irene town crier march 13
DESCRIPTION
Published for the village of IreneTRANSCRIPT
Irene Town CrierMarch 2013
Living in peace
irenetowncrier.co.za
Glenda Saxby, 076 316 9632
Carroll Townsend, 082 560 9423
Sylvia Gibbons
P R O P E R T I E S
www.sylviagibbonsproperties.co.za
Sylvia Gibbons, 082 374 4778
Glenda Saxby, 076 316 9632
Passionate about Irene property and proud supporters of the ILA
3ContentsLiving in peace 4
You said it 6
Save the Rhino Fundraiser 8
Media statement regarding estimated meter readings 12
From the ILA 14
Friends of the General Smuts Foundation 21
New books in the Irene Library 22
Urban Conservation Initiative 26
Small businesses 30
Small cries 32
Important telephone numbers 34
Front cover photo: Lisle Caromba Deadline for the April 2013 issue of Irene Town Crier is 22 March 2013.
Advertising and editorial contact: Tracey Garde 082 460 6007 [email protected]
Irene Town Crier is published by TLG Publishing (Pty) Ltd. All material is subject to copyright and permission to reproduce may be obtained from the publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome and can be sent to the publisher. All rights in said editorial contributions, whether it be in the form of a letter or article and whether it includes graphics or not, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for the publication and copyright purposes and material will be subject to TLG Publishing’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. TLG Publishing will place editorial contributions at it’s own discretion, space allowing.
Town Crier March 2013
4Living in peace
Tracey
As we bid farewell to the end of a (very!) hot Summer, the upcoming Easter weekend and school holidays will be the last opportunity for us to enjoy our beautiful neighbourhood before the cold sets in and takes its toll on our gardens.
On our occasional walks to school we admire the effort taken to beautify the village with pretty, clean sidewalks. But sometimes our walks are spoilt by litter, doggy poop and speeding, reckless motorists. My baby and I were nearly run over (again) as we tried to cross the Nelmapius intersection a few weeks ago and the motorist in question didn’t even pass an apologetic glance when she was so close to me that I could of smacked my hand on her window!
Speeding and reckless driving is becoming an increasing problem on our village roads so we urge all residents to lead by example – stick to the speed limit of 30kms p/h and kindly give way to pedestrians. By the same token those of us enjoying a walk along our roads should ensure no littering and dog spoiling takes place.
Our neighbours are getting to know each other a little better as you will see from the pictures taken at the first ILA Bring and Braai. Hopefully each get together will see new friends made. And in support of good neighbourliness, Irene Town Crier is made possible by our loyal advertisers so please keep each issue handy that you may use their services as and when needed.
I wish you all a peaceful Easter weekend and should you be travelling, take care and return safely.
Till next month,
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...
1 Peter 1:3
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Wedding bells for Graham and CandiceWedding bells rang recently in Cullinan for Graham Fawkes and Candice Joy. Graham is the son of Malcolm and Wendy Fawkes of Lavender Lane, Irene, while Candice is the daughter of Dorothy and Chris Joy of Wierda Park. It turned out to be a lovely day although it had been raining most of the previous week. The storm clouds cleared at about midday but the heavens opened again at the end of the reception as many guests were heading home!
Graham went to Pretoria Boys’ High while Candice was at Sutherland High. They both studied at the University of Pretoria but only met two years later.
Graham works at VWSA around the corner while Candice is a teacher at Crawford College, Pretoria.
There were four Best Men for Graham – Marco and Craig whom he has known since nursery school and Mark and Paddy from Boys’ High and ‘varsity days. They were all at Rissik House together. There were many Old Boys at the wedding and of course the Rissik House war cry had to be chanted! Candice had two Bridesmaids – Fayme from school days and Erica, a good friend from Hatfield Christian Church. Candice entered The Beeld Bride of the Year Competition and won for the month of November 2012. The Grand Final is in March 2013.
Candice and Graham are living around the corner in Erasmuskloof and they love coming back to visit Irene. They have an addition to the family – a very busy Beagle puppy who appreciates the Retrievers in the family home and all the other dogs on The Oval! We wish the happy couple many years of happiness together.
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Town Crier March 2013
You said itThe opinions expressed in this readers’ column are not necessarily shared by the publisher of the Irene Town Crier. Readers’ views can be e-mailed to [email protected].
Recommended readI discovered a book at the Irene Library, which may be of interest to many Irene home owners, and to EBS. It is called Home Invasion, and is subtitled: Robbers disclose what you should know.
The blurb says: Over 18 000 house robberies are committed in SA every year. Police attempts to clamp down on this crime have had little effect.
Former detective Rudolph Zinn undertook his PhD research on house robbers, interviewing convicted house robbers serving their sentences. He found that the average house robber is in his twenties, but already a very experienced criminal who has committed over 100 crimes by the time he is arrested. He plans his robbery in advance, after first obtaining inside information about the house and its residents. He often uses extreme violence, and will harm his victims if they have put the robbery at risk.
This book makes valuable recommendations to police and security risk experts. It also contains
crucial advice - both from former house robbers and the author - on how ordinary citizens can safeguard their homes, and how to minimise danger if attacked.
I can recommend this book, and wondered how many people who live in the vicinity are aware of it.
