Dutch tourist assisted at Plett

Marc Rodgers, NSRI Plettenberg Bay deputy station commander, said: “At 16h40, Friday, 09th October, NSRI Plettenberg Bay crewman Nic van den Handel, out on a daily exercise run to the Robberg Nature Reserve, had come across two men carrying their injured friend.

It appears that a 25 year old Dutch tourist felt pain in his foot yesterday but thinking nothing of it he embarked on a hike today with his two friends, both 29, one from Holland and one from Miami, USA.

During the hike the pain in his foot grew more severe and after twisting his foot on rocks he was unable to continue and eventually, on the Robberg Nature Reserve Wild Side, unable to apply pressure to his left foot his two friends began to carry him and they had carried him already for three hours when the NSRI volunteer happened upon them while out on his daily run.

Assistance was requested from Nic and the three tourists were happy to have found help. NSRI launched our DISCOVERY Rescue Runner and our sea rescue craft LEONARD SMITH.

On arrival on the scene, in heavy sea conditions, our sea rescue craft LEONARD SMITH could not get close enough to rocks to transfer the patient onto her.

The DISCOVERY Rescue Runner was able to negotiate the swells and get close enough to the rocks, in between swells, to transfer the patient from the rocks onto the DISCOVERY Rescue Runner and he was transported out to LEONARD SMITH then brought to our sea rescue base where a friend collected him and took him to hospital for further treatment.

With fading light we dispatched a land rescue party and in darkness, using torches and headlamps, we hiked the two friends of the patient safely out of the Robberg Nature Reserve to their vehicles and they required no further assistance.

The EMS/AMS Skymed helicopter had been launched to assist but was cancelled en-route as she was no longer needed.

TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE

SMS 32287 with your name and a message of support for our Sea Rescue crew

Bikers open hearts to animal welfare

The annual Ulysses Garden Route Motorcycle Club (UGR) Plettenberg Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) bike run was held at Plettenberg Bay on October 4.

With the weather playing its part, hundreds of bikers from across the Garden Route turned out to support the annual event.

A huge amount of dog and cat food and resources were donated at the fun-filled event, which included lucky draws and a handover at the Berlin Restaurant in Plettenberg Bay – a part sponsor of the event.

Pick n Pay kindly arranged specials on their dog and cat food and there were also contributions in the form of prizes from LM , the Surf Café and other sponsors.

“It is gratifying in times where everyone is tightening the belt to see that folks out there still care for our four-legged friends and can open their hearts and wallets to support the wonderful folk at PAWS,” said UGR Chairman Mig Vermaak.

He also paid tribute to the support of other motorcycle clubs from the Southern Cape that turned out to give their support to Ulysses including Excalibur, Scattered Links, CMA, Renegades, Black Top Surfers,Wranglers, Moths and Syndicate to name but a few; many bringing their families along for a memorable day.

Tracy van der Byl , kennel manager at PAWS, expressed her delight at the substantial donation by the bikers.

“We use these products very constructively in especially poorer communities where animal owners, on receiving a food parcel, are encouraged to have the animals
vaccinated and receive treatments if necessary.
The willingness of the bikers to support us is very welcoming and very heartwarming,” said Van Der Byl.
UGR hosts the annual Whale Rally, which is now being held in Hartenbos.

-thegremlin.co.za•

Plett wins Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award

Plett Tourism is proud to announce that Plettenberg Bay has been awarded a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice™ award for Destinations, ranking fourth out of 10 in South Africa.

For the seventh year, TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top destinations based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

“This town is a real gem, and we recommend it thoroughly for a stop on the Garden Route.”
Review by TripAdvisor traveler africatravel00

“These world-class destinations chosen by our community are rich in history, culture and beauty and offer endless sights to explore,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “To help travelers discover these cities, TripAdvisor has surfaced value hotel options that are bookable on the site, along with fantastic places to eat and play.”

Travelers can also follow the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #travelerschoice.

Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL2) renewals

Western Cape to assist motorists during eNaTIS transition period

Motorists in the Western Cape are advised that renewal notices for motor vehicle licences will not be sent via the South African Post Office while the National Department of Transport (NDOT) is in the process of transferring the Electronic National Traffic Information System (eNaTIS) to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). The eNaTIS system is currently managed centrally at the NDOT, which includes the issuing of Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL2) renewal notices. This transition period will directly affect the thousands of motorists in the province who were due to renew their licence discs by the end of September 2015.

