and individuals who donate plants, and all those donating lovely baked items for the PAWS cake sale.

Maps showing the location of gardens will be available from Barney’s Kiosk at the Market Square from Friday November 11 onwards. Contact Marsja on 044 533 4578 or 073 645 9476 for additional information.

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NEWS & VIEWS

9 November 2016

A brief history of Plettenberg Bay’s first charity shop Roger Davis

S some of you may be aware, I started Plettenberg Bay’s first charity shop in Sewell Street in 1999. Plett Charity Shop, as it was known, was not aligned to any one charity, but helped any charity in need of funding.

The first organisation to benefit from the shop was our local Child and Family Welfare Society, which required transport for its social workers. Within two months of Plett Charity Shop opening its doors, we purchased a Toyota Tazz for this purpose.

Within a further six months we bought them a Nissan 1400 bakkie and in addition, we funded a feeding scheme for the poor and hungry in their care.

The next organisation to receive aid was Masizame children’s shelter in KwaNokuthula where the shop funded the purchase of a bakkie with canopy, as well as helping towards the building of a garage and extra bedrooms.

Furthermore, we funded two feeding schemes - one at the school in Harkerville,

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and the other for Eagle Ministries. Another charity to receive aid was the fledgling PAWS, where we employed the services of a lady inspector and purchased a second-hand bakkie for her to carry out work, as well as paying all of the veterinarian charges.

All of the above was undertaken within the first 18 months of the shop’s existence. Due to circumstances, I handed over the operation of Plett Charity Shop to a committee and stepped away. Unfortunately, within weeks of them running the shop, the committee disbanded and one of its members appeared to have taken over the shop.

From what I have learnt, it seems that no further funding of local charities took place, even though goods were still being donated by the public for the shop to sell. Whatever became of the money generated has never been made public, and the shop continued to run up until 2008 with estimated annual sales of donated goods totalling close to R200,000.

After having closed its doors, statements for the

shop’s bank account, showing a balance of R5,900, started being delivered to my residence in Raven Place, as officials at Plett Post Office were aware that I was the founder of the shop.

Over the last three years I have been trying to get this money released, but as the Plett Charity Shop treasurer was deceased and I was not a signatory to the account, I kept hitting a brick wall.

Finally, through a contact within the bank in question, I managed to get in touch with the right department and a fortnight ago, the funds were finally released.

As this money belongs to the Plettenberg Bay community, I thought it only fair to donate it to Cansacare, which is run by four wonderful ladies who look after the wellbeing of Bitou’s cancer sufferers.

If only the amount in the account was larger… but I suppose every little bit helps. Thank you so much, ladies, for your selfless service to our community.

Should you wish to make a donation to Cansacare Plett, you can EFT straight into their Nedbank account number 2090019328.

SERVING PLETT’S PEOPLE: The nearly-R6,000 cheque of final Plett Charity Shop funds was presented by Roger Davis to members of the Cansacare team - from left are June Milburn-Pyle, Pat Henderson and Jackie Martin - at the Cansa Breast Health Walk on October 28

Notice Board EADERS are invited to enter teams for an Inter-club Sports Quiz sponsored by Sanlam Private Wealth in aid of Plett Lifesaving Club and NSRI Station 14, held at Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club in Challenge Drive on Friday November 11 from 7pm.

Entry fee per team is R360 (maximum six members per team), which includes a light supper and cash bar with waiter service. The winners’ trophy is sponsored by Plett Sports and there are many additional prizes on offer. Spectators are welcome, too.

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Additional sponsors are Helen Melon Properties and The Print Shop. To obtain your entry form today, please contact Barry Ricketts on 044 533 5902 or 072 890 6238, or email barry ricketts48@hotmail.com for further details. Only the first 20 teams to enter can be accommodated.

Please take note that the fundraising concert for Hospice Plett, Armed Man - A Mass for Peace at Piesang Valley Hall on December 15, will start at 8pm and NOT at 7pm as previously published. Doors will open

at 7:15pm. Tickets cost R250 per person - contact Lady Conyngham at acon yngham@telkomsa.net or on 044 533 5178 for tickets and table reservations.

Bitou CVC Shop and PAWS thank the Plett public for ongoing support and donations. The Community Vet Clinic team continues to sterilise dogs and cats from Bitou’s disadvantaged communities while offering primary health care where needed. For collection of goods from your home, please contact Tina van Reenen on 072 296 4283.

