We are a mere 3 minutes from the airport and within walking distance of many restaurants/pubs, fast food outlets and shopping complexes.

All units have there own private entrance over looking the pool and tennis court, as well as secure off street parking behind remote control gates.

Port Elizabeth and the surrounding area is Malaria free and is fast becoming South Africa’s water sport Capital and adventure-lovers paradise, with many Game Reserves stocking the Big 5, close by. Port Elizabeth is a perfect destination to start or end your road trip along the Garden Route.

We offer 7 standard units, 6 units have twin beds with full bathrooms and 1 unit has a queen bed with a shower. We have a fold out single sleeper couch which can be placed in most of our units. We also have a family unit which would be suitable for a family with two small children or one teenager.

All standard units consist of:

• Bar fridge
• Microwave
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• DStv
• Full bathroom, except for one unit which only has a shower
• Wireless Internet access

Our family unit consists of:

• Fridge
• Microwave
• Small counter placed oven and stove
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Toaster
• Crockery/cutlery
• DStv in lounge and bedroom
• Private deck with seating
• Lounge with double sleeper couch
• Bedroom with queen bed and en-suite full bathroom
• Wireless internet access

Conferencing:

We offer a private and tranquil conference environment. Open the double doors looking onto the pool, use our break away tables on the patio or let us arrange teambuilding. Our home cooked meals are individually served on a hot plate with buffet salad and breads. Choose between an intimate table for small groups, or a variety of table settings for larger groups. We have an indoor gas fire which everyone huddles around on cold winter days. Please visit our website for our tariffs.

Our Partners:

Rooms

• We have 11 rooms at Summer Blue – Twin rooms with singles beds, double rooms with queen sized beds and family rooms.
• All rooms have private entrances.
• All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with showers. One room has a full bathroom with bath and shower facilities
• Percale linen is used throughout.
• All rooms are equipped with desks, fans, heaters, televisions, DSTV (satellite television), microwaves, and kettles, tea/coffee trays, bar fridges and limited crockery and cutlery.
• A hairdryer is supplied in every room.
• Secure off street parking is provided. The property is completely electric fenced and is accessed through automatic gates.

Delicious full English breakfasts are served in the dining room. Dinners are available by arrangement.

Rooms are serviced daily and are immaculately clean. A laundry service is available on request.

Summer Blue Guest House is situated 4 km from the airport and airport transfers can be arranged if required.

Summer Blue Guest House is conveniently situated close to Hobie, Kings and Pollock beaches. Nearby are various restaurants, McArthur Baths, Boardwalk Casino Entertainment Centre, Bay World Oceanarium, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Telkom Park Sport Stadium, the City centre and Humewood Golf Club. We are a 5 minute drive from the St Georges Park cricket grounds.

Port Elizabeth is proudly known as the water sport capital of South Africa – with yachting, boat cruises, windsurfing and diving on offer. In addition we are a short drive away from malaria free game reserves including Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari and Kragga Kamma Game Park and the Seaview Game and Lion Park.

All potential investors want the best return on their money, of course, but each person comes with a set of circumstances that have to be considered when giving advice.

An important choice that has to be made by the investor is in what investment vehicle he wishes to invest his funds.

Keep in mind that the vehicle does not necessarily regulate the returns that will be achieved. Rather, it sets the rules for the liquidity of funds, the term of the investment or tax implications for the investor.

One often hears the comment that retirement annuities or unit trusts are not performing well. In reality, neither one of these will essentially perform better than the other (leaving tax implications aside for the moment).

A retirement annuity is a specific product with special rules relating to the tax deductibility of contributions, the application of investment proceeds at retirement and accessibility to funds during the investment term.

Unit trusts, on the other hand, are more liquid and flexible and can also be used as part of your retirement planning.

Certain investors may however perceive the tax implications relating to unit trusts more negatively than others. For example, selling units may have capital gains tax implications and all interest earned in the underlying units are for the investor’s own account.

