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Rose's
ROUND-UP
on
tourism oor toerisme
Official newsletter of the
Regional Tourism Organisation of the Central Karoo District Municipality
Amptelike nuusbrief van die Streeks Toerisme-organisasie van die
Sentrale Karoo Distriksmunisipaliteit
No 115
August, 2003
HOLLYWOOD
COMES TO PRINCE ALBERT
Excitement reigns
in Prince Albert as villagers look forward to seeing top stars, such as
Patrick Swayze, in town. A film crew is due to move in from August 3 to
18 to shoot scenes for a remake of King Solomon’s Mines.
The film, being made by Argus for Hallmark, will bring more than 160
actors to town. The all-South African crew looks forward to working with
producer Russ Markowitz, director Steven Boyam and Patrick Swayze, who
is playing the lead. The name of the leading lady is still under
wraps. The crew will shoot other scenes for this remake, which is being
styled on the lines of Indiana Jones, at locations in Bedford, Knysna
and Plettenberg Bay. “We are pulling out all the stops for this group,”
said Prince Albert Tourist information officer, Charlotte Olivier.
“Accommodation is being booked at all venues in town and we are also
arranging for these visitors to sample some of the most delicious dishes
on offer at local restaurants Among these will be quite some
traditional fare, just to whet their appetites for a return visit.
Caring for this group will help us position the village as a winter
holiday venue.”
BELANGRIKE PROVINSIALE VERGADERING IN
BEAUFORT-WES
Die tiende Provinsiale Advies Forum word
in Beaufort-Wes gehou vanaf 31 Julie tot 1 Augustus, 2003. Omtrent 80
munisipale bestuurders en burgermeesters van dorpe oor die hele Wes-Kaap
sal die geskiedkundige vergadering, wat onder die leiding van die
Minister van Plaaslike Regering, Mnr Cobus Dowry, plaasvind, bywoon. ‘n
Voldag van hoëvlak vergaderings wag op afgevaardigdes in die Karoo
Ontspanningsaal op 1 Augustus, terwyl die groep op 31 Julie nadere
kennis gaan maak met die Karoo. ‘n Besoek aan die Karoo Nasionale Park
word vir hulle gereël gevolg deur ‘n smaaklike dinee by dié park.
· Important
Provincial Meeting to be held in Beaufort West
The tenth
Provincial Advisory Forum will be held in Beaufort West from July 31 to
August 1, 2003. At least 80 municipal managers and mayors from towns
throughout the Western Cape Province are expected to attend this
historic meeting held under the guidance of Cobus Dowry, Minister of
Local Government. The group will be introduced to the fauna and flora
of the Karoo during a visit to the Karoo National Park on July 31. A
dinner there that evening will also introduce them to Karoo cuisine.
Then follows a full-day of high-powered meetings in the hall of the
Karoo Recreation Club on August 1.
HISTORIC IMBIZO HELD IN KAROO
History was made and a
major step taken in the name of reconciliation in the Great Karoo during
a Community Imbizo held at Laingsburg on July 23. This important
meeting was attended by the full cabinet of the Western Cape Provincial
Parliament, which for the first time visited the Karoo as a group,
accompanied by departmental heads, as well as mayors and municipal
managers from the region. The aim of the Imbizo was to achieve
reconciliation among local communities driven apart by allegations that
some victims of the 1981 flood were buried in a huge, unmarked mass
grave. The meeting was arranged by the office of the Minister of Local
Government, Cobus Dowry, in co-operation with Laingsburg Municipality
and the Central Karoo District Municipality. Dignitaries visited the
site of the alleged mass grave. Then, at noon, the Premier of the
Western Cape Marthinus van Schalkwyk laid a wreath at the flood level
marker opposite the Dutch Reformed church in the main road. A meeting
with local Councillors followed in the Stefanus Greeff Hall. After a
luncheon in the J J Ellis Hall, discussions aimed at achieving a closer
liaison between all groups was held. Five local religious leaders
representing the Full Evangelical Church, The Lutheran Church, the
Lutheran Jubilate, the United Reformed Church and Dutch Reformed Church
offered prayers for those who lost their lives in the flood and called
for closer unity and tolerance.
GHOST ON DAY
DUTY?
