Newsletter - March 2015

Web: www.helderbergvillage.org.za
Issue 3/2015
Email: [email protected]
MARCH 2015
In addition to the events listed in the Diary (27 February to 8 March), dates for
regular events occurring more than once in the month, are listed below.
Movie Memories – Monday 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 March– 9:30 am – Kilberry Terrace
Bingo - Tuesday, 10 & 24 March – 6:30 pm – Clubhouse
Pool Fun Evenings – Wednesday, 4, 11, 18 & 25 March – 6:00 pm – Clubhouse
Shuttle to Friedman & Cohen – Wednesday, 4, 11, 18 & 25 March – 9:00 am
THIS WEEK’S DIARY
DAILY events - (Monday to Friday)
 Daily 7:00 am – 12 noon: Senior Fitness – The Gym (Dena 083 600 1031)
 Daily 9:15 am - Shuttle to Somerset West / Somerset Mall / Waterstone Village
 Daily 10:00 am – 12 noon & 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Library (021) 855 8395
(Note: The Library is closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and Public Holidays)
Friday 27
By app. Medical doctor on weekend duty (021) 855 4732
7:30 am Tennis – Social Play
8:30 am Ladies Golf Competition
10:00 am Line dancing – Exercise Studio (Bess 021 855 5270)
10:00 am First Choice Gold Presentation – Kilberry Terrace
1:45 pm Villager bowls
2:00 pm Shuttle to Heldervue shopping centre
2:00 pm Croquet draw – Bisquers / Handicap
3:15 pm Choir practice - Talani
Saturday 28
7:30 am & 3:00 pm: Tennis – Social Play (by private arrangement)
8:00 am Croquet draw - social
8:30 am Golf club competition
9:00 am
- 3:00 pm: Arts & Crafts Society Open Day – Art Room
10:00 am Library (10:00 am – 12 noon) (021) 855 8395
2:00 pm Bowls tabs-in
2:30 pm Canasta - Clubhouse
3:00 pm Association Croquet
4:00 pm Starlight Classics at Vergelegen (show starts at 7:30 pm)
Sunday 1 March
10:00 am NG Kerkdiens – Kilberry Terrace
10:30 am Herzliche Einladung zum Waldgottesdienst in Jonkershoek
11:30 am Church Service – Kilberry Terrace
Monday 2
By app. Medical doctor – Dr M de Wet (021) 855 4732
By app. Audiometrist, Healthcare (Ann-Mari von Bergmann 021 855 0138)
By app. Oral Hygiene (Jeanne-Marie Engelbrecht 083 997 2097)
7:30 am Tennis - Social Play
8:30 am Remedial Yoga – Exercise Studio – Wilma 071 360 2995
9:30 am Movie Memories – Kilberry Terrace
11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Pilates - The Gym (Dena 021 855 4729)
11:45 am Stretch & Tone – (Cynthia 021 886 6800)
2:00 pm Line dancing – Exercise Studio (Bess 021 855 5270)
2:00 pm Croquet draw – Bisquers / Handicap
4:00 pm Senior Fitness – The Gym (Dena 083 600 1031)
5:00 pm Back Maintenance – Exercise Studio (Amaritha 021 851 3156)
Tuesday 3
By app. Medical doctor – Dr F van Wijk (021) 855 4732
8:00 am Back Maintenance – Exercise Studio (Amaritha 021 851 3156)
8:00 am Croquet draw - Social
9:00 am Chess – Clubhouse
9:00 am & 2:00 pm: Painting – All media – Art & Crafts room
9:00 am - 12 noon: Pottery Open Day – Pottery Studio
10:00 am Pathcare – Dr Dietrich & Partners (Blood Tests) – Healthcare
11:15 am Interdenominational Church Service – Healthcare in west lounge
1:15 pm Duplicate Bridge - Talani (Irene King 021 855 0763)
2:00 pm Bowls tabs-in
5:30 pm Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – Exercise Studio (Barbara 021 855 4130)
Wednesday 4
By app. Medical doctor – Dr Haasbroek (021) 855 4732
7:30 am Tennis – Social Play
8:15 am Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – Exercise Studio (Barbara 021 855 4130)
9:00 am Fabric Painting – Arts & Crafts room
11:00 am Golf Competition
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1:30 pm
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Thursday 5
By app.
8:00 am
9:00 am
9:45 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12 noon
12 noon
1:15 pm
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
5:00 pm
Friday 6
By app.