For tax sensitive investors, endowments may offer a suitable alternative. The proceeds of endowments pay out tax-free to the investor at the end of the term and during the course of the investment all tax is payable by the investment company (on behalf of the investor) at a specified rate, sometimes lower than the investor’s marginal rate of tax.

Whereas in the case of unit trusts there is no fixed term, endowments have a minimum investment term of five years, with limited access to funds during this time.

A further option for investors is to invest directly in shares listed on the securities exchange. This means that the investor has only exposure to one asset class, shares or equities, but this does not mean that a share portfolio is automatically a high-risk investment as some people tend to think.

Again, the investor bears the tax responsibilities directly and has to declare income earned or capital gains realised.

Some investors may feel that a mixed basket of investment asset classes is more suited to their needs, which brings me back to my earlier statement that most investment vehicles do not directly affect the growth of the investment. Rather, the funds that you eventually choose within this vehicle will do the work.

So, if you choose to be very conservative and stick to cash and money market type funds, you will have a smooth rate of return, but, over time, these returns may not keep pace with inflation.

On the other hand, a more balanced approach with exposure to other investment asset classes such as property, bonds and equities (in differing proportions) would appeal to investors who are not completely risk averse and look for a return from diversified sources.

The important issue is of course that investors make an informed decision at all times.

As many of you already know, I have been a keen photographer most of my adult life. Photography has given me so much insight and clarity in my study of life principles.

As 2010 moves from our consciousness and we start giving attention to 2011 there are a few things to keep in mind.

There has been “good and bad” and there will be both next year too; that is the nature of all things. In truth, life is neither good nor bad, LIFE IS! All else is our perception based on our point of focus.

Now back to the photography!

Before I begin there is a little story I must tell you.

Back in 1969 I bought my first Nikon cameras and a suitcase of lenses; after all I was going to do this properly!

Like with most things, the next trick was to show off the new toys! My best friend was Charlie Ward. He, at that time worked for the South African Railway Photographic Department. So, camera bag over my shoulder, like a true professional, off I went to find Charlie.

While we were drooling over the new toys Ralph King, Charlie’s boss, walked in. After enjoying the moment with us he turned to leave, looked back over his shoulder and said; “David, cameras don’t take pictures . . . . people do!” Forty years later I really understand the wisdom of my lesson that day! “Thank you Mr. King”; where ever you maybe.

What we see through the lens of a camera is always different from what we see with both eyes open. It is more contained, limited and distorted and focused. It is always an illusion. In fact there are always at least two illusions; one for selective focus and the other of selective point of view. As the photographer we choose both.

Most people who own a camera just point and shoot, paying little or no attention to detail. They don’t think, they just capture the moment.; sometimes! They don’t compose their pictures and often cut off feet because they are looking at the face of the subject. They almost never ask themselves; “What is the objective here; what will this picture illustrate; what are the elements I wish to capture, when I look back what will I remember?”

Our eyes are cameras, they capture information that is then stored in the brain. This information is always linked to an emotional filter: we can’t think without feeling. Contrary to popular belief, we do not think in language, we think in pictures and these thoughts are given life by the emotions that they invoke. (If what we are reading does not form a picture in our head it does not make sense.)

What part, of what life is showing us, are we looking at; are we taking a broad unthinking, reactive overview or using selective focus; what perceptions are we using as distorting or enhancing filters? What is the thing I want to remember? How will this captured moment enhance my life? What will my impression be, looking back? Will this moment prove my control; will it enhance my confidence?

What life lesson is it, unconditionally presenting to me? All the possibilities are real; we choose the perceptions and emotions we use as filters. All the possibilities are real; we choose which we make truth; which ones we capture and make our memory and which ones we choose to leave out of focus! We choose the knowledge and the lesson!

The choice is not made by “I want, or don’t want”; it is made by the amount of precious life energy or emotion we feed the picture with. What we see and feel is what we manifest as reality.

Looking back over 2010, choose only that which will add value to your learning and give meaning to what was and what IS. Now look forward!

2011.

How is who I am going to impact on my 2011? What will I make of the infinite possibilities I will be confronted with? I have the choice. I have the choice of perception and the focus for my 2011. It will be as I WILL it to be.

