{"id":4708,"date":"2017-10-07T16:09:26","date_gmt":"2017-10-07T14:09:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/?p=4708"},"modified":"2017-12-15T10:39:25","modified_gmt":"2017-12-15T08:39:25","slug":"jhb-sep2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/news\/regional-news\/jhb-sep2017\/","title":{"rendered":"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-4708\" data-postid=\"4708\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-4708 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-css_id=\"6knn709\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row fullwidth_row_container tb_6knn709 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_31gb803 first\">\n                            <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tb_39k9300\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col3-2 tb_jdek030 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_yno2012   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><span style=\\\"color: #bba543;\\\"><strong>IPA Johannesburg<\/strong><\/span><\/h1><h1 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 20px; color: #ffffff;\\\"><strong>Regional Newsletter<\/strong><\/span><\/h1><h3 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><span style=\\\"color: #ffffff;\\\"><em>September 2017<\/em><\/span><\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col3-1 tb_vb4v686 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_oeqd013 image-center   tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Jhb-region-logo-shade-web.png\" width=\"216\" height=\"300\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_689c000 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_dzhs808 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_whlf978   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1><strong>Chairman\u2019s Report September 2017<\/strong><\/h1>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fdc7707   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>I can\\&#8217;t believe it\\&#8217;s time to address you and share our progress and developments with you again.<\/p><p>If that\\&#8217;s how winter went, then I think we are in for a great summer. We averaged 17 people at our socials throughout winter which is a great result for us. So I think we\\&#8217;ve turned the tide and saved the ship. Well, I like to think so! Thank you to all our regulars who continue to support the cause, month by month as well as the long serving members who are starting to explore what the IPA is really about.<\/p><p>The lanyard project, identified at the Regions 2017 AGM, began in July. The response was positive, but it\\&#8217;s a project we need to sustain. We have discussed it, and after this publication goes out, a R5 fine will be imposed on any member who fails to wear it at our monthly social. So, you have been advised. The monies raised will go to a worthy charity at the end of the year.<\/p><p>Thank you to Harold for chasing up on the outstanding membership monies. To reiterate what he said, the funds help the effective running of the organisation as a whole. All our current members on the list are paid up for 2017.<\/p><p>Our membership list shows some growth. A big thank you to you all! This shows that members still want to be part of the organisation. I just don\\&#8217;t know how to get you to respond to our call for involvement. Hopefully, now it\\&#8217;s warming up, we should see more heads at our events.<\/p><p>The IPA International Youth Gathering took place from 29 July 2017 in South Africa. There were 40 children representing 21 countries. Johannesburg Region hosted them on 30 July at Gold Reef City and Ijump. It\\&#8217;s amazing how a trampoline tires you out! OK, we did think we were kids again.<\/p><p>Toni and I had a great trip to the West Coast. See Toni\u2019s article on our trip. All I want to say is, there are some big developments coming out of the West Coast Region. Don\\&#8217;t want to let the cat out of the bag before they do, but suffice to say that they are very active there and are inspiring to be around. Well done guys and thank you for the great hospitality!<\/p><p>Happy spring\/summer everyone!!<\/p><p>Servo per Amikeco<\/p><p><strong>Gordon Billing<\/strong><br \/><em>Regional Chairperson<br \/><\/em>Johannesburg<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_1zp7084 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_s6k7733 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ysur788   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1><strong>Visit To <\/strong><strong>IPA West Coast Region<\/strong><\/h1>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_bbt5400   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Early on Thursday 31 September, Gordon and I flew out of Lanseria en route to Cape Town International. Our aim, to see the wildflowers of the West Coast. Little did we know what a wonderful IPA experience we would have!<\/p><p>Upon our arrival, we rented a car and, thanks to Google Maps, found our way to Kirstenbosch Gardens. It had taken a bit of arm-twisting but thankfully Gordon enjoyed the experience, including the canopy walkway known as the \u201cboomslang\u201d. We spotted some lovely birds, took some gorgeous photographs and in true \u201cVaalie\u201d fashion, did some shopping in the gift shop. After a cream tea and a beer at the tea room (no prizes for guessing who chose what!!), we took to the road and headed out of the city.