Testimonials, comments and feedback from You’ve Earned It members

Thumbs up for You’ve Earned It,
the digital media platform for SA 60-plussers

 

 

Feedback from YEI members on the new website and newsletter

I’ve just opened your newsletter.
Such wonderful ideas, especially the original approaches regarding gifts!
The new website, however, trumps it all. Striking, inviting, easy to navigate, filled to the brim with what matters – it must have taken a lot to get this up and running so quickly (goodness me).
May you sit back with pride and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
I am honoured to be associated with you.
Warm regards and season’s greetings to each of you and your loved ones
Mariette.

Thanks for a great newsletter..
Jean-Francois Beaud

 

Feedback from  YEI members

Thank you for my newsletter – so enjoy receiving this Newsletter by email.
Really appreciate all your work to get us ‘twinklies’ specials on lots of nice things
Regards, Cynthia Fuller

Wanted to let you know that my husband and I simply enjoyed attending the Ndlovu Youth Choir at the Artscape. Limpopo definitely has talent 👏  Please accept our sincere thanks for awarding us this awesome prize.
Vivien Kensley

Hi , we just used Bluu car hire on a 4 day weekend to Cape Town – I want to congratulate them on their service and discounted price ( through our YEI connection ) half price compared to all other companies !!  Well done to Bluu and YEI !!!
Cheryl Donaldson

Thank you very much for this awesome info
Heila & Eddie Ives

Thanks for the awesome work you do for us oldies. God Bless.
Barbara Sutherland

Some time ago you made us aware of the discount on Cape Town City busses. I did some research and me and hubby went on these city tours yesterday. Yes… 2 of them on the same day and only paid R120p.p. for the day.  I have to thank you for the very useful information, I sincerely enjoy all the articles.
Kind regards,
Louise
Bloemfontein

Your article on legends of 2021 was brilliant. Thank you.
PJ Houghton

Keep up your good work!  Enjoying your newsletters every time!
Elbie Orffer

Thank you for all the hard work you do.
I look forward to receiving the monthly YEI newsletter!
All the very best to you and yours for a Happy, Healthy and Safe 2022.
Zanna Malavasi

Thank you Marilyn and your wonderful team all the sponsors of generous prizes to the over 60″s – we wish you a wonderful rest – a Happy Covid Free Christmas season to you all and hopefully a wonderful 2022 and look forward to seeing your – as always – inspiring newsletters and keeping us updated.
Cynthia Fuller

Thank you and your team for all your hard work and good advice during the year,
it really helps us seniors manage our way through good times, bad times and covid times. Now go and enjoy your well deserved break
Lyn Rosen

Congratulations!  That’s quite an accomplishment!  Thank you for your work!
Kathy Wolstenholme

Thanks for the 200^th issue and congratulations.  Lots of work and many memories!
Johan Badenhorst

Wishing you all at YEI and thank you for a very positive and uplifting news letter and heres wishing you all a very happy and blessed xmas and a  peaceful prosperous new year. The best is yet to come.
James Nisbet Dbn East coast.

Thank you Marilyn and your wonderful team all the sponsors of generous prizes to the over 60″s – we wish you a wonderful rest – a Happy Covid Free Christmas season to you all and hopefully a wonderful 2022 and look forward to seeing your – as always – inspiring newsletters and keeping us updated.
Cynthia Fuller

Thank you for EVERYTHING you do for us. It is greatly appreciated. Be safe
Val Tweedie

Thanks for all advice during lock down
Mercia Clarke

So impressed with the website. It’s jam packed with great articles and advice.
It really has gone from strength to strength. Well done to all involved.
Jilly Chiappini

What a wonderful news letter this week – not that they are not all good but just made my day all the wonderful articles. Thank you.
Cynthia Fuller

Feedback from winners of tickets to
“Here’s to You, Simon and Garfunkel Songbook”

Would like to say what a brilliant show last night. The singers were very good.
Enjoyed it so much. Thank you
Tess Rothman 

Feedback from Spur winners

Wow this is so awesome, thank you so so much for this wonderful surprise, I truly appreciate it and am so grateful 😅
Bev Swanepoel

Awesome, thank you so much!
Thandi Nxumalo

Thank you for the Spur voucher for two.
Rodney Everson

Thank you very very much for the Spur voucher that I won. I took my daughter to Spur, Mossel Bay mall in Heiderand and we both enjoyed a wonderful meal. Being the middle of the month made it even more special. Thanks again.
Anneke Piek

Thanks for the good news and being a YEI winner!   The Spur voucher for R200 has arrived!!  Many thanks!    First time I can ever remember winning anything.  Myself and husband will give ourselves a treat an go to the Spur for a Sunday lunch.  Many thanks once again!!
Elizabeth Boonzaaier

Oh yay! Thank you so much.
Dianne Wray

Am really happy! Thank you YEI and Spur!
Looking forward to taking my sister to enjoy a great meal!
Ginny du Toit

 

Feedback from winners of Yo-Yo Ma tickets

Thank you so much for these tickets.  The show was fantastic – he sure is a master of his chosen instrument.  My husband who has for years been an ardent fan was thrilled to have been able to see him.
Thanks again, Elmarie

Thank you for a magical night.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
Warmly, Jasantha

I am still in absolute awe for the opportunity that I could be part of such a marvellous occasion.  It was the best birthday present I ever had in my 60 years. What a wonderful experience!!!!!!!  I am now so motivated, watching Yo Yo Ma performing, that I think my grade 5 Violin practical exam in November (will be like a walk in the park).  Now, I want to thank the organisers, Marilyn and Jasantha who, made not just my day, but year.
Thanks once again……  Berenese

Feedback from an article in a YEI newsletter

I am 70 yrs old and am happily employed full time in a retirement village .
I love  YEI as it is so informative. I always to find some very useful articles in each newsletter. Loneliness is an all prevailing problem here.
The chat bench will be my next project !!
Thank you, Janis

Feedback from YEI member after using Mango Airlines

Used Mango Airlines for a flights to Durban in October – what a wonderful flight and so obliging – easy to book on line.  Thank you You’ve Earned It/YEI and Mango Airlines

Cynthia

 

Feedback from YEI member after taking up a Forever Resort offer

Dear YEI,

I just had to write to tell you that we took up the Swadini Forever resort “Jaw-dropping pensioner special” you advertised in the issue below.  Here is my review of the offer and the resort.   Thank you for including this in your newsletter and alerting us to this amazing opportunity!    I have ben receiving your newsletter for ages but this is the first time I have followed up on your special offers.   I’m glad I did!  Thank you!