Yours truly,
Lisle Caromba
Dear IreneWhen visitors and residents drive into Irene we all fall in love, again with the beautiful trees, the large stands and our wonderful lifestyle. Visitors are so impressed and want to live in Irene.
Please can you consider enhancing the beauty of Irene by attending to your verges. Some need a cut, some need a weed, some need an edge trim. If you do not have a weed eater you can buy sheep shears in any hardware store or nursery. Cost concious and very effective.
We have some beautiful verges and it would enhance aesthetics of our village if we all took a little care to keep them neat and tidy.
With love from our beautiful Irene. Anonymous
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Does anyone know what this is?These fungi are growing at the base of a tree in Jansen Lane. Perhaps a fungi fundi could shed some light on the subject?
I first thought they were artificial decorative garden ornaments. It appears that they grew very quickly as they have grown into the fallen leaves lying on top of them.
They have a softish woody feel, milk chocolate coloured body with a cream coloured perimeter. I can’t vouch for the flavour!
RegardsRoger BrowneFor the colour pictures you can email [email protected].
Naomi Smith cea 083 461 1231
Town Crier March 2013
Van Reenen/Swinburne Tourism Association P.O. Box. 1299 Harrismith 9880
Tel 087 985 1580 (van Reenen) 072 629 8694 (Swinburne)
GPS 28°22’13” S [email protected] GPS 28°21’ 27”S
29°22’14” E [email protected] 29°17’ 06”E
The van Reenen/Swinburne Tourism Association has decided to link a Save the Rhino fundraising campaign with the annual Yenza Community Festival to be held on the weekend of 15th, 16th and 17th March 2013.
9They have constructed what they hope will be recorded as the “Biggest Beaded Rhino Brooch in the World”, which hangs from a giant safety pin outside the van Reenen Information Centre. The rhino is 2.4 metres long and 1.2 metres tall, about half the size of a fully grown rhino. It is made from 6mm steel rod, bent and welded to shape in a flat outline. It will be filled in with “Super beads” made from discarded plastic 500 ml cool drink bottles painted in bright colours and wired onto the grid.
Starting the project to create the super beads is van Reenen’s own mini environmentalist group, local rural kids ranging from 9 to 16 years old, who have developed a keen interest in the environment under the voluntary tutelage of Bonginkosi, local bird guide. They have been supplied with paint and wire, and will begin the process of creating the first 100 super beads by collecting bottles, painting them, wiring them up and delivering them to the van Reenen Information centre, to be wired onto this rhino to create this giant multi-coloured beaded rhino brooch.
These beads have been valued at R2-00 each, and Montrose Information Centre has pledged R200-00 for the first 100 “super beads” On consultation with Bonginkosi and his group, this Association will not hand over cash but will buy the group a useful piece of equipment or environmental educational material to that value after they have delivered their 100 beads.
The brooch will take many more that 100 super beads to complete, so the association wants to involve rural schools as well, on the same basis: R2-00 worth of essential school equipment per painted, wired super bead delivered. The school kids must collect the bottles; the association will supply paint and wire. The school head or a volunteer must accumulate the completed beads in a black plastic litter bag and deliver them to Mbuso, manager of the van Reenen Tourist Info Centre.
Van Reenen /Swinburne Tourism Association ask individuals or local business to sponsor R2-00 painted beads to get the rhino beaded up. The super brooch will take up to 200 super beads, but a base of green-painted beads wired together on the ground under the brooch to simulate the rhino’s grazing, could go up to 400 more beads.
The Rhino Fund will benefit in two ways
1) Sale of Rhino Crafts The association will encourage local crafters to make normal sized rhino brooches to sell to the public. Travellers on the N3 will be curious about this huge rhino brooch next to the highway at van Reenen, and when they turn in for a closer look, they will be able to buy a normal sized brooch. The crafters will make money by selling their crafts at an agreed price to the association. The association will add an agreed amount to that and sell the
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Town Crier March 2013
crafts to local retail outlets who will sell them on to the public. The association will be responsible for paying over the agreed amount to the Save the Rhino Fund. Beaded rhino brooches, rhino caps, rhino aprons, anything “rhino” will qualify as long as it is hand made by a local crafter. Crafters please come forward with your ideas and sample crafts.
2) Sale of ‘Super Beads’ on the Rhino The association will also sell the ‘super beads’ on the rhino to the public at R20-00 per bead. The beads will each be numbered, and buyers will get a certificate numbering the beads they bought, and featuring a photograph of the giant brooch, to hang on their wall.
The R20-00 will be distributed as follows:
R10-00 cash to the Rhino Fund.
R8-00 in essential equipment to rural schools in proportion to the beads they supplied. This will be in addition to the R2-00 of value that they earn by supplying the super beads in the first place. So if the beads are sold on the rhino, they get a total of R10-00 in value per bead, equal to the cash paid into the rhino fund. If the beads are not sold, they at least get R2-00 per bead for their effort in creating this rhino.
R2-00 to van Reenen Tourism to cover administration costs.
Sponsors please come forward and ‘buy’ super beads on the rhino once they have been woven into this super rhino framework.
Tourism van Reenen/Swinburne members want to ensure that if they contribute to the ATC (African Conservation Trust) devoted to saving South African Rhinos with this campaign, an equal amount will go to the local disadvantaged schools. The association will not contribute to the Save the Rhino fund and ignore the needs of local disadvantaged communities.