<\/p><p>\u201cSalty Crax\u201d is the name of Carla Ferreira\u2019s establishment in Table View. Carla is an active IPA West Coast member. This five star \u201cbackpackers\u201d accommodation near Blouberg Strand is a haven for wind and kite surfers, but it\u2019s so much more than that. We were shown to a splendid room with a full en suite bathroom, before joining our hostess in the lapa for a drink. Many drinks and a scrumptious braai later, I headed to bed, leaving the party animals to continue long into the night. Our thanks to Carla and her team for a fabulous stay. We highly recommend this spot to IPA members.<\/p><p>On Friday morning we drove up the west coast, a little worse for wear, towards the village of Paternoster. This picturesque fishermen\u2019s hamlet with its white and blue homes on the Atlantic shoreline, is an artist\u2019s dream. From there we meandered to the nearby Cape Columbine lighthouse and nature reserve. Vibrant flowers abounded but the sign \u201cTietiesbaai\u201d somehow drew Gordon\u2019s attention (wonder why??), so we drove down to one of the most beautiful beach campsites I\u2019ve ever seen. The azure sea, snow white sand, peaceful isolation and influx of bird life kept us there, until hunger pains eventually drove us back to Paternoster for a delightful seafood snack on the beachfront.<\/p><p>Taking a detour via Vredenburg towards Saldanha, we drove past a multitude of wildflowers until we arrived at a favourite haunt on the \u2026 dock of the bay (with apologies to Otis Redding). There, overlooking the harbour, we shared a delectable little mussel pot. Before we knew it, it was time to head back down the coast to Yzerfontein.<\/p><p>Once in Yzerfontein our hosts Alfie ( West Coast Treasurer) and Tilly van Litsenborgh very kindly accommodated us in their home. We had our own private upstairs room (little did we know how we would come to dread those stairs!) and a bathroom we shared with a fellow visitor, Jakes. Dinner that night was a communal affair and a number of IPA friends arrived at the van Litsenborgh family home to partake of their hospitality.<\/p><p>Early the next morning Gordon and I set off with Jakkie, Alfie and a group of their IPA friends to do a \u201cwalk\u201d (an IPA West Coast event) along the beach. Were we in for a surprise! We were looking forward to the 16km walk, of which 14km\u2019s were to be on the beach and 2km\u2019s were to be in the West Coast National Park. I imagined a gentle stroll, during which I would be able to pick up shells and photograph wild flowers. What a rude awakening when the route march started! No time for dithering! Gasping and plodding along I was about a kilometre behind the rest of the pack. Needless to say I needed a helping hand or two (and a push from below!) before I made it up the sand dune into the Park. Eventually a combi was sent to fetch us as the rest of the group were tired of waiting. I am eternally grateful to Gordon for not deserting me \u2013 thank you sweetheart. Compliments to the ladies training for El Camino de Santiago \u2013 the Spanish pilgrimage walk. You are going to ace it girls!<\/p><p>After freshening-up we went for an exciting drive with the van Litsenborgh brothers. There are some fascinating developments down under so keep watching the West Coast closely. Dinner that night was at a lovely cosy local spot where we enjoyed scrumptious seafood. With great difficult Gordon and I slowly climbed the stairs to bed that night.<\/p><p>The next morning we could hardly move but the summons to breakfast had to be answered. Soon afterwards we left for Postberg, the flower reserve within the West Coast National Park. After waiting over an hour to enter the Park we drove into Postberg to seas of colour. Pink, white, orange, purple fields with bees buzzing and the sea crashing in the distance. Absolute heaven! On our way back out of the park we stopped off at a bird hide and had the privilege of seeing the very rare African Rail. Folks were dashing there from all over with their massive lenses to capture this phenomenal sighting. Talk about the right place at the right time!!<\/p><p>We left the Park on a high and drove through to Darling where we ogled Evita se Perron and had a glass or so (hic!!) of Darling Brewery\u2019s finest. Feeling a little fragile from the day before we took a slow drive back to Yzerfontein.<\/p><p>The next morning we sadly said goodbye to Alfie, Tilly and Jakkie and took off to Riebeek Kasteel where we munched on delectable garlic stuffed olives. We then went on to Tulbach with its world renowned restored architectural street and had lunch at the only non-alcoholic restaurant \u2013 poor Gordon giggle. This was followed by a trip through the challenging Bainskloof Pass and here we saw a 4X4 more than 3 metres off the side of the road down a steep precipice so Gordon went sniffing for dead bodies! Once a policeman, always a policeman \u2013 hey!! Fairview Wine Estate was next, and there we enjoyed a cheese-taster lunch while watching the baby goats perform on their various platforms.<\/p><p>Finally, we set off for Cape Town and the IPA house in Plumstead. Timour Hall is under the loving care of Deon Huysamen and his wife Chris. Deon welcomed us and accompanied us into their thriving bar where Gordon took root. Meanwhile I went to our room that was in the spacious converted stables. That night we slept like the dead after a cozy dinner at Groot Constantia \u2013 the wine had NOTHING to do with it!. Next morning, after saying our farewells, we managed to fit in two quick wine tastings at Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting before heading to Cape Town International for our flight home.<\/p><p>What an astounding, whirlwind trip! Thank you to all our friends for ensuring we had a glorious time. Hope we can reciprocate some day when you visit Jo\u2019burg \u2013 IPA ROCKS!!