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The History of April Fools Day

Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, written in 1392 holds the earliest (Western) record of April 1st and follishness, and in European countries like France, Italy and Belgium, what is traditionally known as ‘April Fish’ is a tradition that began centuries ago. The ancient Roman festival of Hilaria was held on March 25, and many believe that it is the true precursor to April Fools Day as we know it. Nobody seems entirely sure about where the true April Fools Day is derived, but it is safe to say that most of us appreciate it, wherever it came from.  

The famous islands of Sans Seriffe

Historically, some of the best April Fools pranks were those that fooled hundreds of people, and the best way to do it was through newpapers. In 1977, The Guardian ran a famous travel supplement on a group of islands called Sans Seriffe, located somewhere in the Indian Ocean. The entire place, is of course, fabricated, and created by bored typesetters and designers entertaining themselves – everything connected with the place was given names common to printing and typesetting. Invented animals and cities were given typefaces, like Bodoni as names. The newspaper received hundreds of requests from readers for information about the island from readers who wanted to plan holidays to the exotic place. 

Today, it’s possible to reach millions of people. Praying practical jokes and setting up hoaxes has become even more ludicrous in the age of social media and online news – among some of yesterday’s best local April Fools Day jokes were through online portals. 

Some of 2013's best local pranks

An article on News24 stated that Mxlish, a version of English used with Mxit users, was to become South Africa’s twelfth official language. 

The Mail and Guardian ran a short-lived article on how Nkandla was to undergo more renovations in order to accommodate the Chinese Prime Minister and his posse. 

An online shopping portal, One Day Only, ran a special for a ‘Pre-Owned Human Kidney with Free Shipping’. 

Pranks in the WWW

Huge online companies like Google, Twitter and YouTube all played practical jokes on audiences around the world. 

Twitter announced yesterday that it will no longer allow the use of vowels in tweets, hence becoming Twttr. 

Youtube announced that it was shutting down, and Google set up a host of ridiculous hoaxes. Virgin Atlantic even got on board with April Fools Day, with Richard Branson announcing over Twitter that they were launching a first-ever glass-bottomed aeroplane. 

The Daily Mail in Britain reported that due to budget setbacks, the Royal Mail was training owls to deliver internal post in the UK. 

Nokia announced that it was launching a touch-screen microwave that integrates eye-tracking technology with food photography, and Sony publicized the launch of ‘Animalia’, a line of headphones for pets. 

Maybe some of the tech jokes will come true

It’s bizarre to note that in the fast-moving world of technology, these inventions could actually be possibilities in years to come. Twenty years ago, who could have predicted the now-ubiquitous smart phone? 

Our six designers outdid themselves with beautiful and multi-functional room sets showing visitors the full 360° design solutions for small spaces yet big living in the Decorator's Challenge area, Divide & Conquer. Dave Nemeth, presented a quirky urban design with retro furniture and Johannesburg art. Ronel Gouws presented a remarkable multi-functional room with hidden elements built into the raised floor. The raised floor disguised functional elements such as the bed, bath and toilet. Amanda van Wyngaardt presented an 'inspiration' room that will leave any artist in awe. Phil Darby presented the most elegant bathroom and dresser, romantic chandelier and gorgeous bathroom elements. Erika Prinsloo presented a charming family living area combined with a state-of-the-art kitchen from Sterlings Living. Glyn and Niels Rudolph presented an eclectic outdoor space that left all visitors completely inspired.

Visitors crowded around the Builders DIY Theatre, which pumped with celebrities and DIY experts setting the vibe to music and adding a fun aspect to the theatre experience.

Congratulations to all award-winning exhibitors! Top accolades went to The Kitchen Studio, winner of the Overall Award for Exhibitor Excellence, for their beautiful, breath-taking and out of the box stand design presenting two kitchens spanning the central aisle of the show. Their wall of staff recognition photo gallery made quite an impact as well.

Gold Awards went to: The Kitchen Studio, Cinema Architects, Morso Fireplaces, Abacus Gardens, Easylife Kitchens, Whirlpool SA, Floorworx Africa, Schneider Electric, Glade Inspirational Sensorium, The Plantation Shutter Company and Hisense SA.

