Leisure Isle Festival fun

According to the Oxford Dictionary the definition of recreation is an: “Activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.” This dictionary will be well advised to include the much-revered Leisure Isle Festival into its definition, as year after year the festival has provided enjoyment to the thousands that have visited it.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Sotheby’s International Realty Knysna, locals and visitors can once again look forward to a jam-packed Leisure Isle Festival on the weekend of November 7 and 8. This year’s Festival (fondly known as “Treasure Island”) will once again provide them with ample opportunity to stock up on Christmas shopping, wining, dining and let’s not forget the top notch entertainment provided at the festival ground, Kingsway Park, Leisure Island.

“Once again Knysna Tourism is proud to endorse this successful local festival and look forward in working hand in hand with Roger and his committee in ensuring that the festival receives the attention it deserves,” said Greg Vogt, Knysna Tourism CEO.

For the past 13 years this community driven festival has provided locals with the opportunity to purchase locally produced goods while supporting an all-important fundraising drive in doing so. “Last year, we raised R191 00 for the participating charities. I have been told that second to the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, the Leisure Isle Festival raises more for local charities than any other festival staged in the Knysna calendar. said Roger Voysey, Leisure Isle Festival convener.

This year’s Festival charity beneficiaries are Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS), e’Pap Children Feeding Scheme, Knysna/Sedgefield Hospice, Steenbok Nature Reserve, Vermont Old Age Home and Hands and Hearts Centre – incorporating Emzini.

The Festival organising committee, Roger Voysey, Bob Hunt, Chris Kay, Lorr Scanlen, Niall Johnston, Peter Godsell, Peter Smith and Sheena Mare have been hard at work to ensure the 2015 Leisure Isle Festival outshines all previous festivals.

“This year the Festival has gone back to its original roots and included the arts and show gardens. We scouted around the Island and chose six gardens to showcase during the festival. We have further incorporated a new area to showcase traditional Arts & Crafts in the Park,” said Voysey.

Besides the return of these firm favourites, the Leisure Isle Festival will incorporate a display of well-known collector of vintage cars, Brian Bruce‘s classic cars. “We are thrilled that Brian will be sharing his vast knowledge of vintage cars with festival participants.” added Voysey.

He reassures potential festival visitors that there will be over 100 stalls offering old
favourites as well as exciting new items. “Special efforts will again be made to provide emerging crafters with an opportunity to showcase their products. As in the past, the focus will be on local products and crafts with participating charities running the tea garden, book sale, a beer and wine bar and several other stalls.”

In closing Voysey said: “We are grateful to our founding sponsor, Sotheby’s International Realty Knysna, and Knysna tourism, Leisure Isle Residents Association and the large number of organisations that provide pro-bono services. Without these supporters, the Leisure Ilse Festival would not be possible.”

Booking of festival stalls open online on August 1. Applications may be made on the Leisure Isle Festival website www.leisureislefestival,co.za or via hard copy. These application forms will be available from the Sotheby’s International Realty Knysna offices in Woodmill Land and Leisure Isle.•

U3A

Monday 3rd August 2015
A History of Christianity : Part 2 of 6 : Catholicism
The unpredictable rise of Rome and interpretations of the
meaning of Christ’s teaching presented major challenges
10H00 at Formosa Garden Village Lounge
Co-Ordinator: Michael Lond 044-533-0018

Tuesday 4th August 2015
Italian Conversation
10H00 at 12 Challenge Drive
Co-ordinator: Brenda Hardy 044-533-5489

Wednesday 5th August 2015
Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches ( Gold Beach )
David Hall-Green will present a DVD about the D-day landings in 1944
but not many are aware of the enormous task of building the artificial harbour
10H00 at Formosa Garden Village Lounge
Co-ordinator: Christo Vlok 044-533-5155

Friday 7th August 2015
Tai Chi class by Jennie Anderson
09H00 to 09H45 at St Peter’s Church Hall
Please present your U3A card or contact 072-128-7424
Co-ordinator: Jennie Anderson 044-533-0089

Friday 7th August 2015
French Conversation
10H30 to confirm with Ingrid
Co-ordinator: Ingrid James 044-533-0212

Friday 7th August 2015
Mah Jong : Ancient Fascinating Game
13H30 at Formosa Garden Village Small Dining Room
Co-ordinator: Amelia White 044-533-0113

How to Interview a Pet Sitter

You love your pet and want it to have the best care at all times. But sometimes you can’t be there to provide it. So you need to look into finding pet care options in your area. One considerable choice may be a pet sitter, who comes to your house to look after, walk, feed and play with your four-legged family member. But choosing a pet sitter is not a task you should approach casually. Once you’ve posted a pet care job on Care.com, the applicants will start rolling in. But how do you choose one?

