contents
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Simon Cunneen
Matt McGillivray
PHOTO feature 39
simple pleasures at Ginger Restaurant 46
Sfb MTB Challenge By Richard Arderne 51
Rip Curl GromSearch
JBay Surf Hero 66
Concours Sur Mesure 2022 70
foster jol Community 78
Kouga Business Forum
EDITORS COMMENT Winter in St Francis is a cool place to be. It’s a little bit less frantic, many of the restaurants have nice fires going, and for most there are less people around. The winds blow offshore most of the time, the air is 08
fresh and crisp, and people get on with their lives of
living in this beautiful part of the world.
W E LI K E S T F R A N C IS I N TH E W I NT E R FO R TH O S E F R E SH MO RN I N G WA L K S, TH O S E E M P T Y L O W TI DE S TR O L L S O N TH E BE A CH , A N D TH E PR O MIS E OF S PRI N G JU ST
A R O UND THE C O R NER. Winter in St Francis is a time to make the most of what we have, and to enjoy the rain when it comes. Just try and capture some of that rainfall if you can, because water is nice to have.
Photo feature Simon Cunneen W I LD BY N AT U R E P HO T O G R APHY
In my early teens while living in SW England I considered myself an ornithologist and used to get out and about to various locations to do some birdwatching. Having left school, I had to put this on hold but whenever I went for walks or 12
hikes across the moors then I was able to identify most UK birds as well as knowing
Blesbok on the skyline. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
their bird song. Of course, having moved to South Africa in 2017, I now have time on my hands.
TH E A BUN D A N C E OF W I LDLI F E
A N D B I RDLI FE I N T HIS COUNTRY I S O V E RW HELM I NG. For example, in the UK we have one species of Kingfisher while in Southern Africa there are 13
Beauty is in the Eye. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography in the region of ten! So, for me, it made sense to learn and understand the wildlife of South Africa and the way to do this, was by photographing what I see, identify the species and research it. 14
S O, WHENEV ER I GO A N A N ADV ENTURE IN T O THE W I LDS OF S O U T H AFRI CA, I AM N O W REAP I NG THE B E N EFI TS OF W HAT
Close Up and Personal. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography I HAVE LE AR N T T O DATE W H I C H M A K E S A N Y A DVE N T U R E MO RE E N J O YA B L E . Photography and wildlife aside, I will spend much of
my time trail running around the Greater St Francis area and ensuring I maintain a reasonable level of fitness which becomes harder as I get older!
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Bokmakierie - Amakhala Game Reserve. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
At Peace. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
The Watcher. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
“Jump In”. Shot for PE Tourism On the move at Amakhala. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
“Let’s Jump” - PE Tourism shoot In the long grass. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Seven month old Cheetah Cub. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Mountain Reedbuck. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Shot for PE Tourism
In Thought. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Bath time. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Matt McGillivray - Before the Championship Tour - Jbay Cape Rock Thrush. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Jake White - Part of a series “A Few Good Men” Knysna Turaco (Lourie). @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Joe Van Der Linden - “This is me”
Ruddy Turnstone. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Water Thick-knee (Dikkop). @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
Seal Point at Dawn. @ Si Cunneen Lineup Aloes. - Wild by Nature Photography
Amy Shelver - Private commission
Joel Dace.
Chokka Boat at Sunrise. @ Si Cunneen Lineup Aloes. - Wild by Nature Photography
Joel Dace.
Mystical Lady. @ Si Cunneen - Wild by Nature Photography
The Simple Pleasures N E I L E LLI S WIN E TA ST IN G AT G I N G E R R E STA U R A N T
We headed off to what promised to be a fantastic evening at Ginger Restaurant with much excitement. This fine restaurant can be found at the Beach Hotel and is one of the best restaurants in Gqeberha. Without wishing to detract from the splendour that is Ginger Restaurant, isn’t it weird how our perspectives have changed post-Covid?
I travelled a lot before Covid and would often enjoy breakfast in Singapore, or a Mi Goreng in Bali during my travels and not overthink it. 39
Now that we have had time to reflect on being in lockdown. Of being under the threat of an invisible enemy and not able to travel, drive a car. Of not being able to enjoy some wine, eat at a restaurant, or even be with friends, we now appreciate these things in life more.
