- Langebaan Country Estate

LCE Newsletter - December 2014 - Vol. 8
LCE recently hosted a fundraising breakfast for the DA in aid of the 2016 elections, here are Erik Marais (MP &
Saldanha Constituency Head), Marthina van Niekerk (DA Saldanha Operations Manager), Craig Scott (LCE CEO),
Francois Schippers (SBM Mayor) & Mmusi Maimane (DA Parliamentary Leader)
LCE, a Vibrant Community
By Craig Scott| LCE CEO
A very warm welcome to our 2014 Summer edition of the
LCE bi-annual Estate Times.
The primary objective of this newsletter is for myself as the Developer to keep
Owners of properties on Langebaan Country Estate (LCE) informed as to what is
currently happening at LCE and what we have planned for the future.
I must admit to finding it difficult to
find the time to sit down and write my
article at this time of the year with all
the end-of-year functions and it seems
that I am the one that holds up the
printing of every edition.
I thought that if I tell you a little
about one or two of these functions and
events, it will give you some insight into
what is going on at your Estate.
We recently had our annual staff
Christmas party which was a wonderful
afternoon and evening of great fun. The
total staff compliment of the entities
making up LCE is just under 100 and I
personally love celebrating with all of
them together because they are truly a
fine team of people. A big number of our
staff have over ten years of service at
LCE and their loyalty and dedication is a
huge part of the on-going success of the
Estate. We celebrated by having a team
building function at the Mashie course
in the afternoon, which was great fun,
and then we all headed by bus to a local
restaurant called “Boesmanland” for an
evening of food, wine and celebration
well into the night. I also presented
my Manager and Employee of the year
awards and was honoured to award
these to our exceptional Greenkeeper,
Klaas van Eyssen and one of the most
faithful employees anyone could wish
for, Richard McGrane respectively. Klaas
has worked for LCE for almost 13 years
and Richard for 17 years and it was an
honour to acknowledge their loyalty.
I have also introduced an “Award of
Excellence”, which was awarded to
Lanri le Roux, which recognises her
passion and wonderful attitude towards
her work. We handed out the fun awards
for the various versions of moustaches
grown for Movember, which had over 45
participants with each receiving cash
as well. This fun venture highlights the
important issues of mens health. I must
comment that some of the staff’s dance
skills are a sight to behold and make
me feel very old! We have a number
of other staff get-togethers during the
year but this event made me feel very
proud of the team I have working for me
and for you as owners, and I am very
confident that whenever you are at their
Estate, you will experience their passion
and commitment.
A few years ago, I introduced a
Developer sponsored members golf day
and braai which is something I really look
forward to. It gives me a chance to hear
from the members as to what they are
thinking of their club. We have so many
longstanding, loyal members at the golf
club and some real characters! I often
hear how warm and friendly visitors find
our members and I believe we have one
of the best club atmospheres anywhere.
I am extremely thankful for the
members’ support over the years and
how the numbers have grown from 110
members and 11,000 rounds a year some
13 years ago to the current 850 members
and 31,000 rounds a year. For sure, the
ever improving quality of the course
under the passionate supervision of
Klaas van Eyssen has been a factor, but
equally important has been the warmth,
loyalty and character of the members. I
am deeply grateful for your support of
our facility and it was a real privilege
to award Honorary Life Membership a
few months back to Keith Godfrey who
epitomises the best qualities of the kind
of characters amongst our Members that
you will find in our bustling Clubhouse.
We also host an annual braai function
for many of my staff and managers as
well as officials from Saldanha Bay
Municiplaity (SBM), which is a great
opportunity to mingle in a relaxed
atmosphere. Whilst a lot of South
Africans are despondent about local
government and service delivery, I feel
blessed to be a Developer within such
a well functioning Municipality as SBM.
Over the many years that I have been
interacting with SBM, their level of
professionalism, approachability and
service delivery has got better and better
and I salute the current management
of the Municipality. I always enjoy my
interactions with the managers and staff
and their competence gives me great
confidence going forward with our big
plans.
Finally, I would like to touch on our
4th Annual FEARless Godfathers Cup
memorial golf day, which commemorates
two of my Partners in the business who
have passed away. It is a really fun
day where we invite people who knew
Frank Robarts and Adolf Engling as well
as club members to acknowledge the
contribution of these two “Godfathers”
of LCE in the on-going success of the
Estate. It takes many people to build
an Estate of this size but these two
gentlemen were very instrumental in
the...
( CONTINUED on PG 2)
Craig Scott (LCE CEO) & Klaas van Eyssen (LCE Greenkeeper) at the LCE staff year end function.
Langebaan Country Estate - Sport Champion!
By André Kruger | Langebaan Councilor
The Langebaan Country
Estate (LCE) is playing an
important role in the lives
of Langebaners as well as
the many visitors to our
region. In my last article
I gave an overview of the
“Langebaan
Constructive
Engagements” which are
sponsored by the Developer
of LCE. In this issue I would like to pay tribute
to the wonderful work being done in the world
of sport.
In the realm of golfing, the LCE is the leading
facility on the West Coast. Besides providing
www.LCE.co.za | 022 772 2112
world class facilities to its members, the LCE
facilitates major regional, provincial, national and
international events of which the World Junior
Golf Championships, presented earlier this year,
is a prime example. Furthermore the facilities are
made available to various business and community
organisations to assist them in fundraising, which
then gets ploughed back into the community.
Cycling is one of the fastest developing sports
in the world and has been recognised by Western
Cape Tourism as a focus area. The LCE sponsors
the LCE Lagoon Cycle Challenge taking place in the
West Coast National Park (WCNP), which has been
adjudicated as the best fun ride in the Western
Cape by Pedal Power Association. The proceeds of
this event go to the WCNP Honorary Rangers. LCE
also played a role in the “Ride the Rhino“ mountain
bike event in September and is in the process
of developing a mountain bike event running
concurrent to the Lagoon Cycle Challenge.
Athletics, including road running, remains a
highly popular mass participative sport and LCE
sponsors the Langebaan Athletic Club and is the
title sponsor of the “Weskus Marathon” which also
takes place in the WCNP. Proceeds of this event
also go to the Strandloper Athletics Club and the
Honorary Rangers. The Developer also assisted our
World Junior Championships Gold Medalist, Gezelle
Magerman, to participate in China.