The interview process is key. You need to interview candidates with the same care you would when interviewing a babysitter or nanny. Go through the applications you receive and narrow the choices down to a handful that show promise. Reach out to the candidates and set up interviews — in-person if possible. Here are nine questions you should ask during the interview process to help determine the best match for you and your pet:

Why Do You Like Being a Pet Sitter?
Starting with an open-ended question like this gives you the opportunity to assess the sitter’s level of enthusiasm for animals and for this type of job. If a person seems animated about this field, it may be something she’s doing because she actually enjoys it — not just as a way to earn some extra cash.

Will You Play with My Pet?
Bring your pet along to interview to see how compatible it is with the sitter. All the training in the world doesn’t matter if your pet doesn’t get along with the person you’re interviewing. Sometimes pets have an instant negative reaction to a person. See how the candidate interacts with the pet. Is she comfortable playing with and being around your animal?

What Training Have You Received?
Having someone who is enthusiastic is important, but also ask what type of actual training the person has had. This may include a degree of some sort. A Veterinary Technician who is licensed to give shots, help with exams and assist in surgery would be quite a catch. In lieu of that, make sure the sitter can spot health problems and react accordingly.

What Previous Experience Have You Had?
Has she cared for similar types of pets in the past? What did the sitter like and dislike about these experiences? What did she learn from them?

What Services Do You Provide?
Do you want your pet to be groomed while you are gone? Do you think it’s important that he spend at least an hour a day catching a Frisbee. Do you want a sitter to provide a checklist of what she did with your pet? A pet sitter can do all these things. But you need to find out if your pet sitter will do them. And ask specific questions. What types of grooming products does she use? What does she look for in a dog park?

Do You Have a Contract?
A contract that lists services and fees is good for your peace of mind. (Although this is information on a nanny contract, read this article about contracts to get an idea on what a contract should say and provide for). Read any contract thoroughly before signing, so you know what you’re getting. For example, make sure the pet sitter doesn’t have a clause in her contract that states “Will feed but will not water.”

Can You Provide References?
You really want a pet sitter who can prove that he or she satisfied customers before she got to you. Call the references and ask what their experience with the sitter was like.

Are You Bonded and Insured?
This would cover many dire contingencies(accidents, negligence, theft of your property, etc,).

How Many Other Pets Are You Currently Sitting for?
You want to make sure she has enough time to care for your pet. If she also watches over numerous other animals, she may not be able to devote lots of special attention to yours.
Remember that this interview isn’t only about you and your pet. The pet sitter should be asking you as many questions as you are asking her. If the candidate doesn’t seem curious about your pet or isn’t asking thoughtful questions, that is a red flag.•

Sand Running vs. Running on Concrete

Sand running may be a more intensive workout and may have other benefits as well, but there are also people that prefer running on concrete. If you are undecided whether you should practice one or the other, you should know a few things about running on sand and on concrete.

Running on Sand Is a More Intensive Workout

When you compare running on sand with running on concrete in terms of calories consumed, running on sand is clearly a more intensive workout and you will burn more calories, as this type of workout is more difficult. Just try walking on sand and then walk on concrete; you will feel the difference. In addition, you may slip on sand and have to fight the friction; this will add to the difficulty of the workout.

Running on Concrete Is Harder on Your Knees

If you prefer to run on concrete, you have to know that this will put more stress on your knees and joints. The harder the surface, the more wear and tear there will be for your knees. This means that running on sand is a better alternative for your knees, as this is a softer surface and also acts as a shock absorbent.

However, if you get a good pair of running shoes, you may protect your knees when running on concrete. Knee bands may also be advisable when you choose to run on concrete.

Running on Sand Can Cause Injuries

When you decide to run on sand, you need to learn how to perform this activity, otherwise, you will end up injuring yourself. You can easily fall and hurt your feet if you don’t start with the basics such as running on flat surfaces, starting with wet sand and wearing some running shoes. Experts say that people running on sand are more prone to sprains, tendonitis and other injuries than people running on pavement or concrete. This is due to the fact that you have to adjust permanently to the surface and you can easily get injured. Consequently, you need some practice to learn how to avoid common injuries.