7:30 am
8:30 am
10:00 am
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:15 pm
Saturday 7
7:30 am
8:00 am
8:00 am
10:00 am
1:45 pm
3:00 pm
5:30 pm
Sunday 8
10:00 am
11:30 am
4:00 pm
Duplicate Bridge – Talani (Margaret Harington 021 855 3524)
Bowls – arrange own games
Quilting – Arts & Crafts room
Christian Book Club – Kilberry Terrace
Association Croquet
Senior Fitness – The Gym (Dena 083 600 1031)
- 6:00 pm: Line Dancing - Exercise Studio (Bess 021 855 5270)
Medical doctor – Dr P Odendaal (021) 855 4732
Croquet draw - Social
Villagers’ Tea - Clubhouse
REAL classes – Exercise Studio (Trudi 078 747 1859)
Pathcare – Dr Dietrich & Partners (Blood Tests) – Healthcare
CVDPRP - Heart education – Exercise Studio (Trudi 078 747 1859)
CVDPRP exercise for your Heart – Gym (Dena – 021 855 4729)
Stretch & Tone – (Cynthia 021 886 6800)
Social Bridge – Talani (Judith Todd 021 855 0415)
Bowls Tabs-in
Knitting & Sewing for Charity – Arts & Crafts room
Back Maintenance – Exercise Studio (Amaritha 021 851 3156)
Medical doctor on weekend duty (021) 855 4732
Tennis – Social Play
Ladies Golf Competition
- 12 noon: Line dancing – Exercise Studio (Bess 021 855 5270)
Friday Crafters – Arts & Crafts Room
Village Bowls
Shuttle to Heldervue Shopping Centre
Croquet draw – Bisquers / Handicap
Choir practice - Talani
& 3:00 pm: Tennis – Social Play (by private arrangement)
Golf club competition
Croquet draw - Social
Library (10:00 am – 12 noon) (021) 855 8395
Bowls tabs-in
Association Croquet
US Symphony Orchestra - Schumann piano concerto – Endler Hall
NG Kerkdiens – Kilberry Terrace
Church Service – Kilberry Terrace
Music Society Concert – Talani
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EVENTS & OUTINGS (Book at the Club Office 021 855 8333)
 Last night of the Proms at the Cape Town City Hall on Sunday, 15 March at 2:30
pm. Tickets R200 – R250; transport R143 p.p.
 Blue / Orange – a play with pulse-quickening insight and wit. It cuts to the heart of
controversial questions about cultural assumptions and racial prejudice with
surgical precision starting Andrew Buckland. At the Baxter on Thursday, 12 March
at 8:15 pm. Tickets R130; transport R143 p.p.
 Swan Lake by the internationally acclaimed St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre at the
Artscape Opera House on Tuesday, 19 May 2015 at 8:00 pm. Tickets R285 – R630;
transport R143 p.p.
CULTURAL & SOCIAL
ARTS & CRAFTS: The Pottery Open Day will be on Tuesday, 3 March from 9:00 am to
12:00 noon. Please come along to watch and ask questions while the potters are at
work in the Pottery Studio, next door to the Library.
BRIDGE:
Tuesday Duplicate Bridge – Janis van Rensburg (021) 855 1693
Thursday Social Bridge – Judith Todd (021) 855 0415
Results of 13 Table Mitchell Played 24 February 2015
North / South: 1st Margaret & Graham Harington
58.5%
2nd Doreen Holmes & Barbara Moolman 58.0%
East / West:
1st Eunice Marais & Ann Woodford
62.2%
2nd Maureen & Roy Thorsen
59.0 %
Thursday Social Bridge winner – 19 February - Marilyn Jardine
6 330 pts
CHESS: Newcomers are welcome to join us on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 am in the
Clubhouse. Winners: Ted Allan (3), Isaac Rutowitz (1), David Mahlangu (2), Eddie
Daniels (1), Armand Etsebeth (8) and Manfred Heydenreich (1).
GARDEN CLUB: Our next outing will be to the Abalimi-Harvest of Hope pack shed in
Philippi on Tuesday, 17 March. After seeing the pack shed in action, Rob Small will
show us their garden training centre in Nyanga, which is also a leading micro-farm.
We will leave from the Kilberry Terrace parking area at 9:30 am. A donation of R10 (or
more) is requested for this worthwhile vegetable gardening project. Donations will be
collected before we leave. Please put your name on the list in the Club Office, if you
would like to attend this outing.
LIBRARY: The Library AGM will be held on Thursday, 26 March 2015 at 5:30 pm in
Kilberry Terrace. Notice of the AGM, together with a copy of the revised Library
Constitution to be adopted at the AGM, nomination forms and Minutes of the
previous year’s AGM, are displayed on the Library notice board.
Movie Evening: On Wednesday, 11 March, our foreign / art film will be “The
Portuguese Nun” (Portuguese and French with English sub-titles). This uplifting story is
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about Julie, a young actress who is shooting a film in Lisbon. Julie’s encounters with a
local nun and with a young boy who has lost both his parents change her destiny
forever. “Elegant, eccentric and absolutely captivating… one of the best films of the
year.” Peter Bradshaw (The Guardian). Running time: 122 minutes
MOVIE MEMORIES - Kilberry Terrace – Monday, 2 March @ 9:30 am
First Knight starring Sean Connery, Richard Gere & Julia Ormond. After King Arthur
(Connery) of Camelot has fought several wars which have led to peace and justice for
his land, he is turning his attention to thoughts of marriage, his chosen one being Lady
Guinevere (Ormond), who has become head of neighbouring Leonesse following the
death of her father. Peace and justice for Arthur and Guinevere are short lived as
Prince Malagant, one of the Knights of the Round Table, wants Camelot for himself
and King Arthur deposed. As the King's betrothed, Guinevere becomes Malagant's
target in achieving both his goals. Meanwhile, Lancelot (Gere) is a free-living peasant
who often makes his way through life by demonstrations of his sword fighting
prowess. On Malagant's first attempt at abducting Guinevere, Lancelot, by
happenstance, is there to save her. He falls in love with her at first sight. Although
attracted to the man who saved her, Guinevere cannot think of any other man in the
lead up to her marriage to Arthur. Because of his attraction to Guinevere, Lancelot
becomes involved in the battles between Malagant and Arthur in Lancelot doing
whatever is needed to keep Guinevere safe. As these battles brew and as Arthur
becomes indebted to Lancelot for saving Guinevere at the possible expense of his own
life, Guinevere cannot help but fall for Lancelot, resulting in a romantic triangle
comprised of Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot, a triangle of which Arthur is unaware. A
magnificent epic full of spectacular battles, blazing passion and grand performances.