The Langebaan Rugby Club did extremely well
in the Boland Premier League largely due to the
support from the LCE. Their rugby field at Seebries
Park became unplayable and the Developer of LCE,
after considerable consultation with the Langebaan
Primary School and the Saldanha Bay Municipality,
constructed a new field at the school which was
inaugurated on 6 September sponsored by LCE.
They also supplied the jerseys and other essential
equipment to the Club.
Commitment to support the above sports and
events in a sustainable manner requires dedication,
negotiation and trust. The LCE, through Craig
Scott and his staff, have gone that extra mile to
make sport a priority in the Langebaan community
whilst simultaneously generating funds that can be
utilised for priority projects in the community and
also including the environment.
The LCE is a true Champion for the community
of Langebaan!
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2
DE VE LOPM E N T
Retirement Village for LCE
By Paul Luck | Lightspace Architects
LIGHTSPACE
ARCHITECTURE
T : +27 21 426 2395
INTERIORS
I
PROCUREMENT
E : [email protected]
(Continued from PG 1) ...transformation
of a struggling, dormant business into
the exciting, growing business that I am
privileged to run with the backing of
my Johannesburg based partner, Sean
Johnston.
There were many other events and
functions as the year drew to a close
which I could tell you about, but I’ve run
out of space and I want to touch on the
exciting Retirement Village we are busy
planning. You should receive a brochure
about our plans, to wet your appetite,
with this newsletter and you will find
more details in this newsletter and on our
website, www.LCE.co.za. In brief, I believe
the whole concept of what a Retirement
Village should offer is changing as the
“Baby Boomers” generation contemplates
retirement. They demand as big a range
of activities as possible within a vibrant
community, coupled with full health care
facilities and I believe LCE has a huge
advantage as a result of this shift. We are
very busy with the planning of this project,
and if the market proves to be as positive
about our plans as we suspect they will be,
the plan is to commence construction in
2016. I can promise you that when we do
make the final decision to commence, we
will do it properly and offer the premier
retirement offering on the West Coast.
Finally, to all our staff, club members
and Estate owners, I sincerely thank you
for your support and I wish you and your
families a peaceful and joyful Christmas
and an exciting 2015. With all the activity
in the pipeline for LCE in 2015, it’s
certainly going to be an exciting one for
Langebaan Country Estate and you will
read about much of this in the pages of
this newsletter.
www.lce.co.za | 022 772 2112
I
W : www.lightspace.co.za
Design has commenced on the next exciting
development on the Estate: The Langebaan
Country Estate Retirement Village. With the
recent progression in the desires and expectations
of retirees, this new phase will incorporate the
most current and future-proof accommodation
and facilities, for complete peace of mind for the
residents and their families.
The village will incorporate a range of
residential options, including free-standing
houses, cottages, and apartments with the option
of add-on assisted living services, tailored to suit
the needs of the resident. To compliment the
residential accommodation, there will be a light
and sunny lounge, expansive library and an indoor
/ outdoor restaurant catering for breakfasts
through to romantic dinners for two.
The various support facilities will be designed to
ensure the residents and their visitors experience
the highest levels of comfort available, focusing
on life, fun, and health. Assisted living will be
available to those living in apartments, as a true
“step-down” option for those in need. There
will be a state-of-the-art frail-care facility,
incorporating various guest room configurations
(single, double, communal), tailored to suit the
expectations of the individual, with all necessary
medical emergency facilities provided in-house,
for absolute peace of mind.
The health club planned for the Estate will, in
addition, incorporate an indoor heated swimming
pool and rehabilitation centre, providing support
facilities to enhance one’s living experience. This,
combined with the expansive walking and cycling
trails, tennis and bowls facilities, will provide the
resident and their families with all they need to
enjoy the time on their hands. All within a fully
secure and monitored environment.
To ensure that the freshest and appropriate
design and facilities are created, the joint skills
of Lightspace Architects and Blue Dot Health are
being utilised. Lightspace have a pedigree in the
residential sector, with their work over the past
15 years focused on a wide range of typologies,
including upmarket single homes and town-house
developments, apartment buildings, and a number
of hotels, ranging from 3-star to 5-star products.
They are currently designing the new hotel planned
adjacent the Clubhouse on the Estate, and have
gained an intimate knowledge of the entire Estate.
Blue Dot Health have a rich history of sustainable
health-care solutions, bringing their experience
gained in the design and implementation of
various hospital and care facilities in the UK to
South Africa, where they have been involved in
a wide range of solutions for the industry. Their
role includes securing medical licenses for private
health care facilities, the creation of appropriate
development briefs for projects, design and
delivery of medical consulting rooms and largescale private hospitals. They are currently busy
with a number of projects in and around the Cape
Town area, which will all provide state-of-the-art
facilities, provided in a sustainable format.
Detail design is due to commence in the New
Year, and we look forward to the next exciting
phase of development on LCE.
Interview with Niël Hauptfleisch of Niël Builders
A brief history on your experience
& how you got to Langebaan.
I finished my National Higher Diploma in
Construction Management at Port Elizabeth
Technikon, whereafter I worked as an inhouse student at Murray & Roberts Eastern
Cape. From there I started my own
construction business in Jeffreys Bay in 1993.
After I worked at a Project Management firm
in Johannesburg, I moved to Langebaan in
1997 and started Niël Builders.
You are one of the 5 appointed builders
on LCE’s panel, why build on LCE?
Langebaan Country Estate is a sought after
development, and it’s an honour to be on
the panel of appointed builders. Prospective
new home owners on the Estate, as well as
outside the Estate, accept and recognize the
panel of appointed builders to be reliable
and of very good quality. That’s good for my
business to be associated as such.
What do you think about LCE’s policies?
The policies on the Estate are essential to
protect new owners building, existing home
owners and the environment. The policies
are of utmost importance to keep all work
running smoothly.
How does LCE compare to other
estates you work on, or what
makes LCE different?
