Cartoon – Cyril the Fire Extinguisher

Cartoon – Cyril the Fire Extinguisher

Cartoon – Cyril the Fire Extinguisher

Cartoon – Cyril the Fire Extinguisher

Wheadon and Goosen add to tally of squash titles

Defending champions Gary Wheadon and Lizelle Goosen delivered decisive victories to retain their titles in the NMMU Madibaz Open squash championships in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.

Gary Wheadon stretches for a backhand on his way to defeating Rudi van Niekerk (left) in the final of the NMMU Madibaz Open squash championships in Port Elizabeth at the weekend. Photo: Fabian Smith

The 36-year-old Wheadon, from Milnerton in Cape Town, settled a score by overturning a defeat he suffered to Rudi van Niekerk in the Londt Park Open this year with a 3-0 result in the final.

Champion Lizelle Goosen (left) plays a forehand in her match against Bianca Brown in the NMMU Madibaz Open squash championships in Port Elizabeth at the weekend. Photo: Fabian Smith

Since the tournament was revived in 2012, the lefthander has dominated the proceedings and added a sixth straight title to his collection on Sunday.

The top eight men were divided into two pools, with Wheadon and Van Niekerk ending comfortably on top to qualify for the final.

Goosen has also been a regular winner of the title and she went through the women’s section unbeaten to be crowned the champion again.

The top four women also played in a round-robin format. Jacqui Ryder and Bianca Brown both took games off Goosen, but got no further than that.

Ryder beat Brown and Janet Byrnes to finish second. NMMU’s Brown finished third after defeating Byrnes.

Tournament organiser Sarah O’Grady said they were delighted with how the tournament unfolded after receiving 40 entries.

“We divided the players into three men’s sections and two women’s divisions and we were very happy with the number of competitive matches we had over the weekend,” she said.

“The time allocations ran well, the players marked after their matches and the games were all played in a good spirit.”

Although they did not have a title sponsor, O’Grady said the committee had done much work to ensure an attractive line-up of prizes.

“Besides the entry fees, we did not have a guaranteed cash sponsorship. But I must thank all those who came on board to support the tournament such as Romans Pizza, Sportsworld, Red Bull and Mount Vernon wine.”

Wheadon and Goosen add to tally of squash titles

Jock Safari Lodge Receives Award of Appreciation by South African National Parks

May 2017 – Part of the Caleo Foundation, Jock Safari Lodge, in the Kruger National Park, has received an Award of Appreciation for its work supporting the KNP Section Rangers at this year’s Kruger National Park Achievement Awards held on Friday 26 May 2017.

Estiaan Houy, the Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit (JEMU) Team Leader, received the award on behalf of the Jock team.

Comments General Manager, Louis Strauss: “It’s a proud moment in our history for Jock Safari Lodge to have been recognised for the work done by the Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit whilst also helping with the rehabilitation of Jemu- the rhino abandoned as a result of poachers. 

“Jock Safari Lodge places great importance and focus on educating guests about wildlife, conservation and eco-efforts in order to support future generations.”

This is an annual awards evening, held by the KNP Executives, to recognise staff of the Kruger National Park, for excellent work done throughout the year. The event continues to play a big role in encouraging those excel in their field of work.

Jock Safari Lodge Receives Award of Appreciation by South African National Parks

joBerg2c, South Africa’s greatest journey

From 1 June, the first 100 entries (200 riders) to enter the 2018 Old Mutual joBerg2c will be able to pay 2017 prices. That’s a great reason to enter, but it’s not the main reason to enter and ride the most diverse mountain bike event in South Africa. 

joBerg2c credit Em Gatland

The joBerg2c truly has it all. Nine days of riding through ever-changing terrain, with warm hospitality, excellent food, ice cold craft beer, the sweetest singletrack, the most sublime scenery and the biggest heart of any mountain bike ride in the world.