Motorists are urged to be proactive in checking their licence disc expiry dates, and ensuring that they renew by22 October 2015 to avoid penalties. Affected motorists residing outside of the City of Cape Town can contact the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works at its Provincial Service Centre for assistance on:

Contact Number: 0860 212 414

SMS: 31022

Send “Please Call Me”: 079 769 1207

Fax: 021 483 7216

E-mail: service@westerncape.gov.za

Alternatively vehicle owners can visit the Knysna municipality’s registration section in Main Street, Knysna with their South African Identity (ID) document or valid Driving Licence Card, and complete a green ALV form for licence renewal at the counter.

Accolades for Plett Wine Route

Top Rosé Wines South Africa 2015 – Winners Announced

 

South Africa’s Top Rosé Wines were announced on the evening of Wed 30th Sept 2015 at The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront Cape Town. Here are the results of the Rosé Rocks Wine competition:

Top 10 rosé wines in South Africa 2015:

Arabella Pink Panacea 2015

Brampton Rosé 2015

Eagle’s Cliff Shiraz Rosé 2015

Fat Bastard Pinot Noir Rosé 2014

Noble Hill Mourvèdre Rosé 2015

Noble Savage Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2015

Signal Gun Rosé 2015

Slanghoek Vinay Rosé Natural Sweet 2015

Tamboerskloof Katharien Syrah Rosé 2015

Warwick The First Lady Dry Rosé 2015

Top MCC Rosé Wines in South Africa 2015:

First place: Villiera Woolworths Brut Rosé

Second place: Klein Optenhorst Pinot Noir 2012 MCC

Third place: Plettenvale Brut Rosé MCC

Over 160 wines were entered into the competition and tasted blind with no indication of vintage, wine farm or technical analysis. All the results were independently audited by Grant Thornton South Africa.

The judging panel, chaired by wine expert and industry legend, Allan Mullins comprised Neil Pendock, wine writer and judge with over 30 years’ experience; Marthelize Tredoux, a seasoned writer for winemag.co.za and winner of the 2013 Veritas Young Wine Writer award; Tinashe Nyamudoka, the head Sommelier and beverage manager at acclaimed restaurant The Test Kitchen; Praisy Dlamini, an accomplished winemaker and the first woman Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé (2008); and Malu Lambert, an established freelance food and wine journalist.

Allan Mullins said “The range of wines to taste was remarkable and the judging was no easy task, which just goes to show what an amazing wine category rosé has become in South Africa.” He added “the rosé wine category in South Africa has a fantastic future and Rosé Rocks competition has put it in the spotlight.”

Cavalli Estate’s Pink Pony Rosé was the winner of the Best Designed label for a rosé wine.

The Best Designed Label category was judged by Abigail Donnelly, food editor of Taste Magazine and chief judge of the Eat Out Awards; Jessica Ross, deputy editor House & Leisure Magazine; and Liam Mooney, an award-winning interior designer.

The aim of the Rosé Rocks competition is to recognize excellence in rosé winemaking and to promote the South African rosé category.

Visit the Rosé Rocks website: www.rosérocks.co.za or follow all the news on Twitter: @RoséRocksSA.

Attention Fit Foodies!

This October holiday we’re celebrating more than just the Sasfin Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival – the week of 1 – 11 October will be showcasing Plett as an outdoor sporting destination to rival any in the country.

Robberg Xpress Trail Run in the Robberg Nature Reserve – this unique run supported by Cape Nature, will be held on Saturday 3rd October and entry is open for the scenic 10km route around Robberg and the family-friendly 5km “Shyshark” route. Test your mettle against the majestic Robberg Peninsula and enjoy a run around Plett’s iconic National Monument.

The popular Breast Cancer Awareness Walk will take place on Monday 5th October. Dress up in pink to support this worthy cause and take a walk through the beautiful town of Plett.

Golfers will love the Sasfin Plett Classic golf on Thursday 8th October at the Plettenberg Bay Country Club. The club is located within a nature reserve and entry includes a ticket to the Sasfin Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival.

The popular mountain bike race, Tour de Plett will take place on 10th October with a grand finish at the Sasfin Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival on Central Beach. This year’s races include an 85km marathon, 55km half-marathon and a 20km fun ride. It’s a spectacular route with profits going to the Kwanokuthula Cycling Academy and entry includes a ticket to the Sasfin Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival.

For more information please visit www.plett-tourism.co.za/events/tour-de-plett-2015/

-www.thegremlin.co.za•

National Parks Week: More than 4000 visitors

A total of 4 383 South Africans visited the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) during South African National Parks Week, from September 14 to 19.

SA National Parks Week is a campaign sponsored by FNB and Total SA.

Nandi Mgwadlamba, communication manager for SANParks, said, that 1 619 people visited Knysna (where the Featherbed Company ferried approximately 350 on the Knysna Estuary, which falls in the GRNP), 1 567 visited the Wilderness section and 1 197 the Tsitsikamma part of the park.