BUSINESS

9 November 2016

Build or buy - which is better?

OR first-time home buyers especially, the question of whether it is better to build a new home or buy an existing home is often a daunting one. But it need not be, says Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff property group.

Each option has its own merits and as with everything around investing in property, the choice would depend on your personal preference and the amount of money and time you wish to invest.

Building your own home When it comes to building, the cost often outweighs that of investing in a second-hand home.

Building prices have escalated over the last few years and in many areas, the cost is now higher, making it a more expensive option compared to existing homes.

If you want a new home, of course all is not lost.

There are many new developments currently on offer across many affordable areas where you can in fact invest in a new home or you can buy off-plan, e.g. investing in a plotand-plan option.

These new developments offer the advantage of no transfer duty, so that is a

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PLAN IT: This 3D rendering of an architecture model will have you drooling if you’re in the market for a brand new home, but remember that there are many hidden costs associated with building

cost saving, especially for first-time home buyers on a tight budget. The selling agents or developers also often have partnerships in place with bond originators or banks to assist with home loans to qualifying buyers.

Bear in mind though that building your own home requires a significant investment of your time, especially if you are not buying in a development, i.e. you have bought a vacant plot and now intend building that dream home.

There are obviously onerous requirements when it comes to building.

These range from getting the designs and building plans done, to the neces-

sary approvals and project management.

Banks are very particular about granting building bonds and you would need to consult with them to find out what their requirements are.

Don’t forget to also consider the many hidden costs associated with building, from the drawing up and approval of plans to the many service costs, electrical, plumbing, and so on.

The benefit though, is that you will have a brand new home, customised to your needs and wants, a new garden (if applicable) and more than likely the latest finishes. You may also be investing in

an up-and-coming area that could quickly become sought-after and consequently could benefit from higher than expected capital value growth.

Buying an existing home On the flip side, you may find excellent value in an older home. You could perhaps find something with a nice-sized yard that can allow for future addons, a play area or addition of a swimming pool as your family grows.

The older home might also be an ideal fixerupper and especially for creatives, the opportunity to remodel and renovate is often a big decider.

This option would still allow you to customise the home to your needs. You may even be able to find a good buy in an excellent area that will mean excellent capital value growth in the years to come.

Of course, if you buy an existing home, you will be liable for transfer duty in addition to the normal transaction costs associated with buying a property such as attorneys’ fees and bond registration costs.

Visit www.seeff.com for more property news and see the advert on page 3 for current Plett listings.

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Sam: “I have travelled just about all over the world.”

Joe: “Wow, in that case you must know geography well?”

Sam: “Oh yes, I spent two months there!”

INTERVAL

9 November 2016

What on earth is a Vice-president pride was really proud a vice-president of peas post tortoise?

TOM after his promotion at the grocery store!”

HILE stitching a cut on the hand of a 75-year-old farmer, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man.

Eventually the topic got around to politicians and their role as leaders.

The farmer said: “Well, as I see it, most politicians are ‘post tortoises’.”

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a ‘post tortoise’ was.

The old farmer replied: “When you’re driving down a country road and

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you come across a fence post with a tortoise balanced on top, that’s a post tortoise.”

The old farmer saw the puzzled look on the doctor’s face, so he continued to explain.

“You know he didn’t get up there by himself, he doesn’t belong up there, he doesn’t know what to do while he’s up there, he’s elevated beyond his ability to function… and you have to wonder what kind of idiot put him up there to begin with.”

to vice-president of the company he worked for and he kept bragging about it to his wife for weeks on end.

Finally, his wife had enough and couldn’t take it any longer. She told him: “Listen, it means nothing - they even have

“Really?” he said.

Not sure if this was true or not, Tom decided to call the grocery store.

A clerk answered and Tom asked: “Can I please talk to the vice-president of peas?”

The bored clerk replied: “Canned or frozen?”

Vrouelogika op sy beste!

AN, vroegoggend: “Wil jy nie saam met my gaan draf nie, skat?”

Vrou, moerig: “Wil jy sê ek is vet?”

Man: “Nee, maar dis besonder goed vir jou gesondheid!”

Vrou: “So, nou is ek sieklik?”

Man, nou baie verbouereerd: “Jy verstaan my verkeerd, skat. Dis nie wat ek bedoel nie!”