This project will tackle four issues
1) It will contribute to saving the rhino which is an endangered national asset.
2) It will benefit the local disadvantaged schools.
3) It will generate income for struggling local crafters
114) It will draw attention to the problem of accumulated trash, but at
the same time demonstrate ways of recycling it.
Van Reenen Tourism Association has been in contact with the Save the Rhino organisation and has applied to them for official accreditation as a fund raiser for this Cause.
The Manager of the Protea Hotel Montrose, James Livingstone, has already pledged to buy 5 completed “Super Beads” beads on the rhino at R20-00 each, before the rhino has even been beaded. He challenges other local businesses and individuals to buy beads. Jean Short of van Reenen has pledged the same amount. They will be credited with beads Nos. 1 to 5 and 6 to 10 respectively. Van Reenen Tourism Association appeals to businesses, and individuals to buy beads on the rhino. It is for a very good cause.
If you wish to contribute to this campaign please specify if you want
a) to pay to have beads made by local schools at R2-00 per bead, and how many, or
b) if you want to buy completed, numbered beads on the completed rhino at R20-00 per bead and how many.
For more information, to offer pledges, or to offer rhino crafts to sell, contact Mbuso, manager of the van Reenen Info Centre (where the brooch is displayed) on 087 985 1580. Email: [email protected].
Or Dave Short at the Montrose Info Centre in Swinburne, tel 072 629 8694, or email [email protected].
If you want to supply crafts for sale, please bring samples for assessment and quote a price. The Association will only accept well-made items. People will not buy low quality crafts, even if it is for a good cause.
This campaign has already started and will culminate in the van Reenen Yenza Festival on 15,16 and 17 March 2013. But it will not end there. The giant beaded rhino brooch will be on permanent display, and rhino crafts will be sold throughout the year from various local craft outlets, and will continue to contribute to the Rhino Fund and well as giving local crafters a sustained income.
Submitted by: Dave Short (For van Reenen/Swinburne Tourism Association)
Town Crier March 2013
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Town Crier March 2013
Media statement issued by Cllr Adriana Randall , DA Spokesperson for Finance in the Tshwane Metro:
Pretoria: 22 February 2013 Estimated meter readings symptomatic of chaotic administration
Residents who uses the [email protected] address to send in their readings every month, did not receive any acknowledgement this month that their readings were processed and were hit with estimated readings far higher than what their actual consumption is.Of concern is that an estimated amount 3x your normal account can be rendered and VAT is also charged on that amount, which is not even a true reflection. The biggest concern is that in the current economic situation where a tight budget is of great importance, the municipality can thumb-suck these huge amounts.
According to a National Treasury circular, the following are fundamental to maximising the potential of existing revenue sources:
• The billing system must correctly reflect all billing data and customer data that is required to issue an accurate invoice on time to the relevant customer.
• Water and electricity meters must be read with regularity and accuracy so that the correct consumption information is recorded on the billing system; meter reading estimates must be minimised or at least undertaken in accordance with the municipality’s Credit Control Policy prescriptions.
Cllr Adriana Randall said that estimated readings can have serious effects on the City’s revenue collection namely:
1. Residents might be unwilling or not able to pay the higher than average accounts in full.
2. Significant increase in disconnections and contractors must be paid for doing the work. The cost of the re-connections added to the resident’s accounts will result in an administrative nightmare for the City.
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Town Crier March 2013
3. Increases in outstanding debt, when this City is already on the brink of R5billion when it comes to outstanding debt not collected.
Is this an effort by the cash strapped City to increase its revenue in the short term by ignoring resident’s actual readings and inflating the consumption by charging residents 3 x the normal consumption by way of estimated readings?
“A municipality must have effective processes and internal controls to ensure that every property is billed for property rates and all services consumed to maximise the revenue -generating potential of the existing revenue base.” said Cllr Adriana Randall.
The DA urges residents unable to pay the accounts calculated on estimated readings to pay the normal average amount and visit any client service centre to make arrangements to have the account corrected with actual readings recorded.
Kitchen on HamiltonCooking Demonstrations
Would you like to cook for your family and friends, but are intimidated by your kitchen? Has your food processor never been unpacked from its box? Do you wish for some-one else to drive your state-of the art range cooker? Does the thought of a formal dinner party leave you sleepless – for days on end?
Join professionally qualified chef Rose Borkum (Diploma Cordon Bleu, Silwood Kitchen, Cape Town) at her tranquil venue in beautiful Irene, where she will share with you her love of cooking, in an informal, hands-on environment. Explore taste sensations with local, fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Morning Programme (9:00 to 12:00) for March and April
Wednesday 6 March Quick and Easy Winter Warmers
Wednesday 13 March Vegetarian Food for Those No Meat Days
Wednesday 20 March Cooking with Cheese and Chocolate
Wednesday 27 March Simple, Delicious Easter Lunches
Wednesday 3 April Soups and Breads
Saturday 6 April Sunday Roasts
Wednesday 10 April Deserts with Winter Fruits
For bookings and enquiries please call Rose on 082 9282647 or email [email protected]
Town Crier March 2013
Dear Irene Residents and ILA MembersThe year is slipping by faster than greased lightning; it’s alarming to think that we’re already facing March!