The visitors of the Gauteng HOMEMAKERS Expo donated generously to this year's Corporate Social Initiative, A Brick in the Wall, brought to you by Meals on Wheels in aid of assisting the Moffatview Community. Thank you for each and every brick donated and a special thanks to the exhibitors who donated kitchens, flooring, security products and many more home items to the worthy cause.

For more information phone 086 111 HOME/4663 or visit the 2013 Gauteng HOMEMAKERS Expo page.

The event will launch on Wednesday, 13 March 2013, at Italcotto’s Cape Town showroom, Christiaan Barnard Street (formerly Oswald Pirow Street), Foreshore, with a media, architect and designer preview, and be open to the public from 14 to 16 March 2013, during business hours.

High-definition tiles deceive the eye

Tiles that trick the senses will be unveiled – Innovative design effects on a porcelain tile, look and feel exactly like wood, marble, concrete and stone . With the availability of HD print technology, the simulation is near perfect. The high definition tiles offer an incredible array of textures and designs, with all the benefits and the durability of porcelain tiles.

The Italians are globally acknowledged as the design and manufacturing leaders in tiles, and at Tile Fashion Week, it will become apparent why they dictate international trends. The tile ranges on exhibition are exclusive lines from Italy and have never been seen before in Cape Town.

Enormous Tiles

Also on display at Tile Fashion Week will be one of the largest porcelain tiles ever seen – 3m x 1.8m and only 6mm thick.  Advanced Italian technology has enabled manufacturers to produce outsize tiles without distortion. In addition, the use of high-definition design and manufacturing processes, means the tiles can have beautiful patterns and textures that resemble materials such as stone, concrete and alabaster.

4 Top Tile Trends on show

Urban Concrete: An Italian interpretation of concrete, the epitome of urban spirit, has resulted in the Urban Concrete collection that conveys a unique concept of contemporary space. Manufacturer Flaviker, offers a new architectural vision using concrete effects in large-format porcelain tiles. Urban Concrete is available in natural and a frame “formwork effect” finishes. Formwork reproduces the wood textures imprinted on concrete by wooden formwork, conveying a sense of work and manual labour. The natural range of Urban Concrete offers decorators sophisticated and contemporary neutrality. 

Walks: Thanks to sophisticated high-definition design technology, manufacturer Floor Gres has revisited the beauty of quartzite using porcelain stoneware. The natural appearance of quartizite and the material consistency of the quarry split stone effect, is reproduced in this range. These tiles are ideal for the interpretation of interior and exterior architectural spaces that interact with the surrounding landscape in a natural manner. The physical-mechanical properties of the Walks tiles, makes them perfect for flooring, wall cladding and building façades. The textured, non-slip surface makes this product an excellent option for swimming pool borders.

Alabastri: Alabaster, naturally luxurious, and known as an ornamental stone, can be quite brittle and impractical to use. The newly launched Alabastri range of full body porcelain tiles, replicate the exceptional attributes of the natural stone while providing the strength and durability of porcelain tiles.

Nuances:  By Fap Ceramiche, this new collection of wood-effect porcelain stoneware tiles is ideal as wall tiling. This collection has options available for use indoors and outdoors. Nuances offer multi-tone wood effects in Beech, Sessile Oak, Sandalwood, Oak, Olive and Walnut. The Nuances non-slip surface option is  excellent for outdoor surfaces, including patios and swimming pools, complementing indoor applications.

Visit www.italcotto.co.za for more information.

John Leyden and Sandy Edwards, from the Cape Town HOMEMAKERS branch, talk candidly about what goes into organising an event like the HOMEMAKERS Expo - the build-up, the stress and the ultimate satisfaction. 

Planning a HOMEMAKERS Expo

In a nutshell, each expo consists of a year of careful planning, the exhibition is built up over several days, is hosted for four days, and broken down in less than twenty-four hours. “To try to describe the excitement behind organising an event like this is hard to do”, John explains. “I think you need a very specific DNA to do this job. We feed on adrenaline and excitement, but are still very organised and strategic. We’re good at finding ways to tackle and solve problems, because we have to be.”

The different phases

Importantly, there are four distinct phases that go into putting an exhibition together. Each phase is absolutely vital to the finished product, and as John states simply, “if one single phase is not successful, there is no show”. 

Planning

The first phase is planning. From the organiser's point, this phase begins as early as a year before the event. Organisers need to grapple with different aspects and questions: How do we make this year’s expo different from previous years’? What kind of exhibitors are we looking for? How do we entice visitors to the show? 