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Vrou, nou erg omgekrap: “So, ek’s onnosel en ongeletterd, en verstaan niks nie?”

Man, taamlik desperaat: “Dis nie wat ek gesê het nie, skat.”

Vrou: “Wil jy vir my sê ek lieg?”

Man, sugtend: “Geniet maar jou slapie, skat.

Ek gaan alleen draf.”

Vrou: “Ja, jy doen mos alles alleen, te hel met my!”

DON’T MAKE EYE CONTACT Don’t make eye contact, don’t make eye contact, don’t make eye contact, don’t make eye contact...

During date night... couple were having dinner at a fancy restaurant, and as the food was served, the husband said: “The food looks delicious, let’s eat.”

“Honey, you say a

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prayer before eating when we’re at home,” his wife reprimanded.

Her husband replied: “That’s at home, Sweetheart… here the chef knows how to cook.”

YOU WANT YOURS LICKED OR NOT LICKED? Just kidding. They’re ALL licked.

SOCIAL SCENE

9 November 2016

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People, places & events

MAKING HER (WATER)MARK AT THE WHITE HOUSE: The last Saturday night in October saw Sonja Kantey performing some favourite songs with keyboard maestro Andrew Nezar, at left below, and percussionist Mike Kantey backing her up with aplomb. The audience was suitably enchanted by the staging, lighting and elegant costumes presented on The White House stage. The show was produced by the trio under the banner of the Watermark Arts Café, from which stable many more such delights can be expected.

WHAT A PLEASURE! Clockwise from above, Sergio, Luca and Jolene Raimondi of Plettenberg Bay ably man their stall at the Leisure Isle Festival, held in Knysna over the weekend of November 5 & 6; catching the festive spirits are Evans Mulolowa, left, from Zimbabwe and Tawanda Nyoka of Concordia in Knysna; Baden Hall, left and Roy Taylor did sterling work providing a pleasant mix of music and making announcements over the public address system for the duration of the event.

- Timothy Twidle

A’CAMPING WE WILL GO! On Monday October 31, the Plettenberg Bay 1st Sea Scouts had a little surprise in store for them. A huge tent had been purchased from PAWS Charity Shop, but missed some of its poles, guy ropes and pegs, so it was taken down to the 1st Sea Scouts to see if they could manage to assemble it. After much trial and error the Scouts and Guides had it erected and all were delighted when it was presented to the Scout Master as a gift from a benefactor for the Scouts’ upcoming camp in December. The pic shows Roger Davis of PAWS Charity Shop handing over the tent to Caribou group scouter Jared Harding at back.

In front from left are parent assistant Bronwen, Danica, assistant patrol leader Murray, patrol leader Justien, Simon, Stuart, and Levrone at right.

PRETTY BAY PUPILS MEET CRAGS CREATURES: Bahia Formosa School enjoyed a marvellous outing for all their learners to Monkeyland in The Crags last Friday, where the youngsters were enthralled by the antics of the reserve’s many primates as well as the feathered beauties at Birds of Eden.

Offering a holistic education for all, according to their motto, the Ladywood-based facility accommodates kids from Grade 00 to Grade 7 - find out more about Bahia Formosa School as well as contact details on page 7 of this edition.

DICK AND DAVE CLOSE THE CONCERT YEAR: Knysna Plett Concert Series presents Britain’s foremost piano duo of David Nettle and Richard Markham on November 14, when they’ll treat Knysna to their unique style of performing that has thrilled audiences around the world. They have travelled extensively in the States, playing on two matching Steinway pianos, and they own one of the last remaining Double Pianos, which is housed in their studio space in London. David and Richard have wooed concert halls in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Australia, and have performed with the top orchestras in these countries and many others, as well as featuring on major festivals like Bath, Berlin, SchleswigHolstein and the BBC Proms. Monday night’s performance will include works by Rachmaninov, Brahms, Chopin and Saint-Saens. This will be the final concert for 2016 so go fill the Knysna Dutch Reformed Church hall to capacity and enjoy the magic of music. Tickets are sold at the door from 6:45pm (R120 or R30 for scholars) and the show starts at 7:30 sharp.