G I N G E R I S AN I N CRE DI BLE RE S TA UR A N T WIT H A N I M PE CC A B L E STA FF. TH E Y A L S O KNOW HOW TO PU LL OFF S O M E F U N EVE N I N G S , A S WA S
T HE RECENT W I NE TA S T I NG AND FOOD P A IR ING W I TH NEI L E L L IS W I NES . Winemaker Warren Ellis was on hand to talk us through the fine wines and some history of each vintage. He’s a fantastic chap with a self-effacing demeanour and sense of humour. We kicked off with the bright and citrus Groenekloof Sauvignon blanc 2021 paired with a smoked line fish with avocado and bergamot orange starter. It was soft
and citrus, subtle. A top start.
it will always be hard to fault.
While not being a massive fan of Thai green curry, the second course got me to accept that curry can be delicious. The Amica Sauvignon blanc 2019 was the ideal accompaniment. It was soothing and fresh, slightly offsetting the curry.
T HE PORK BELLY WA S THE US UAL G IN GER OUTPUT – E X Q UI S I TE. IT WAS S OFT, C R A CKLI NG, W I TH A TA STE OF APPLE P U R É E, ROAS TED B U T TERNUT AND VA N IL LA M AS H. T HE DARK BERRY A N D P EPPERY
I have a soft spot for a pork belly and an even softer spot for the Ginger Restaurant pork belly, my favourite. But, coupled with a Syrah, something else that I favour,
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A R O MA S O F T HE G R E O N E K LO O F SYRA H 2 0 2 0 P A IR E D PER FE CTLY WIT H TH E R I CH N E S S O F TH E PO R K . If the world were not to judge, I would have ordered seconds, but in a five-course meal, the possible ignominy of being called out for ordering a 6th was too much risk. 42
T HE GRI LLED RI BE Y E W I TH DE R U S T I C OLI V E O IL C HI M I CHURRI WA S PAI RED W I TH A D E L I GHTFUL N E IL ELLI S S T E L L ENBOS CH C A B ERNET S A U VI GNON 2019. T HE W I NE HAD
ST R O N G TAN N IN S, W H I CH CO N N E C T E D TO TH E RE D M E AT I N A N UN U S U A L , P IQ UA N T, B U T DE LI CI OUS WAY. At this stage, the table became quite buoyant, as strangers had by now become quite familiar with the people around them and their strange sayings, sounds of delight, and lame dad jokes.
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T HIN GS W ERE G E T T I NG FES TI V E, P A R TI CULARLY AT T HE W ES TERN END O F T HE TABLE. The conversation had already headed down the way of who was better, Marvel or DC. Still, when the conversation turned into a disagreement about who was the best Spiderman ever, I had to step in, stop the nonsense, and clear the air. It’s Tom Holland.
W E FI N I S H E D W I TH A MO LT E N CHOCOLAT E C A K E W I TH R A S P B E R R Y FI LLI N G , PAIR E D W I TH N E I L E L L IS JON K E RS H O E K CABE RN E T SAUVI G N O N 2 0 1 8 . I T WA S A G R E AT WAY TO FI N IS H T HE MEA L. 44
After the dessert, I realised that an extra portion of pork belly would have been too much, but I still should have gone for it anyway. It’s that good. Ginger Restaurant https://www.gingerrestaurant.co.za/ Neil Ellis Wines https://neilellis.com/
St Francis Bay MTB Challenge
2 0 0 9 , 2 0 1 0 , 2 0 1 1 - L O O K IN G BACK BY R I CH A R D A R D E R N E
The first St Francis Bay MTB Challenge was held on Sunday, 6 September 2009. We waited anxiously at the Links very early that morning, wondering whether we would have 50 cyclists, or maybe 100, but no more than 150. 444 cyclists arrived! Jeff Clause had agreed to host it at the Links, which contributed hugely to the popularity. Still, obviously, with that surprising number 46
of cyclists that arrived, we ran out of entry forms, burgers and much more! But it was a huge success.
I N E A RLY 20 0 9 , E R IC ST E WA RT A N D I HA D DE CI DE D THAT ST FR A N CI S N E E D E D A M O UN TAIN B IK E RA CE . So I called Charl Joubert, then chairman of Fat Tracks MTB club in PE, and said, “we have the venue. Can you help us organise a race?” …
to which he wholeheartedly agreed. And so the first St Francis MTB Challenge was held. Little did I know much work would be involved. Eric and I worked for months and nearly all day for the two weeks leading up to the race, and then the massive task of marking the route the day before the race! 47
But we received massive support from locals: sponsorship, prizes, marshalling, assistance at registration, and all the landowners who gave us permission to cycle through their properties. The Fat Tracks letter after the race from Charl Joubert stated,
“ TH A N K Y O U F O R MAK I N G THE S T FR A N CI S BAY MT B CH A LL E N G E
S U C H A S PECI AL E V E N T. … THE WAY E V E R Y THI NG CAM E T O G E THER WAS U N B ELI EVABLE .. R ID E R S ARE NOT G O ING TO FORGET T HIS RACE.” So we held the race again in 2010 and 2011, both also great successes. But unfortunately, in 2011, due to a very wet winter, we had to postpone the race to November.