We enjoyed a Pensioners’ Special out of season offer at Swadini Forever Resort, nestled in the heart of the Blyderiver Canyon area. It was a marvellous little holiday that, on the Pensioners’ Special Offer,  was comfortably affordable for us.  The Offer included all  sorts of extra perks, making it a real bargain. We loved the day trip to the Kruger Park and the boat ride on the Blyde River Dam, and the Mohololo Wildlife Centre, all included in our package.  There are a lot of marvellous places to explore and visit, under 150km from the resort, which gave us plenty to keep us busy and entertained.   Our holiday was over too quickly, sadly, but we are making plans to go back.

Warm regards,
Ruth Varrie, Hilton KZN

Feedback from YEI member

Many thanks for your super prompt response.  I am glad that Mango hasn’t changed their pensioner perks!  I will certainly go onto your website and read up about the new website process.  I love receiving your newsletters and reading your Facebook posts and have recommended to some of my pensioner friends that they join YEI.  Thank you for the work you do in order to give Senior Citizens some relief and to enjoy their retirement.
Janlyn

 

Feedback from winner of Thandulula competition

 

This is to give you some feedback from our wonderful “spoil” at Thandulula.

From the moment we were warmly welcomed by hosts, Annatjie and Hans Dreyer, to our reluctant departure, we enjoyed every minute at Thandulula.  This luxury safari resort was built with love and it is run with such care to detail and awareness of what guests want, that it is a wonderful place that draws people back over and over again.

 

 

On arrival, we were so excited to see the enormous “honeymoon” tent that was to be ours for the duration.  Annatjie knew it was Rick’s birthday and had gone to extra trouble to give us special surprises.  The queen sized bed was decorated with petals spelling out “Happy Birthday Rick” and there were lovely candles, red hearts and petals to add to the atmosphere.  We were given an ice cold bottle of champagne and delicious snacks – all beautifully arranged on our dining table.  We discovered more treats in the fridge.

An extra delight for us were the friendly dogs and we were pleased to have a well mannered Rhodesian Ridgeback as our holiday companion.

Thandulula was built among huge trees that give the feeling of being in a nature reserve.  We were lucky to see a bush buck just outside the gate and to hear the very rare tree hyrax at night.  This is a startling sound, but we had been warned and marvelled at how such a small creature could make such a loud noise.  We felt very safe as the entire property has good security.

It was wonderfully romantic listening to soft rain falling on the canvas the first night we were there.  The tented bedroom was huge with an attached sitting/dining room, including a TV.  The kitchen and bathroom are cleverly designed and well appointed.  Large, fluffy towels were replaced daily.

Although we had intended visiting several beaches that were close-by, we simply did not move our car at all as we thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere right where we were.

 

 

We had fun making fires with the twigs and the wood supplied daily.  Somehow, a braai just tastes better when cooked over wood.  A maid washed dishes and did the housekeeping each morning and the braai grid and area was also taken care of for us too.

We will certainly return and urge other retirees to make use of the discount that is offered and to relax at Thandulula (which means “unwind”).

Thank you to Marilyn at You’ve Earned It and to Annatjie and Hans at Thandulula.

Kind regards, Janet and Rick Proctor

 

Feedback from winner of Copperleigh Trout Cottages competition

We have just returned from an absolutely wonderful midweek stay at Copperleigh.  What a lovely prize!  The ‘cottage’ is beautiful, with everything you could possibly need, the attention to detail is top notch. Ashley, Alvera and David Crookes are lovely hosts, kept busy on their sheep/cattle farm.  The cherry on the top was that we were there as lambs were being born, we saw little ones 10 minutes old!  The venue is beautiful, stunning views. Their trout dam is much bigger than I expected, and while we never did any fishing, we did go out rowing on their kayak.    They have planted a very new arboretum, all indigenous trees, which will form an interesting forest walk one day.  We will definitely go back to Copperleigh one day, it’s a little hidden gem.  For anyone visiting the area, I highly recommend a stay there.  Once again, a very big thank you to YEI for such an awesome prize, my husband John and I came back relaxed and recharged!
Michele Alcock 

 

Happy YEI members

 

I LOVE reading your magazine from cover to cover.
It offers amazing advice as well as things to do, where to go (if money is available)
and just great ideas.
Carol Bielich

 

This is the best by far exciting edition of the YEI!   For us Seniors, the Pastures are still “Green” and you’ve shown us Baby Boomers that there’s a lot in life for us to be able to achieve and accomplish.  Encouragement and motivation is your true forte of an excellent News Letter aimed at the very people who needs these articles.  Thumbs Up to you all.
Lin & Winny Singmin

 

Feedback from Disney winners

 

 

This was the most exciting show my grandchildren have ever seen. We had a good time! We did get lost because it was the first time that we have been to the Sun Arena at Time Square.  Nevertheless, my grandchildren had fun.  It was a good experience for them to see it in real life.  I told them that we will be appearing in the YEI newsletter, so they kept on asking – when are they going to be famous, you know children!  Attached is a picture of me and my granddaughters, even though is not professionally taken.
Thank you very much for everything.
Kind Regards and stay blessed.
Shadi Motileng (Pretoria winner)

 

 

Thank you once again for giving us the opportunity to surprise our grandchildren with the “Magical Ice Festival” Disney on Ice, they did not know until we collected them from school.  We had a wonderful time and the seat position within the arena was just perfect.  Attached is a picture of granny and the kids waiting for the show to start, popcorn and all.
Best wishes/regards
Grandpa Des (Cape Town winner)

I want to thank you so very much for choosing me with the wonderful prize of tickets to the fantastic Disney on Ice show. It was spectacular!!!! It made us so happy and it was a pleasure to see all the little girls dressed up in their Elsa and Anna dresses from the movie Frozen. Thank you so very much!!!
Billie Robinson (Durban winner)

Happy YEI member

Thanks YEI for the many interesting articles and competitions.
Ginny du Toit

 

Feedback from Chicago winner

Chicago is a superb, sleek and sexy world-class showstopper. Thank you for giving us a most memorable evening.
Dale Roberts

Thumbs up for YEI!