Before we know it we will be watching our trees loose their leaves and the palette in our village will turn from green to red and gold, although a little cooler weather would be welcome.
Security issues:
Residents continue to leave vehicles accessible with personal items on display, which provides easy pickings for the criminal element. We have stressed the importance of securing both your home and your vehicles overnight to ensure that we do not encourage this sort of crime in the village. Please assist us by doing all you can in this regard.
Access concerns and gate protocols:
All booms at entry and exit points are now fully functional – thank you for your patience. Should residents be experiencing trouble with access to the village, please email [email protected] to resolve the issue. If applicable, please also report any unauthorised use of gates.
We continue to have vehicles tailgating at exit points where gates are set for single vehicles to pass. Damage to our infrastructure in addition to damage to the respective vehicles is the result. This behaviour around the gate protocols is taken very seriously and we will recover repair costs from the individuals responsible for damage incurred and the repair thereof. Disclaimers are visible at each point; please may we ask that you acquaint yourselves with the information.
Technology:
The negotiations and investigation into an appropriate technology solution is nearing the end and we will soon have cameras installed in the village. Please watch your inbox for progress updates.
Guards:
Should you have any issue with the protocols around the gates or
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Town Crier March 2013
the behaviour of any of our guards we request that you under no circumstances enter into an argument or abuse our guards. Please direct your communication to the ILA Village Manager, Jan Swanepoel at [email protected] or 083 607 6600 and your issue will be dealt with promptly.
Traffic and Irene’s Woonerf status:
Speeding in the village continues to be a problem with residents not adhering to the 30km limit. A large dog recently sustained serious injuries due to a hit and run on Iris Lane. This highlights the risk our children and staff face walking our streets. The danger is real and we encourage our residents to respect the Woonerf regulations that enable our children to ride their bikes and walk to school not to mention protecting the peace and quiet in our village.
Parents are also again reminded that under-age children driving quad bikes and motorbikes is illegal and will be reported to the SAPS. We would also ask that owners of these be mindful of the noise being made, especially over weekends.
Pets:
On the subject of pets, the ILA cannot continually act as the SPCA for lost and found animals. Residents are to please search for their pets by enquiring with the local SPCA. Please collar, tag and chip your dog if it is a regular escapee. We also request that you do not make use of our booms for Lost/Found posters but make use of the provided community notice board at the Oval.
Members:
We are pleased to advise that our membership is steadily growing and we estimate our membership represents 80% of the households in the village. New members are invited to attend our monthly ILA meeting, the third Thursday of every month at Irene Primary School at 19h30. We would like to meet you and introduce you to what we do and answer any questions you may have.
We are also undertaking an initiative to build community spirit and spend a little time getting to know one another and in so doing are having a ‘Bring and Braai’ on the Oval each term. The February gathering was a lovely success and we hope that our fellow Irene residents will come out and enjoy some company and good weather with us when we next meet.
AGM:
The next ILA AGM is scheduled for May 2013. The usual notices will be provided to our membership.
Marketing:
The ILA is in need of a marketing volunteer to champion this portfolio. Assistance is required in the area of non-membership and we would ask any resident who is willing to be involved with the recruitment of non-member residents to contact us by making contact with Jan at the provided number or Alyson Lea-Cox at 072 714 3740.
Database:
Rob Pitman, to whom we once again extend our sincere thanks, has upgraded the ILA database.
Once again we would like to thank our contributing members for their on-going support and confidence. Together we are able to make a difference in securing our village.
Your ILA
Elize van den Berg 082 924 5178 012 667 2273
Smuts House Museum
Ouma’s Tea GardenJan Smuts Ave, off Nellmapius Rd, Irene
Small Functions, Arboretum & TrailArt show every 2nd Sunday of the month
www.smutshouse.co.za
Smuts House: 012 667 1176/80 071 100 8481 [email protected] Garden: 083 595 7293
(Tea Garden closed on Mondays)
Dogs on leads welcome
IRENE VILLAGE HALL
One of our long term hirer’s has left. The hall is available on a Wednesday evening from 18h00. The front room is also available for hire from Monday to Sunday. Anyone interested in hiring one of these areas
is asked to contact Barbara Tanton at 082 899 2550.
WHICHEVER EGG YOU’RE EATING THIS
EASTER HOLIDAY...
Liza Smit082 990 [email protected]
...we wish you well over the break. While you enjoy some quality family time we promise to focus on finding solutions for your property challenges.
So if you are buying, selling or investing in property you can trust me to deliver the best service and experience.
Cake pops for every occasion
Tracey 082 460 6007Join us on Facebook: CakePopTeam
ILA Bring and Braai 17 February 2013
The original, genuine SLUSH PUPPIE ! Kiddies’ parties to weddings – always a hit at any function 1-, 2- & 3-barrel machines for hire Seven yummy flavours Cocktail recipes available on request with rental of machine Free delivery in Centurion area 083 384 2588 [email protected]
Are you dreaming of becoming a fashiondesigner or just long to know how a sewing machine works, what it can do for you and all the amazing outfits you can design and make for yourself? JOIN IN MY PASSION!
