NEIGHBOURLY NOTES
CONGRATULATIONS to Alexandria sculptor Maureen Quin, who was awarded an honorary medal by the South African Academy of Science and Art for her contribution to visual art (sculpture). In her acceptance speech, Quin emphasised that it was this kind of recognition that made dedication to her career worthwhile and inspired her to continue sculpting. We also recognise the exceptional talent that she has and is proud to call her one of our own. REMEMBER to support the Salem Hall fundraiser on August 5. The Salem Hall is in need of serious renovation and the community, through the Salem Cricket Club, is holding a fundraising dinner to raise money for the project. The evening will include a three- course meal and will host the likes of guest speaker assistant Protea cricket coach, Adi Birrell, with former SA cricket player Hugh Page as the emcee. Well-known and loved local comedians Boet and Swaer, will present a show on the history of Salem. Tickets can be booked with or call (046) 622-7896 for more information. WITH municipal elections looming closer, tensions between political parties are on an all-time high. In this week’s TotT front page we report on a story, where the local UDM branch encountered some dirty politics as almost all of their campaign posters had either been ripped apart or defaced. JUST when we are about to lose hope in the justice system, we have learned the good news that a corrupt policeman had been prosecuted and found guilty for soliciting bribes in Port Elizabeth. The dirty cop was sentenced to seven years but received a suspended sentence of five years in the wake of two incidents last year. Another policeman is set to face similar charges next month, reinforcing the notion that no one is above the law. DON’T forget to buy your ticket and reserve your seat at the SPCA Christmas in July lunch at the Port Alfred River and Ski Boat Club on Sunday. The event is a fundraiser and tickets are limited. Please contact Debbie Longhurst on (046) 624-9062/ THE latest spiel with the SABC and Hlaudi Motsoeneng is getting interesting. South Africans are encouraged to get out the popcorn as matters and tensions are escalating with the state broadcaster. After Motsoeneng decided to blatantly ignore the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) ruling on July 11, that the SABC had to withdraw its resolution to ban the broadcasting of violent protests, Motsoeneng hit back and said that no one could tell the SABC what to do and they would challenge Icasa’s decision in court. Well, well Mr SABC’s day in court finally arrived, and the court granted Icasa an order interdicting the SABC from implementing – or enforcing its censorship decision. Seven SABC reporters were fired this week. The eighth person was freelance journalist Vuyo Mvoko, whose contract was terminated. It emerged on Tuesday that the broadcaster had fired Busisiwe Ntuli, a specialist producer for investigative programme
It seems “Mr SABC” has been driven mad with arrogance and narcissism. Someone should warn this Icarus to be careful of flying so close to the sun. CONGRATULATIONS on another year and very happy birthday wishes to everyone celebrating such an occasion in the coming week, especially Norman Clayton, Stephanie Forward, Douglas Haig, Vukile Balura, Clifford Dell, Leonora Goodwin, Roy Guest, Joe Stas, Sue Croukamp, Judy Henshall, Mauritz van der Merwe, James Taljard, David Purdon, Jessie Berry, Brenda Spilkin, Shirley Cock, Dave Macgregor, Wilma Jurgenson, Carol and her daughter Abigail Hartzenberg, Forbes Coutts, sisters Valerie Wynn and Julie Bagshaw-Smith, Samuel Hawkins, Val Baker, the Strohm Quads celebrating their 24th birthdays – Jason, Candice, Amy and Byron, Phillip Smith, Johannes Loots, Barbara Matthews, Bryn Lewis, Julie Slizuik, Awie Gretton, Maureen Thierson, Alex van der Merwe and Richard Legg, Angela King, Jean Haselhurst, Eric Taylor, Douglas Garner, Dawn Goble and Billy Woods. BUSINESS anniversary wishes and all best wishes for your continuing success to all places having an anniversary, especially The Clean Team, L&W Couriers and OK Furniture. WITH last year’s figures in brackets to compare against and as we were going to press, the Rand was trading at R14.28 to the dollar (R12.34), R18.85 to the pound (R19.27) and R15.72 to the euro (R13.51). Gold at $1 328 per troy ounce ($1 095.47), platinum is trading at $1 088 per ounce ($968.00) and Brent Crude Oil at $44.75 per barrel ($56.51). OUR thoughts and prayers are with all those folk who are not well, who are having or have already had tests, operations and treatments. "Sterkte" to Roy Potter, Andrew de Vries, June Hart, Linda Hulley, Val Kilian, Blake Squires, Llewellyn Wicks, Philly Dell, Myrna Keet, Barbara Tee, Janet Hyde, Bevan Edwards, Elene Daubermann and Brenda Shelton. SPECIAL thanks to all for prayers and support shown for Ben Kember and to Lions Club as well as Mike Newlands who travelled to the hospital to visit. DEEPEST sympathy and special thoughts to the family and friends of Johan Klopper who passed away Friday July 15, especially his wife Grace, his children Lisa Lawson, Francois Klopper, the late Riaan Klopper, his grandchildren and extended family. He was a past head boy of Queen Alexandria School. He was a very successful businessman and racing pigeon-breeder. Klopper was one of the founding members and director of Mooifontein Quarry. God has you in his safe-keeping; we have you in our hearts. OUR heartfelt condolences and sympathies go out to the family and friends of Gwen Axe, a beloved mother and grandmother to Richard, Debbie and Kirsty, Kate, Mike and Rachel, Barry, Jacqui, Jess and Ryan, sister to Harry and Frank and friend to so many. The memorial service will be held at Ravenswood Retirement Village in Port Alfred on Saturday at 12pm. WEDDING anniversary greetings and best wishes for many more years of love and happiness to everyone having a wedding anniversary, especially Claude and Susan Mclellan, Tony and Dawn Nelson. THOUGHT for the week: “A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you today just the way you are”. BEST regards as always, The Team