In my view, Langebaan Country Estate is
leading the way in many ways, not just
environmentally and some developments can
take a page out of LCE’s book.
What is the funniest thing that has
happened to you on the Estate?
A baby Springbok once escaped through one
of the gates as I was entering. I chased him
all the way to Sea View Park where I finally
caught him. He was happy to be re-united
with his mother, and I was struggling to catch
my breath!
What do you wish other people
knew about LCE?
People should know that LCE is a safe,
peaceful & relaxing place to stay, a real
golfers’ paradise. Great care was taken to
protect & promote wildlife as well as local
fauna & flora.
Would you live here one day?
I haven’t got plans at the moment to live on
the Estate, but can easily see myself living
here.
You live in Country Club at the Mashie
Course, how has the new course made
a change in your life / property?
It made a big positive impact on my
property. Originally my house was on the
old 7th fairway. When the Estate changed
and redesigned the golf course, the fairway
changed to a piece of open veld. The
Developer of LCE did make good on his
promise to build a Mashie Course. The new
Mashie Course is beautiful, it improved my
property value as well as quality of life at
home.
Have you built spec on LCE and if
so, why & was it worth it?
I have built a couple of spec houses on the
Estate, and am currently busy with another
one. It’s definitely worth it, new home buyers
are drawn to the Estate for various reasons,
it’s a safe investment for a spec builder.
We used to see you with man’s best
friend on your bakkie - why did you
bring your staffie to work and where
is he now?
Cuba is still coming to site with me every
now and then. He loves the site and gets a
lot attention from my workforce, clients and
everybody else based at the contractors’
camp.
3
S O C I AL R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
Water Wise Gardening
By Mark Duckitt | Eco Impact Legal Consulting (Pty) Ltd
We were privileged recently to view the judged
outcomes of the first LCE garden competition. The
degree of care and pride shown in home owner
gardens surely adds value to your homes and
the Estate as destination of value and choice for
growing numbers of home seekers. The willingness
of owners to re enforce the Estate ethos to use
natural locally occurring species as within the
Estate guidelines was most heartening.
A crucial aspect in attaining a beautiful garden
is how, and indeed how much, water is applied.
Warnings on climate change are widely known,
as are historical and equally current valid impact
of water constraints on both habitation and local
economics. The beautiful LCE Black Knight golf
course is kept in peak condition via the sensibly
managed reuse of municipal sewage works
discharge water further improved via several
ponds on the Estate. With several industrial
entities locating at Saldanha the reuse of sewage
discharges as well as desalination of sea water is
already being implemented. Water is critical to
both life and economics, and nowhere more so
than around Saldanha Bay, avoided by settlers,
and consequently development, for centuries for
that very reason.
Gardening at LCE is clearly rewarding. The
need cannot be over emphasised to garden within
Estate Landscaping, and especially the irrigation
guidelines provided.
Home owners with gardens populated only with
appropriate plants off the Estate plant list, and
watered appropriately, you can proudly attest
to be complementing local nature, to being a
responsible gardener, and to be aspiring to a 2015
Estate winning garden!
This year’s garden competition demonstrated
that one does not require only lush green gardens
and lawns to have a magnificent looking and
pleasing garden complementing your home.
You are urged to please be socially and
environmentally responsible.
Residential Storm Water
Policy on LCE
By Warren Simpson | LCE Aesthetics & Environmental Committee
From Strength to Strength
By Mione van der Walt | Project Manager
With more than a year that has passed, LCE Homes
Trust, an investment home property company
developing solely on LCE, has seen abundant
growth in property sales. With 6 homes sold in
just a few months, the partners realized the need
for more homes. Purchasers range from holiday
investors to permanent residents and to date are
mostly South Africans. As LCE Homes Trust only has
5 homes currently under construction in various
stages of construction after the rapid sales, the
partners decided to go big and be prepared.
With 4 homes commencing construction by
the end of 2014 and 8 plans already in council
for commencement of construction early 2015, as
well as 9 more in the design phase, LCE Homes
Trust believes that they will be ready for the everincreasing demand for homes on LCE.
The Trustees of LCE Homes Trust are committed
to the Langebaan Country Estate and firmly
believe that owning a home on the Estate ensures
the right address on the West Coast whereby
Capital will grow while enjoying the Estate with
all it has to offer.
Various architects have been appointed to give
clients a variation of different styles to select
from and finishes selections will be more varied to
suit different tastes.
For assistance please contact sales@LCEhomes.
co.za or 082 780 0414 or pop in at the sales office
situated at the LCE Clubhouse.
The initial approach to storm water on the developed
with the internal roads and cars entering or leaving
sites was to try and restrict the use of gutters around
the driveway were cutting across this corner, adding
the house at roof level. The intention was that the
to the damage of the walkway. This problem has
rainwater would then be discharged directly into the
been addressed in that driveways now have their
garden around the house, thereby recharging the
edging bricks on the splayed section canted so as to
site’s natural irrigation process.
prevent the water discharging behind the kerbing.
This approach was intended to avoid localised
Similarly owners are encouraged to install cut-off
point discharges that would occur if there were
catchment drains at the foot of driveways where
gutters and rainwater downpipes allowed to feed
they fall back to the road.
directly onto the garden in localised areas as this
The emphasis in storm water management
would cause erosion.
has as a result become even
Where ever possible
Because there were no gutters
more committed to handling
such soakaways should
around the houses, the rainwater
the rainwater run-off on site
from roofs above driveways be positioned towards the as much as possible. Rainwater
were then discharging onto the open space or golf course intercepted in the cut-off drain
hard paved areas and where the
on the driveway as mentioned
frontage of an erf.
gradient back to the kerb was
above, together with water from
downhill, this water together with the catchment of
rainwater goods around the house is now led to an
the driveway itself was eventually being discharged
underground storage tank for the augmentation of
directly onto the brick paved roads.
garden irrigation or failing that specially engineered
There are a series of localised areas throughout
soakaways so positioned as to ensure that should
the development that if this approach was allowed
they reach capacity during a heavy rainfall, they
to be adopted on all of the houses in the vicinity, the
will not discharge back to the roadway, house
accumulated storm water on the road surface would
foundations or the adjoining neighbours. Where
then become another problem on its own requiring
ever possible such soakaways should be positioned
special attention. As it is, driveways that fall back to
towards the open space or golf course frontage
the road where there is also a cross fall, were found
of an erf.
to be discharging the water on their lower corner
All plans submitted to the AEC for approval need
behind the hard concrete kerbing. This in turn was
to illustrate the methodology to be employed
eroding the calcrete walkways which was further
to minimise the stormwater run-off back to the
exacerbated by the fact that not all driveways had
roadways and the retention of the residual run-off
a sufficiently developed radius or splayed interface
on site.