Selling

The second crucial phase is selling stands to exhibitors. Without clients exhibiting in stands, there will be nothing for customers to look at. There is a dense sales strategy in place which begins about nine months before the show. Exhibitors book stands months in advance, and set up in the three days preceding the event.

Marketing

Phase three is marketing. This is the stage that is ultimately responsible for getting visitors to the door. The consumer needs to be informed, and stay updated. They need to know what they can expect and why they should come. Social media has proved an incredibly useful platform because it helps inform and inspire potential HOMEMAKERS visitors. 

The Event

The fourth and final phase is obviously the event itself, which needs to run as smoothly as possible.  

Stress

Organising big events is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. There is never a dull moment when clients, customers, venue managers and colleagues are all relying on a small team of people to get many things done. The stress factors are infinite. Planning, refining, selling, constant monitoring and on top of all of it, maintaining any semblance of calm is an incredibly challenging job, and certainly not one for the faint-hearted. 

Prior to the show, there is major anticipation from all sides, and the organisers are the ones that have to make the show stand. Everything needs to be in place, and no detail can go overlooked. From the carpets to the lighting to the plug-points to the catering, absolutely nothing can be disregarded. 

“It’s very stressful but also extremely rewarding from an achievement point of view. There is huge satisfaction”, says John, who has been in the business for over twenty years. “Every year, I say ‘this is my last’” he chuckles. John joined as Director in 1991, and the first Homemakers Expo was held in Johannesburg in 1994. Cape Town held its first expo in 1996, and Sandy joined the Cape Town branch in 2005, first as Sales Manager and then as Branch Manager/Expo Organiser. As John has become more involved in the national business development side of operations over the past few years, Sandy has been at the helm of the last few Cape Town HOMEMAKERS Expos. “The expo is my first love”, she admits.

Every show has a different personality – Cape Town’s expo is different to Johannesburg’s show, and Port Elizabeth’s differs to Durban’s. Each show reflects the clients and the customers in that locality, and each city has its own personality. Cape Town is the 2014 Design Capital of the World, and there is no doubt that the Cape Town expo will celebrate this. 

The Build-Up

People are often surprised at just how much goes in during the build-up stage. “We really get our hands dirty”, says Sandy. What’s unique about the HOMEMAKERS organisers is that they are incredibly hands-on. This ultimately contributes a great deal to the show’s success, and it’s safe to say that it’s probably a major factor in why the HOMEMAKERS expos outshine their competition regularly. It makes sense, too, that exhibitors are loyal. 

John and Sandy laugh as they recall incidents in past expos that “made our hair turn grey”. Getting thrown curveballs is just a part of the job, so organisers need to think on many levels all of the time. One year, a client built a swimming pool on the wrong allocated stand, and a more recent surprise was when a nine-metre tall welded statue arrived the day before the expo, and needed to be erected on a 6 square metre stand. John and Sandy laugh about it now, relaxed in their Cape Town offices. “We weren’t laughing then!”, Sandy jokes. These organisers really go out of their way to accommodate clients. “That’s how we roll”, John shrugs. Make no mistake, though, he won’t compromise on quality. “Exhibitors do need to meet a standard, and we won’t accept anything less”. 

The profile of the expo is home improvement with a home lifestyle element. Careful attention is paid to theme, lighting and decor. Local craftsmen are brought in, restaurant areas are carefully planned, and a lot of effort goes into the beautification of the expo. “We take great pride in our attention to detail”. 

Each exhibition needs to be planned so that it is competitive for exhibitors and interesting for visitors. “We limit the amount of a certain product, and make sure that the mix is right”, John explains. 

The overarching theme of each expo has not been changed over the years – clients exhibit at HOMEMAKERS Expo and customers visit it because, ultimately, people love to beautify their homes. At the end of the day, though, there is only one way to know if you want a product, and that is to see it and feel it, which is what the HOMEMAKERS Expo is about. 

So, as Gauteng gears up for its twentieth annual HOMEMAKERS Expo this week, it’s probably safe to say that come next Monday, there will be some very relieved organisers in the Johannesburg offices. 

We live in a digital age, so why not use the tools available to their full extent?  The new SHOUT app for Windows 8 puts safe travel, whether in your suburb or broader afield, at your fingertips.