A recent business visit to
Beaufort West allowed Carel Albrecht to take a closer look at the world
of Karoo ghosts. Tales of The Eye (Die Oog), The Fireball of the Karoo,
have long fascinated him. Over the years he has collected considerable
data on The Eye. Some firmly believe it is a ghost, others that it is
gas emitted by rotting plant material. This led him to discover other
“ghosts,” such as the “water ghosts” which are related to natural
phenomena. “Last year I was fortunate enough to see one of these
spectres forming in the veld south of Beaufort West. Between 11h00 and
noon, I saw a mysterious cloudy form beginning to take shape. I was
fascinated. It had rained the previous evening and overnight
temperatures had dropped to about 9 deg.C However, as noon approached
the day was baking hot and crystal clear. Suddenly two little clouds
slowly began to materialise. They seemed to be swirling, yet static.
Near them numerous dust devils rapidly capered about on the veld. The
scene was immensely clear. Everything was etched against a backdrop of
the so-called ‘Bruinrand’, a dark-coloured 20m high ridge. I was not
sure whether I was watching the birth of The Eye, slowly preparing
itself to rocket off across the plains, or whether I was simply looking
at a ‘water ghost.’ What ever it was, it held my attention.
Fortunately I had my camera with me and was able to take clear pictures
of the phenomena.” Carl would love to hear from anyone else interested
in The Eye and other “natural” ghostly occurrences of the Karoo veld.
OORLOG SPELETJIES IN DIE KAROO
Tel No 023-541-1723
Verskillende prettige
oorlog speletjies word oor die naweek van 2 Augustus by Oude Kloof
Boerdery net buite Prins Albert, aangebied. “Hierdie ‘paintball games,’
soos die Amerikaners dit noem, is groot prêt,” sê organiseerder, Deon
Gouws. “Ons het verskillende speletjies gereel en laas jaar was die
mense gaande daaroor. Twintig semi-outomatiese gewere is beskikbaar en
kan gebruik word teen ‘n koste van R40 per persoon. Gesigskerms en
beskermpakke, word verskaf, en daar is letterlik duisende ‘koels.’” Die
eerste 25 balletjies (of koels) word verniet verskaf. Daarna kos dit
R25 vir 50 balletjies. “Kom geniet die dag saam met ons. Bring vleis en
braai. ‘n Groot skerm-TV sal beskikbaar wees vir rugby-geesdriftigers”
sê Deon.
War Games in the Karoo
A variety of
war games are planned for a fun-filled weekend at Oude Kloof farm, just
outside Prince Albert, on August 2. These “paintball games” as the
Americans term them are the greatest fun,” says organiser Deon Gouws.
“Last year we arranged quite a selection of different games and those
who took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Twenty semi-automatic
rifles are available to competitors at a cost of R40 per person.
Facemasks and protective clothing are also available. We literally have
thousands of ‘rounds of ammunition’ available. The first 25 rounds
(paint balls) are supplied free of charge. Thereafter the cost is R25
for 50 rounds. Come and enjoy the day with us. Bring along some meat
for a braai.” A large screen television set will also be available for
those who want to watch the rugby.”
THE AIR WILL BE FILLED WITH GUN
SMOKE Tel No 082-826-0453
The Cape
Light Infantry .303 Club from Cape Town will present their second “Away
Shoot” weekend in Prince Albert at the end of September. “We formerly
met at Matjiesfontein, with the Black Powder Association,” said
secretary, Corena de Beer. “Last year, just as for fun, we changed our
venue to Prince Albert. And, we certainly did have fun there. We were
treated to a wonderful family weekend. So, building on this success,
we hope to have an even better time this year. The Away Shoot last year
took place in November, but the incredibly high temperatures affected
us, so this year we have chosen an early spring weekend from September
26 to 28. The competition, 300m and 500m details, takes place on
Saturday morning. There will be a prize-giving dinner at Die Ou Kelder
that night.” This shoot is not restricted to members only. Visitors,
who have .303 rifles and ammunition, are welcome,” says Corena. “We
shoot with standard .303 rifles, no rifle scopes are allowed, but people
must bring spotting scopes.”
BEGEERTE
OM ‘N LEKKER ROMAN TE LEES?