MUSIC SOCIETY: Spencer Myer will give a piano recital on Sunday, 8 March at 4:00 pm
in Talani. Spencer is well-known in this country since he gained First Prize in the tenth
UNISA International Piano Competition in 2004. He has performed in many parts of
the world as soloist and in orchestral and chamber music. Tickets for non-members
cost R60 (adults); R30 (students). Members pay a R15 door fee. Villagers who need
lifts to Music Society concerts, may phone Sophia Lugt on (021) 855 4774.
The Music Society Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, 13 April in Talani
at 3:30 pm, followed by a recital by Colette Brand (cello), a student of Anzèl Gerber,
accompanied on the piano by Elna van der Merwe.
SPORTS
BOWLS: This Saturday, 28 February will be the last home games of both Village
Provan teams. Both matches will be against the two teams from the Strand Bowling
Club. We look forward again to fellow bowlers, who have supported our teams at
these home games. The draw for the nominated mixed pair’s competition is the notice
board.
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CROQUET: The Croquet AGM will be held on Monday, 30 March 2015 at 11:00 am in
Talani.
Last week our players were very busy at Somerset West Croquet Club participating in
the W.C.C.A. Association Croquet competition. Congratulations to Silvia Dreyer, who
came first in her section and collected the J & B Rare Scotch Whisky Level Singles
Trophy. Barry Lessing entered for the first time and played well and learnt a lot from
the visiting overseas players. Peter Dreyer and Tony Whateley had some good wins in
their blocks against players with very good handicaps. Esther Jones also played very
well and came second in her block. On the final day of play, 32 participants returned to
Helderberg Village and had a lovely meal in the Clubhouse.
Our own Social Sunday was well attended with plenty of croquet followed by snacks
and drinks. We definitely need more chairs! It was very lively and interesting
afternoon, especially with new members and visitors participating for the first time.
GOLF: The Golf AGM will be held on Wednesday, 25 March 2015 at 6:00 pm in the
Clubhouse.
Competition results: Wednesday, 18 February - 4BBB Stableford
Winners:
Japie Joubert & Andre Kock
43 pts c/in
Runners up: Sibella & Frikkie Pieters
43 pts c/out
Friday, 20 February – Individual Stapleford
Winner: Alison Rutowitz
17 pts
Runner-up: Jane Rossiter
15 pts
Saturday, 21 February – 4 Ball Progressive Alliance
Winners:
Japie Joubert, Andre Kock, Brian Paine & Mike Green
81 pts
Runners up: Nick Newcomb, Pam Pyle, Heidi Kahn & Eric Kahn
80 pts
Monday, 23 February – Old Boys – 3 Ball Alliance
Winners:
Rob Anderson, Johann Diener, Peter Cunningham & Peter Martin
85 pts
Runners up: Neville Zietsman, Johan Rossouw, Darryl Cousins & Mike Farrell 85 pts c/o
GENERAL
CLUBHOUSE EVENT: In conjunction with WPC, we will be hosting a High Tea with
special guests, Petru Wessels and Carel Trichardt (renowned South African actors) on
Thursday, 23 April at 4:00 pm in the Clubhouse. They will be giving a recital
(theatrical) in both Afrikaans and English. Bookings can be done at the Club Office
(021 855 8333) at R250 per ticket. Champagne will be available for your own account.
CHRISTIAN BOOK CLUB: Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 4 March in Kilberry
Terrace at 3:00 pm. New folk will be warmly welcomed. We have over 100 books to
choose from – Biographies, study & popular and fiction books to encourage and
enlighten – something for everyone! We enjoy inspiring, friendly fellowship while we
enjoy a cup of tea and eats. For further info, phone Conny Niese on (021) 855 1810.
DAM LEVELS:
Gerard Schmidt (unit 925)
In February, with nearly no rain, our dam levels went down further. Bredell Dam is
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now 1150mm down having lost another 310mm. Shemara is keeping up well at
400mm below overflow, having lost 80mm, and Vredenburg is 710 mm below
overflow, having lost another 200mm. In Vredenburg, the boreholes are not keeping
up with evaporation and Pond No 4 is now 250mm below overflow, less than we
would like.
GERMAN CHURCH SERVICE: Herzliche Einladung zum Waldgottesdienst in
Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, Schweizer Klub. Conny Niese (021) 855 1810
HEATHERTON HOUSE FRIDAY TEA LADIES: A group of volunteers, under the friendly
guidance of Christine de Wet, is doing wonderful work providing tea and cake every
Friday to residents in Heatherton House. Permanent and relief volunteers are always
needed to assist when others are away on holiday or ill, or become too frail to assist
anymore.