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CXPRESS

CLASSIFIEDS

9 November 2016

HANDYMAN ON CALL 082 492 4417 072 724 6590

ON THE SOAPBOX

9 November 2016

Letters to the Editor

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CXPRESS

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

There is method to Bitou Municipality’s roadworks modus operandi

PUNTING PLETT, OR NOT? This letter in the November edition of Leisure Wheels reminds of the old adage that there’s no such a thing as bad publicity‌

It appears Bitou Municipality is up to its same old tricks in resurfacing roads that apparently don’t need repairing.

Now it is Odlands Drive.

Although the road is certainly not perfect, it’s a hell of a lot better than Beacon Way – the state of which is so bad that there was even a letter, at left, in one of the 4x4 magazines, saying this section of the road is now unofficially called ‘Beacon Way 4x4 Track’.

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

John, Plett (Dear John, the letter in question is obviously a tongue-in-cheek missive to entertain readers of the November edition of Leisure Wheels. Late last

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week, Bitou councillor Wayne Craig had advised CXPRESS that the work on Odlands is being done by the provincial Roads Department and would only take a few days, whereas major repair work here is scheduled for February 2017.

When checking in with him on the issue of Beacon Way, he reiterated that, as has always been the case when the state of this road is queried, work here is due to start as soon as the new Checkers development is underway in the near future.

As per previous queries, he urged readers to attend public meetings to familiarise themselves with Bitou municipal modus operandi. - Eds.)

Full moon photo brings back memories of yore Wanda Steyn’s photograph published on the Letters page of CXPRESS brought back memories [see ‘Full moon over BI and bay’ on page 15 of the October 26 edition at www. cxpress.co.za].

The photo alongside is that of a painting which hangs in my study. It was bought by my parents in 1954 when my father was manager of the old Beacon Isle Hotel.

The artist was one John Nesbitt, who was quite a character. He would spend months in the (then named) Rhodesian bush, living in a camper-van whilst painting.

Once he’d assembled a

NESBITT’S LEGACY: This atmospheric beauty was painted by John Nesbitt in 1954, his vantage point the sunroof deck of the original BI Hotel

goodly selection he’d head back into South Africa and hold small exhibitions of his work

in the Western Cape.

When we moved to Hermanus, John once pitched up with a mar-

vellous collection of paintings but had run out of money.

We knew him well, so my parents bought about 10 off him (I remember them hanging on every wall) then.

When John was solvent once more, they sold them back to him at the price they had paid for them!

I last saw John in about 1959 and have no idea of his whereabouts after that - sad, as he was a good fellow.

The painting in the photograph was done in February 1954 from the sunroof deck of the old Beacon Isle Hotel.

Dave Reynell, Knysna

If you believe this you will believe anything!

John Magill of Knysna sent this photo and wrote: “We all know that kites can fly - and they do it beautifully. But, last Sunday in Eden (the latter-day one, that is) we witnessed a phenomenon that defied both gravity and belief. Believe it or not, hovering over the remote village of Karatara was‌ a giant-sized pig! In this region, where mysterious elephants roam the forest, you may also be forgiven for claiming that there are pink ones, if you believe, too, that pigs can fly.â€?

(Turn to page 16 of the October 26 edition at www.cxpress.co.za to read Bob Hopkin’s story on the recent Eden Kite Festival - Eds.)

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

9 November 2016

A first for SA: This wooden fat bike is PHAT*, man! very noble concept that’s how one could be excused when punning about South Africa’s first wooden fat** bike, being completed in Knysna this week as unique token of the town’s timber heritage.

Brainchild of local businessman John Noble and his team, the seven-speed bike is due to go on show to the public during this weekend’s Knysna Timber Festival.

“Knysna’s economy was founded on timber, and timber was still its backbone until about a decade ago,” said Noble.

“Policy decisions and other factors have devastated the local timber industry over the last 20 years, with the loss of 7,000 jobs in the Southern Cape from plantations, sawmills, shops, and factories that’ve been forced to close.

“But Knysna still has a core of experienced and talented people determined to reverse the situation - and we felt that one way of highlighting their work would be to harness

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Knysna’s heritage of timber to build a product for the future, and to use funds raised for the project to provide technical skills training for three young people who want to pursue timber-related careers.”

Under Noble’s leadership, the team - all hackers at the Kluyts MakerSpace - gave itself six weeks to complete the task.

