Our lead story this week is quite an interesting one. It's the story of how a local vet, Dr Brendan Tindall saved the life of a giraffe bull recently. An interesting story and a 'must read'.

 Speaking of animals, I'd like to encourage you to spare a thought for the underprivileged animals in our town. Did you know that that stray female dogs can produce up to 50 unwanted puppies each year – and they in turn reproduce again, in dire circumstances. Why not sponsor the sterilization of one such needy animal. Read more about how you can do your bit to assist PAWS (Plettenberg Bay Animal Welfare Service)

 Our local Business Chamber held it's first event, also known as the 'Boerrie Braai,' for the year. It was well attended and you can view the picture gallery at www.bitounews.co.za

 I also invite you to take part in our on-line Forum discussions and tell us what's on your mind. Remember, visit our website if you'd like to see additional pictures we don't have space for in the printed version.

 Keep those comments rolling in. Contact me on editor@bitounews.com

Letter to the Editor

These unsightly obstacles - poles and sand bags (see picture below) were placed across a newly formed channel in our beautiful Keurbooms River by residents of one of the nearby riverside estates after the floods in December. This was apparently done with the approval of the local Parks Board officials, in order to divert the flow of the water and re-direct other boat users away from their so-called private moorings and jetties. How stupid and selfish. I have numerously reported this to the head of the local Parks Board as well as other officials and the river patrol guys. 

I have even given them the names of the people who were involved, but all I got so far were empty promises that something will be done. Parks Board has just placed new marker buoys in the vicinity, but the obstacles are still there. These obstacles are unsightly during low tides and very dangerous, as the poles are not always visible during high tides. Two of the poles have already been knocked over by passing boats. The bottom-line is that no one should interfere with nature and the natural state of our river. If people don't like floods and the natural causes thereof, they should pack up and go. Leave the river to the people who love it.

I am prepared to take this issue to higher authority, but at the moment I don't know who to contact as it looks like everybody is part of the same “broederbond"

 Anonymous, Keurbooms River