GREETINGS FROM A SUNNY AUTUMN DAY IN CAPE TOWN, We are having the most wonderful warm weather after some chilly days. We have just returned from an amazing Marketing visit to Touws River in the Western Cape, on Route N1, 2 hours drive north from Cape Town. We were 5 ladies and 2 Gentlemen who were photographers, bloggers, twitters, and Marketers visiting this small country town, somehow forgotten by many South Africans. Approximately 21 years ago, the large shunting yard and train centre closed down due to the stopping of the Steam Trains in South Africa. Nearly half the locals living in Touwsriver were employed by the Government Railway, if not more. When this large employment centre closed down, many people were left unemployed, forcing a large school to also close its doors and now stands empty and deserted as many people left the town to go and find work somewhere else. The local Railway Station which had been running since early 1936, was not used and has been so badly vandalized since 2012. Great attempts are being made to try and restore the station back to its old glory, and have visitors staying over for 2 or more days in the old Hotel next to the Station which was also vandalized. Touwsriver used to be the biggest Steam Train Depot in the Western Cape. Luckily one of the old Steam Train Engines has been put to rest in the Gideon Joubert Park , which represents the History of the town and is still a great Tourist attraction. Luckily many other people have started new businesses in the town and also outside Touwsriver as you will read further in my newsletter below.

The Vandalized Railway Station …….

The Last Steam Train …… The Marketing Team ……

We visit “Kom Kyk” right next to the BP Filling Station just outside Touwsriver and had a wonderful welcome of eats, tea and coffee after our early morning drive from Cape Town. Nina was a lovely hostess, and the little Restaurant was abuzz with clients come in while we were there. Next door, they have a Wine Boutique, Deli, Gift shop and local Crafts. Kom Kyk, also serves an amazing Breakfast. Email: nina@breede.co.za

We then set off with Willie Marais a local gentleman who took us on a quick tour of the town ending up at CTE. Commuter Transport Engineering has a policy that is to achieve sustained, profitable growth by refurbishing, repairing, manufacturing and delivering products that satisfy customers’ specified and accepted standards of workmanship, performance and reliability. This company was started in 1998 by Patricia Norris who is the CEO. Their aim is to build a solid honest, foundation in the forgotten community of Touwsriver. She looked past the neglect and desolation of this abandoned old rail town and saw hope and a greater purpose for CTE, who were able to not only change the South African rail industry but change lives. As the South African Rail industry makes the essential and exciting leap forward into the future, CTE will have the responsibility of the greater community across the nation of making rail a safe, reliable and affordable form of public transport and to empower and transform the individuals of South Africa and it starts with them. CTE has a vision to contribute to planning, creating and realizing that future through nurturing the skills and talents of its people and building the capacity to grow and develop with the industry as a whole. Their primary aim is the refurbishing commuter rail coaches, which has enjoyed considerable success in the rail industry. It was absolutely amazing to see what they have done with the old coaches that have been delivered and what they look like when going out. Everybody was working , learning, enjoying what they were doing amongst all the coaches, some on wheels, wheels without coaches on top, some being built with steel, others putting in windows etc, etc. From the General Manger Ian Watson who took us on the Tour and gave us a very informative talk to Nwabisa Ntiyane, their Managing Director who showed us what they are busy with and what they proposed to do in the future, we were most impressed. They should all be very proud of their achievements and so should the community who are also working very hard. www.cte.co.za

Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve is situated in a beautiful part of the Montagu district, in the Klein Karoo, 2.5 hours from Cape Town. This mountainous terrain stretches over 4300 ha boasting a rich variety of fauna and flora. Game Drives, mountain bike tails will keep you active or you can just relax in and around one of the various accommodation options available. Birds and animals reside aplenty in this natural Karoo environment. We had a visit to Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve where we were introduced to the Nature conservation and lectures that they were taught, by 3 Black Students from various areas of South Africa. They were so interesting to listen to and had a great passion for their country and its Fauna and Flora and animals. Conservation is an important part of the reserve and measures are taken to ensure that man’s ecological footprint is as minimal as possible. They also offer affordable self-catering facilities for visitors and the students also live out at the Reserve while studying there. A wonderful Reserve to visit if you are interested in conservation. All units are family friendly and equipped with basic amenities giving you peace of mind for your stay. No hunting opportunities at Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve. Contact: San-Marie at manager@driekuilen.co.za www.driekuilen.co.za