Cycling SA’s report after the 2011 race stated,
“COM PLI ME N T S T O TH E O R G A N ISE R S A N D H E LPE R S . . W I TH 5 7 0 E N T R IE S, YO U A RE W E L L ON Y OUR WAY T O BE COM I N G T HE BI G G E S T MT B R A C E I N TH E E A S T C A P E . TH E O R G A N ISE R
C E R TAI NLY W ENT O U T OF HI S WAY TO M A K E THE EV ENT T HE S UCCES S THAT IT WAS , I T WAS O N C E AGAI N A FA N TAS TI C EV ENT, A N D E V ERY BODY C O N FI RM ED THI S ” An extract from Our Times after the 2011 race: Next year, the race will be organised by the newly 49
formed St Francis Cycling Club. “After three years, I have decided it is time for fresh ideas to take the race to the next level,” said Arderne. Sadly the wet weather in 2012 resulted in another postponement. It was held only one more time in early
2013 but wasn’t held again.
A B O U T TI M E I T I S R E IN STATED! M AY BE T HE NEW COI M BRA C Y C L E CENTRE S HO U LD DO S O? Thanks to all the various photographers.
The Rip Curl GromSearch I S H E A DI N G T O C A P E ST F R ANCI S Seal Point – the second leg in the new Rip Curl GromSearch surfing series is heading for Seal Point. It will run from 23 - 24th July, the weekend after the Corona Open JBay waiting period. The Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Sea Harvest is supported by the Cape St Francis Resort. This junior series is a Premier SAST series of events, with 1,000 points going to the winners and prizemoney per a premier contest. The Rip Curl GromSearch series allows kids to compete against the best surfers in the same age
bracket from their country. This format provides these groms with an insight into a life of competitive surfing and gives them the invaluable experience of surfing and competing in different waves around the country. 51
It has been a while since a Surfing South Africa event has been run at Seal Point. The event organisers have contacted the Seal Point Board Riders Club for the necessary permissions. They gave the go-ahead to run this event.
TH E R E A R E SE V E R A L H I G H LY S K IL L E D A N D CO MP E T IT IV E SU RFE RS I N S T FR A N CI S BAY. T HIS EVE N T A LLO WS
T HE M TO S HOW CAS E T HE IR S KI LLS AT T HE IR HOM E BREAK IN F R ONT OF THE JU D GES . It also gives them the chance to show the locals how well they stack up against the visiting surfers. Surfers like the Dace brothers Rory and Joel will be determined to claim a title, with Rory winning the U14 division of the first GromSearch earlier this year at Victoria Bay.
Other local surfers like Jack Erlank, Jesse Moulang and Rylan Jarvis and others will pit their skills against the top surfers in the country in all divisions. It will also be covered by https://liveheats.com/ where the scores will be live throughout the event. The tournament has U12, U14, U16 and U18 Boys and Girls divisions and is a full two-day event.
For any event queries: info@craigjarvis.co.za The Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Sea Harvest and supported by The Cape St Francis Resort is a Surfing South Africa event. Surfing South Africa is the National Governing body for the sport in South Africa. SSA is a member of the South African Sports Commission and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA).
Maya Malherbe @ Louis Wulff
JBay Surf Hero MAT T M CG IL L IV R AY
In 2019 a young South African surfer from Jeffreys Bay surprised many by qualifying for the 2020 premier tour season. Matt McGillivray had had an outstanding year competing. However, Matt was in Australia, preparing for the start of the year’s event on the Gold Coast, when Covid 56
struck, international travel was cancelled, and just like that, the tour was off.
“I T WA S H U G E LY DI S A PPO I NT IN G W H E N TH E F IR S T EVE N T G O T CAN CE LLE D ,” RE ME MBE R S MC G I LLI VR AY. Then, when the tour started last year, Matt had a poor run, finishing off 24th on the year-end rankings. As a result, he ended the tour just outside the qualifying line. Still, he was first up as an injury replacement. As luck would have it, he then sneaked onto the tour as
the injury replacement when Brazilian Yago Dora withdrew from the tour with an injury.