Don’t just take ‘pictures’ in 2011, be an oustanding photographer. Give thought to every moment. Make every captured memory count; make it an expression of the highest part of your Soul that you have the courage to imagine.

Make love to everything you have the privilege to experience and give thanks for your learning.

Enjoy now, with the future in mind.

The two teams pedalled it out in the corporate category of this year’s Cancare Spinning Marathon, with each of the five team members taking thirty-six minute turns on the distance-calibrated spinning cycle.

But the real winner of the event was beneficiary Cancare, a volunteer organisation that provides practical assistance to family and friends of people diagnosed with cancer.

“Cancer has a devastating effect on both the sufferers and their immediate families. By supporting the Cancare spinnathon, we have voiced our support for those affected by this disease,” said Team bizhub owner John Robertson.

According to him, the fundraising event was a perfect fit for Team bizhub. “We have all been given great opportunities through the sport of cycling, but it’s also important to give something back.”

Team members Charlotte van der Merwe, Lise Olivier, Linn Torp, Victoria Myburgh and Sanet Smal took time out from their training schedules to spin for charity ahead of Sunday’s MTN OFM Classic in Bloemfontein.

The team will also be targeting the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg on November 21. “We’ve had some consistent results in the last few weeks and will have a good team for the event,” said Robertson.

He said one of the team’s overseas riders, Catherine Williamson, is a pre-race favourite. The 28-year-old, who placed on the podium in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour earlier this year, represented Great Britain at the recent UCI World Road Championships in Australia and then finished runner-up in last month’s Rand Water Race for Victory.

Related articles

• Can cyclists and motorists learn to share the road? (confused.com)

The warm-hearted women of Port Elizabeth broke two world records as they braved inclement weather on Saturday, October 23, to raise awareness of cancer.

The Nashua Largest Ever Bikini Photo Shoot saw 905 enthusiastic participants form a giant heart on the field of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Organisers were hoping to set a Guinness World Record for the largest bikini photo shoot, but were pleased that participants managed to smash the world records for the largest bikini and swimwear parades.

“Unfortunately the rain played a part, but, overall, we’ve had a great day,” said organiser Laurence Finn from Club 100 For Ladies.

“We mustn’t forget why we are here – to raise awareness and money for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa). The world records are just a little bit of fun in the process.”

Walking a distance of more than one mile (1.6km) around the stadium, 605 women nearly doubled the two records set in the Cayman Islands on June 17 this year. The previous record for a bikini parade was 331 participants, while the swimwear parade featured 385 ladies.

Sporting celebrities – former Olympic athlete Okkert Brits and Super 14 referee Philip Bosch – oversaw the counting process in accordance with Guinness World Record requirements. Media footage from the day will be submitted to their auditors and the verification process will take up to three months to complete.

All proceeds raised from the event will benefit Cansa, but final audited figures will only be available towards the end of the week, according to Finn.

A number of ladies expressed their disappointment that people who had registered for the event and paid their R50 donation did not turn up on the day, possibly due to the cold and overcast weather.

“Catching a cold is a lot better than getting cancer,” remarked participant Pam Regnart. “But breaking these world records will bring this cause to the public’s attention.”

Fellow participant Gillian Gifford echoed her sentiments: “I think the women who are here are fantastic. Together we are not only supporting Cansa, but also the city.”

Finn said that women of all shapes and sizes had used their collective voice to raise awareness of cancer and that their participation in the event had also raised the profile of Nelson Mandela Bay.

For many ladies, the world record attempt was a deeply personal cause. Venita Jacobs stood out in the crowd as she completed the mile-walk on crutches.

“My sister-in-law’s niece, who is eleven years old, has just been diagnosed with leukaemia,” said Jacobs. “We did the mile for Jade.”

Another participant, Jacolyn Priestley-Jayes, took part in honour of a friend who had just had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It’s been great, something I never thought I’d do,” said Khanyisa Sunduzwayo. “As a women-only thing, no one was uncomfortable. I’d love to do it again!”