The SHOUT app has been available on Android and Blackberry phones and tablets, and is now also available on Windows 8 devices, thanks to a co-sponsorship of its development by Microsoft SA and Trellidor. 

It was initiated by NGO SHOUT, which was started by music stars Danny K and Kabelo in the wake of Lucky Dube’s murder.  They wanted South Africans to band together to fight crime in a positive way and raise funds to support projects that further their cause, such as their new SHOUT app.

Once downloaded for free onto your smart phone, tablet or PC, the SHOUT app for Windows 8 gives you critical information such as crime hotspots in your area.  The live maps are location based, so you get details for whatever part of the country you find yourself in.

The app has a facility for you to report a crime; another that gives you emergency contact numbers for SAPS, an ambulance or fire station wherever you are; and access to social media so that you can share information with friends, family and colleagues. 

You’re also able to make a donation to SHOUT on the app, if you want to help their drive to help reduce crime, and download the song ‘You’re the voice’, which makes a fantastic and very distinctive ring tone.

The SHOUT app was designed as a tool for crime-conscious South Africans that want to do something positive about crime rather than simply complaining.  It gives us important information that we can use proactively, and tools to interact with like-minded people within our communities, said Trellidor Sales and Marketing Director Peter Rawson.

The app was developed by Cytrus to provide clear, easy-to-access tiles that make entering, sourcing and sharing information as simple as possible.

The SHOUT SA app for Windows 8 is available for free download at http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-ZA/app/shout/e09edf88-5a79-4646-bee9-cba210d39694

For more on SHOUT visit www.shoutsa.com

For more on Cytrus visit www.cytrus.biz

For more on Microsoft SA visit www.microsoft.com/southafrica

For more on Trellidor visit www.trellidor.co.za

Dawie Malan, director of Heatking and official distributor of Heatwave products, the largest distributors of Heatwave products, feels strongly about the fact that HOMEMAKERS definitely played a part in the establishment of their business and what it is today! Dawie represented Heatwave at every single Gauteng expo. 

Heatwave officially opened their doors in 1990 and the business has grown into a company with 25 distributors spread throughout South Africa.  Heatwave specialises in the manufacturing and importing of the widest range of fireplaces and braai’s. They offer a variety of products such as closed system combustion fireplaces; traditional wood burning braai’s and fireplaces; cast-iron fireplaces and gas fireplaces either vented or flue-less.  Heatwave’s products are designed to be integrated seamlessly into your home and lifestyle, and provide the ultimate in energy-efficient and affordable home heating solution. Dawie explains it is one of the bests products lines, distributed at reasonable prices through a network of well trained and professional staff, who are committed to service excellence and prepared to walk the extra mile.  

Today it is an established brand trusted in the industry and also seen as a genuine brand that consumers are comfortable using. 

Heatwave believes in the direct marketing strategy of HOMEMAKERS and feel that HOMEMAKERS Expo established the platform in the exhibition industry. It became the new way to show and trade products to the public.  “HOMEMAKERS has always been a consistent brand that offers consistent return. We definitely gained value over the years”, says Dawie. And it was not just the expo that proved to be a great recipe but also the HOMEMAKERSfair publications that supported his marketing strategy.

We are proud to stand alongside this wonderful brand, Heatwave and that after 20 years they still see the benefit in exhibiting with us. 

For more information on Heatwave, visit www.heatwave.co.za.

Weather Master, established in 1953, are South African forerunners of louvre awnings worldwide.  A Proudly South African Company they manufacture and install quality, durable and value for money products, engineered from the finest material.  Their products include the Original Louvre Awning (including remote control option with rain sensor); Fixed Patio Awnings and Upmarket carports; Architectural Sun Screens (Fixed and Adjustable) and Seamless Gutters.

Gerrie van Rensburg, Marketing Director of Weather Master, started his career at Weather Master in 1993, just in time for our very first exhibitor briefing.   “The HOMEMAKERS Expo was the right idea just at the right time.  And it worked. “, says Gerrie. 

His memories went back to that very first opening day in 1994. They didn’t know what to expect and their stand was a simple design with block framed photos.  No display of any real product.  He didn’t win any prizes that year…but it motivated him.  He walked away with a GOLD stand award the next year in 1995 during Rugby World Cup.  This time around he was much more organised and remember his Gold Award, handed to him by Judy Sexwale!