IT WAS NEV ER G O ING TO BE EAS Y. Matt got back on tour, and then the WSL mid-year cuts loomed before he had even had a single good result. There were plenty of top surfers who would get chopped at the cut, and Matt was in that group. He needed a remarkable performance and result at Margaret River in Western
Australia to get him above the cut-line. On paper, the odds were very much against him.
The waves were solid and wind-blown, with massive ten-foot plus walls pouring through during his heats.
TH E N TH E WAV E S G O T CH UN K Y, A N D TH I N G S S TA R T E D LO O K I N G U P. M AT T LO VE S I T WHE N IT G E TS A BI T B IG A N D UNCO MFO R TA B L E .
While many surfers looked a bit rattled and never got the chance to get going, Matt found the good sets. He charged them and racked up enough power turns to earn the needed points. The natural-footer took out heralded surfers Kanoa Igarashi, Samuel Pupo and
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Italo Ferreira with excellent surfing performances.
HE DI D E NO U G H TO RE QUA L IF Y A N D I S BA CK O N T O U R A N D I S CO M P E T IN G TH R O UG H T HE B A C K H A LF O F 2 0 2 2 , I N CLUDI N G S U R F IN G AT TH E CO R O N A OPE N J BAY. The location on the world tour where he will be
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most formidable is on his home turf at Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay. He will be able to surf relaxed and cut loose in front of his home crowd, friends and family.
T HE FACT THAT HE IS HE RE, ON TOUR, A G A INS T S UCH IN C R E DI BLE ODDS , IS A TES TAM ENT T HAT HE COULD GO A L L T HE WAY TO T HE FI NAL I N JBAY.
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ST FRANCIS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION BUILDING PLAN AMNESTY WILL EXPIRE ON 30 JUNE
KOUGA homeowners have until 30th June 2022 to apply for amnesty from fines and penalties payable for incomplete or incorrect building plans. This amnesty period has already been extended by six months from end of December 2021 and will not be further extended. The purpose of the amnesty period was to give homeowners the opportunity to ensure their properties complied with the National Building Regulations. 62
Non-compliant property owners would typically be fined in terms of the National Building Regulations and municipal standard application fees.
These fines and penalties will be waived during the amnesty period. The normal application approval fees will, however, still be applicable and payable.
TH E A MN E ST Y PER I OD M U S T N O T BE CON S TR U E D A S A R E LA XAT IO N O F A N Y S TA N D A R D S , RE G ULATI O N S O R LE G I S LATI O N .
It is simply an attempt to legalise illegal structures within the municipal area in accordance with the relevant legislation.
BUI LDI N G P L A N S MU S T S TI LL C O M P LY W I TH A LL R E L E VA N T RE G ULATI O N S, B O T H N ATI ON A L A N D MU N I CI PA L .
Building Control section. Any structures that do not comply with the required standards will not be approved until such a time as the necessary corrections have been done.
E A C H CAS E W I LL B E D EALT W I TH O N MERI T AND T HE M UNI CI PALI TY R E M AI NS THE FI NAL D E C ISI ON-M AKER. All submissions for exemptions must be put in writing and emailed to the Department of Planning and Development at: jmarais@kouga.gov.za.
Building plans for unauthorized structures submitted through this process would also be subject to inspections by the municipality’s 63
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Concours Sur Mesure 2022 St Francis Bay is gearing up for one huge festival, the likes of which have never been seen before in this town. The Concours Sur Mesure will take place 27 - 30 October 2022. TH E E VE N T :
This 4-day festival has local ownership, and the event organisers come with over 30 years of experience and expertise in their respective fields. The festival aims to host a unique annual event in the Eastern Cape. The festival will be creating a diverse experience that 66
offers something for everyone to entice the exotic car enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, jazz lovers, and avid sportspeople alike. The festival will offer diverse experiences by bringing value to the local businesses, sports clubs, St Francis Tourism, B&B’s, and Estate Agents, and creating employment for locals.
The festival will showcase St Francis Bay with sporting events, culinary events, music events, motorcars, vintage, exotic, and current models together with exclusive wines from our leading premier estates,
TH E MA I N E V E N T :
The organisers will host the Wine and Motor Show at St Francis College on Saturday, 28 October 2022. They will also host Uncle Nick’s Dinner and Dance on Friday night, Madhatter’s Gin and Tea Party on Saturday night
and the Tent and Open Beer Garden on Sunday. We have four free tickets to the Wine and Motor Show, valued at R400 each, to giveaway to some lucky readers. All you have to do is ask. First four mails telling us what Concours Sur Mesure means. Answers to: info@craigjarvis.co.za
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What a Jol The Cape St Francis Resort came alive on Saturday28 May for the annual FOSTER Jol. A long line started forming early as those with tickets and those hoping to buy last-minute tickets at the door waited to join in on the action. 70
@ Juliette Godfrey
OVE R 2 0 0 P E O P L E CAME TO W HAT A GUE S T CAL L E D “ TH E E VE N T O F T HE DE CA DE I N C SF ” . Sadly, we had to turn some keen partygoers away once capacity was reached.