Yea, YEI! You have proven time and again, that you are looking after us Seniors, and again, you come up tops. Your Specials, Discounts for Seniors/ Pensioners are always truly fantastic and something to look forward to. Your competitions and give-aways are new and exciting, and are simply excellent like The Last Elephants. You feature outstanding reasonable Tours, Travel, and Accommodations in line with the Seniors who love to spend their well-deserved Retirement doing some Traveling. Not to mention the frequent, excellent features on how to budget or save money, especially in times like now. Enough said, keep up your excellent findings of Advertisers who see the value in letting us know what they offer or can do for us Seniors.
Lin Singmin

 

Retired resident of Swellendam says…..

As a retired resident of Swellendam, I was SO HAPPY to see the top-of-the-page item you devoted to the Swellendam Winter School! in this latest issue of YEi News.  As I am lecturing/facilitating on “Wines of our Region” once a month for all four months that the School will be running, I do hope to meet several of your readers thanks to this article.
Garth Luxton

 

Bidvest Car Rental

I’ve used the Bidvest website on many occasions to book car rental and I always get the pensioners rate. Their website is easy and user friendly.  You can initiate a booking and get the results/quote thereby getting the cost without having to commit to an actual booking. I really find Bidvest to be as good if not better than their competitors and their counter staff at the collection and drop off points are always so helpful and efficient. Thank you Bidvest for this offer to pensioners, it really makes my breakaways so much more affordable. And thanks to YEI for all you do in securing pensioners’ discounts.
Kay H

 

Clicks Clubcard

I’m so glad it’s been changed to every Wednesday, I can never keep track of which day was double points day, and always managed to choose the wrong one. I find the 3 for 2 specials very cost affective, especially at this time of year with my disabled husband, and 10 grandchildren ranging from 21 – 4 years. I can virtually get all I need under one roof. I store my points for the ‘lean’ months, and they really come in tremendously handy. Clicks well done, thank you for considering us oldies but goodies. Edwina Holloway

 

Recommendation from YEI member for Rustguard Panelbeaters

Thanks very much for recommending Rustguard Panelbeaters. Robby Cohen runs a very efficient business and he kept us up to date daily with photographs on the progress of our vehicle whilst it was undergoing repairs. The work was done in the time promised and the quality was very good.
ErrolK

 

Bidvest Car Rental

 It was the first time we’ve used the services of Bidvest Car Rental. I’m subscribed to You’ve Earned It and was notified through them that Bidvest offers a Pensioner’s Discount which is highly appreciated especially at this time of our lives. It was a pleasure dealing with your staff at the Phalaborwa Airport branch and we will most definitely make use of your services again. Thank you for considering the pensioners!
B. Turnbull

 

Kudos for YEI!

Thanks to the YEI team, making it possible for senior citizens to enjoy our old age with all the discounts and competitions you arrange for us.
Jeanette JVR 

Always interesting and informative. Thanks guys.
Marietjie PVT

YEI – a true ray of sunshine!
Elbie O

Many thanks for the YEI newsletters – they are invaluable to me as a pensioner.
David

Thanks for the informative and great YEI site – it is well received and your work appreciated by pensioners like ourselves.
Stan & Dawn

I just love this organisation – so much great information and discounts – keep up the good work.
Lois Carol

What an amazing service you do for seniors. Keep it up. We all appreciate it soooo much.
Diek

Thrilled to have discovered YEI – what a fantastic website.
Irene

I’m always excited when I receive your e-newsletter, YEI, as it is always so informative and empowering.
Patrick

Good day, thanks for the wonderful work you do to assist us old “toppies” in these difficult economic times. YEI – A fantastic group.
Evan JvR

Got some good tips of places to go, where discounts are available and found A 2 Z maintenance – they did great work
Wendy Steytler

Great Idea, thanks for the initiative!
Marita Steyn

Features matters of interest to seniors.
Derrick Morton-Achmad

It is an amazing website and great in go for senior citizens
Julia Clarke

YEI – for the latest benefits from various companies and up to date information for all pensioners
Lyn Leader

Love you FB page with all the news, specials and how to enjoy all the benefits.
Keep up the good work!
Sandy Knevitt

An awesome idea to put all the pensioners specials and offers in one place.
La’Chelle Lupnow

I just joined out if curiosity…but was pleasantly suprised when I won a prize out of the blue!!! I entered a competition & totally forgot about it, until one day a friendly voice (Marilyn) called me and told me I won a tickets to Barnyard!! Thank you ‘You’ve Earned It’, you are amazing!!! The tips & advice are also amazing, keep up the good work!!
Elbie Orffer

Excellent way to get lifted up!
Petro Taljaard

they care about us oldies
Frans Smit

Lots of stuff for us oldies
Jo Gruneberg

Hi there, I am retiring from work on Friday 30 th June and have signed up to your newsletter. Thank you so much for such a marvellous source of information to help cope with becoming a pensioner
Georgina

This is the best newsletter issued by you ever! 
Click here to view this newsletter!
Wilna