 Yes, that’s right, the joBerg2c has the nicest people from start to finish, whether at water tables, along the route or in the race village; it’s a bold claim, but one you can discover to be accurate when you ride this incredible route yourself.

The joBerg2c is a wild ride, a jolly journey, and a mind-blowing trip though South African culture and cuisine. And then there are those people, the men and women dedicated to making your ride as pleasing as possible. 

“The beating heart of the Old Mutual joBerg2c, and what sets the ride apart from the many that South Africa has to offer, is the warmth of the people involved,” says race organiser Craig Wapnick.  

“We follow a community-driven model, where every water table and race village is manned by a local community. The joBerg2c uses no outside caterers or suppliers, rather encouraging the communities along the route to utilise the event as a fund-raising platform.” 

From Frankfort to Jolivet, every water table is different, every race village unique. Local farmers, school children, teachers, parents, church groups and other organisations combine to create a friendly and funky atmosphere. 

“This also generates healthy competition amongst the communities, to the benefit of the rider, as they attempt to outdo each other at every turn; Nutella flapjacks, bacon, boerie rolls, ice-cream, mini doughnuts, ham and tomato sandwiches… these are just some of the items that local farmers will try to force feed you over the nine day journey.”

For the non-believers, just take a look at this joBerg2c nine-day sample menu: river crossings, forest trails, sweeping switchbacks, climbs that leave you gasping for air followed by eye-watering descents, floating bridges, wandering wildlife (this year a little bokkie camped out for a few hours at a water table, unfazed by the bikes flying past), steak rolls, lamb on the spit, chocolate milk, and enough mountain biking variety over the 900km to keep you sane until you enter again.

Every day provides something different for sightseeing cyclists; day 1 is the mighty Vaal crossing, day 2 there are wolves – actual live wolves, and when you ride the last 5km over the Sterkfrontein Dam wall on day 3 you tackle the most iconic finish to any stage at any event in South Africa. 

Day 4 features an adrenalin-pumping 10km singletrack finish, day 5 presents riders with a race village setting straight out of the Alps, day 6 has 27 switchbacks on a single descent, day 7 is singletrack heaven, the Umkomaas Drop awaits on day 8, while day 9 is the neutral stage that every hard-partying mountain biker has been crying out for. From nine days of riding, you detox from the stress of real life; joBerg2c is your cheapest therapy bill.

From the brilliant to the back markers, 100 percent of joBerg2c finishers agree that the nine-day, 900km expedition by bike is a blast. Take the word of Dutch riders Gerben Mos and Braam Rood, who were in contention for the race win, who simply called every day’s riding at the joBerg2c, “Effing great”.

The 2018 Old Mutual joBerg2c takes place from 20th April to 28th April. 

For more information and to enter visit: https://joberg2c.co.za/

joBerg2c, South Africa’s greatest journey

Paul Cluver Wines shines at 2017 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show

There’s no stopping the success of the Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2015. Already an award-winning wine its latest accolade is a Gold medal at this year’s Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show. The results were announced on 30 May in Cape Town.

The wine scored an impressive 94 points out of a possible total of 100. The Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2016, was awarded Silver also listed as one of the Top 10 Best Value Whites.

The competition’s panel of judges, chaired by Michael Fridjhon, comprised a selection of highly experienced local and international wine experts, who judged 960 wines from 198 producers. In addition to the Gold medals and trophy winners, a total of 135 Silver and 460 Bronze medals were awarded.

According to Cellar Master, Andries Burger, the 2015 harvest will go down in history as one of the best in the South African wine industry, and in particular at Paul Cluver Wines. This was a harvest which put the farm under a great deal of pressure to produce that perfect wine. This vintage allowed them to focus on not trying too hard to make the wine, but rather allow it to ‘speak for itself’. He firmly believes that the Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2015 is the best to date. “I’m so proud of this wine, its purity, poise and balance is for me the hallmark of a great wine,” says Andries.