Acting general manager for the GRNP, Johan de Klerk, said, “This is an increase from last year by at least 346 visitors. It is encouraging to see so many local visitors responded to our call.” The SA Week campaign in the Garden Route kicked off on September 14 at an information session organised for locals in Harkerville, Knysna.

In Tsitsikamma, Segway tours were provided to local community members who would otherwise not be able to afford the experience. Learners from Coldstream, Woodlands and Storms River primary schools were taken on a guided Cultural Heritage Walk down the old Storms River Pass.

“In Wilderness, an orchestra in the park and a potjiekos competition drew the attention of most visitors. In all three parks, daily hikes and educational talks were scheduled. Domestic tourists contributed a total of R24.3-billion to the South African economy in 2013. In addition, the direct tourism contribution to GDP was R93-billion or 3% according to 2012 statistics.”

According to De Klerk, the GRNP is encouraged by recent figures and also global eco-tourism trends that are on an upward trajectory.

“To keep the momentum, the GRNP is planning an open day for cyclists (in November in Knysna), a self-drive route in the forest areas (Knysna), a fun day (Tsitsikamma), and carols by candlelight in the forest (Wilderness).”

For more on the Garden Route National Park, visit their website or follow them on Facebook, and Twitter.
www.knysnaplettherald.co.za•

Plett a winner in Tripadvisor awards

Plettenberg Bay named a winner in 2015 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for Destinations

Plettenberg Bay Tourism today announced it has been recognized as a winner in the 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards for Destinations, ranking fourth out of 10. For the seventh year, TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top destinations based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

“This town is a real gem, and we recommend it thoroughly for a stop on the Garden Route.” Review by TripAdvisor traveler africatravel00

“These world-class destinations chosen by our community are rich in history, culture and beauty and offer endless sights to explore,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “To help travelers discover these cities, TripAdvisor has surfaced value hotel options that are bookable on the site, along with fantastic places to eat and play.”

To see TripAdvisor traveler reviews and opinions of Plettenberg Bay.

For all of the 2015 Travelers’ Choice award-winning destinations, go to TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Destinations

Travelers can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #travelerschoice.

Plett Tourism•

The old timber shed receives some tlc

This “store”, built in the days of the Dutch East India Company, is one of the oldest historical relics on the South-East Coast of the Western Cape. It was declared a National Monument in 1936.

The building’s construction was approved by Governor Joachim van Plettenberg, who hoped that this Bay would become a port from which forest timber would be exported. The specifications which were given to Mr Johan Jacob Jerling who was commissioned to build the storehouse were: 61m in length, 6,7m in width and walls were to be 610mm breadth.

Construction was completed in 1788 and the first load of timber was taken out of the “store” in August 1788.

The Plett Historical Society (Mr David Rowe) approached the HOD Strategic Services, Mr David Friedman regarding possible assistance from Bitou Municipality with some general housekeeping on this National Monument as alien vegetation was causing damage to the structure. Together with Mr John Booyens (Horticulturist) from the Parks and Recreation Division of Bitou, a team of enthusiastic staff was assembled to attend to the requests.

They recently sprayed systemic herbicide on the plants growing in the cracks of the walls. The weed growth cannot be removed manually from the historic walls as it will interfere or damage the brick structure. It will need 3-4 weeks to disintegrate naturally. Special free standing ladders were used so as not to touch the wall surface. Lantana weeds around the building were also treated with systemic herbicide and will be removed at a later stage.

Overhanging trees were trimmed and lawn mowed opening up vistas previously not enjoyed from the site. There is still some tiding up to do and possible lighting to be installed. The surrounding area is being cleared of all alien vegetation and generally being neatened up.

The work is important so as to protect the walls from further damage and to beautify the area as a tourist attraction and asset. If the work had not been done the wall structure would in all probability have eventually been damaged, in all possibility what has happened in the past.

www.plett-tourism.co.za/news/the-old-timber-shed-receives-some-tlc/•

Knysna to host big regatta

Knysna will once again host the annual Midway Classic Regatta and Heads Race.

The event, organised by Western Cape Rowing, takes place on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18 at Belvidere Estate.

“The event is fast becoming a flagship event for rowing in South Africa with the 2015 event drawing top crews from the Western Cape (Bishops Diocesan College, South African College School, Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Somerset College and Peninsula Girls Rowing Club) and Eastern Cape (Grey College PE, Clarendon School, Diocesan School for Girls, St Andrew’s College, Zwartkops Rowing Club and Selborne College),” said Greta Engelbrecht, president of Western Cape Rowing.

More than 300 rowers and their supporters will descend on Knysna for two days of racing, showcasing some of the top rowing talent in South Africa.
-www.knysnaplettherald.co.za