 Permanent volunteers are on duty only once a month. All that is required once a
month is 1½ hours of your time on a Friday morning and a plate of eats.
 Relief volunteers are on call should one of the permanent volunteers not be
available.
An urgent appeal for help is made to all Villagers, but particularly to “new” Villagers to
please come and help us bring some joy to Villagers less fortunate than ourselves. It
really does not demand much of your time, whilst it is an opportunity to meet new
friends. You will become part of the wonderful Village lifestyle and will soon feel at
home. Please contact Christine de Wet (021) 855 0651.
HELDERBERG VILLAGE CALENDAR 2016: The Calendar 2015 project received
wonderful support from Villagers and sponsors alike and an amount of R32 200 was
raised for the Friends of Healthcare Fund. Village management has decided to launch
a similar project for 2016 following the same format as before. Villagers are requested
to submit their photographs of scenery in Helderberg Village to the Club Office. These
photographs will be displayed in the foyer Clubhouse and Villagers can vote for their
favourite two photographs in the Club Office.
The aim is to select two photographs per month from March to August 2015 to ensure
that the final product is ready for the printers by the end of September 2015. The aim
is to have the Calendars available for sale in the Club office by 1 November 2015.
Village management will also be producing two different styles of calendars, including
a hanging calendar. These calendars will make wonderful gifts for family, friends and
for use in your own home. The proceeds from the sale of the Calendars will again be
for the benefit of the Friends of Heatherton House fund used to support those
Villagers residing in Frail Care who have fallen on financial hard times.
Sponsorship & Donations: The Liaison Services office will again liaise with various
businesses in the community regarding sponsorship for the production of the calendar
but need your participation through donations and prize sponsorships. The goal is to
raise enough funds to cover the cost of production to ensure that all proceeds are to
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the benefit of Villagers. Please do not hesitate to contact either Tanja Görlich
(021) 855 8316 or Ley-Ann Cartwright (021) 855 8311 should you wish to discuss such
sponsorships – your participation and contribution will contribute to the success of the
project.
How to enter your photograph: Please print your photograph in full colour on glossy
A4 photographic paper in landscape format, add your details on the back of the
photograph and submit it to the Club office.
Entries for March 2015 will be accepted until Friday, 27 March 2015.
All entries for March 2015 will be on display until Thursday, 2 April 2015.
For the months following, all photographs must be submitted by the last Friday of the
month and will be on display until the next Friday.
Villagers may enter as many photographs as they wish and enter as many times as
they wish.
How to vote for your favourite photograph: Voting for the March submissions will
be open until 2 April 2015. Voting for following months will be open for the first week
of the next month and close on the first Friday of the month. Complete the ballot
paper and drop it in the voting box – only Villagers are eligible to vote. The Club Office
will use a separate list of Villager details to ensure that every Villager votes once only.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR CLUBS: Club memberships will automatically be
renewed on 1 March 2015. Anyone who wishes to change their membership status is
kindly requested to contact the Club Office on (021) 855 8333 without delay.
OPERA LOVERS: On Thursday, 19 March at 9:00 am in Kilberry Terrace, we will present
the DVD of Mozart’s DON GIOVANNI. This opera is based on the legends of Don Juan,
a fictional libertine and seducer. The opera is currently based tenth on the Opera base
list of the most-performed worldwide. Although sometimes classified as comic, it
blends comedy, melodrama and supernatural elements. This production at the Zurich
Opera House was staged by the highly creative team of conductor Nikolaus
Harnoncourt, Rodney Gilfry and Cecilia Bartoli led by a first class group of singers. The
opera has English sub-titles and a running time of 187 minutes. All Villagers are
welcome to join us and the entrance is free.
RAINFALL AT COTTAGE 354 (mm)
Period
January
November-January
February
Pete Wedepohl (unit 354)
2015
2014
20
49
-
45
178
2
24 year ave (1991-2014)
17
79
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SYMPATHY: It is with sadness that we have to advise of the passing of Villager, Mrs
Honor Daulby, unit 136 on Tuesday, 24 February 2015 at Vergelegen Medi-Clinic,
Somerset West. We express our sincere sympathy to her family and friends.
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THE FRIENDS OF HEALTHCARE:
Peter Wrighton – Trustee (1027)
We in Helderberg Village are very fortunate to have such a lovely Village to live in. We
are even more fortunate to have a dedicated management and staff to care for us and
support us. A very good example of this is that once again Sister Schneider at
Heatherton House and her staff have decided to run a Golf Day on Friday, 27 March
2015 to raise funds for The Friends of Healthcare. This is a terrific effort by them and
has to be done in their limited spare time.
Last year, they raised R40, 000 and when this is added to the funds raised by Tanja
Gorlich’s beautiful calendar, has gone a substantial way to bolster the solvency of The
Friends of Healthcare Fund. As you know, this Fund is used to help Villagers in
Healthcare who have fallen on hard times.
Last year’s golf day, whilst being very successful, was perhaps not as well supported by
villagers as it might have been. Over seventy percent of the funds raised came from
outside the village and we would like to change that this year.
Not only by asking the golfers to sign up for the limited slots left in the golf day, but
also by asking non-golfing Villagers to participate by sponsoring R100 if they are able
to do so. This can be done by either authorising Support Services to debit your
Management account, or by popping along to the Golf Reception on the day to pay
your sponsorship in cash – and to observe the fun! Please help.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
Psalm 91 verses 1 and 2
He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of
the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him
will I trust.