Weather Master has been a regular Gold Award winner ever since and it is these golden moments that Gerrie treasures most.

When Gerrie plans his stand, he first does a basic drawings and then has a to-scale replica of his stand built to ensure the branding and layout are workable. Herewith a few TIPS from him when planning and building  a stand:

• Do not include the sales team in the build-up of your stand.  They need to be fresh by the time they have to interact with clients
  
  
• invest in a quality brochure stand and only hand out brochures to a visitor who shows interest and asks for a brochure
  
  
• Follow through with a great leads system
  
  
• Generate stronger leads through asking the right questions.  For an over 50% hit ratio get the clients to ask for the appointment!

Gerrie remembers the HOMEMAKERS team as the ones always there where everything is happening, caring for exhibitors and visitors in the craziness of a 4 day expo.  He trusts the brand and what it offers him in his extensive marketing mix.  Weather Master has been a true friend in the business and we are proud to have them on board for 20 years in a row!

Gerrie shared a very true marketing rule with us:  “When times are tough cut on everything BUT be sure to overexpose your business.  Rather spend your last cent on marketing and don’t expect immediate fireworks.”

For more information on Weather Master visit www.weathermaster.co.za.

Raymond shared the story of his very first add in the HOMEMAKERStalk publication (now called renovate); he paid R650 for his ad in 1984!  The advert featured a photo of a beautiful 2-motor gate, which by the way is still working perfectly today after 28 years! Five years later, Raymond received a phone call from a gentleman referring to a quotation that he did in response to his advert.  He finally saved up enough money to pay for it and phoned to have it installed. Despite the fact that the price went up considerably in a five year period, Raymond decided to give the client a generous discount if he could provide him with a copy of the advert.  Low and behold the client presented him with a copy of the advert, cut out and saved in a little bottle.

According to Raymond HOMEMAKERSfair and renovate will always be his preferred method of marketing his business!

Westgate Manufacturing takes care of all your security needs with their wide range of products.  Products include:  driveway gates, palisade fencing, spanish bars, balustrades, automotive gates, electric fencing, alarm beams, garage door automation, and more! Raymond claims that their Spanish bars are superior quality. They have also perfected the installation of sliding gates, eliminating problems that might occur as a result of not doing it correctly.

Westgate Manufacturing offers a same-day service or repair when breakage occurs.

28 years of success is a result of a great marketing plan, professional service, competent technicians, strict ethos and high standards of quality control. 

Visit Westgate Manufacturing at 013 Van Wyk Street, Roodepoort.
Contact Raymond Risseeuw on 011 766 2656 / 2337, or email westgate@absamail.co.za or visit www.jhbsecurity.co.za.

Having to compete against major international attractions, Table Mountain made it to the top seven after much support from voters both nationally and internationally to get this magnificent beauty high on the list. Cape Town has been deemed one of the most beautiful cities in the world and with Table Mountain adding a Wonder of Nature, this city is bound to gain great tourist value, even more so now.

South Africa stands to benefit more than its six rivals because Table Mountain is the most accessible of the New7Wonders and is the only one to be found in a city.

The first official inauguration will take place on Saturday, December 1 on Tafelberg Road at the foot of the mountain and guests will include delegates from the New7Wonders Foundation and the other six New 7 Wonder sites, the city of Cape Town, Vote for Table Mountain ambassadors and members of the Table Mountain Official Supporters’ Committee (OSC).

A public inauguration for Table Mountain will take place during the City of Cape Town’s free concert to be held on the Grand Parade on Sunday December 2. The concert is part of the City of Cape Town’s Festive Lights celebrations and Capetonians and visitors will witness the unveiling of an impressive plaque honouring Table Mountain’s triumph.

A second New 7 Wonders plaque will be unveiled in Pretoria on Monday December 3. The Pretoria ceremony will take place at Muckleneuk, the headquarters of South African National Parks.

The remaining six Wonders of Nature are:

- Amazon Rainforest – South America

- Halong Bay - Vietnam

- Iguazu Falls - Brazil, Argentina

- Jeju island - South Korea

- Komodo - Indonesia

- PP Underground River – Philippines

Click here to see the video footage on our African Wonder

For more information visit http://tablemountain.net/