I find the newsletter very interesting and helpful to us “evergreens”
Jeltje

My husband and I have just spent a weekend in Tulbagh as we had been lucky enough to win a weekend’s accommodation at Alpha Apartments, through your website.  Mandy Kriel was a wonderful host and had provided our every need.  Her thoughtfulness knows no bounds – she is truly the salt of the earth.  I have of course written my thanks to her but I felt that you should be aware of our appreciation as well.  I really, really enjoy your website with all the very helpful articles.
Jeanette Bosch

The show at the Artscape was wonderful.  The costumes, sets & choreography were absolutely amazing.  Yes thank you, we thoroughly enjoyed it!  All the best & keep up the incredible work & research you do! Well done!
Marian Marks

Please keep up the good work at YEI – there is such a need for it!
Doug

My friend Helen and I thoroughly enjoyed the Barber of Seville. The sets were outstanding and the mood light – perfect for the start of the silly season.  Our blossoming singers are extremely talented and many will go on to make us proud South Africans.  Thank you for the opportunity to enter the competition and win!  and thanks to you and your colleagues and contributors for a newsletter to look forward to every month.  Long may you reign.  An aside – since receiving YEI, I have joined a travel group and been on a tour and a couple of day outings as well as made arrangements to visit the Napier Retirement village early next year.  Retirement is no longer a gloomy prospect. Thanks once again.
Molly Pankhurst

 

Wayne Sylvester was one of the Disney on Ice winners

Thank you again so much for the tickets to the show Disney on ice. There is a pic of myself and my daughter and also one of her cousins that joined us.  They really had a blast and I think was the cherry on top was that this was during the school holidays. Have an awesome day. 
Grateful father. 

 

 

Ric Chester from Pinelands won the wonderful Bartholomeus Klip two-night midweek stay

This is what he had to say:

Fabulous prize getaway to Bartholomeus Klip.
Thanks to Marilyn at YEI, Lesley, Louise and staff at Bartholomeus Klip.
This is somewhere to go to be really well looked after.
Peace and tranquillity, brilliant scenery and interesting conservation projects.
So once again, thanks for a really super chance
to take a time out from everyday life to a really special place.

 

Dhansukhlal Govindjee was one of the Johannesburg Disney On Ice winners

We all enjoyed the spectacular show.
Our grandchildren were especially enthralled and were singing along.
Regards, Dhansukhlal and Saroj Govindjee

 

 

YEI comment:
thanks for the feedback, Dhansukhlal!
So pleased that your grandchildren loved Disney On Ice

 

Feedback from a Peppa Pig winner

Many thanks once again for the Peppa Pig tickets won on You’ve Earned It.  It was a delightful show at the Port Elizabeth Opera House this morning, enjoyed by all!  The following photo is evident!
Sandra de Roland-Phillips

 

 

YEI comment:
thanks for the feedback, Sandra!  So pleased that the Grandees enjoyed it,
and earned it!!

 

Feedback from one of the winners of Dynamo tickets

I was the lucky winner of the tickets to see Dynamo at the Grand West Casino. It was a great show, totally baffling, very entertaining, a great mixture of humour and mystery. I think the question everybody was asking was “How did he do that!!!! and where did that car come from?”  Thank you again for a wonderful evening. 
Richard Tasker

 

Feedback from winner of Barnyard tickets

Just to say a huge Thank You again for my winning of 10 tickets to the Barnyard Theatre.  The prize was so appreciated and we saw the show it was wonderful.  The people of the Barnyard Theatre were so hands on with all the arrangements.
Cynthia Fuller

Feedback from winner of Barnyard tickets

Thank you for the wonderful evening that my family and I spent at the Barnyard Theatre last Saturday evening.  The Solid Gold Show was fantastic and a very enjoyable evening was had by all.  Thank you for the splendid prize. 
Duncan Wilson

Feedback from one of the winners of Peppa Pig tickets

I would like to thank you for the Peppa Pig tickets.   My 3 year old great granddaughter loved every minute of the show.  Even though it was a kiddies show I also found it entertaining.  My friend and her grandson went with and also loved the show. Once again thank you so much for the tickets.  You made their day.
Elizabeth Swart 

Feedback from a YEI member

Good afternoon.  I want to give feedback in regards to your assistance.  I have received a call from Lindiwe and she said that they will reduce my monthly payments by R30 per month.  This is all thanks to your caring assistance.  Thanks once again, for the incredible  work you do.  Wishing you and the YEI team, and your families, a Blessed Easter weekend, and be safe.
God bless
Evan Janse Van Rensburg

 

Feedback from one of the winners of tickets to The Illusionists

Thank you and YEI for running competitions for all the retired people who subscribe to your newsletter. I was fortunate enough to win 2 tickets to the Cape Town show of The Illusionists which my son and I thoroughly enjoyed. We were fascinated by all the performers but especially Den Den – The Manipulator from Korea. Not saying a word, he enthralled the audience with his slight of hand performance. There were a couple of minor hiccups but being opening night, it was understandable. Thank you again for the tickets.
Colin Swan

Feedback from a winner of one of the Spur vouchers

David Smith was one of the winners of a Spur voucher.  He had this to say:

Thanks so much for the Spur voucher – it’s not often that I win a prize!  My story was about the great meal I had at the Golden Spur, many years ago. Well, I took the same girl to the Michigan Spur to redeem the voucher.