Earlier this year the Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2015 scored 92 points in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate as being listed as one on the Top 100 SA Wines and a Double Platinum winner in the National Wine Challenge. Not stopping there, the same wine was a winner at the 2017 International Wine Challenge, receiving not one but three trophies. These included the Elgin Pinot Trophy, South African Pinot Noir Trophy and South African Red Wine Trophy.

For more information on this superb wine visit www.cluver.com.  

Paul Cluver Wines shines at 2017 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show

Hartenberg’s Grand Dame shines at Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show

Hartenberg Wine Estate’s The Eleanor Chardonnay 2012 excelled at the 2017 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, scoring an impressive 94 points out of a possible 100.

This remarkable score earned the wine a spot on the list of Top 10 Museum Class Wines as well as a Gold medal.

The awards ceremony, which was attended by producers and media, took place at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town on 30 May. The competition’s panel of judges, chaired by Michael Fridjhon, comprised a selection of highly experienced local and international wine experts, who judged 960 wines from 198 producers. In addition to the Gold medals and trophy winners, a total of 135 Silver and 460 Bronze medals were awarded.

Cellar Master, Carl Schultz describes the wine as showing creamy, citrus, nutty and floral flavours with a refreshing acidity. An elegant wine with a persistent finish. Can be enjoyed on its own or pairs perfectly with seafood dishes, a creamy lemon risotto and even cheeses.

For more information visit http://ift.tt/1RG4OWc.

Hartenberg’s Grand Dame shines at Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show

Collegiate target spot in provincial finals

Collegiate, who won last year’s provincial title, will be aiming to become the final provincial qualifiers when the PE Coastal leg of the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge is held at Pearson in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Collegiate will be eyeing another title when the PE Coastal leg of the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge takes place at Pearson in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. Photo: Full Stop Communications

So far, four of the five regional qualifiers have been played, with Union High, Kingsridge, Clarendon and York having booked their places in the provincial finals at Woodridge, near Port Elizabeth, on August 12.

A total of 10 teams will meet at Pearson on Sunday to decide the PE Coastal winners, an increase from the eight sides that contested the corresponding tournament last year.

Hockey challenge national director Les Galloway, who will be attending Sunday’s play-offs, said it reflected how the concept had been adopted by the schools in the region.

“The interest and the excitement of the tournament have grown from last year,” she said. “Now we have a situation where the challenge is becoming established on the calendar, creating some continuity.

“More and more schools are becoming aware of the tournaments and want to get involved.”

She added they were looking forward to a day of quality schoolgirls’ hockey.

“This is an exciting region, with Collegiate being one of the top teams after they won the provincial title last year,” said Galloway, who is based in KwaZulu-Natal and initiated the concept in that province seven years ago.

“But you also have a very good side such as Pearson, and then there are a whole lot of other teams who will have a chance to prove themselves.”

Besides giving the schools exposure, Galloway said the challenge also provided an opportunity for individuals to catch the eye.

“This is their chance to make an impression on the selectors as they aim for higher honours.”

The teams for Sunday’s play-offs will be divided into two pools.

Pool A will comprise Pearson, Woodridge, Victoria Park, Pearson Invitational and Nico Malan, while pool B will consist of Collegiate, Westering, Linkside, Alexander Road and Framesby.

The top two teams in each will qualify for the semis, starting at 3pm. The final is scheduled for 4.40pm and matches will be played over 20 minutes.

Collegiate target spot in provincial finals

Collegiate target spot in provincial finals

Collegiate, who won last year’s provincial title, will be aiming to become the final provincial qualifiers when the PE Coastal leg of the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge is held at Pearson in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Collegiate will be eyeing another title when the PE Coastal leg of the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge takes place at Pearson in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. Photo: Full Stop Communications

So far, four of the five regional qualifiers have been played, with Union High, Kingsridge, Clarendon and York having booked their places in the provincial finals at Woodridge, near Port Elizabeth, on August 12.