“Lus om ‘n
lekker roman te lees? Kom maak dan gerus ‘n draai in Prins Albert,” sê
toerisme inligtingsbeampte Charlotte Olivier. Bekende Afrikaanse
skrywer Eben Venter bied ‘n voorlesing uit sy nuwe roman Begeerte
aan by Celestinos, om 16h00 op Sondag, 27 Julie, 2003. Dit is die tweede
roman wat Eben in die rustigheid van Prins Albert geskryf het. Twee
van sy vorige werke, Foxtrot van die Vleiseters” en “Ek Stamel,
Ek Sterwe,”
is met die W A Hofmeyer prys bekroon. Hulle is ook in Nederlands en
Duits vertaal. Sherrie word by die voorlesing aangebied, en eksemplare
van die roman sal te koop aangebied wees.
·
Fancy a Good Read?
“Anyone who fancies a good read should join us in Prince Albert on
Sunday, July 27,” says tourist information officer Charlotte Olivier.
“Well known Afrikaans author Eben Venter will be reading excerpts from
his latest novel “Begeerte” at Celestinos at 16h00 that day.” This is
the second novel, which Eben has written in the peace and quite of
Prince Albert. Two of his previous books, “Foxtrot van die Vleiseters”
and “Ek Stamel, Ek Sterwe” were awarded the W A Hofmeyer Prize. Both
were also translated into Dutch and German. Sherry will be served at
Celestinos during the reading and books will also be on sale there.
AANDAG LANGASEM ATHLETE
Tel No 023-415-2121
Die 28ste
Beaufort West Marathon vind vanjaar op 16 Augustus plaas. Die gewilde
wedloop word in samewerking met Spoornet Atletiekklub gereël.
Inskrywingsvorms is soos gewoonlik van Mev Elwina Otto, by Beaufort-Wes
Munisipaliteit, verkrygbaar. “Die inskrywingsfooi is R40 per persoon en
dit sluit ‘n medalje en T-hemp in. Na die uitdeling van pryse aan die
wenners sal ‘n braai gehou word.” sê
Elwina.
· Attention
Long Distance Runners
The 28th Beaufort West Marathon takes place on August 16 this
year. This popular event is being organised in co-operation with
Spoornet Athletic Club. As usual entry forms are available from Mrs
Elwina Otto at the Beaufort West Municipality. “ The entrance fee is R40
per person and this includes a medal and T-shirt. There will be a braai
after the prize-giving.” said Elwina.
MYSTERY MEDICINE
MAN OFFERS A SURE CURE
An unusual salesman rode
into Beaufort West in February, 1891. He totally captivated the locals
with his garb, gear and claims of wondrous cures. The “Great Sequah”
arrived by train. However, as the “gloaming of evening drew nigh,” he
paraded the streets in a “gorgeous chariot with prancing steeds.”
Beautiful notes played on a “silver-toned American organ” on the back
of this vehicle-lured crowds to the Market Square. There, for ten days,
Sequah launched into colourful discourses on the marvellous and
miraculous properties of his Indian remedies. They could, he claimed,
cure rheumatism and be used to “painlessly and gratuitously” extract
teeth. A report in the Beaufort West Courier of February 17,
1891, states: “It says much for our climate that only one severe case of
rheumatism could be found on which to try the virtue of his remedies.
Some confirmed cases of paralysis and deformity from
birth were brought
to the ‘doctor’ but his reply to anxious friends of these afflicted ones
was: ‘We do not work miracles.’” Before departing for Kimberley, Sequah
left a “goodly supply” of his concoctions with P J Alport and Company.
Now, Cape Town researcher Ethleen Lastovica
is looking for more information on this itinerant quack and dentist.
She has found references to Sequah in 53 different newspapers from a
wide variety of places, between 1890 and 1891. “Sequah Medicine Co
Limited was established in England in 1889,” says Ehtleen. “The company
sold ‘miracle medicines’ named Sequah Prairie Flower, Sequah Oil and
Sequah Instant Relief. However, none of these ‘cures’ had
pharmacological properties. Nevertheless men were recruited throughout
the world to sell these products on a franchise basis. Most dressed
like cowboys or Indians and used the name ‘Sequah.’ At least two
operated in the South African hinterland. I have not been able to find
out their real names. I would love to know if anyone else has ‘bumped’
into them in the course of their research. I would also love to trace
a picture or even see copies of advertisements in local newspapers,”
says Ethleen.
