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The Coltimbers Chronicle
All the months news on one page
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NOVEMBER 2008
30 November 2008
INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND BUSINESS LESSIONS
- Anti government protesters in Thailand occupy Bangkok`s two main airports for more than a
week. The protesters are finally called off after Thai Prime Minster Somchai is ordered to
step down. The protesters are notable for their non violence, although the disruption to the
country was severe.
- At least 188 people die in coordinated terror attacks in Mumbai, India. Gunmen approached from
the sea and attacked a railway station, hotels, a cafe and a Jewish cultural centre. Authorities
are under pressure after reports of an ignored US tip off of a potential sea borne attack
emerged.
- A cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe kills at least 500 people since August. The death rate is
climbing; a direct result of Zimbabwe`s collapsed health care and sanitation systems. In parts
of the country, toilets haven`t worked for months. Zimbabweans have the lowest life expectancy
on earth.
SPORT
- Man Utd`s Portuguese winger Christiano Ronaldo scoops the European club footballer of the year
award, piping Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres to the honour. As much as opposition fans hate
the diving windbag, his talent is undoubted.
- The Springboks and All Blacks tour Europe unbeaten. European rugby appears in a down cycle,
notwithstanding the outstanding Heineken Cup competition, which attracts the world`s best
players. The best result for the Springboks is a crushing defeat of England at Twickenham. But
the highlight of the tour is undoubtedly finding the holy grail of South African rugby - in
Ruaan Pienaar we now have a truly world class flyhalf.
AT HOME
- In September, we wrote "The Rand collapses in the month, moving from R7.77 to R8.48." In October
we wrote "The Rand went above R11.30 to the dollar before bouncing back to R9.50." In November,
the rand traded in a R9.50 to R10.50 bracket, which is where many expect it to stay.
MERANTI PRICE INCREASE
- With the Rand now trading at between R10.00 and R10.50, Col Timbers is paying 30% more for
Meranti, notwithstanding a slight improvement in the dollar price. Customers can therefore
expect a price increase of approximately 20%, effective 1 Feb 2009. All items including KVI`s
(which haven`t gone up in over 18 months) will increase.
- Pine prices will not be increasing on 1 Feb, but the sawmills will review pricing in light of
the Rand, and will no doubt hit us with an increase as soon as the opportunity presents itself!
CLOSING NOTICE AMENDMENT
- With the market so tight, several manufacturers are having a shorter holiday.
- Some of Col Timber`s loyal staff members have volunteered to serve our customers a week early.
We will therefore be reopening in Cape Town with a skeleton staff a week early; on 5th January
2009. We will offer a collection service and minimal deliveries. We revert to a full house on
12th January 2009 as previously advised.
MONTHLY MOTIVATIONAL THOUGHT
What lies behind us and what lies before us is nothing compared to what lies within us.
As always, thank you for choosing Col Timbers as your supplier of choice.
We wish all our valued customers a happy and safe holiday!!!!!
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