You should also know that running on sand won’t allow you to run at your normal tempo, as you will not be able to run as fast as usual. However, you will burn a lot of calories even if you run for only 20 minutes.

When it comes to choosing whether you run on sand or on concrete, you will be the one to decide. It’s important to take into account

your preferences as well. While many people consider running on the beach to be fun, you may not like the sun and the fact that there may be a lot of people watching.

In terms of protecting your knees and joints, you would be better off running on sand or softer surfaces, but if you get suitable running shoes, running on concrete will not be dangerous for your knees.

Researched By : Kátia C. Rowlands – Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer – 082 513 4256•

Big mountain bike event this weekend

The Spur Schools MTB League is in full swing and early indications are that the league will quickly reach its target of 10 000 entries for the 2015 season.

The second Spur Eden MTB League event will be presented on Saturday, July 25 at the Montessori School in Knysna, following the first Southern Cape event hosted in George.

After the George event, York High School is top of the leader board with 82 points followed by Glenwood House second with 56 points and High School Langenhoven in third place with 45 points.

Mountain bike fans from across South Africa and neighbours Zimbabwe and Namibia will take to the track in nearly 60 races leading up to the finals at Bekker School in October. The action-packed finals will once again see schools as well as provinces competing for the coveted Spur Schools MTB League Trophy and top spot on the provincial log.

Points shall be awarded to the top 25 positions, while every finisher from position 26 onwards will receive one point. Combined points of all six riders of a school team will determine the school positions. The Eden School Team winners will attend the Western Cape Semi-Finals on September 12 at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch and the secondary school team winners will attend the national final event.

Saturday’s registration opens at 07:00 at a cost of R360 per school team of six riders and R60 for solo riders. The course will open at 07:30 for training with racing starting at 09:00.

Follow The Spur School MTB League on twitter at @SpurMTBleague, facebookSpurSchoolsLeague or www.spurmtbleague.co.za.

Background
The project was launched in 2009 as a joint initiative between Amarider and Spur Steak Ranches and its humble beginnings saw 900 riders participating in the initial 20 events. Founded by Meurant Botha, Amarider is a national trails advocacy organisation aimed at improving and promoting trail opportunities around Southern Africa.

The Spur Group is widely invested in a number of youth sport development projects that promote a healthy lifestyle with the Spur Schools MTB League considered as the flagship campaign. Other youth initiatives include the Spur Masidlale Soccer League, Spur Adventure Series and the Spur Ironkids Aquathlon.

Although mountain biking is an individual sport, the Spur Schools MTB League aims to promote cycling as a team discipline. Over the past seven years, the league has logged an average 45% year-on-year growth and has successfully increased the footprint of youth MTB cycling in Southern Africa.

A natural progression of the development of the league has been the establishment of South African Schools Cycling (SASC) headed up by Deon Steyn, as a national governing body of the sport. Apart from the further development of regional structures, a major aim of SASC is to lobby with the Department of Education to accredit mountain biking as an official schools sport.•

U3A

Monday 27th July 2015
Earthflight : Part 1 of 6 : North America
The Bird Migration of the Snow Geese,
Pelicans, Bald Eagles, and Cowbirds
10H00 at Formosa Garden Village Lounge
Co-Ordinator: Lynette Timme 044-535-9041

Monday 27th July 2015
U3A Film Club : Mr Turner
Biographical Drama about the last quarter century
of the life of the Great British Painter JMW Turner
18H15 at Formosa Garden Village Lounge
Co-ordinator: Brian Hardy 044-533-5489

Tuesday 28th July 2015
Italian Conversation
10H00 at 12 Challenge Drive
Co-ordinator: Brenda Hardy 044-533-5489

Wednesday 29th July 2015
Russian Ballet for our Culture Lovers
One of Diaghilev’s first commissions – The Firebird
Using dancers from the major Russian Companies
10H00 at Formosa Garden Village Lounge
Co-ordinator: Michael Lond 044-533-0018

Friday 31st July 2015
Tai Chi by Jennie Anderson
09H00 to 09H45 at St Peter’s Church Hall

Friday 31st July 2015
French Conversation
10H30 to confirm with Ingrid
Co-ordinator: Ingrid James 044-533-0212

Friday 31st July 2015
Mah Jong : Ancient Fascinating Game
13H30 at Formosa Garden Village Small Dining Room
Co-ordinator: Ameila White 044-533-0113