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4
L I V I N G O N T H E E S TAT E
THE
REAL
BAKKIE COMPANY!
Summer Greeting from
the Estate Manager’s Office
John Smith | LCE Estate Manager
Built on a strong heritage
and guaranteed to last.
81440 ADMAKERS.COM
WE ARE PROUD
TO BE ASSOCIATED
WITH LANGEBAAN
COUNTRY ESTATE
All A’s for AGM
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Terms and Conditions Apply. Model/s shown may differ. Errors & Omissions Excepted.
WESKAAP MOTORS
Tel: 022 713 1235
Main Street, Vredenburg
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Security begins at home
Kevin Kilfoil | LCEOA Trustee & Chairman of Team Langebaan Neighbourhood Watch
Langebaan Country Estate emerged basically
unscathed, from the spike in housebreakings
experienced in other parts of Langebaan from
early June until mid September. This was due in no
small measure to the ongoing commitment of the
Developer & the LCE Owners’ Association (LCEOA)
to provide as secure an environment as possible
for all LCE residents & guests. The role played by
ADT who patrol the Estate 24/7, with a dedicated
response vehicle on site, is crucial to support this
ongoing effort.
We however all need to play our part in helping
to combat crime by not creating easy opportunities
for theft or burglary from our homes. Know your
neighbours & don’t hesitate to report any unusual
activity to ADT or to the police. The LCEOA
encourages existing homeowners to install an
alarm system, with an armed response provided
by the on-site ADT vehicle which can respond very
promptly. The LCEOA has also recently decided
A warm welcome to all our new residents, I
can assure you that you will enjoy our Estate
living. Most of you we have met but if not, we
shall soon arrange a visit. I invite you to pop
in at my office for a cup of tea so that I can
help familiarise you with our House Rules and
introduce you to all the activities and facilities
available to all residents.
Although we did not have a bumper flower
season, our residents’ gardens are looking great
and improve day by day. We have launched
our first garden competition to promote the
quality of our gardens. However we do have
a few gardens that are not maintained and
we have to to deal with these as per the
Constitution and House Rules. Please help
encourage our fellow residents to comply with
the House Rules and Landscaping guidelines.
All the necessary documentation can be
obtained from our web site www.LCE.co.za.
You are welcome to visit our Estate office if
you wish to discuss any aspect regarding our
rules and guidelines.
Please be advised that all service providers
need to be registered at our offices for
inductions and access permits. It is your duty
as resident to advise them accordingly.
The SBM traffic department has agreed to
assist us in resolving the issues around non-
that all new houses will require to have an alarm
system installed.
The Developer is presently funding an on-site
ADT security manager for a period of 6 months.
During this time the ADT Security Manager will
review the existing security arrangements, suggest
improvements where necessary & assist in drawing
up a scope of service to be provided by whichever
security firm is contracted to provide this service
to LCE. The ADT vehicles, both on the Estate & in
the village, have recently been equipped with twoway radios linking them to the police & to the Team
Langebaan Neighbourhood Watch (“NHW”) via the
NHW radio network. This ensures a quick & efficient
link to SAPS & the NHW when needed & also enables
ADT to assist these parties should such assistance
be required. The initial set-up cost for the NHW
radio network was funded back in 2010/11 by the
LCE Developer who continues to support the NHW’s
efforts in Langebaan.
Langebaan Country Estate Owners’ Association
(LCEOA) held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM)
in July of this year. The AGM was a great success due
to owners that made themselves available to attend
or gave proxies and the feedback they had received
from the Developer, Mr Craig Scott.
The 5 Developer appointed Trustees are: John
Farrell, Jimmy Cook, Warren Simpson, André van der
Walt & Craig Scott. The 2 Member Trustees are David
Macfarlane and Kevin Kilfoil.
Mr David Macfarlane
• Marketing Manager of Bidvest Group Division
• Lots of overseas work experience
• Previously Management Accountant of a listed company
• MBA from UCT
• Officially retired, but on a contract for Bidvest for 6 months
Renzke Moore | LCE Portfolio Manager – Status-Mark
The Developer presented a very comprehensive
report on several matters concerning Langebaan
Country Estate (LCE) as well as the discussion
points that were raised by the Members. Herewith a
summary of some points that were addressed:
• Building activities
• Security
• Environment
• Golf Club & Langebaan
Country Estate relationship
• Golf Club agreement
• Communication
• Estate Rules
• Development
• Waste water discharged
into Lagoon
• Powers of the Developer/
Chairman at meetings
• Payment of fees for use of
golf carts on the course
• Entrance from Fairway
Street onto the Estate
• Input by members of the
OA regarding the club
• Status of proposed road to
Mykonos
• Regular Golf Club member
• Home owner on Langebaan Country Estate
Mr Kevin Kilfoil
• 37 years as a banker with Nedbank, with final position being
managing Nedbank’s relationship with the Old Mutual group
• Purchased a home and moved to Langebaan Country Estate in
2010 and resides there permanently
• Currently heads up Team Langebaan Neighbourhood Watch
• Previous experience as a chairman of a Home Owners’
Association
• Regular Golf Club member
Investment Opportunity
of a Lifetime
Interview with LCE Resident
Barry Kearley
Why have you and your family
chosen LCE to invest?
I have long a relationship with Langebaan, as
I lived in Langebaan Central. It became too
crowded and did not have that relaxing feeling.
I play golf and was invited to play at LCE. I got
to know some of the people on the Estate and
thought that this would be a good investment
opportunity to try out.
When you first invested at LCE, did you
build your own house or speculative?