Feedback from winners of Yusuf Cat Stevens in concert

Just to give you some feedback, we went to the Yusuf Cat Stevens concert at The Dome last night and had a great time, it was a wonderful show, he played all his old hits and many other songs, a great backing band as well. We had actually forgotten how many hit songs he has had, a great entertainer, and the crowd wouldn’t let him go at the end after several encores.  Thanks very much for the tickets we really appreciated it! 
Peter and Sue Cole

I want to thank you with all my heart for allowing my husband and I to win the tickets to see Yusuf Cat Stevens. His show was outstanding. The guitars he played during the show, [he changed a few times,] were magical. The sound was mind blowing, I am definitely more of a fan now than I ever was before. For a man of his age, he still sounds phenomenal, I have to admire his strength, he played for two hours and never got tired!!!!! Thank you Cat Stevens for such a wonderful experience!!!!
Hughie and Billie Robinson

I just wanted to once again thank you for the two tickets I won To Yusuf Cat Stevens.  My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. He is still wonderful.  Thanks so much.
Sandy Kruger

Feedback from winner – Cape Town Concert Series

I was the lucky recipient of 2 concert tickets at the Baxter and this is just a little THANK YOU …….what a lovely evening of some really good music.  Both Amalia & José are both such talented young people (and quite easy on the eye too J )……Thanks again!!
Marlene

Feedback from the winner of the Caledon Hotel competition

Just a short email to thank you once again for the wonderful prize of a night’s stay at the Caledon, including a dinner voucher and breakfast. We went through last Thursday (12^th).  It was a real treat.  The staff were very friendly and helpful, and we had a really good time. I’ve decided I’ll more than likely go back for a weekend at some stage.  A big thank you to all those concerned.
Sue

YEI Birthday greetings

Here is a selection of  greetings from YEI members on the occasion of YEI’s 6^th birthday:

MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY YEI……this is such an awesome website and through you I have managed to visit Kruger and am now planning a European tour (although haven’t seen any good adverts on the site yet) and enjoyed many other local offers. I am so pleased that you started it and managed to sustain it. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Marlene
Message to Marlene:  Please see FCT’s latest article on the YEI website regarding their latest European tour.

Wishing all the YEI team a Happy Birthday and thank you for all the interesting items in the newsletters. Good to be able to take advantage of being ancient!
Kind regards
Hazel

Best wishes and congratulations on your sixth birthday
Lois Carol Wessels

Feedback from winner of Barnyard tickets

Thanks again for the wonderful prize which I shared with nine family members and friends last Saturday at the Barnyard Cresta. We thorougly enjoyed the show UK vs USA. It was a great nostalgia trip with most of the songs coming from the era in which we grew up. The cast were professional and slick and a great time was had by all.
Lennard Gronemann, Paulshof

Feedback from YEI winner of tickets to Disney On Ice

YEI loves getting feedback from our winners – Colin Honeywill, one of the Johannesburg winners of tickets to Disney On Ice, sent YEI this photograph of his grandchildren enjoying the show!  We were thrilled to see that these gorgeous children were having a great time!

 

 

 

Comment from new YEI subscriber

Hi there, I am retiring from work on Friday 30th June and have signed up to your newsletter. Thank you so much for such a marvellous source of information to help cope with becoming a pensioner.
Georgina

Feedback from YEI readers

Thank you for this awesome competition and YEI Newsletters, I love them.
Denise Ritchie

Comment from one of the winners of the Mediclinic Prime Luxury Health Retreat held recently at the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa

A few words to thank you for the super time that Sue and I enjoyed at the Conference at African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa last weekend. The organization and facilities were superb and the speakers’ content was of a high standard and very practical. We were made right at home from the moment of arrival on Saturday morning to the farewell on Sunday afternoon. Elsabe was a fantastic programme director and kept us on time during the conference and in fits of laughter with her stories and jokes. Estelle’s organization was perfect.   Lastly, thank you Marilyn for all you are doing at You’ve Earned It for us senior citizens.
God bless you.
Trevor and Sue Douglas   

Comment from winner of 10 Barnyard Theatre tickets

Just a quick note to let you know that our group of 11 people (one person bought an extra ticket) thoroughly enjoyed our evening out.  The entertainment from our era was excellent and even the three youngsters in our group had an appreciation for the “Golden Oldies”!  Don’t be surprised if you find a rapid increase in the YEI membership and regular visits to Barnyard Willowbridge from members of our party.  Oh, and the Pizza’s ordered in was also great and good value for money.  Thank you for all the arrangements to make this happen.
J.P. (Koos) van der Spuy

 

Feedback from winner of the book Dead to Me  by Lesley Pearse

Oh boy you have just made my day.   I LOVE Lesley Pearce’s books.
Yvonne Lawlor

 

Feedback from winner of tickets to “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” in Cape Town

Thank you so much for affording my husband and I the opportunity to watch Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!  We definitely do not have enough words to describe the brilliance of this wonderful show.  We were overawed with the fantastic performance of the artists and the most beautiful costumes.  The stunning show is highly recommended! 
Vivien Kensley

 

Feedback from winner of tickets to “The Sound of Music” at the Playhouse in Durban

It was absolutely fantastic, a top notch production worthy of the West End.  I had to try really hard not to sing out loud!!  Thanks once again.
Terry & Tony Babb

 

Feedback from winner of Cirque Eloize iD tickets

Thank you so much for affording us the opportunity to see this brilliant show.  My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Vivien Kensley

Just a note to let you know that we went to see Cirque Eloise yesterday evening at Montecasino and enjoyed it immensely.  Thank you and YEI again for our tickets, we had a great evening.
Hazel Trittner

 

Feedback from the winner of the Mediclinic Prime luxury health retreat – Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa in Muldersdrift

Hello, OH MY the Mediclinic Retreat was awesome, everything was so perfect and we had so much fun. We learned a lot and I will tell all my friends about it.
Ullricke van Zyl

Feedback from Barnyard winners

What a wonderful show .From beginning till the very end I was entranced by this production, especially “Pink” (I apologise that I didn’t get her name) who is like the energizer Bunny. Then we have Freddy Mercury who just wows the audience.  The parts of Cher, Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, and most of all Billy Joel.
This is a must not miss show.   Thank you for allowing me to experience this production.
David Evans

A friend and I went along to the Barnyard Cresta on Sunday afternoon to see “80s Rewind”, and had a wonderfully nostalgic time re-living the music of our youth.  The show was glamorous and professional, and we loved it. Thank you for the tickets!
Marguerite Espley-Jones