U3A MEETING: The History Interest Group of Helderberg U3A will present a talk at
Kilberry Terrace on Thursday, 12 March at 11:00 am. The speaker will be Max Ellwood
and his topic “The Border Reivers - sixteenth century mayhem on the Anglo-Scottish
Border. Its causes and effects. Was your family involved? Mine and many others
certainly were!” All Villagers are welcome. No charge.
VILLAGE TRAVEL SERIES: On Friday, 13 March 2015 at Kilberry Terrace at 6:00 pm,
Hazel Bond will tell us about Modern Living in Malta and Other Fortified Places.
Hazel will touch on Aigues Mortes, starting point for some of the crusades. The Papal
Palace and fortress at Avignon, abandoned by the Popes because of pollution,
Carcassonne, saved by a pig, Bad Kissingen, saved by bees and on to a tour of Malta,
invaded by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Saracens, Normans, French and
British and survivor of 1 200 air raids in World War II. Donations to cover costs.
WELCOME: A hearty welcome to the following new Villagers. We welcome you to the
Helderberg Village family and wish you many happy and healthy years with us.
Mrs Audrey Longley
Unit 126
(021) 855 2870
Mrs Alice Moses
H05
079 476 4303
Mr Nigel and Mrs Shelia Stainforth
Unit 1017
(021) 855 1723
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Prof Ivan and Mrs Yvonne Steenkamp
Mrs Susanna Geldenhuys
Adv Johan Mouton
Unit 510
Unit 914
Unit 248
(021) 855 1490
(021) 855 1825
083 251 5447
Editorial – articles written / submitted by Villagers
ARGUS CYCLE TOUR:
Sylvia Leslie (021) 855 3713 & Ann MacKenzie (021) 855 4961
The “crazy lady cyclists” are at it again! We are training hard for the “Argus”, which is
now called the Cape Town Cycle Tour, and are hoping to raise money for Imibala – our
favourite charity, which equips disadvantaged children with school uniforms, track
suits, shoes and stationery. If anyone would like to sponsor us, we and Imibala would
be extremely grateful. We don’t guarantee we will finish the 109 km on 8 March, or
even start (if the wind is too strong on the day, we’ll opt out!) but we’ll give it a good
try! A sponsor sheet is available at the Club Office if you would like to sponsor us.
Any donation, however small, would be welcome.
BEATITUDES FOR THE ELDERLY:
Anne Fouche (Unit 318)
Blessed are they who understand, My faltering steps and shaking hand.
Blessed, who know my ears today, Must strain to catch the things they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know, My eyes are dim, and my mind is slow.
Blessed are they, who look away, When tea is spilled on the cloth that day.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile, Who stopped to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say, “You’ve told that story twice today”.
Blessed are they who make it known, That I’m loved, respected and not alone.
And blessed are they who ease the days, Of my journey home, in loving ways.
NATURE NOTES: Little Egret
Jon Richfield (unit 951)
The Little Egret is one of three species of white egret to be seen in Helderberg Village;
it occurs from the Cape to Europe and elsewhere. Its plumage is glossy white. During
the breeding season it has elegant hackled plumes on its back and throat and two
slender plumes (aigrettes) on the back of its head. Both the beak and shanks are black,
in contrast to our other egrets. The severe black-and-white, and the misanthropic
expression, lend it dignity to rival any ceremonial palace guard — until one sees its
feet, incongruously large and vivid yellow. It is as though a hospital matron in
uncreased white uniform suddenly turns out to be wearing a clown's yellow galoshes.
None the less, each of our ludicrous human fashions looks wildly out of place just
decades later, so let us not sneer. The yellow plays its part in mating recognition, and
the large feet are necessary for walking in the soft mud where they forage and where
humans would sink in ignominiously. They feed on whatever small animals they can
catch, whether reptiles, frogs, insects or fishes, but as waders they concentrate on
various tricks for hunting fishes and tadpoles.
Their unsociable expressions are appropriate; little egrets are territorial and as
intolerant of each other as of anything else, but they breed in flocks that writers
commonly call colonies, usually in trees. I dislike the term "colony" for such
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assemblies; they have very little socially cooperative behaviour and each couple
defends a nesting patch a few metres wide. Some colony! We can hardly blame the
birds however; intruders of their own and other species are likely to expel, kill, or eat
the young or their eggs, which incidentally are a dark blue-green, and beautifully matt.
These striking birds are welcome visitors in our Village though they only appear in
small numbers, often as individual foragers. It is questionable how welcome they
would be to breed here, seeing that they nest in flocks and discourage other species
from crowding their nests even though they often feed alone. People often object to
the nests of breeders in flocks, and though I would not be inclined to eject them on
the grounds of smell and mess, I am forced to agree that nesting colonies tend to oust
other species of roosting birds from our dams. Maybe some of our water bodies need
more trees and more islands.
In past centuries little egrets understandably were persecuted for their lovely
plumage, especially the aigrettes that hundreds of thousands of well-to-do women
wore in their coiffures. More surprisingly, the birds were a major luxury food item and
featured for example in coronation feasts in the middle ages. They actually were
exterminated in Britain until they began to return in the 20th century. Only
conservation laws prevented their being wiped out in the whole of Europe by now. Be
grateful that some still flaunt their yellow feet round our dams at times.