ROUND-UP
MAKES THE WORLD A SMALLER PLACE
Round-up
has helped a former South African music student discover a long-lost
teacher. He is also a South African, but now lives on the other side of
the world. And, oddly enough, he is a Round-up reader. Many
years ago Sarah Hauselmann studied music at the University of the
Witwatersrand. Among her teachers were Joyce Barker for voice training
and Carl van Wyk, at that time head of the School of Music. Then, Sarah
fell in love and married Fritz Kettner. She moved to Austria and had
two sons. “My beautiful boys are now big enough to travel with me when I
gives recitals, as I did in Italy, last month,” says Sarah. She now
wishes to continue her music studies, but needed a letter from Carl to
accompany her application to The School of Music at Graz University. An
Internet search led her to Rose’s Round-up and a story mentioning
that Carl was now married to Nicolette Solomon, who once lived in
Laingsburg. Sarah e.mailed regional tourism co-ordinator Rose Willis
asking for his address. The two were quickly put in touch. By then
Sarah, who had read several issues of Round-up on the website,
said: “Your wonderful little stories of the Karoo have made me quite
homesick.” Carl and Nicolette hope to visit South Africa next
year. He said: “Just the thought of motoring through the Karoo again,
fills me with excitement.”
A DREAM TO SEE THE KAROO COMES TRUE
Swedish journalist, Susanna Rosen’s
dream to visit the Karoo, and study its flora at close quarters, has
become a reality. She has a special interest in unusual fauna and flora
and thus has long wanted to visit the Great Karoo, which is hailed as
the most interesting arid zone in the world. Susanna’s other interests
are gardens and gardening. So, while in the Western Cape she will be
on the look out for beautiful gardens. She will visit Beaufort West and
Matjiesfontein in mid-August with Cape Town tour guide Emilene
Ferreira. Her trip, partially sponsored by Western Cape Tourism Board,
will be well covered in the Scandinavian press. Already some top
publications have confirmed that acceptance of articles she will write
on this trip. Among them are Expressen, Sweden’s largest
daily tabloid, ICA-
kuriren, a top-selling magazine, with a weekly
circulation of over one million, and
Allt om Trädgård,
the largest garden magazine in Scandinavia. Over 500 000 copies of this
magazine are sold each month. On her return to Sweden Susanna has been
contracted to write a travel guide with a difference. In it she will
concentrate on unusual and interesting plants she has discovered on her
travels and detail where to find them. She will also include a section
on beautiful gardens and the heading: “My most favorite spots on
earth.”
A VERITABLE FAMILY OF
GIANTS
A recent visit to Beaufort
West reminded a Cape Town tour guide of a special day in Israel. Seeing
the Barnard exhibit in the Beaufort West museum took Norman Arnoni right
back to a day when he met heart transplant pioneer Chris Barnard in
Israel. “I was thrilled. I proudly told him I had read, One Life,
in Hebrew,” said Norman, who sent a copy of the Hebrew advertisement
for this book for display in Meiringspoort. The excerpt on it tells of
a family visit to the coast in Chris Barnard’s youth. “The trip from
Beaufort West to the Wilderness was only 120 miles, but it took 12
hours. The roads were dirt or gravel and often so corrugated that the
car shook until it seemed it would fall apart. Most rivers had no
bridges and sometimes in fording them we would become stuck. The whole
family then had to get out, wade through knee-deep water and try to push
the car out. If that did not work horses or donkeys had to be sought.”
The most difficult stretch was Meiringspoort, with its 32 river
crossings. The family were relieved when that part of the journey was
behind them and looked forward to meat pies bought from an Oudtshoorn
café. “My earliest memories are not of swimming or fishing, but of
walking with my father in the forests. He taught us the names of trees
and their uses. He knew his way through the woods. He had grown up in
wilder forests near Knysna. From these my grandfather dragged out giant
stinkwood logs by ox team. He and his brother, Koos, navigated the
treacherous Knysna Heads before any man had yet dared to go to sea from
there. When my father told stories of the men of his family I imagined
them all to be giants filled with great courage. One, a woodsman, once
failed to return from the forest. A search party found him dead on the
homeward-bound route, his right leg chopped off at the knee. Following a
trail of blood they came across a giant tree, which had fallen and
trapped his leg. Next to it was the bloody axe, with which he had
hacked himself free, in the hopes of crawling home before loosing too
much blood.”