This important debut represents a significant milestone for Ford in South Africa, as the Silverton facility is one of only three plants that will produce the new Ford Ranger – a vehicle designed to be a clear segment leader, and destined for sale across five continents and more than 180 markets.

Additionally, the new-generation Puma engine that will power the new Ranger will be produced at the Struandale Engine Plant, with both projects due to come on line in 2011.

“To be selected as one of Ford’s global manufacturing hubs for the new Ranger is a high-level endorsement and recognition of our team’s great energy, efficiency and skill,” states Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA).

“Our global standing and reputation will be further boosted when the production of the new Puma engine commences next year at the Struandale Engine Plant, entrenching FMCSA as a key player in the global Ford network.

“The production of the new Ranger and the Puma engines in South Africa confirms the world-class status of the Silverton and Struandale plants, allied to the quality and professionalism of our valued supplier partners.”

While the Silverton Assembly Plant will install a capacity for producing up to 110 000 all-new Rangers per year, approximately 75 percent will be exported to other markets in Africa and across Europe, with the balance destined for the local market.

In terms of the Puma engine programme, the Struandale Engine Plant will be manufacturing
220 000 component sets annually, comprising the engine head, block and crankshaft. Approximately 75 000 of these will be used for the assembly of complete engines, and shipped to Silverton for the new Ranger, with the balance of the component sets being exported.

The two projects are the result of the over R3,0-billion investment in the Silverton and Struandale plants, with the emphasis on world-class production efficiency and quality.

“We’ve made great progress with the Puma programme, and are at an advanced stage in our preparations at the Engine Plant,” explains Wallace Yearwood, Plant Manager of the Struandale Engine Plant.

“Already 97 of the 100 new and redeployed machines are already installed in the Puma crankshaft head and block lines, while the new Puma Global Assembly Hall that we officially opened in June is being transformed with the installation of high-tech new assembly equipment.”

By December the installation of the machinery, production and assembly lines will be complete, and the Engine Plant will commence with the trials and pre-production runs, building up to Job One for the Puma engine production by the middle of next year.

“We have also opened our new Training Centre, and are enhancing the skills of our employees to match the exceptionally high standards of technology and sophistication used in the new-generation Puma engine,” Yearwood states.

“It truly is an exciting time for Ford in South Africa, and we look forward to the months ahead as this huge investment, and the vote of confidence in our abilities, is finally realised when full-scale production commences next year,” Yearwood concludes.

When consulting with a client who wishes to invest, it often happens that our mandate is to achieve the maximum return on their funds, but with the minimum risk to their capital.

This may sound like a simple instruction, but first the client has to understand what it is that they are saying.

The field of investment options are vast and how do we narrow these down to recommend a suitable investment option for a client?

Each client comes with a specific set of circumstances relating to age, employment, funds available, time horizon for the investment and many more.

So, for example, a 65-year-old who is retiring from his pension fund will be a very different investor to one of 45 who has some funds available that he wishes to invest in the stock market.

These two examples indicate some of the crucial aspects that have to be considered. The term the investor wishes to invest for, for example, has to be determined and when does he require the capital to be returned, if at all?

The person who is retiring may be more interested in the income generating capability of his capital (which is one of the many functions of investment returns) while he understands that his capital may not necessarily be returned. I know that there are variations on this theme, when one considers living annuities, but that I will discuss in further articles.

An investor investing “extra” funds in shares would also want the best return on his capital, but may understand that there is a greater possibility of fluctuation in the value of his capital. It is however important to mention that not necessarily all investments in share portfolios should be classified as risky.

It is important that the investor has at least a basic understanding of the various investment asset classes, the possible risk attached to each and how they interact with each other.

For instance, cash is seen by many investors as a low risk, stable investment asset class. However, the risk attached to cash, is that inflation will deplete the real buying power of your money.

The other main asset classes, shares or equities, bonds and property each have their inherent risks and benefits. Therefore, many investors are suited to a mixed portfolio containing differing combinations of the various asset types.