Comments from YEI readers about YEI’s 5th birthday

We have recently come on board, and look forward to seeing the specials on offer every month. Happy Birthday, this is a really great newsletter!
Anita

Happy 5th Birthday, YE!  Congratulations & great job, Marilyn & the YE! team!
Mary

May the future be as successful as the past 5 years. It was an absolute pleasure to receive the newsletter thus far. Keep up the good work.
Annelie

Thanks for all your hard work over the last 5 years – happy birthday. your work is highly appreciated!
Paddy

Best wishes on your Fifth Birthday hope that you will continue the interesting good work for many more years – thank you
Lois

Happy, happy birthday!
Joan

Feedback from the Slava Snow show winner

Thank you so much for the 2 complimentary tickets as well as arrangement for the additional tickets to Slava Show at Artscape – we enjoyed it thoroughly!  The balcony seats gave us a good overall perspective of the show, but  I believe that the floor seats must have been an exceptional experience!
Kind regards
Karin Jacobs

 

Feedback from a Barnyard Theatre show  winner

Just a short note to say a very, very, BIG THANK YOU for the most wonderful evening my friends and I had last night on the “27/08”. We attended the 1 Hit Wonder show. All ten of us thoroughly enjoyed the evening. There was never a dull moment from start to finish, We were upset when the show came to an end. We had more than just our toes tapping, even some of our table took to dancing in the aisle. The show was very well put together. The table we were allocated was in the centre of the stalls floor and we all had a wonderful view, could not have been better if I had chosen this table myself. The cash bar system really works and all the barmen are very cheerful, as well as polite and pleasant. I at this stage must say the one barman, I did not get his name was most entertaining and very efficient (he is the one wearing the peak cap with the sunglasses on the rim). After a couple of minutes conversation I asked him if he was one of the performers as he is really an all-rounder and an asset to the business. Once again thank you for the prize and the opportunity of spending a wonderful evening in the company of good friends, music and great entertainment.
Regards
Doug

 

Feedback from Body Worlds Vital exhibition winners

Many thanks for the opportunity to visit the exhibition. We were absolutely stunned with the detail and information provided. How this was accomplished must be a story of its own! The bodies in various poses were showing so much, one could easily be accused of staring.  The basketball player for me was striking. The effects on your body through excessive drinking, obesity or smoking makes one wish everyone should visit and look and learn. The HIV section can not be over stated in our country and should be included in all school programs. Our lasting memory is how small we all start off as a foetus and how that small speck grows and develops into such a complicated form as a human being. Again many thanks. Loved the day
Kind regards
Andy

 

Just to let you know that we had a fantastic time at the Body Worlds Vital exhibition today. We spent about 2.1/2 hours going through the exhibition.  The audio guides were excellent – even if some of the commentaries were missing and the hand sets became a little confused at times! We can thoroughly recommend this exhibition to everyone – it really gives a good appreciation of the human body and what a complex system it comprises.  The exhibition also gives one a valuable insight into what can go wrong and what happens if one abuses one’s body.  Thank you again for the complimentary tickets.
Yours sincerely
Fred & Frances Chittenden

 

 Retailers – please make our lives easier by offering a pensioner discount every day of the week, not just a specific day

I am sure that we all appreciate the discounts offered by various businesses and organisations, but I also believe some of us have difficulty in remembering on which day which store offers a discount – for example, the discount at Builder’s Warehouse is on Wednesdays; I think DionWired offers a discount on Tuesdays; Game offers a discount on Wednesdays (I think); Shoe Empire offers it on Tuesdays.  The point is, we are all in the said age group every single day of the week, so why should the discount only be available on specific days – and also  bear in mind the older one becomes, the harder it is to remember the special days!  Come on guys – if they can give a discount on a specific  day why can’t the offer it every day and make our lives a little bit easier!
Dave Ducie

 

Thoughts on shopping for one, and more…

Thanks for your page and I read your articles which I find are very helpful.  Today I happened to be thinking about letting my cottage, and lo and behold, there was an article about renting.

I wish to say how glad I am that you are tackling Mnet.  There are so many companies doing discounts for pensioners, yet with DSTV and Mnet we still pay full price.  I, for one, am having to seriously think about my contract as it is becoming exorbitantly expensive.  As a widow, living out of town, tv is really my only entertainment.  Thank you for doing this.

One small thing I find difficult now is – buying for one!  Local supermarket shelves are well stocked, (usually), but buying small amounts for one person is a nightmare.  Buying loose fruit and vegetables is obviously the way to go, but everything else is packed in amounts for four or more!  Checkers, I find, has a small pack of vegs which is enough for two meals for me, but even these are very limited.  I have suggested to my local supermarkets that maybe they could set aside a small area where they keep small amounts for us singletons.  Seems to go straight in one ear and out the other though.  I freeze where I can (large tins of tomatoes etc) but even the small tins are expensive and it is not financially viable to buy small tins.  I do like variety and I buy fresh wherever possible, but on a very limited budget, this is becoming a juggling act.  Have you any suggestions?
Stella La Reservee

 

An email from a YEI reader

Thank you for such a good website
Richard Stephens

 