<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ktn6380 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_60ek048 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_k1jb070   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1><strong>IPA International Youth Gathering<\/strong><\/h1>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_oduq573 image-overlay drop-shadow bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-07-30_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" title=\"2017 International Youth Gathering\" alt=\"40 Participants from 21 Countries at Gold Reef City\">    \n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    2017 International Youth Gathering                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            40 Participants from 21 Countries at Gold Reef City        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n                <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_fp6s000 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_qx45983 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_pcg4686   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1><strong>Projects<\/strong><\/h1>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_16i6044   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4>Spectacle Project<\/h4><p>We currently have 22 pairs of glasses. Every time we think we have reached the end somebody comes in with more. So if there is any more pairs lying around out there, please let Gordon have them.<\/p><h4>Usable Second Hand Clothing<\/h4><p>We have teamed up with Solidarity who is collecting good second hand clothing to distribute to the people less fortunate.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_p1jm709 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_hunk879 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_tbp3770   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1><strong>Lucky Draw<\/strong><\/h1>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_middle tb_col_count_3 tb_35gz537\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col3-1 tb_x3ou087 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_nbi7808 image-top drop-shadow bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-08-03_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"272\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col3-1 tb_lu3m700\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_mmpm893 image-top drop-shadow bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-07-07_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"356\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col3-1 tb_mqqo088 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_z49f770 image-top drop-shadow bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-09-07_2_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"314\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_j662999   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\">The winners of July, August and September\u2019s \u201cLucky Draw\u201d have all gone to non IPA members. It shows its definitely not rigged. We thank everyone for their support, donations and generosity shown towards the lucky draw at our socials.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ifha993 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_w3xo798 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_1wr1300   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1><strong>30 Year IPA Membership<\/strong><\/h1>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_6e4k075 image-center drop-shadow bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-09-07_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_nyoz097   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\">Johnny Wiid receiving his 30 year certificate from Gordon. It\u2019s the first time Johnny has been to an IPA JHB Region social evening.<br \/>Hope its not another 30 years till we meet again.<br \/>Well done!<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter September 2017 Chairman\u2019s Report September 2017 I can&#8217;t believe it&#8217;s time to address you and share our progress and developments with you again. If that&#8217;s how [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[90,89],"tags":[],"ipa_section":[],"class_list":["post-4708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-johannesburg","category-regional-news","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p80lm5-1dW","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"builder_content":"<h1 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><strong>IPA Johannesburg<\/strong><\/h1><h1 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><strong>Regional Newsletter<\/strong><\/h1><h3 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><em>September 2017<\/em><\/h3>\n<img src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Jhb-region-logo-shade-web.png\" width=\"216\" height=\"300\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">\n<h1><strong>Chairman\u2019s Report September 2017<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>I can\\'t believe it\\'s time to address you and share our progress and developments with you again.<\/p><p>If that\\'s how winter went, then I think we are in for a great summer. We averaged 17 people at our socials throughout winter which is a great result for us. So I think we\\'ve turned the tide and saved the ship. Well, I like to think so! Thank you to all our regulars who continue to support the cause, month by month as well as the long serving members who are starting to explore what the IPA is really about.