The 1st stand I bought was to build my dream
house, after meeting with Rustic Living I decided
to build a spec house, we built another spec house
and recently finished my own house.
Have you previously lived on other
Estates? And how does LCE compare?
No I have not but I do find that the levies are
reasonable compared to other estates where
friends reside.
You have built a few properties at
LCE, why so many?
It is a good return on investment.
www.lce.co.za | 022 772 2112
compliance of traffic rules, especially speeding
and jumping stop streets and we will have
more information soon.
We are proud to welcome the new additions
to our Blesbok and Copper Springbok families.
The single white Springbok also looks pregnant
and we eagerly await the outcome. Be on the
lookout for the new ‘babies‘ and enjoy their
antics. On the northern side of the Estate the
other springbok including the black Springbok
are also doing very well.
Our southern hiking and cycling trail has
been christened the “Fox Trail” as we have
a resident Bat Ear Fox family and other
species have also been spotted.
Remember the summer brings out, our
infamous friends, the snakes. Please contact
our office (022 772 0193) if you are troubled by
a snake around or in your house or phone Tanya
Heald (083 700 6377) of HOW. HOW are trained
to catch the snakes so please don’t attempt to
do so yourself.
We have mainly two types of Owls on the
Estate being the Spotted Eagle Owl that
generally nests on the ground. Please do not
disturb this protected species. The other one is
the Barn Owl that tends to nest in the chimneys
of homes. If you need assistance please contact
our offices.
The financial status of LCE was also discussed at
the meeting and the Managing Agents gave a report
regarding the collection of outstanding levy accounts
handed over to attorneys as well as the procedure
followed.
Other topics that were discussed in detail by
the Developer was the current building activities
on the Estate which has reached a new record and
looks promising for 2015, as well as future plans for
the Estate by the Developer such as the hotel and
retirement village.
What about the Estate do you
enjoy most?
The golf, security, wildlife, friendly residents and
the peace and relaxation that the Estate offers.
Do you live here permanently? And
if not, when?
Not at the moment, hopefully later in 2015 to
make it more permanent.
What do you do for a living?
I own a company in Wellington that manufactures
canvas tarpaulins and canopies.
Are there future plans for more
houses on LCE?
I’m planning more houses together with Rustic
Living, that is if the economy holds.
How did you find the process to
build with LCE’s regulations?
At first I was skeptical but I do understand that the
regulations are necessary to ensure consistency
of the end result. I also found Craig Scott very
approachable and always willing to assist if one
experiences problems.
Why would you recommend LCE
to others?
It is a way of life, peaceful, secure, great
facilities, always improving and being upgraded.
The jewel of the West Coast…
5
L I V I N G O N T H E E S TAT E
New Residents
Brian & Sandra von Hage
You have moved to LCE permanently,
where did you live previously?
We lived in Hermanus and had a guesthouse in
Glenfruin for 6 years.
Why Langebaan?
Langebaan because we are old "Weskussers" and also
our children and grand children are all here.
How does LCE compare with other
estates?
We lived in a private estate in Hermanus which was
also beautiful but obviously totally different. We
also looked at private estates in Durbanville but they
were not a patch on Glenfruin or LCE.
What was the first thing that made
you decide this is home?
As I have said family is important when one becomes
a bit “long in the tooth" so we wanted to be close.
And also we feel at our age it is important to feel
secure but not be on top of our neighbours and that
is why we chose LCE and our home.
You purchased a completed home,
why house 1172?
It is ideal as it is small but not pokey, easy to
maintain, all one level, lots of light, not on top of
our neighbours and an easy lock up and go, also it
was PRICED RIGHT!!!
What do you enjoy most about LCE?
The birds, buck, peace & tranquility.
Where do you travel with your
mobile home?
We have traveled through most of SA, Namibia
and Mozambique. We will be going to Namibia and
Botswana in June.
What do you wish others knew
about LCE?
That it is a super place to live, you are safe and
can enjoy the beauty without having to sit behind
burglar bars and the levies are very reasonable. The
facilities are excellent! This is thanks to Craig and
his team - thanks for all your dedication.
What do you think of LCE’s policies?
First Annual LCE Residents’
Garden Competition
In an estate like this, one must have policies, that
is what makes the Estate attractive as it is well run
obviously. I am not crazy about all the rules but
have found that Craig Scott is very approachable
and prepared to meet one halfway which is
absolutely fantastic.
Jennifer Gotsell | LCE CEO Personal Assistant
LCE’s appointed landscapers; Elton Smith (Positive
Earth), Johann Burger (Gravity Landscaping) and
Kent Cavanagh (Perma Culture) set off in golf carts
and started the tough judging process.
On Tuesday 7 October, the Developer hosted a
cheese and wine prize giving function where Mr
Mark Duckitt of Eco Impact Legal Consulting (Pty)
Ltd said a few inspiring words to the very excited
entrants. The Developer showed a few interesting
“now and then” photos of the Estate and then
announced the finalist and winners. The outcome
was as follows:
We see you have done some additions
to your home, any more plans?
Possibly… Brian suddenly gets ideas and goes ahead
and implements them.
• Best Garden: Carole Elliot (658)
• Most Waterwise Garden: Maria Smith (1183)
•Most Creative/Innovative Garden: Wendy Holmes (846)
•Best New Garden under 18 Months: Lorraine van der
Merwe (744)
House 685’s Garden
Striving for 2015
Somé Roelofse | LCE Building Compliance Officer
We look back at 2014 and the multiple exquisite
houses designed by architects which rose during
the course of the year and we can look at the Estate
with pride in what was accomplished up to now.
A total of 54 houses were completed during 2014
and we are excited to report that to date, we have
a confirmed number of 73 new dwellings which will
commence construction early 2015.
The Building Compliance Office (BCO) office, in
conjunction
with
the
Architectural
and
Environmental Committee (AEC), are currently
reviewing some of the building requirements on the
Estate, which also include the Architectural
Guidelines. As the Estate evolves, we find it
necessary to review some of the requirements and
needs which arise as the years pass.