W E S TW I N D , L IO N S G ATE A N D T HE SC H O O L BA N D B L E W PEO PLE AWAY. I O VE R H E A R D A
C O M MENT, “ THES E G U Y S ARE W ORLDC L A SS . W HERE DI D Y O U FI ND THEM ? ” T HE ANS W ER I S S IM P L E THEY ARE A L L L OCALS . We have amazing talent in St Francis! The Resort, as always, rose to the occasion and served up three great potjies whilst the barmen were run off their feet. 71
TH A N K S TO JA S O N , DA N N Y, A N D A L L TH E S TA FF F O R G O I N G TH E E X T R A MILE A N D A N ITA FO R S PON S O R IN G A RO O M A N D T HR E E FA BULOUS P R IZ E S . Bev from the St Francis Chronicle won the coveted “Best dressed award” and earned herself a special treatment at the Resorts Spa. One lucky number holder won a Sunday Platter 72
from Joe Fish and another a canal cruise for 6.
C HIO M OULANG P R O V I DED S OM E C A P S AND BAGS , WHICH THE A U D I ENCE WAS C L A MOURI NG FOR. She also made the T-shirts for us at a special rate. Trevor can be seen modelling one in the picture. Thanks to Terri Hutchins for that amazing logo we
used on the shirt and the advertising material she designed pro bono for us.
WE L L AS EM I LY B U C H ANON.
ZE PH I MA D E A UNI QUE VW K O M B I PHOTO BOO T H. P ICTURE D I N IT A R E N I TA C L A A S E N A N D A N TO IN E T T E G R UN DLI N G H, T WO FO S TE R CO M M IT T E E MEMBE RS WHO W E RE PRI M A R ILY RE S PON S I B L E F O R TH E E VE N T, A S
I don’t think anyone left disappointed or felt that the ticket was not worth the price. A great fundraiser for FOSTER, and as always, the money will be put to good use to maintain our reserves. Thanks for coming, guys our community rocks. We promise next year will be even better! Matt
@ Sacha Park
7 2 Antoinette Grundling @
Kouga Business Forum LAUNCHES IN ST FRANCIS BAY Last month saw a well-attended Kouga Business Forum launch at The Links. There was an air of optimism at The Links. This, combined with several very positive speeches and some delicious snacks from the Links kitchen, made for a beautiful evening full of information, ideas and inspiration. The Kouga Business Forum (KBF) is the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Kouga region. It has organised itself into 10 industries: Tourism, Agriculture, Ocean and Water, Green and Alternative Energy, Real Estate and Development, Manufacturing and Construction, Transport 78
and Automotive, Trade (Wholesale and Retail) and Finance, Emerging and SMME’s, Health and Education. Other industries could be included later, but these are the industries that were listed as part of the launch.
Kouga Business Forum Chairperson Dries Du Preez introduced the KBF to the audience. Dries outlined some ideas and thoughts about the way forward with the KBF. Wayne Furphy spoke after Dries, and he outlined some upcoming key events and opportunities for local businesses. St Francis Bay has several very exciting events this year. However, they all could do with the collaboration of local enterprises to possibly improve these events and increase their value to organisers, contestants, and the local community. He was followed by several speakers, including Jeff Clause from The Links, who spoke about the PGA tournament held at The Links. He was followed by Kimon Augoustatos, the organiser behind Concours sur Mesure, Craig Northwood from the Wine On Water Festival, and Nevil Hulett.
T HE KBF AI M S TO S T R E NGTHEN OUR L O C AL BUS I NES S C O M MUNI TY AND IM P R OV E OUR C O M MUNI CATI ON, C O O RDI NATI ON A N D SHARI NG O F T HE BENEFI TS O F B US I NES S O P P ORTUNI TI ES . St Francis KBF has developed a plan around our events that will be an enriching experience for visitors to the area and benefit the local businesses with various opportunities. For individuals or businesses with 5 or fewer employees, it is R630/annum. For those businesses with 6 and more employees, it costs R1260/annum. For any enquiries or for membership, please contact Leilani Coetzee at 084 681 3702 or at office@kougabusiness forum.com 79
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