Classes are practical and funwhilst you will be learning how to:
• work with sewing machines• practically apply basic clothing construction skills• turn these skills into fabulous outfits (corsets, skirts, pants or anything you desire)• use, alter and make patterns• become a fashionista
Anyone from high school studentsupward is welcome and classes aredivided according to age categories For more info contact Miri Retief:• 083 385 2507• [email protected]• Villa San Marco 7, Waldore drive, Centurion estate & country club
P.S: Please make contact asap to avoid disappointment.
clothing construction& pattern design
passion forfashion
Butcher’s GrillThursday nights 18h30 - 22h30
@ R115.00 per person
CREATE YOUR OWN DISHSelection of rump, sirloin, ribs, fillet, pork chops
T-bone steak, lamb chops, beef & chicken espatadas.Corn on the cob, jacket potatoes, grilled veg, pap & gravy, potato bake,
a variety of sauces, marinades & spices to choose from.
0861 BRUNOS | [email protected] | www.brunos.co.za
Centurion Lake Hotel - 1001 Lenchen Avenue North, Centurion 0046
21Friends of the General Smuts Foundation
Bird walks
Saturday 6 April 2013 06h00 for 06h30 Saturday 4 May 2013 06h30 for 07h00
Venue: Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, off Nellmapius Road
Cost: R30 members; R40 visitors, includes bird/plant list Wear walking shoes, bring hat, water and bird or plant book
Booking: Contact: Sue 012 667 2917 or Cheryl 011 316 1426
Email: [email protected]
Supper talks
Time: 18h00 for 18h30 (We start serving supper at 18h30, Talk starts around 20h00 - late arrivals please advise for meal to be reserved)
Venue: Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, off Nellmapius Road Occasionally moved to GEM Village Hall - past Smuts entrance at end of
tar road. * * Reservations essential by not later than MONDAY evening before
event * * Cost R60 Members; R80 visitors. including light supper. Cash bar.
Contact Sue 012 667 2917 or Cheryl 011 316 1426/083 376 1734
Email: [email protected]
‘Art at Smuts House’ 09h00 to 15h00 every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Fine Art on display and for sale. Ouma’s Kitchen open for lunches and refreshments.
Venue: Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, off Nellmapius Road, Irene, Centurion
Cost: R10 vehicle entry charge
Enquiries: 012 667 1176
New books in the Irene Library– February 2013
Reference100 great modern lives (R929.02 ONE)
Kernwoordeboek / Concise dictionary (R439.36321 AFR)
Exams dictionary (R423 EXA)
Adult non-fictionLiving a delusion – Olga Morozova (920 MOR)
Tissue salts for healthy living – Margaret Roberts (612.3926 ROB)
Motorworld – Jeremy Clarkson (629.2220207 CLA)
Pet birds – David Alderton (636.68 ALD)
The ultimate book of baking – Martha Day (641.815 DAY)
Get her off the pitch! – Lynne Truss (920 TRU)
Driven to distraction – Jeremy Clarkson (629.2220207 CLA)
Bird watching – Jim Flegg (598.072344 FLE)
Don’t sweat the small stuff ... and it’s all small stuff – Richard Carlson (158.1 CAR)
The ascent of money – Niall Ferguson (330.9 FER)
Chosen by a horse – Susan Richards (636.10019 RIC)
Mighty prevailing prayer – Wesley L. Duewel (248.32 DUE)
In praise and celebration of daughters (306.874 INP)
Optimum nutrition made easy – Patrick Holford (613.2 HOL)
Your erroneous zones – Wayne W. Dyer (158.1 DYE)
The intention experiment – Lynne McTaggart (133.88 MAC)
Red dust: a path through China – Ma Jian (915.104 MAJ)
Human pin code – Douglas Forbes (133.3354 FOR)
The King’s speech – Mark Logue and Peter Conradi (941.0840922 LOG)
Stepping into the magic – Gill Edwards (158.1 EDW)
Fertility and conception – Ian Greer (612.6 GRE)
Junior and Teen non-fictionOur favourite Christmas book (J394.2663 OUR)
The Christopher Robin verse book – A.A. Milne (J821.912 MIL)
23English fictionThe art of falling – Deborah Lawrenson
Eucalyptus – Murray Bail
Never surrender – Michael Dobbs
Arctic chill – Arnaldur Indridason
Jacquot and the master – Martin O’Brien
Acorna’s children: Third watch – Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
Acorna’s children: Second wave - Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
The burning land – Bernard Cornwell
Hidden – Katy Gardner
Zebra crossings – Peter Merrington
Personal injuries – Scott Turow
Wall of days – Alastair Bruce
The last warner woman – Kei Miller
The museum of innocence – Orhan Pamuk
Friends, lovers, chocolate – Alexander McCall Smith
Red mist – Patricia Cornwell
More than it hurts you – Darin Strauss
Day after night – Anita Diamant
The peacock emporium – Jojo
Moyes
Alibi – Joseph Kanon
The colour of love – Preethi Nair
Large-print English fictionJunior and Teen English fictionThe orange girl – Jostein Gaarder (Teen)
Anne of Green Gables – L. M. Montgomery (Teen)
Nqalu the mouse with no whiskers – Marguerite Poland
Ruler of the realm – Herbie Brennan (Teen)
Anne of Avonlea – L.M. Montgomery (Teen)
Afrikaans fictionDesembers – Petra Müller
Afrikaans Junior and Teen fictionSkaduwee van die dood – Janie Oosthuysen
ToddlerWhat do people do all day?