A friendly reminder to all owners to please
remember that any building activities (alterations,
additions, painting, etc) on completed houses must
be reported to the BCO office. These are referred to
as Small Works Projects and there are certain
requirements and processes which need to be adhered
to. If you are uncertain of this process, please contact
our office and we will gladly assist you.
We would like to congratulate Mr and Mrs Elliot
for winning Best Garden category, as well as the
other 3 prize winners, in our first Annual LCE
Garden Competition. Their garden is a pleasure to
look at and we look forward to seeing what their
garden has to offer in the ensuing year.
If you were inspired by the LCE Garden
Competition and would like to give your garden a
“face lift”, please remember to contact one of the
LCE approved landscapers. It is important to know
that garden service companies may only maintain
gardens and are not allowed to do any form of
establishment of landscaping on the Estate. Please
also ensure that you familiarize yourself with the
LCE Landscape Guideline document and approved
plant list, which you may download from our
website: www.LCE.co.za.
We are proud to say that the BCO office has
received very few reports of misconduct caused
by builders and their staff. The success of a
building site is determined by the governance and
conduct of the contractors and their suppliers.
We have a “no nonsense” approach with regards
to access to the Estate, which we believe add to
the sense of security that residents feel on the
Estate. The door of the BCO is always open to
residents and owners for any assistance on all
processes on the Estate.
We have an elite panel of approved builders on
the Estate and we would like to thank each and
every individual who contributed towards the
successful year that we have had. We are proud to
associate the BCO office with these individuals and
their teams and hope that we will continue with
our long standing relationship as we grow
Langebaan Country Estate to the most elite and
sought after property investment opportunity in
the Western Cape.
While out riding his bicycle on a beautiful morning
on the Estate the Langebaan Country Estate (LCE)
Developer, Craig Scott had an idea. He decided to
implement an Annual Garden Competition where
all the LCE residents could flaunt their beautiful
and well-maintained gardens.
With only a few weeks notice Craig and his team
arranged the first ever competition of its sort on
the Estate. Notices about the competition were
sent by email, advertised on Facebook, in LCE’s
Electronic Newsletters and in the Clubhouse.
There were 4 categories and we received 19
entries, which we felt was great, given that it was
the first event. The entrants sent us their entries
via the online entry system including pictures of
their gardens, which clearly showed the pride
they felt.
On Wednesday 1 October the judges, Nomxolisi
George (SBM Horticulturist: Parks Department),
Martin Halvorsen (LCE Environmental Control
Officer), John Smith (Estate Manager), and three of
The Best Garden won a Positive Earth voucher
to the value of R10,000 and the 3 subcategories
were awarded a Positive Earth voucher to the
value of R5,000, all sponsored by the Developer
of LCE. Winners also received a trophy to display
with pride in their homes.
It was a fun and successful event and we urge all
residents to get ready for the 2015 competition as
we promise it will be bigger and better. A big thank
you to Elton Smith of Postive Earth for offering a
substantial discount on all winning vouchers, his
nursery at the Prinro Building adjacent to the
Estate is definitely well worth a visit.
LCE CEO, Craig Scott & Best Garden Winner, Carole Elliot
Contact Us
Clubhouse
[email protected] 022 772 2112
BCO
[email protected]
022 772 1306
Pro Shop
[email protected]
022 772 2498
Retirement
[email protected]
021 686 5220
Mashie Course
[email protected]
022 772 0265
Homes Sales
[email protected]
082 780 0414
022 772 2112
Developer Office [email protected]
Accommodation [email protected]
Estate Manager
[email protected] 022 772 0193
Status-Mark
022 772 2112
[email protected] 044 691 3054
To Advertise in our Newsletter please contact Johan Terblanche - [email protected]
FOLLOW US
/LCEGolfEstate
@LBNGolfEstate
6
C LU B H OU S E
What made you decide to move
to Langebaan?
It was a great opportunity to be part of this fantastic
Golf Estate and Resort.
Obviously the ocean, as I am a “Vaalie”! Change of
scenery and a new challenge to enhance my career.
What is your position at LCE, and the
most challenging part of your job?
I am the General Manager at LCE, the most
challenging part is to ensure that every guest
and member visiting our club will have a great
experience through every facet of the facility.
What keeps you enthused about
your career?
That there is always room for growth and to learn
new things within the industry. To enhance my
knowledge even more as each person I have worked
for has a different approach and vision as to how
their business evolves. The opportunity to work with
such a diverse group of people. THAT I CAN PLAY THE
ODD ROUND OF GOLF!
Meet Riëtte
Riëtte Laas | LCE General Manager
Background of your career/life before
you moved to Langebaan.
I am a sport fanatic having represented South Africa
in hockey and that is where the “golf bug” bit,
having always wanted to work in the sport industry.
I studied Biokenetics at Tuks, and then I got
offered a sport bursary at the Tshwane University
of Technology where I finished my Sport & Exercise
Technology degree.
I started my career in the UK where I worked
at Silvermere Golf Complex in Surrey for Doug
McClelland. This is where I gained my experience and
qualification as a Chef through Brooklands College.
When I moved back to South Africa I started my
working career at Woodhill Country Club in Pretoria
as the Food and Beverage General Manager where
we managed big events such as the Sunshine Tour,
two Telkom Opens and the President Mbeki’s Cup.
The opportunity then arose to move to Pecanwood
Golf & Country Club where I completed my PGA
Diploma where I was Director of Golf for 6 years.
What makes LCE different from other
golf courses that you have worked at?
That I only have one Boss!! Hehehee...
Langebaan people are friendlier and more relaxed
than the “Vaalie’s”.
That LCE involves itself in all the different sports
codes and transformation, giving back to the local
community.
Your long term plans?
o help make LCE the number one golfing destination
T
in the Western Cape and beyond. Craig Scott our CEO
has so many plans for development and I’m right
behind him for support.
Retire at Langebaan when I’m 55!!! I wish!
What do you have in the pipeline for
LCE?
evelop an excellent core team with great
D
camaraderie amongst ourselves (I believe managers
are only as good as their team).
Grow and develop food and beverages to their
optimum, becoming the number one restaurant in
Langebaan.
To make more Cape Town people aware off our
great golf resort, what better than a day trip to LCE
for the keen golfer.