Feedback from Mediclinic Prime Retreat winners

A great and heartfull THANK YOU to YEI for the wonderful prize I’ve been rewarded – compliments of Mediclinic Prime.  A friend and I were able to stay over at the beautiful Arabella Sheraton near Kleinmond for one night and be part of the Mediclinic Prime Retreat Programme. We were welcomed by a very friendly and helpful lady, Estelle, who was in contact with me to make all of the prior arrangements for our stay.  All the people there were so friendly and helpful. We also truly enjoyed the photographer’s spontaneous personality. He made us giggle quite a few times (Frankie was his name). The warm welcome from Mediclinic was appreciated and we absolutely loved every single minute of this exciting event. The talks by professional Doctors and Specialists were indeed interesting and very educational. We could have our ears, eyes, sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol etc. tested, all free of charge! Dr Darren Green, who was the MC for the event, was an absolute pleasure to experience. He was friendly and humorous and his energy created a delightful atmosphere. What an awesome, talented man!   Mediclinic spoilt us rotten with the most amazing gifts and treats. Our table was also constantly refreshed with water and a bowl of our favourite sweeties. Another amazing part was that Liberty Life had a lucky draw and the winner was rewarded with a night’s stay at the Arabella Sheraton. You will probably not believe me if I say that I was the winner. Believe it or not – I was! So that was just the cherry on top. The buffets that we could enjoy for every single meal were absolutely delicious. We’ve tasted almost everything that was there with every single meal (4 meals in total). Not to even talk about all the tea and biscuit breaks in between. Now that says it all. We had to go on a diet when we returned home on Monday – our cholesterol probably sky rocketed and our pants’ buttons struggled to button comfortably! But it was all well worth it. From the bottom of my heart – thank you for this amazing prize and experience – it was truly a great weekend and will most definitely be remembered for a very long time.

Warmest Regards
Christine Taylor

 

Thank you so much for the awesome Arabella Spa Health Retreat that we won. What an amazing experience! We will be back for the next one.

Kind regards
Gail du Bois

 

Feedback from winner of Tsitsikamma Village Inn prize

 

I took up the prize of an overnight stay at Tsitsikamma Village Inn last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. We extended our stay with one night and had a lovely weekend getaway. The location was beautiful and the accommodation very good, we loved the grassy village square with several buildings in different styles around it. Hubby and I stayed in the lovely “Forget Me Not” cottage, built in the style similar to the Victorian woodcutters cottages but with mod cons inside. As it was very cold, especially at night, the electric blanket and furry throw were really appreciated.  The breakfast buffet offered a wide choice of items and everything looked and tasted superb. We did not have supper at the Village Inn but ate at the adjoining Marilyn’s 60’s diner, which was decorated with Elvis and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, with music to match. That was fun and the food was plenty, good and very reasonably priced. Old cars and motorbikes of the 50’s displayed at the diner are also a draw card.  We did not partake in extreme sports but did enjoy walking in one of the many forest trails nearby. Loving the huge indigenous forest trees, ferns and fungi and being amused by the antics of a troop of baboons with playful youngsters.  Thank you for running the competition with a stay at the Village Inn as prize and thank you for picking me as a winner!

Kind regards
Jeltje van den Bosch

 

An email from one of the winners of Slava Snow Show tickets

Hi there – I would like to thank YEI for giving us the opportunity to see this show last night – it was certainly a “different” type of show, but also most entertaining, and one where the audience seemed reluctant to leave afterwards!  We thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thanks a million!
Dave Ducie

 

Ann Tiran, the winner of the Napier Retirement Village competition had this to say:

Dear Marilyn and co-workers

David and I would like to thank you for the weekend which we could spend at Napier Retirement village…It was most enjoyable to visit and look at all the shops and buildings especially in the main street…. pity Sunday rained but we could still go out, and managed a visit to Agulhus for a fish/calamari lunch and then a visit to Bredasdorp and the Shipwreck museum – very interesting.

I also visited a friend, Willemine Leves van Liewenhuizen up on the hill whom I have not seen for many years

A special THANK YOU to Eksteen for the most generous dinner voucher- we had fabulous stuffed pork neck and the cherry on top was the fantastic cheese cake- one of the best I have ever tasted…Pascall’s is a very special intimate place and we loved the atmosphere.

This weekend was really a treat for us and we enjoyed it…Napier will most probably see us again.

Except for Lesley [Monday morning] and Bernadette, we also met Jay and Mary-Anne and spent Saturday evening watching the rugby with them.

We are glad that we could meet Eksteen for breakfast on Monday morning and spend some time chatting especially about the ODENDAL/ODENDAAL family tree.

Thank you also for making this possible through YEI

Kind regards
Ann Tiran

 

Comment from a reader who won Barnyard tickets

Thank you, we had a fantastic evening. The Tribute to ABBA and Queen was fantastic, thanks again.
Frans and friends

Thanks for a great publication!
Sharon

This is the best newsletter issued by you ever
Referring to Issue 75 – 8 June 2016
Wilna

Thank you for a very interesting read
Stephanie

I find the newsletter very interesting and helpful to us “evergreens”
Jeltje

So enjoy your newsletter. Thank you for all you do for “us oldies”!
Jane

Many thanks for receipt of the YEI newsletters – they are invaluable to me as a pensioner.
David

Your latest newsletter is excellent and the article “How to save money on your food bill in 2016″ provided some good tips. The article “Sometimes quality is worth the additional expense” mentioned Gnld (Golden Products) Washing Powder. It is top quality and “cost effective” as mentioned. Mine lasts 10 or 11 months for a 2 kg packet.
Diane

Great offers & Savings!
Ronell

So interesting and informative – thank you
Lois

 

Maureen Brown, one of the winners of 10 tickets to the Barnyard Theatre of her choice, had a fantastic time at Cresta Barnyard Theatre on Sunday 24 January with some of her friends.
“Thanks again to YEI for the tickets. Keep up the good work.
Regards, Maureen Brown“
Thank you, Maureen, for sharing your photo and comments with us!! Keep entering those competitions – you never know!! Thank you for being a YEI supporter!!