SANTA SHOE BOX:
Sandy Jack (unit 237) and Dena
The Santa Shoebox Project is an inspiring community initiative of the Kidz2Kidz Trust
that co-ordinates the donation, collection and distribution of personalized gifts at
Christmas time to underprivileged children across South Africa. You can do a box
yourself or make a financial donation and we will do the shopping and the decorating
for you – so easy! Please keep all your shoe boxes for this project; we will collect them
from you later in the year. Many villagers want to start shopping for their Santa Shoe
Boxes early instead of doing it all in September. This is a great idea! If you would like
to start early decide on the age and gender of the children to whom you would like to
give a box (any age from 1 – 18). Write this down on a piece of paper and in
September we will organise labels for those that need them. February/ March is a
great time to shop for kiddies summer clothing items – there are many sales in the
Mall right now (a pair of panties or underpants would also be very welcome).
Below is a list of the contents for each box. These can be bought over the next few
months as we only collect the shoeboxes in October each year.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush (in line with the age of the child)
• Bar of soap and a face cloth
• Educational items (in line with the age of the child) e.g. wax crayons, a colouring
book and a plastic painting apron for little ones and pencil crayons, pens, pencils,
koki pens, ruler, rubber, sharpener, pencil case etc. for school children
• Outfit of clothing
• Toy – a fun item again in line with the age of the child.
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• Sweets – please don’t buy chocolate as it melts
You may add any other items of your choice in addition to the above. All your items
must fit into one medium sized shoe box and it is so lovely if the box is full.
Additional information will be provided on this project in following monthly
newsletters. We hope many new villagers will join our project this year. We look
forward to hearing from you.
STARGAZING WITH OOG
Serena Ingamells (021) 855 1619
The Orion Observation Group, an amateur astronomy club in the
Boland, will host a stargazing evening on Saturday, 28 March at 7:00 pm
at Kilberry Terrace to celebrate international Earth Hour. Willie Koorts
from the South African Astronomical Observatory will give an illustrated
talk “Looking into the Dark: The Telescopes of Sutherland”. Villagers are invited
to come and look through telescopes and binoculars and enjoy an evening under
the stars. Donations at the door will be appreciated.
VILLAGERS’ CORNER:
 BEAUTIFYING THE VILLAGE: Some volunteers from the Garden Club are hoping to
make the courtyard area between Admin and Healthcare entrance more attractive.
The flower pots that are there will be removed, except for the planters. If whoever
put them there, and would like them back, please contact Healthcare Reception at
(021) 855 8348.
 CANASTA: You are welcome to join us every Saturday afternoon at 2:30 pm at the
Clubhouse.
 CRAZY CYCLISTS: The two “crazy cyclists” have one week to go before tackling the
109 km Cape Town Cycle Tour. We are praying for good weather on 8 March. Our
grateful thanks to all the kind people who have sponsored us – every cent will go to
the charity, Imibala, to bless some disadvantaged children with school uniforms,
books and stationery.
 HELDERBERG RADIO FLYERS will be hosting an Air show on Sunday, 1 March from
9:30 am to 2:30 pm at Boys and Girls Town. Access is via the adjacent road to the
N2 over the bridge to Macassar and follows the signs to the show. For more info,
phone Derick du Toit 073 102 1888.
 MAHJONG: Would you like to play – it’s fun. We will give you lessons. We meet
on Monday afternoons at Talani from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Please contact Janette
on (021) 855 1600 or 082 659 4064.
 VILLAGE BOOK CLUB: Our Book Club meets once a month to share; read and
review books. New members welcome. For more details, phone Reinke Brookes
(021) 855 0459 or 082 463 8928.
LOST AND FOUND:
 Someone lent me a book about Groote Schuur and I am embarrassed to confess
that I can’t remember who it was. Please contact Elizabeth Trace (021) 855 0179.
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THANK YOU:
Assunta Kurten (unit 240)
 Thank you for the Opera movies once a month, kindly showed by presented by
Bernard Bishop. We really appreciate the effort and look forward to many more.
WANTED:
 Can the owner of the golf car trailer without number plates, parked in the parking
lot opposite Healthcare, please contact the Club Office (021) 855 8333.
 Golf Car – contact Fred Rogerson on (021) 855 1549 / 073 304 1687.
 Golf car – contact Linda Watson on 083 325 1751 e-mail [email protected]
 Double bed base and mattress – phone 072 423 2178.
 A bath seat - new or second hand. Phone Hendrien Visser (021) 855 0113.
 Wraparound sun glasses that fit over existing spectacles. Phone 082 576 7602
 A garage to rent in the Village. Phone Sandy Garner, unit 532 on (021) 855 2342 or
083 419 0389.
 Garden chairs or plastic chairs for the Croquet Hut. Please phone Sue Harrod at
(021) 855 4217.
 If you have any “findings” – small things that I can use in my miniature work –
thimbles, beads, small feathers, etc. please call Elizabeth Moss on 071 408 5035 or
(021) 855 3513.
 White plastic tea / drinks trolley for a patio. Phone (021) 855 5067 / 082 820 5333.