<\/p><p>The lanyard project, identified at the Regions 2017 AGM, began in July. The response was positive, but it\\'s a project we need to sustain. We have discussed it, and after this publication goes out, a R5 fine will be imposed on any member who fails to wear it at our monthly social. So, you have been advised. The monies raised will go to a worthy charity at the end of the year.<\/p><p>Thank you to Harold for chasing up on the outstanding membership monies. To reiterate what he said, the funds help the effective running of the organisation as a whole. All our current members on the list are paid up for 2017.<\/p><p>Our membership list shows some growth. A big thank you to you all! This shows that members still want to be part of the organisation. I just don\\'t know how to get you to respond to our call for involvement. Hopefully, now it\\'s warming up, we should see more heads at our events.<\/p><p>The IPA International Youth Gathering took place from 29 July 2017 in South Africa. There were 40 children representing 21 countries. Johannesburg Region hosted them on 30 July at Gold Reef City and Ijump. It\\'s amazing how a trampoline tires you out! OK, we did think we were kids again.<\/p><p>Toni and I had a great trip to the West Coast. See Toni\u2019s article on our trip. All I want to say is, there are some big developments coming out of the West Coast Region. Don\\'t want to let the cat out of the bag before they do, but suffice to say that they are very active there and are inspiring to be around. Well done guys and thank you for the great hospitality!<\/p><p>Happy spring\/summer everyone!!<\/p><p>Servo per Amikeco<\/p><p><strong>Gordon Billing<\/strong><br \/><em>Regional Chairperson<br \/><\/em>Johannesburg<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Visit To <\/strong><strong>IPA West Coast Region<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Early on Thursday 31 September, Gordon and I flew out of Lanseria en route to Cape Town International. Our aim, to see the wildflowers of the West Coast. Little did we know what a wonderful IPA experience we would have!<\/p><p>Upon our arrival, we rented a car and, thanks to Google Maps, found our way to Kirstenbosch Gardens. It had taken a bit of arm-twisting but thankfully Gordon enjoyed the experience, including the canopy walkway known as the \u201cboomslang\u201d. We spotted some lovely birds, took some gorgeous photographs and in true \u201cVaalie\u201d fashion, did some shopping in the gift shop. After a cream tea and a beer at the tea room (no prizes for guessing who chose what!!), we took to the road and headed out of the city.<\/p><p>\u201cSalty Crax\u201d is the name of Carla Ferreira\u2019s establishment in Table View. Carla is an active IPA West Coast member. This five star \u201cbackpackers\u201d accommodation near Blouberg Strand is a haven for wind and kite surfers, but it\u2019s so much more than that. We were shown to a splendid room with a full en suite bathroom, before joining our hostess in the lapa for a drink. Many drinks and a scrumptious braai later, I headed to bed, leaving the party animals to continue long into the night. Our thanks to Carla and her team for a fabulous stay. We highly recommend this spot to IPA members.<\/p><p>On Friday morning we drove up the west coast, a little worse for wear, towards the village of Paternoster. This picturesque fishermen\u2019s hamlet with its white and blue homes on the Atlantic shoreline, is an artist\u2019s dream. From there we meandered to the nearby Cape Columbine lighthouse and nature reserve. Vibrant flowers abounded but the sign \u201cTietiesbaai\u201d somehow drew Gordon\u2019s attention (wonder why??), so we drove down to one of the most beautiful beach campsites I\u2019ve ever seen. The azure sea, snow white sand, peaceful isolation and influx of bird life kept us there, until hunger pains eventually drove us back to Paternoster for a delightful seafood snack on the beachfront.<\/p><p>Taking a detour via Vredenburg towards Saldanha, we drove past a multitude of wildflowers until we arrived at a favourite haunt on the \u2026 dock of the bay (with apologies to Otis Redding). There, overlooking the harbour, we shared a delectable little mussel pot. Before we knew it, it was time to head back down the coast to Yzerfontein.<\/p><p>Once in Yzerfontein our hosts Alfie ( West Coast Treasurer) and Tilly van Litsenborgh very kindly accommodated us in their home. We had our own private upstairs room (little did we know how we would come to dread those stairs!) and a bathroom we shared with a fellow visitor, Jakes. Dinner that night was a communal affair and a number of IPA friends arrived at the van Litsenborgh family home to partake of their hospitality.<\/p><p>Early the next morning Gordon and I set off with Jakkie, Alfie and a group of their IPA friends to do a \u201cwalk\u201d (an IPA West Coast event) along the beach. Were we in for a surprise! We were looking forward to the 16km walk, of which 14km\u2019s were to be on the beach and 2km\u2019s were to be in the West Coast National Park. I imagined a gentle stroll, during which I would be able to pick up shells and photograph wild flowers. What a rude awakening when the route march started! No time for dithering! Gasping and plodding along I was about a kilometre behind the rest of the pack. Needless to say I needed a helping hand or two (and a push from below!) before I made it up the sand dune into the Park. Eventually a combi was sent to fetch us as the rest of the group were tired of waiting. I am eternally grateful to Gordon for not deserting me \u2013 thank you sweetheart. Compliments to the ladies training for El Camino de Santiago \u2013 the Spanish pilgrimage walk. You are going to ace it girls!