A total of 10 teams will meet at Pearson on Sunday to decide the PE Coastal winners, an increase from the eight sides that contested the corresponding tournament last year.

Hockey challenge national director Les Galloway, who will be attending Sunday’s play-offs, said it reflected how the concept had been adopted by the schools in the region.

“The interest and the excitement of the tournament have grown from last year,” she said. “Now we have a situation where the challenge is becoming established on the calendar, creating some continuity.

“More and more schools are becoming aware of the tournaments and want to get involved.”

She added they were looking forward to a day of quality schoolgirls’ hockey.

“This is an exciting region, with Collegiate being one of the top teams after they won the provincial title last year,” said Galloway, who is based in KwaZulu-Natal and initiated the concept in that province seven years ago.

“But you also have a very good side such as Pearson, and then there are a whole lot of other teams who will have a chance to prove themselves.”

Besides giving the schools exposure, Galloway said the challenge also provided an opportunity for individuals to catch the eye.

“This is their chance to make an impression on the selectors as they aim for higher honours.”

The teams for Sunday’s play-offs will be divided into two pools.

Pool A will comprise Pearson, Woodridge, Victoria Park, Pearson Invitational and Nico Malan, while pool B will consist of Collegiate, Westering, Linkside, Alexander Road and Framesby.

The top two teams in each will qualify for the semis, starting at 3pm. The final is scheduled for 4.40pm and matches will be played over 20 minutes.

Collegiate target spot in provincial finals

Two-way radios using cellular networks now available locally

The radios use any existing cellular network to transmit voice calls to anyone on the planet. The radios have a built in GPS meaning the radios can be tracked wherever they go.

Chris Coetser – My Personal Story

My name is Chris Coetser, I am thirty-five years of age, husband to the lovely Nadine Coetser for the last four and a half years and father to my gorgeous baby daughter named Abilene Coetser, hopefully, little Chris will be added to mix during next year.

I was born and raised in Pretoria but a part of me have always wanted to live close to the ocean. I was fortunate enough to spend at least 3 weeks of the year in the Garden Route since I was about eleven years old in a little spot called De Bakke Caravan Park. This was where my love for the Garden Route was born. The boyish dreams of moving down to the coast, fishing all day and having a fish braai every night were unfortunately crushed by the reality of life and I had to start the prologue of the mature world studying and getting my first “nine to five”.

After finishing high school I studied Comprehensive Programming at CTI in Pretoria and graduated in 2002. I worked in Pretoria for about two years and then got the opportunity to move to London. I was in London for two and a half years when one day I got “the call”.

My father started a two-way radio company all the way back in 1988 and I remember the tiny two by four room in the back of somebody’s house he started building his dreams in with high hopes and aspirations. Today Uni-Comm is a twenty man strong team servicing the top 10 security companies in the country and radio systems installed across the African continent. He definitely achieved what he was aiming for.

In 2005 he called me up while I was still in London and asked if I would join his team as a sales representative. I immediately took up the task and within a month I was back in sunny South Africa and started working with him. The “father-son” team working together had its own its challenges as I am sure you can understand, but we never left the office with anything unsaid. I learned a lot from him and would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for his guidance.

My father’s passed away in January of 2015 leaving behind an amazing legacy. Now it’s up to me keep this boat afloat but luckily he ensured a lot of momentum in the company.

Today we have to make sure that we stay up to date with all the new technologies in our industry and it is this drive that has led us to “Talkr”. The new PTT Radio range has given us this springboard into the new age of two-way radios. The radios use any existing cellular network to transmit voice calls to anyone on the planet. The radios have a built in GPS meaning the radios can be tracked wherever they go. Pairing this with our Dispatcher Software adds features like battery life monitoring, speeds, voice recording, messaging and other features.

Demonstrations can be arranged at no charge for you to test and see what the hype of this new technology is about.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 082 5944 724 or chris@talkr.co.za

Two-way radios using cellular networks now available locally