Thank you for a wonderful newsletter.
Masturah

Always so beneficial reading YEI Newsletters!! Thank you
Maureen

In response to YEI being nominated as first-runner-up in the Business section of the SA Blog Awards – WOW and well done!  Great news and I hope YEI has a successful year
Penny

You’ve Earned It donated a huge, iced Christmas cake to the residents of Sunnyside Lodge, Plumstead – for them to enjoy with their tea on Christmas Day.  Here is the response from Sunnyside Lodge:

Thank you for the beautiful Christmas cake for the elderly.  Kindly receive our heartfelt thank you towards the donation of the beautiful Christmas cake. The elderly always look forward to a treat as they don’t always receive treats.  On behalf of the elderly we want to say ‘thank you’ and we appreciate your generosity that you have shown to Sunnyside Lodge.  Everything of the best to you and your family over the festive season. Happy Holidays!
Kind regards
Colette Adams
Fundraiser co-ordinator, Sunnyside Lodge, Plumstead, Cape Town

May you have a successful and prosperous 2016. God bless you for all the efforts you put into this most informative page and website. Appreciate it.
Felicia

Want to thank you for all the editions of YOU’VE EARNED IT sent to me this year, always find them informative & interesting with lots of specials for us, Senior citizens! Keep up the excellent work! In the spirit of the season, may your holiday season be filled with an abundance of joy & happiness!
Elizabeth

I trust you will have a blessed time and all the best for 2016. May You’ve Earned It reach new heights. Thanks for all that you do for us.
Piet

Thank you so much for all the wonderful information/articles/offers etc., via your ‘You’ve-earned- it’ pages … I so enjoy reading all, and find it very interesting and valuable.
Iona

You’ve Earned It is an extremely good web site for all over 60’s and I can recommend it highly!
Richard

YEI is a great publication and service-keep up the good work.
Trevor

This is just a quick email from a very grateful prize winner.
My husband and I have just spent a weekend in Tulbagh as we had been lucky enough to win a weekend’s accommodation at Alfa Apartments, through your website.
Mandy Kriel was a wonderful host and had provided our every need. Her thoughtfulness knows no bounds – she is truly the salt of the earth.
I have of course written my thanks to her but I felt that you should be aware of our appreciation as well. I really, really enjoy your website with all the very helpful articles.
Kind regards,
Jeanette Bosch

By the way, thanks for all the info. on SASSA in an article some months ago . Really very informative and gave a great deal of info. they don’t normally share with would be applicants, especially one’s assets ceiling  My husband is applying.  Many thanks for the constant updated info.  Really appreciated.
Catherine

Thanks for the informative and great YEI site – you no doubt don’t feel appreciated by the “IT Audience” you reach,  but it is well received and your work appreciated, by Pensioners like ourselves.
Stan & Dawn

Congrats!  Love the new-look site!
Trish

My email address has changed to xx, so would you kindly change my profile in your records,  otherwise I’ll miss your very interesting newsletter.
Laetitia

Thrilled to have discovered YEI – Listening to Cape Talk this morning I heard Marilyn phone in and mention YEI. I flew to my pc and joined up! What a fantastic site. I’m 61 and a professional but at present jobless. I have lots of friends so will tell them about you NOW!  You’ve just made my Monday!
Irene

I’m always excited  when I receive your e-newsletter YEI as it is always so informative and empowering.
Patrick

A toast to YEI! Congrats and best wishes to Marilyn and her team as YEI! enters its second year in business. In a highly competitive online or e-environment one can only appreciate what’s been achieved, mostly with passion, determination, a belief in the product and a desire to make a difference for its clients and members – quality articles, blue-chip advertisers, engaged members and a growing list of advertisers wanting to reach the over 50 market with discounts and benefits. We’ve also seen YEI! evolve as it shapes the product to meet the needs of the target market and its sponsors and advertisers.
Mostly, YEI! is an example for all Over 50’s who still have dreams to chase – go out there and make it happen. Way to go Marilyn!!
Gary

I just love this organisation – I have had a great deal of info and discounts – keep up the good work. Best wishes for 2013!
kind regards
Lois Carol Wessels

Thank you for your ongoing good work.  I’m looking forward to enjoying the fruits of your labours even more in the near future because I’m taking early retirement at the end of the year!
Frank

Thanks for your interesting newsletter and specials
Pauline

I wait every month with bated breath to open your newsletter.  What an amazing service you do for the seniors.  Keep it up. We all, am quite sure, appreciate it soooo much.

May Father bless your endeavor to make a difference for His children….
Diek

I went to Mike McWatts to have my hair coloured, so professional, wonderful job. Thanks.
Marian

Thanks for the letter each month – interesting and informative.
Anita

Thanks so much for your interesting and informative YEI Newsletters.
John

I just love getting every newsletter and just wish I could take retirement right now!
Jen

Looks like many interesting articles to peruse.
Well done
Joan

My husband and I bought the Senior Citizen reduced priced tickets from Artscape to see the Jersey Boys via YEI. I wouldn’t have known about the discounted prices if I wasn’t on your mailing list!
Many thanks
June

Many thanks for all the wonderful work you’re doing.
Bernadette

Thank you for all the interesting, useful, important and exciting information and news that you offer to us older folk.
Irene

Thank you once again for an informative and very appealing E –magazine.  Well Done!
Patrick

Thank you for my first Newsletter which I am looking forward to reading!
May you all go from strength to strength and keep up the good work.
Yvonne

Great job!!
Joy

I just love this organisation – I have had a great deal of info and discounts – keep up  the good work.
Lois

I am very interested to be a member, find the information very helpful, thank you.
Margaret

Thanks for replying so promptly, as I am sure, that you are a very busy person.
With someone like you at the helm, YEI will definitely do well.
I enjoyed seeing the article about you (and YEI) in the Rooi Rose, as I was already one of your members.
Congratulations on the job you are doing.
Tove

Its fun to be part of you.
Thanks Hazel

Yes! You are doing a fantastic job for all of us!
Anne

Thanks for an interesting and informative newsletter!
Ann

YEI is such a marvellous idea and seems to be so popular.     I know your offers give us so many perks.
Litsgal

YEI is such a wonderful idea. Being on pension now we have to watch money carefully.  Thank you so much.  We are enjoying looking on your website regularly.
Ruth

Keep up the good work – we appreciate what you are doing.
Thinus

Many thanks for all the news and views in the newsletters received.
Kevin