And that all members and residents are cherished
as they are the back bone of the business.
Besides work, what are your passions?
In my off time I love to play golf but I am also a keen
mountain biker and play squash and tennis - more or
less all sports and cooking & socialising.
My parents as they gave me the best possible
schooling and education I could have asked for and
always shouting the loudest next to the sport field
where ever that might have been.
I can only hope that they are proud of me and
looking down on me every day.
What is the funniest thing that
happened since you started working
at LCE?
I think Vee or Lanri came into my office saying that
there was a huge snake on the driving range and that
Max was running around screaming like a little girl!!
I had to pick up the academy kids with the shuttle as
everyone was hysterical by then, and of course Max
sitting on the roof of the shuttle!!
What do you wish other people knew
about LCE?
We offer such a variety of things to do here at
LCE that you don’t need to go anywhere else, we
firstly have a great 18-hole Gary Player Design’s
Black Knight golf course, an 18 hole Mashie golf
course for any level or age of player to go and
have fun. For those who do not play golf we
have walking and mountain bike trails, tennis
courts, swimming pools, a bowls green and club
and a 9 hole Pro Putt course just next to the
Clubhouse which has a great bar and restaurant
facility, not forgetting our well stocked LCE
Pro Shop and the day spa “Zest” situated at the
Golf Suites.
What do you envision for LCE in the
next year?
Lots of hard work and the entire team striving to
grow the numbers in all aspects of business!
What is your position at LCE as well as
a history from where you started LCE?
What might someone be surprised to
know about you?
I started in Blaze Bar 2 years ago as a bar lady and
I am currently in FOH in an administrative position.
I like reading Buddhist inspirational and motivational
quotes. I tend to think deep and sometimes over think.
Not to eat in reception!! Umm… Just to keep a
positive attitude towards everyone when you’re
having an off day.
I just take it day by day!!
Besides work, what are your passions?
I love spending time with my family.
What keeps you enthused about your
career?
What’s the funniest thing to happen
since you started working at LCE?
There are too many, but I really enjoy the staff and
their quirks. Each day there is something we (us) do
towards each other that can brighten the day.
www.lce.co.za | 022 772 2112
How would someone describe you?
Helpful, friendly, honest and hardworking.
What do you do when you aren’t
working?
At this moment I am trying to learn to play golf.
Most Sundays my family and I go to the Mashie to
practice.
What was the last book you read?
Also to keep the Estate’s marketing material
fresh; we endeavoured in a lifestyle photoshoot for a week in our flowery September.
We had the most fun teaming up a selection
of Estate staff and residents to model our
scenes. Keep a look out for these familiar
faces in upcoming print and online designs.
Blueberry Creatives prides itself in
being associated with Langebaan Country
Estate and producing their top quality
marketing material. With LCE there is
never a dull moment!
How do you manage stress?
Fifty Shades of Grey...
What do you find most challenging
about your position?
Follow LCE Online:
• facebook.com/LCEGolfEstate
• twitter.com/LBNGolfEstate
• TripAdvisor: Langebaan Country Estate
My grandmother inspired me the most. She gave the
greatest advice and her actions and sayings inspired
how I want to be as a person in life towards others.
What do you wish other people knew
about LCE?
What a great place LCE is. The staff, members and
Estate overall. I believe we are very privileged to be
working here.
If you have not yet noticed, LCE’s new
website is now up and showing off!
Experience it at WWW.LCE.CO.ZA. Learn
about all the facilities the Estate has to
offer and keep up to date on events with
their nifty calendar.
The Estate’s online social community
has also been booming, reaching the
10,000 likes milestone on Facebook in
October, and currently ranked number 1
of 5 “hotels” in Langebaan on TripAdvisor!
Have a look at some of the stunning
reviews achieved... and why not leave
your own?
Who or what inspires you?
Lanri le Roux | LCE Admin Officer
I was born and raised in the West Coast area and
went to Langebaanweg Primary and Hopefield High.
Ashleigh Fisher | Blueberry Creatives
Who or what inspires you?
Get To Know Lanri
Some background as to your career/
life before you started working for
LCE.
And We’re
Live!
What was your first job?
I actually helped out as a casual when I was younger
at LCE. Richard McGrane (my uncle) and his wife
managed the HWH. After the season ended and I was
a bit older, I worked as a casual in a butchery.
What lesson did you learn on the job
that you keep with you today?
Follow Standard Operating Procedures! Be humble
and always offer to help someone.
The possibilities and future plans for LCE. I am
very proud to work at LCE and look forward to new
challenges and a long successful career at LCE.
What’s the number one skill or practice
that has contributed to your success?
I try to be helpful the most.
How has LCE helped you to grow?
I have learned most aspects of the hospitality trade
and I am loving it. I think each day there is something
old or new that you need to grow and excel in.
7
LCE Shakes Hands
with Honorary Rangers
Liana Van Aswegen | SAN Park Honorary Ranger
This year the popular LCE Lagoon Cycle Challenge
of the SANParks Honorary Rangers: West Coast
Region took place on Saturday, November 15 – again
in conjunction with the Pedal Power Association
(PPA) and for the second year with Langebaan
Country Estate (LCE) as the title sponsor.
The event has been rated
“Highest Scoring PPA Funride”
for 4 consecutive years!
Opposed to the previous year the event venue
was at the driving range of LCE, where the cyclists
received medals and congregated, as well as
where food and drinks were sold. Music and a beer
tent were amongst the entertainment provided.
Again, the LCE Lagoon Cycle Challenge
comprised of two routes – an 80km and 30km –
starting at respectively 07:00 and 07:45 at the
driving range, with the finish line for both events at
the top of Stumpnose Rock (affectionately known
as Black Mamba Hill) before riders proceeded on
the grounds of LCE for pize giving, live music, beer
tents and other entertainment.
The rides mainly took place inside the West
Coast National Park, but included parts of
Constance Street, Fairway Road, Birdland Avenue,
Sunbird Street and of course Park Drive.
The Lagoon Cycle Challenge was first held in
2006 with 213 participants. In 2013 (LCE’s first
year of sponsorship) a total of 1161 riders. In
S P O RT
2014 the number of participants reached 1306 for
Saturday & Sunday rides.