Members include technical draftsperson Roy Weatherstone, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) expert Clifford Coetzer and CNC technicians Matthew Bisset and Mario Barnard, frame maker Jaco Delport, master woodworker Richard Henley, bike shop and children’s cycling academy owner Jacques Brink, fundraiser Rod Ward-Able, and project manager Francois Geldenhuys.

The bike is called ‘Outeniqua Fatstix’ in honour of the indigenous timber (“sticks”) that grows on the Garden Route, on the southern slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains.

Materials and components

LAMINATION STATION: Jaco Delport of the Kluyts MakerSpace and CNC technician Matthew Bisset, right, in the process of preparing the timber for the Outeniqua Fatstix mountain bicycle some of the laminates are pictured in the inset

“None of us has ever built a bike before, but we decided to put our heads together and to use a process of rapid prototyping to get this project out,” said Brink.

The CAD design and the CNC of the front triangle were completed during the first week of operations, while the initial lamination

of the frame began on October 31 - which was also when the team met to consider how to integrate the components with the frame, and to begin working on the hand-shaped rear triangle.

The frame is made of stinkwood, candlewood and hard-pear, and the components will include a Shima-

no drive train, a 1x7-speed component set, hydraulic brakes, and standard issue, steel fat bike forks and 26inch fat bike wheels. The team will work on wooden wheels at a later stage.

Timber Festival When Outeniqua Fatstix makes its appearance at the Timber Festival from No-

vember 11-13, it will reaffirm the theme of the event - ‘Timber is in our nature’ - while opening a new, exciting chapter in the history and heritage of both timber and cycling in the region.

Sponsorship Businesses and members of the public are invited to sponsor the project at R1,000 a spoke. The funds will be used to help with the development of the bike, and to pay for skills development training, which will be conducted by Richard Henley.

For more information, please visit www.facebook. c o m / O u t e n i q u a Fat s t i x or the Outeniqua Fatstix stand at the Knysna Timber Festival (www.timberfestival.co.za). * ‘PHAT’ means ‘Pretty Hot And Tempting’ and the fact that it’s use is no longer particularly ‘in’ didn’t deter us from falling for the wordplay… ** Fat bikes have 4-inchwide tyres. Originally designed for cycling on snow, it is now used in urban riding and on beaches.

Plett’s oldest teenager claims Fancourt Invitational STROEBEL FANS: From left are Fancourt club captain Henk Geldenhuys, lady winners Nancy Brown and Coleen Robinson, and the talented Mister Stroebel, whose partner Richie Schultz does not feature as he had to rush back to Plett before the Fancourt Men’s and Ladies Invitational 2016 prize-giving concluded - Photo: Eugene Rheeder

HEN bumping into famous Plett restaurateur Chris Stroebel two Sundays ago, he was still beaming after his “surprise win” with partner Richie Schultz at the Fancourt Invitational on October 28 & 29.

Explained Fancourt golf coordinator Eugene Rheeder: “Played over two days on the Montagu and Outeniqua courses, this year’s tournament saw 224 participants - the biggest field thus far.

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“It is always a pleasure to host our members and their guests at Fancourt. They travel from all over the country to attend this event and for that reason we always feel a great deal of pride when we receive such an influx of participants.”

He added that “Mr Stroebel played extremely well” to walk off with the coveted title, so heart-felt congrats are due to him and “Mr Schultz” for flying high the Bitou golf flag.

Western Tigers get gifted with new kit Team members of the Western Tigers Rugby Football Club in Plett proudly display their new rugby jerseys at their training field atop Piesang Valley on November 3. The team consists of locals who have come together due to their mutual love for the game, and they are hoping to participate in the 2017 Coastal League games. Bitou ward councillor Wayne Craig, at left above, presented the guys with the kit and said he was honoured to be able to share the moment with the players, encouraging them to enjoy the game and do their level best. Also shown are Plett residents Allan Hodgson, at centre in the back row, and Bill Jones, at right, who told CXPRESS how heart-warming it was to see the guys practising come rain or shine, and without lights on the makeshift field behind Weldon Kaya. “They play rugby and soccer with such determination that we felt proud to provide kit that may help build team spirit, and see them rise in the ranks of the local league,” he added.

NSRI Emergency numbers

JHB 56747

Knysna - 082 990 5956 Plettenberg Bay - 082 990 5975 Wilderness - 082 990 5955

Step up to the crease and take on your heroes Enter at kfcminicricket.co.za or by dialling *120*7535#