We ended our afternoon at Njalo Njalo Safaris a few km outside Touwsriver. Here we saw many White, Brown and Gold Springbok. A Springbok pie, and red wine was served for Dinner after a warm welcome from Maggie Nel. They have a wonderful Restaurant and Bar, large swimming pool and deck outside the dining area. Day visitors are very welcome, mountain biking is also available. We were shown to their lovely Chalets that were B & B or you could have it Self Catering. We found our accommodation absolutely wonderful and slept like logs till the next morning. Contact Maggie at: info@njalosafari.com www.njalosafari.com

Early the next morning we were fetched by the transport provided to have breakfast at “Kom Kyk” restaurant who provided us with a wonderful spread. Directly after that we set off on a quick tour of the town on our way to Rangers Reserve where we were welcomed by Marcus and Hilarie who are responsible for the training of the anti-poaching guides, rangers and sometimes private security companies. They offer 1 day – 14 days, or a 1 week Course or 2 Day weekend Course, depending on your needs. Their school programme also provides leadership skills and life skills, Survival and Bush craft skills, Team Work or young Rangers. There are camping facilities, or semi-tented lodges and so on. All this in 1385 Hectares of breath taking mountain views and serine valleys, not forgetting the Cape Fynbos Ecosystem - Proteas and many succulents. For more information on any training or animal tracking skills or just sightseeing please contact Marcus@tactrac.co.za www.tactrac.co.za

After leaving the Rangers Reserve we were taken to Karoo1 Village Hotel enroute to De Doorns, were we were welcomed by Alwyn and Tasneem who offered a very interesting Brandy and wine tasting for us. We were then taken on a site inspection of the property, which was most unusual. One of their group of rooms were built in the cob, or sand bag way instead of bricks. It was so lovely, and cosy. They have many statues on the property, different kinds of restaurants, a lovely bar. A large Conference Centre and entertaining centre. The owner produces his own wine, brandy and perfume. The original Homestead is used as their home, and looked after very carefully. Some of the slave quarters from way back have been turned into beautiful en suite bedrooms and even have their own fireplaces, which is used during the cold winter of the Karoo. They have built an amazing Chapel and hope to have that ready shortly, for those wishing to get married. You are also welcomed by a herd of sheep, made from wire and beads which was most unusual. The Hotel is really worth a visit and at least two night stay to enjoy everything around you, as it was so much to mention. They also have a helipad for those who would rather visit that way than by car. info@karoo1.com www.karoo1.com

We had two memorable days in the Touwsriver Valley with very friendly people, and will be back again in October when they have their MAKADAS FESTIVAL. We at CTC Marketing and the Marketing Team wish them all the best and hope that their Dreams of rebuilding their town once again into a vibrant village like it used to be, and a beautiful Railway Station where we once again may have a Steam Train running like days of yore. If you are coming from Cape Town or Johannesburg on your next trip, please do go and support these wonderful people by visiting their Filling Station, enjoy a meal or two with “Kom Kyk” or visiting one of the Reserves and spend a few days in this wonderful country town with fresh air and country style living. We would also like to thank the Touwsriver people for their hospitality, friendliness and of course HGTS Tours for their Transport and driver, all the way from Cape Town and safely back home again.

Until next month ………….

Warm Regards,

Thought of the Day: Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. PSALM: 27:14

Corbett Tourism Consulting, Marketing and Tours P.O. Box 11535, Bloubergrant, 7443 Cape Town, South Africa Mobile: +27 (0) 747 092 502 / 073 1409 700 elainecorbett@ctcmarketing.co.za