<\/p><p>After freshening-up we went for an exciting drive with the van Litsenborgh brothers. There are some fascinating developments down under so keep watching the West Coast closely. Dinner that night was at a lovely cosy local spot where we enjoyed scrumptious seafood. With great difficult Gordon and I slowly climbed the stairs to bed that night.<\/p><p>The next morning we could hardly move but the summons to breakfast had to be answered. Soon afterwards we left for Postberg, the flower reserve within the West Coast National Park. After waiting over an hour to enter the Park we drove into Postberg to seas of colour. Pink, white, orange, purple fields with bees buzzing and the sea crashing in the distance. Absolute heaven! On our way back out of the park we stopped off at a bird hide and had the privilege of seeing the very rare African Rail. Folks were dashing there from all over with their massive lenses to capture this phenomenal sighting. Talk about the right place at the right time!!<\/p><p>We left the Park on a high and drove through to Darling where we ogled Evita se Perron and had a glass or so (hic!!) of Darling Brewery\u2019s finest. Feeling a little fragile from the day before we took a slow drive back to Yzerfontein.<\/p><p>The next morning we sadly said goodbye to Alfie, Tilly and Jakkie and took off to Riebeek Kasteel where we munched on delectable garlic stuffed olives. We then went on to Tulbach with its world renowned restored architectural street and had lunch at the only non-alcoholic restaurant \u2013 poor Gordon giggle. This was followed by a trip through the challenging Bainskloof Pass and here we saw a 4X4 more than 3 metres off the side of the road down a steep precipice so Gordon went sniffing for dead bodies! Once a policeman, always a policeman \u2013 hey!! Fairview Wine Estate was next, and there we enjoyed a cheese-taster lunch while watching the baby goats perform on their various platforms.<\/p><p>Finally, we set off for Cape Town and the IPA house in Plumstead. Timour Hall is under the loving care of Deon Huysamen and his wife Chris. Deon welcomed us and accompanied us into their thriving bar where Gordon took root. Meanwhile I went to our room that was in the spacious converted stables. That night we slept like the dead after a cozy dinner at Groot Constantia \u2013 the wine had NOTHING to do with it!. Next morning, after saying our farewells, we managed to fit in two quick wine tastings at Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting before heading to Cape Town International for our flight home.<\/p><p>What an astounding, whirlwind trip! Thank you to all our friends for ensuring we had a glorious time. Hope we can reciprocate some day when you visit Jo\u2019burg \u2013 IPA ROCKS!!<\/p>\n<h1><strong>IPA International Youth Gathering<\/strong><\/h1>\n<img src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-07-30_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" title=\"2017 International Youth Gathering\" alt=\"40 Participants from 21 Countries at Gold Reef City\"> <h3> 2017 International Youth Gathering <\/h3> 40 Participants from 21 Countries at Gold Reef City\n<h1><strong>Projects<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h4>Spectacle Project<\/h4><p>We currently have 22 pairs of glasses. Every time we think we have reached the end somebody comes in with more. So if there is any more pairs lying around out there, please let Gordon have them.<\/p><h4>Usable Second Hand Clothing<\/h4><p>We have teamed up with Solidarity who is collecting good second hand clothing to distribute to the people less fortunate.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Lucky Draw<\/strong><\/h1>\n<img src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-08-03_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"272\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">\n<img src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-07-07_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"356\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">\n<img src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-09-07_2_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"314\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">\n<p style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\">The winners of July, August and September\u2019s \u201cLucky Draw\u201d have all gone to non IPA members. It shows its definitely not rigged. We thank everyone for their support, donations and generosity shown towards the lucky draw at our socials.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>30 Year IPA Membership<\/strong><\/h1>\n<img src=\"http:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2017-09-07_reg19.jpg\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" title=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\" alt=\"IPA Johannesburg Regional Newsletter &#8211; September 2017\">\n<p style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\">Johnny Wiid receiving his 30 year certificate from Gordon. It\u2019s the first time Johnny has been to an IPA JHB Region social evening.<br \/>Hope its not another 30 years till we meet again.<br \/>Well done!<\/p>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4708","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4708"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4708\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4708"},{"taxonomy":"ipa_section","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasafrica.co.za\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ipa_section?post=4708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}