101 Dalmatians
The night before Christmas
The wind in the willows
Cars
Cinderella
Theo and the cat burglar
The Collins book of nursery tales
Tales from Littletown
Heather the Highland cow
Tig and Tag in trouble
Otto gaan plaas toe (Afrikaans)
To Annabella Pelican from Thomas Hippopotamus
Oscar Octopus and the Fish Faces
Kariena Karyn (Afrikaans)
Ten little mice
Paddiwak and Cosy
Parsnip and the runaway tractor
Long Tooth and Tiny Tusks
Stories of Winnie-the-Pooh
Charlie and Tyler at the seashore
The cottage at the end of the lane
Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger too
The apple trees
Let the sun shine
Kipper’s toybox
Under the blackberries, in between the roses
King of kings
Alice in Wonderland
Toby’s big surprise
Time
Baby’s first book
Town Crier March 2013
City breaches agreement with Tshwane SPCA
The Tshwane SPCA signed an agreement with the City of Tshwane on 3 January to run the municipal pound and collect carcasses, on condition that the City paid the Tshwane SPCA monies outstanding for five months for services rendered at the Kungwini branch of the Tshwane SPCA. According to the agreement, the Tshwane SPCA would receive written confirmation of payment of the outstanding monies by 5 January 2013, and payment by 31 January 2013. To date, the Tshwane SPCA has not received payment and has consequently initiated a breach of contract procedure on the agreement with the City of Tshwane.
The Tshwane SPCA does not have the resources to continue rendering the services that are the City’s responsibility in terms of the City of Tshwane’s Environmental Health By-Laws without compensation. The SPCA is eager to work with the City of Tshwane to provide services to the community, but only on condition that the City honours their agreements in terms of payments.
The main mandate of the Tshwane SPCA remains the prevention of cruelty to animals and the education of the community on the evils of animal cruelty. Due to lack of funding, the Tshwane SPCA will no longer provide services in Kungwini, and this facility will close as from Tuesday 19 February. All SPCA services will continue as usual: responding to reports of cruelty, neglect and abandoned animals, providing affordable veterinary services at our Waltloo branch for members of our community who cannot afford private vets, and our education and community outreach programmes and in the absence of a municipal pound - providing a lost-and-found service.
The cost of running the Tshwane SPCA amounts to approximately R750 000.00 per month. We appeal to the community for financial assistance to continue to serve the community and animals of the Greater Tshwane. Anyone who comes across a stray animal is requested to bring the animal in to our kennels, as we do not have the funds to collect strays – just your little help will go a long way to helping lost and abandoned animals.
This statement was issued on 19 February 2013 by the Tshwane SPCA
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Wetlands play an essential part in the regulation of river flow, they filter pollutants and fertilizers, and they are spawning zones for some species of fish. They also provide an elaborate habitat for plants, insects, batrachians and birds.
The present valleys and river beds upon the planet were formed in the aftermath of the last glacial periods, due to processes of erosion, and the deposits of sand and gravel. This in turn was followed by a gradual progression to the present climate, during which deposits of fine organic or mineral alluvial silt and erosion is still ongoing. Different types of features can be distinguished: from the river bed carved out of the rock to alluvial valleys formed from a succession of deposits of gravel, fine sand and peat.
The expanse of groundwater in these deposits when they are well developed can constitute a large reserve which absorbs the variations of water flow. Alluvial deposits act rather like sponges which absorb surplus water before releasing it later. In these alluvial areas part of the water follows the course of the river, and this drainage can represent a large volume. As the water in these areas has been filtered, has a more constant temperature and constitutes a reserve of good quality water.
When the flow of water from the river basin has to cross alluvial formations before joining rivers significant quantities of nitrates or pesticides contained in the water are eliminated by the action of bacteria trapped in the soil or by the vegetation. These functions and the regulation of water flow and retention of diffused pollutants from the river basins, combined with the positive effects on the fauna such as providing a specific habitat for fish; in providing a safe area for spawning for some species of fish in wetlands and for some in flooded grasslands. The attraction of bird-life makes these areas very important ecological zones.
In traditional landscapes wetlands have specific features. Those are wet grasslands, rushes, willows, etc. but in some regions the systematic drainage of this water-logged soil has resulted in the disappearance
Urban Conservation Initiative: The importance and the future of wetlands
27of these essential buffer zones. What make things even worse are the plantings of maize etc, anything which leaves the soil laid bare for long periods; and which needs large quantities of fertilizers and pesticides. They have very real effects and appear to be disastrous for rivers downstream, as sudden rises in water level, low water levels, and poor water quality is the result of such. Sand and gravel extraction in large alluvial valleys through drainage, has also transformed the landscape.
The consequences of these industries are often negative, as the floodwater no longer spreads out naturally but flows rapidly into rivers which increase the rise in water level. This water is loaded with organic and mineral material causing erosion of the river basin and alluvial silt is deposited in the river bed. Wetlands which are vital to the balance of rivers and crucial for the diversity of animal and vegetable species can only be preserved through political resolve. They should not be merely abandoned but properly managed like other areas.