TOGETHERNESS ON THE
CARDS
The Western Cape
Government, City of Cape Town and tourism stakeholders throughout the
province, last month reached consensus on the formation of a single
marketing organisation. This new operation, known as the Destination
Marketing Organisation (DMO), will promote all facilities and
attractions within the Mother City and the rest of the province as a
“seamless” brand. The DMO was launched in Cape Town by Minister Johan
Gelderblom before he handed the Tourism portfolio over to Ms Joyce
Witbooi.
SOEKTOG NA LEIERS VIR
TOERISMEBEDRYF
Toerisme instansies word
gevra vir benoemings van interim direkteure vir ‘n
oorgangstoerisme-organisasie. Hulle pligte sal die effektiewe
totstandkoming van die Bestemmingsbemarkingsorganisasie (BBO) in sluit.
Die samesmelting van bemarkingskragte van oor die Wes-Kaap en Kaapstad
in ‘n BBO was onlangs aangekondig. Een van die eerste take van die nuwe
Minister van Toerisme en Dobbellary Me Joyce Witbooi was die lootsing
van ‘n soektog om leiers in die bedryf te identifiseer om 12 direksie
poste te beklee. Briewe met versoeke om mense te benoem is na alle
belanghebbende instansies gestuur. Nominasies is ook aangevra vir lede
vir vyf raadgewende komitees wat toesig sal hou oor konvensies,
aansporings, groot gebeure, ontspanning, besoekersdienste en
produkontwikkeling.
·
Search for Tourism Industry
Leaders
Tourism
institutions throughout the Western Cape Province have been asked to
nominate interim directors for a transitional organisation. The main
task of this body will be to ensure that the Destination Marketing
Organisation (DMO) is effectively phased in. The inclusion of all
tourism marketing authorities throughout the province in this single DMO
was recently announced in Cape Town. The first task of the new Minister
of Tourism and Gambling, Ms Joyce Witbooi, has been the launch of a
programme aimed at identifying industry leaders to fill 12 directors
posts. Letters calling for nominations were sent to all role players.
Nominations have also been requested for experts to serve on five
consultative committees dealing with conventions, major events,
recreation, visitor services and product development.
ROUND-UP
FINDS THE MISSING LINK
“Round-up is
absolutely amazing,” writes reader Marge Campbell from McGregor. “It has
put me in contact with a Scottish branch of my family and helped me fill
many gaps in my genealogical research. Through Round-up I was
able to contact Ingrid Paterson of Inverness and from her I received
wonderful information. Through this I found a long-lost second
cousin, Gillian Kat, of Fish Hoek. We once lived in Fish Hoek, she
has plans to move to McGregor. Ingrid also sent a copy of an old family
photograph of my grandfather’s generation to me And all of this
happened thanks to your amazing publication.”
WITBLITZFEES
– ‘N HEERLIKE AFRONDING VAN WINTER
Prins Albert se gewilde Winter
Witblitzfees gaan vanjaar op 9 Augustus gehou word. “Dit beloof om soos
altyd vol opwinding, pret en vermaak te wees,” sê toerismebeampte
Charlotte Olivier. “Onthou, hierdie voggies is al van Toeka se Dae af
‘n alom bekende middel teen verkoues en die koue. So, kom sluit gerus
by ons aan. Ons beloof dit sal die moeite werd wees.”
· Witblitz
Festival – A Delightful Way to End Winter
Prince Albert’s popular Winter
Witblitz Festival will be held on August 9 this year. “It promises to
be a weekend of fun and excitement,” says tourist information officer
Charlotte Olivier. “Don’t forget Witblitz has been a favourite way of
warding off colds and keeping the cold out for many, many years now.
So, come along and join us. We promise it will be well worth your
while.”
---o0o---
Issued by the Regional Tourism Office, Central Karoo District
Municipality,
Private Bag X560 Beaufort West, 6970
Further information: Rose Willis - Tel No 023-415-1160 - Fax No
023-414-3675
Cell 082-926-0474 - e.mail :
karootour@internext.co.za Cost : R30 per annum to cover postage
These stories may be used to promote the Karoo and republished with
acknowledgement to Rose's Round-up
Copyright: Rose Willis
---o0o---
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