As a rule of thumb, investors have to remember that high returns are often accompanied by high levels of risk. This is why determining an investor’s risk profile may be a handy exercise to see whether they do in fact have such a big appetite for risk.

Risk profiling is however not an exact science. It is merely an indication of the investor’s views on the various aspects of investment at that particular time.

One often finds that anyone who has been disappointed by returns quickly becomes a far more conservative investor!

Next time, more about different investment vehicles and the benefits provided by each.

Various styles of rooms offer a choice of privacy, family and limited self-catering accommodation.

All rooms have private entrances & en-suite bathrooms, and have been tastefully and comfortably decorated providing a restful haven after spending a day on the beach, exploring nearby game parks or returning from a busy day at work. Sit out on your patio in the secluded garden or covered patio, laze around the pool or take an invigorating walk along the beachfront.

TV’s with DSTV, fridges, microwaves and complimentary tea/coffee facilities are provided in each room, whilst some rooms have limited self-catering facilities as well. Wi-Fi Internet connection is available, and secure off-street parking, is provided. A sumptuous breakfast is served in the sunny, welcoming dining-room.

Double / Twin

Double / queen and twin rooms, some with limited self catering facilities. Please let us know if you have specific bed &/or bath/shower requirements.

Family Accommodation

Bayside offers a variety of family accommodation:

• Spacious twin room with double sleeper couch, en-suite bathroom with shower and limited self catering facilities
• Twin room with double sleeper couch, en-suite bathroom with separate bath & shower and limited self-catering facilities
• Queen bedroom with double sleeper couch, en-suite bathroom with separate bath & shower and limited self-catering facilities
• Family suite consisting of double room, en-suite with shower, and a twin room, en-suite with shower/bath. These rooms have inter-leading doors.

Port Elizabeth is proudly known as the water sport capital of South Africa, offering malaria free game lodges, ethnic culture, art, and entertainment for everyone

Room facilities

• Twin single bed, double bed and family rooms available
• All rooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Fridge, microwave, tea & coffee making facilities in each room
• Ceiling fans, TV with DSTV and telephones are standard, with hairdryers available on request
• Room design, writing desks and WI-FI internet connections offer the business person flexibility of working late nights, watching TV or both
• Separate entrances, covered patios in a tranquil garden setting
• Secure off-street parking

The original residence in the beachfront suburb of Summerstrand is a heritage building that has been stylishly renovated to offer luxury 4-star Guest House accommodation.

Room facilities:

• Twin single beds, double bed and family rooms available
• All rooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Bar fridge, microwave, tea & coffee making facilities in each room
• Ceiling fans, DSTV, telephones & ADSL connections are standard
• Hairdryers available on request
• Separate entrances, covered patios in a tranquil garden setting
• Secure off-street parking

All rooms have private entrances, en-suite bathrooms and have been tastefully and comfortably decorated providing a restful haven after spending a day on the beach, exploring the nearby game parks or returning from a busy day at work. Sit out on your patio in the secluded garden to unwind after a long day. Microwaves, fridges, TVs and complimentary tea/coffee facilities are provided in each room and a sumptuous breakfast is served daily in the welcoming dining-room. Secure off-street parking is provided.

Beachwalk’s location is ideal for both traveller and businessman.

Park your car or arrange to be dropped-off, settle in and walk to the major entertainment facilities Port Elizabeth has to offer. Being about 60m from pristine beaches, the adventurous can participate in watersports at Hobie Beach or just spend a lazy day sunbaking, whilst the executive can take a relaxing stroll after work or an invigorating run along the sand to kickstart the day.

Take an easy 400 metre stroll to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment complex. On offer are movie houses, a ten-pin bowling alley, arts & crafts market, sports bar, mini funfair for the kiddies, coffee bars and a variety of restaurants.

Also within walking distance is the Bayworld Oceanarium and Snake Park, open-air craft markets and Brooke’s Pavilion Food & Entertainment Complex.

The airport is just 6km away and transfers can be arranged. A championship golf course is also just 4km down the road and the Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari and Kragga Kamma reserves are all within comfortable motoring distance.