 Front loader washing machine. Please phone Sonia Julies (021) 855 2890.
FOR SALE:
 Available at the Club Office (021) 855 8333: Honey @ R30, R35 and R40 (including
Orange blossom and Creamed honey), Olive Oil: Extra Virgin, cold pressed oil
direct from the farm. 750ml at R50 and Lion’s Christmas Cakes at R75 each.
 Burglar bars – 17 sets (matched pairs) of professionally made white burglar bars to
suit older-style Helderberg Village cottage windows. Immaculate condition. Part
or whole consignment available with fixing screws. R130 per pair or R2 040 for all
17 pairs. Please telephone (021) 855 4747 to inspect (Cottage 341).
 Ceiling chandelier with three (3) lamps, gold. R200 o.n.o. Phone (021) 855 2171.
 Kitchen appliances for sale. Phone (021) 855 1457.
 Black wrought iron dressing table with glass top with stool – R450. Trestle table,
R250, large woollen white rug (voetstoots), R250. 2 x blue checkered sleeping bags,
R100 for both. Phone (021) 855 2385.
 Battery operated shop rider mobility portable scooter, as new, used 2/3 times only,
easily folded to put into the boot of the car. R9 000 o.n.c.o. Phone 071 464 4437.
 Antique crystal chandelier, tear drops clear and amber crystals – Antique valued at
R8 000 but I am willing to sell for R2 000. Phone Anne Luker on 082 698 5372.
 Virgin Olive Oil from Montagu: Pure virgin olive oil – newly pressed at Montagu
available from Di Droomer (021) 855 3199 at R40 per 500 ml bottle.
 Club Mykonos - two bedroom unit over the weekend Friday, 24 to Monday
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morning, 27 April - R3 000, 00. Phone (021) 855 5564.
1 set of brown Henselite bowls size 3 - R400; 1 set of black Henselite bowls size 4 –
R350; both sets in very good condition; Pocket spring double divan with Ash
headboard in excellent condition – R1500; Pull golf trolley for sale – R150; Ladies
golf clubs: Golfsmith irons 5,6,7,8,9,pw,sw. Callaway woods 1,3,5,7 and a chipper R3,500. Phone (021) 855 2627
Extendable dining room table and 4 chairs as new for sale contact. Sandy Garner
Cottage 532 on (021) 855 2342.
2 North’s cast aluminium, wheeled, garden loungers with cream-stripe cushions,
(current RRP R5 000 ea), R2 000 each; 2 Self-opening 3.5m dia garden umbrellas
(cream) complete with concrete bases (cost R5 000 ea), R1 200 each. Brian Brown
(021) 855 1613.
Large, blue leather ‘Lazi-Boy’ recliner chair in good condition. R2 600. Contact Ann
MacKenzie on (021) 855 4961.
Holiday accommodation available – Kruger Park Lodge, Hazyview, week available
from 24 April to 1 May 2015, 3 bedroom – 8 sleeper, R8 000. Phone 082 880 8095.
Household items: Upright Hoover vacuum cleaner R100, Eubank (non-electric)
carpet sweeper R100, Fan R50, 2 pairs sill- height curtains for Flame 2nd bedroom
R200/pair, Clothes drying rack R300, Canvas hanging wardrobe R400, Heater R50, 2
Pine bedside lockers R50 each, Hammock R200. Phone (021) 855 2763.
Interior opaque off-white roller blinds for Flame, 2 months old; for Bedroom 1,
R1 000 and lounge Bay Window R1 200 or R2 000 for both (save R1 000). Phone
(021) 855 2763.
Bicycles: Ladies high performance / high specification mountain bike, full
suspension, disc brakes etc., hardly used ‘Giant’ R14 000 and Ladies and Gents
matching silver mountain bikes - R1 000 each. Phone (021) 855 2763.
Camera: Perfect for birding, sport etc. Easy to use Panasonic Lumix FZ 47, Leica
25-600mm lens, 24x opt/32x dig zoom, 3 years old, little used, as new R3500 ono.
(RRP R6000) http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7298748127/panasonicdmcfz47
Phone (021) 855 2763.
Sports equipment: 2 Slazenger badminton racquets R100 each, Digital skipping
rope R70, 1 Wilson & 1 Slazenger squash racquet R100 each, 2 Wilson Hammer
5.2 graphite tennis racquets with full head covers R900 each. Phone
(021) 855 2763.
Trampoline for adult exercise, Bellicon (German) R3 750 (RRP R6500). Phone
(021) 855 2763.
Dress & curtain materials together with other accessories for R50 per length; ice
trays 94) and freezer packs (6) – R40; Leather briefcase – R5; brand new Fish braai
accessory for Weber - R100; Scatter cushions 960 – R25 each; Travel / cabin bags
(3) from R50 each; brand new Beach mats (2) – R100; DIY manuals (3) – R50 each.
Phone (021) 855 4979.
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SERVICES OFFERED
 ACTIVITIES: GYM: Bookings with Dena 083 600 1031
NEW: Starting soon – SENIORS BOOT CAMP!! 1 hour (10 minutes each section)
Afternoon classes on Tues 4:00 pm & 5:30 pm and Thurs 4.00 pm & 5.30 pm.