Agricultural and forestry activities cannot be profitable within the structures of current policies without South Africa and most parts of the developing world; consequently owners and those working the land must be helped within the framework of landscape and river basin management. The flow and quality of rivers will depend on this action.
Wetlands are important and valued environments for many reasons, some are listed below:
• They are highly productive ecosystems, and are able to capture energy and provide food for many animals.
• They provide important refuges for wildlife in times of drought.• They are naturally beautiful places and provide opportunities for
recreation activities such as boating, swimming, bushwalking and bird watching.
• They provide a natural water balance in the landscape and help to provide protection against floods.
• They have a role in providing water quality protection in the catchment by filtering pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, organic and inorganic matter and bacteria.
• They support a wide variety of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) and
28form different habitats and ecosystems.
• They provide nursery areas for fish, and breeding grounds for wildlife,particularly water birds.
• Wetlands provide vital habitat for some species of threatened fauna (animals).
• They provide refuge for migratory water birds that breed in the northern hemisphere in countries such as China and Siberia. Thousands of migratory water birds inhabit wetlands each year.
• Many wetland inhabitants are of cultural significance to indigenous people, i.e. the Sacred Ibis
• They provide opportunities for scientific research and are a source of education for the community.
Importance of shallow water habitats to fish resources
About 75% of the world’s commercially important species of marine fish and shellfish and 80-90% of recreationally important species is dependant for their survival (for spawning, nursery, migration and feeding areas) on shallow inshore waters that include bays, estuaries and rivers flowing to sea.
Wetlands losses
The world has lost more than half the original wetlands to development. Coastal wetlands provide essential habitat to thousands of species of marine fish and invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. They also provide protection from severe storms, reduce the severity of flooding, purify water by removing sediments and nutrients, prevent erosion, and supply a major source of food (detritus) supporting fish populations on the continental shelf.
Toxic contaminants and disease
As many as 20% of the bottom-dwelling fish living in our most highly urbanized estuaries have diseased livers and up to 70% of such fish have other types of ailments leading to cancer. Within harbors, bottom sediments have high levels of poly-nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, which are derived from the use of coal and gasoline, and have been linked to
such diseases.
Nutrient loading
Nutrient over-enrichment from sewage treatment facilities and from fertilizers in storm water runoff from farms and lawns are producing massive ‘dead zones’. This is also evident in our region’s river systems. The Hennops river catchment area is under extreme pressure from seasonal sewage spills originating within the Ekhurulenei Municipality boundaries; translating to the Swartzkop Estuary and further down, the Hartbeespoort/ Cradle of Mankind Biome. Algal ‘blooms’ are created, when the algae die and sink to the bottom, their decay robs oxygen needed by fish and other marine life for survival.
Dams and diversions of freshwater flows
Rivers and streams that have been dammed, usually for hydroelectric power, or water supply; and whose flows have been diverted for irrigation of agricultural areas in places that are arid, such as deserts, have experienced even larger ecosystem damage than that caused by most wetlands losses and pollution, combined.
Fishery resources declines
Throughout the world, most inshore-dependent species of fish and shellfish have declined in abundance by 75 to 95% of their former levels. The two primary causes, of roughly equal proportion, are overfishing and habitat loss and degradation. Urbanization is eliminating the prime nursery areas - sea grass beds, salt marsh and mangrove habitats, at various coastal areas throughout the globe.
Wetlands are precious ecosystems that are directly related to mans’ future upon the planet.
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Town Crier March 2013
Small businessesBaby Guardian Well Baby Clinic: Baby and children’s vaccinations done in the comfort of your own home. Private and State vaccines available. Flu vaccines also available (while stocks last). Phone Andrea 083 320 0266 or email [email protected].
Security/Steelwork: Welding and repair work of steel fencing, burglar bars, security gates and motorised gates and intercom systems. Guaranteed professional work. Phone Koos Sutherland 082 374 7164.
Ann Campbell (ARAD – Teach Dip) School of Dance: offering Pilates and Body Conditioning, Ballet – especially for the younger child at home studio and Irene Homes Hall,
Ballroom and Latin American – social group classes, private lessons and wedding dances. Phone Ann 012 667 5187/083 316 7842 or email [email protected] Dressing: We make all kinds of window dressings – Curtains, blinds, pelmets, etc. Outdoor/indoor cushions, headboards, ottomans (Nguni ottomans incl.) Paint techniques on anything you want. Workshop in Irene. Call Wilna @ 084 533 0038.
Worm ‘wee’ for sale: R20.00 per 2L bottle. Your plants will be nutritionally revitalised with this organic ‘green’ product. Please contact Richard on 082 451 4451 for further information.
Yoga In Irene: Small classes, morning and
evening. All ages and special pensioner classes. Phone Carey 083 678 9889.LP Gas: Cannisters delivered to your home. 9kg, 19kg, 48kg. Phone Colin 082 856 5335/Vernon 083 666 6212/e-mail orders [email protected].
Firewood/kaggel hout: Delivered per half ton load, one solid cube cut to size, delivered at your convenience. Call Oscar 078 389 9632. R780 per cube, free delivery included. Anthracite also available.
Small business advertisements R50 per placement. Email: info@tlgpublishing.