Ball, Mat exercises, movement to music, Elastic strength & stretch and walk or
cycle – outside walk weather permitting!! Book your spot. Only 6 people per class.
CHAIR CLASS Mon: 10am Wed: 10am Fri: 10am.
Most beneficial for everyone – men and women attending!!
NEW: The Gym offers:
1. Individual personalized classes.
2. Communal training times.
3. Private after-hours access.
4. Tuesday afternoon body alignment with Vinny.
5. Pilates Mon 11.30 and Wed 11.30 fantastic class for Parkinson’s disease
6. Cardiac rehabilitation exercise Thursdays 12 noon.
 AQUAFIT continuing in March: Discover the ease and comfort of movement in
water. (see poster on notice board). Enjoy water exercise at Bredell Pool on
Mondays and Wednesdays between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm at R50 for single
sessions and R300 for the month. To book your place, e-mail: [email protected],
ring Trudi 078 747 1859 or Dena 083 600 1031.
 Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Recovery (CVDPRP) education sessions for
anyone who wants to know more about hearts on Thursday from 11:00 am to 12
noon in exercise studio. All Villagers welcome. Topics repeated every 8 weeks.
Sessions lead by qualified practitioners. For March 2015:5 - Where to go from here,
setting realistic goals; 12 - Learning how the heart works 19 - Principles of exercise;
26 - Cardiac risk factors. Book in advance: ring Trudi 078 747 1859.
 REAL sessions in the Exercise studio. Move to music at the same time as improving
balance and co-ordination. Every Thursday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Phone
Trudi on 078 747 1859 or e-mail [email protected]
 AQUA-THERAPY BY BIOKINETICISTS: Bredell Pool, Tuesdays and Thursdays from
9.30 am to 10.00 am. Aqua therapy is now available at Helderberg Village by a
qualified biokineticist on a 1 to 1 basis or in small group sessions. These sessions
are specifically designed for the individual with specific needs. e.g.: orthopaedic
problems: knee, hip, shoulder replacement, strokes, Parkinsons, osteo-arthritis…
these sessions can be claimed from medical aid (medical aid rates apply). Contact
Becky Blaauw or Amy Catherine from Blaauw and Partners biokinetics for an
assessment. Phone (021) 852 7148 or email: [email protected]
www.blaauwandpartners.co.za
 Computer Problems - phone Derek du Toit (021) 855 0626 / 073 102 1888.
 Daily by appointment Hand & foot care – Healthcare (Ester le Roux 083 256 1499).
 Gardening: Top dressing of lawn and caring of flower of beds, planting, re-vamping,
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upgrading and sprucing up of gardens. I am also looking for unwanted orchids to
establish an orchid nursery. Contact: Lee Johnstone, (unit 60) 082 576 7602.
Gardener: an excellent gardener with 23 years’ experience (full time) on the
Helderberg Village Staff now works privately in the Village. For 2015, he is still
available on alternate Tuesday and Friday mornings 8:00 am to 12:45 pm as well as
Monday to Friday afternoons. For further details and information, contact Ms
Mountford at (021) 855 4477 (cottage 227).
Kundalini Yoga classes – our theme for March is Awakening the Ten Bodies. In
developing our full potential, we need to recognise our true nature as
multidimensional beings. Kundalini Yoga and Meditation help create the neural
pathways that make it easier to experience a deeper awareness of our physical
bodies as well as the mental and spiritual bodies that make up our greater selves.
During March, we will explore the spiritual bodies including the halo, aura and
radiant body. Please contact Barbara Manson (021) 855 4130 or 083 631 2414 for
more information.
Treat yourself to a luxurious facial for R295 at Taurelle Hair and Beauty salon.
Saloncare facial products also available to purchase. Phone Tharina (021) 855 4104
/ 078 364 6307.
Oral Hygiene treatments by Jeanne-Marie Engelbrecht every Monday morning from
8:00 am to 10:30 am. Please book an appointment, phone 083 997 2097.
“Safe & Sure” transport to / from the airport and surrounding areas, etc. Phone
Giles 072 125 8962 (PDP licensed).
Transport: Iain McDonald offers transport to airport, Cape Town, tours etc. PDP
and fully licensed and insured minibus. (021) 855 5726 / 072 517 3131.
Transport to airport & Cape Town. Fully insured for passengers and baggage. Call
co-Villager, Jennie (021) 855 3395 / 083 711 0968. (PDP licensed).
Transport to / from the airport, Cape Town, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, etc.
phone Sheila (021) 855 3101 / 078 753 0217. (Not PDP licensed).
Audiometrist – My service is still available on appointment every Monday
afternoon at Healthcare. Ann-Mari von Bergmann (021) 855 0138 / 082 376 7904.
Helderconnect: Our service is the difference, servicing Helderberg Village since 2004.
We provide Internet communications, IT Support, New Computers & Laptops +
upgrades. Windows XP has reached end of life. We assist with migrations. Contact
our representative for Helderberg Village at 081 308 3738 or
[email protected]
Disclaimer - The views expressed in articles and letters published in this newsletter are
the responsibility of the respective authors and are not necessarily those of the Village
Newsletter editor, Helderberg Village Master Homeowners Association NPC, its Board
or Village Management. The acceptance and publication of newsletter items and
advertisements does not indicate editorial endorsement.
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