Please diarise
1st May 2013 Irene Homes Garden Fete
09h00 to 14h00
Town Crier March 2013
Scissor man (Pieter van der Merwe)
Can sharpen knifes, scissors and garden tools.Deliveries and collections can be made at
Irene Homes - 2 Albert Road, Irene orContact Maureen on 012 667 5285.
Irene Garden ClubSaturday
16 March 2013
Subject will be owls
All visitors are very welcome
For further information please contact
Di Walker on
012 667 1713
or 072 476 9243
Tshwane Youth Theatre
presents
Aladdin
Irene Village Theatre (2-13 April) 1 Pioneer Rd Irene
Bookings: [email protected]
32
Town Crier March 2013
Small criesAccommodation wanted
Mirriam needs to rent a room from Mondays to Fridays. She works 3 times a week for me, but unfortunately I do not have accommodation on my premises. She has been renting in Irene, but the owners have sold the house and the new owners need the room for their domestic worker. Please contact Anita 082 442 4013.
Single male executive quiet and of sober habits, looking for a garden flat – furnished or unfurnished in Irene or close environs. Derek Waterson 082 413 4370.
We are looking for a garden cottage to rent in Irene. Call Riaan on 082 822 5358.
Domestics
Johanna Makuwa is seeking employment for
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The family she was working for has moved to Cape Town. She has been working with us for the past 8 years and is extremely reliable, hard working and honest. She speaks English and Afrikaans. Please contact Marinda 083 382 4797.
Rosiena Maifo has been working for us for the past two years. She is a cheerful lady, hardworking, trustworthy and takes pride in her work. She is looking for work in and around the Irene area on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Rosiena can be contacted on 072 217 6452/for reference contact Edi 083 994 4905.
Patience is an impeccably honest, hard working dedicated domestic worker, also good with children. She works for me in Irene
for two days a week Tuesday and Thursday, and is looking for work on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. She is available immediately. I would highly recommend Patience as a good domestic worker. Phone Patience on 073 342 2788 or for a reference on 011 316 6654.
Johanna is available on Mondays and Fridays in Irene or surrounds. She is hardworking, very trustworthy and in the years I have known her and that she’s being working for me, never did not smile. She is extremely positive, friendly and efficient. Phone Marietjie for reference 082 789 8317 or 012 677 5352.
My very competent, trustworthy domestic needs work on Fridays. Please phone me for more info Su 083 228 8474.
33Dancing their way to the top...The Eunice Marais School of Dance have a busy year ahead as they prepare to send their team of 65 dancers to the Hip Hop World Championships in Denmark from 16 to 21 October 2013. These dancers will be defending their world title in the production section, which they won in 2011 and 2012. 36 Countries and 3600 dancers attend the IDO world championships annually. Please look out for fundraising events this team will be putting together over the next few months, such as the Flash Mob staged at Irene Village Mall recently.
Another recent achievement for this dance school has been the selection of the crew called ‘Kryptonite’ by the World Dance Sport Federation to compete in the World Dance Sport Games, in Taipei in September 2013 (all expenses covered). This is the ‘dance equivalent’ of the Olympic Games and happens every four years. They are the only dancers from South Africa that have been invited to attend.
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Important Telephone Numbers
EBS24hrs Control Room:
012 667 6337 or 071 576 5904
EBS Irene Manager (Dawie): 071 476 4110
ILA members without alarms should phone the EBS 24hr Control Room for assistance.
ILAIrene Village Manager - Jan Swanepoel: 083 607 6600
e-mail: [email protected]
ILA Administration Accounts (Veronica): 071 657 9547
(Alyson): 072 714 3740 Fax: 086 776 7452
e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]
Street Lightse-mail: [email protected] tel: 012 358 9999
Tshwane Metro Emergency Services
Power Failures: 012 358 2541 Water Supply: 012 358 2111
Ambulance/Fire: 10177 Metro Police: 1 0111
Important Telephone Numbers
EBS24hrs Control Room:
012 667 6337 or 071 576 5904
EBS Irene Manager (Dawie): 071 476 4110
ILA members without alarms should phone the EBS 24hr Control Room for assistance.
ILAIrene Village Manager - Jan Swanepoel: 083 607 6600
e-mail: [email protected]
ILA Administration Accounts (Veronica): 071 657 9547
(Alyson): 072 714 3740 Fax: 086 776 7452
e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]
Street Lightse-mail: [email protected] tel: 012 358 9999
Tshwane Metro Emergency Services
Power Failures: 012 358 2541 Water Supply: 012 358 2111
Ambulance/Fire: 10177 Metro Police: 1 0111
Joanne FischerCell: 076 373 0124Office: (012) 667 2167www.seeff.com
If you are selling, buying or letting,or require a market related evaluation,phone me. I have been a resident inIrene for 40 years. With the Seeff National Branch network, I willsell your property in the quickesttime possible and at the best price. I will be back at Seeff on 1 March 2013.
For the Adults: R115.00 p/pLamb on the Spit, Grilled Snoek, Four types of Grills, Pasta’s, Stir Fries, Salads, Desserts
Kids under 12 eat for FreeLimited to two kids per adultKiddies Buffet, Supervised play area
Bookings are essential.
0861 BRUNOS | [email protected] | www.brunos.co.za
Centurion Lake Hotel1001 Lenchen Avenue North, Centurion 0046.Actual prodct may vary from photographs and illustrations.
Sunday Lunch