Apart from it’s popularity due to the uniqueness
of the route meandering through the West Coast
National Park, the excellent organization, prizes
and special offers, the event is also the perfect
practice run for the big Die Burger Cycle Tour in
Cape Town. The latter in turn is an official qualifier
for the famous Cape Town Cycle Tour (formerly
known as the Cape Argus Cycle Tour).
According to the SANParks Honorary Rangers
(SHR), the main objectives of the event includes
the promotion of tourism and eco-tourism sectors,
community involvement, for all business sectors in
and around Langebaan to benefit from the event,
and to serve as a financial injection to institutions
such as restaurants, accommodation, garages and
shopping centres in and around town.
An estimated 1 000 spectators were along the
LCE Lagoon Cycle Challenge route and at the
venue – which is by no means a true reflection of
the total number of visitors to the town, should
the Mountain Bike Funride on Sunday be taken into
account! The LCE MTB Funride had a 45km or a
13km route.
The LCE Lagoon Cycle Challenge - and LCE
MTB Funride - are one of the West Coast Honorary
Rangers’ biggest annual fundraisers. A cheque of
R42,500 was handed to the organisation for the
2013 Cycle Challenge and almost R90,000 raised
for the 2014 Cycle Challenge. LCE also sponsors
the SHR’s other big annual fundraising event, the
Weskus Marathon, which gave their funds a boost
of R55,000 in 2014. Since LCE came on board as
main sponsor, funds raised are significantly more
than in previous years.
The purpose of the SANParks Honorary Rangers
is to raise funds, provide services and support
SANParks. The West Coast Region SHR’s are
dedicated to the West Coast National Park, and
all funds they collect are used for projects,
programs, and especially for essential equipment
that SANParks employees need in the execution of
their work.
Since its inception in 2001 the West Coast SHR’s
has donated goods and other assets like 15 grey
rhebuck, a small bus, rubber ducks, a custom built
alluminium boat for ferrying guests to and from
the houseboats (and for law enforcement), a quad
bike, fridges, binoculars, ovens, books and many
other items to the value of R1,2 million to the
West Coast National Park.
Much More Marathon
MTB for All
Glenn Harrison | Terra Firma
Earlier in 2014, I was approached by Craig Scott to
look into the possibility of extending the network
of mountain bike trails on the Langebaan Country
Estate. The idea was to try and create something
that could be used by the local mountain bike club
for a weekly time-trial competition but it also
needed to be a route that visitors to the Estate
could ride and enjoy.
We identified the hill to the north-west of the
property as the most suitable location. It offered
enough elevation and variety of terrain to create
an interesting and challenging route and making
use of that area did not interfere with other
traffic currently on the Estate (vehicles, golfers
and walkers). It also offered the best views of the
ocean and surroundings from the top of the hill.
A single track circuit of 7km is planned – with
fairly gentle gradients, it is intended for beginners
and intermediate riders but will also offer enough
of a challenge to keep more experienced riders
interested. It will feature a series of switchback
turns, berms and gentle rollers, all designed to
create a flowing loop of riding that can be ridden
in both directions.
The process of laying out and building the route
is currently underway, with the initial clearing and
compacting completed in December 2014 and the
final shaping and finishing scheduled for January
2015.
Louis van der Walt | Strandlopers Running Club
qualifier
Langebaan Country Estate (LCE) will once
again be the title sponsor of the LCE
Weskus Marathon, taking place on Saturday
25 April 2015. 2015 sees the introduction of
a 10km race to the event. The event will
now consist of a 42.2km full marathon, a
21.1km half marathon, a 10km and a 5km
fun run/walk.
The full marathon is a one of a kind race
in South Africa with 20 buses taking 1200
athletes early in the morning from LCE
all the way around the Langebaan Lagoon
through the West Coast National Park to
the starting point at Tzaarsbank on the
beach at the Atlantic Coast side. The race
starts at 07:00 and the participants run all
the way back to LCE through the park and
eventually finish at LCE’s driving range.
The beauty of this race is that no cars are
allowed during the race inside the West
Coast National Park and runners can enjoy
the beauty of the West Coast Fynbos, the
sea and the lagoon while they tackle the
undulating route, with a very steep hill
called the Black Mamba awaiting them at
the 38km mark as they enter Langebaan.
In 2015 the half marathon will start
next to the driving range at LCE, from
Upping the Game of Rugby
Nigel Samuels | Langebaan Rugby Club Chairperson
Langebaan Rugby Club wishes to extend their
appreciation and thanks to Langebaan Country
Estate, the main sponsor of the club for the past
few years. The relationship between the club and
LCE is a growing one and will hopefully grow from
strength to strength.
Over the last couple of years the rugby club
benefitted at different levels. The Developer of
LCE made it possible for our players in 2014 to
exercise their talents and play the game they so
dearly love, in the heart of the community at our
local primary school and in conditions unknown
to the guys. For the first time, in many of their
rugby playing careers, they could play the game
at an outstanding rugby facility, created by LCE
and the green hands of Klaas Van Eyssen and his
team. This had such a massive impact on the club
and was appreciated so much by the players, that
Langebaan Rugby Club had their best season in the
history of the club.
Our third team ended the season as runners
up in their league as they stumbled over the last
hurdle of their campaign. Our second team was
where runners will run towards the West
Coast National Park, take a circular route in
the Park and then also have to tackle the
Black Mamba on their way back to LCE. We
expect around 1500 participants for the half
marathon.
We are excited about the new 10km race
that will be introduced to the event. This
race will also start next to the driving range
from where runners will run underneath
Oostewal Road and around the second
nine, back underneath the road and then
taking the path around the southern nondeveloped portion of LCE. The 5km fun run/
walk participants also take the path around
the southern non-developed portion of LCE.
All four races finish on the northern part
of the driving range, which has been further
developed by LCE’s Developer and prepared
to be a great finishing venue for the event.
The Langebaan registration will once again
take place at the Clubhouse of LCE.
All Langebaan residents and visitors are
invited to come and enjoy this festive day at
LCE and see some of the best long distance
runners from South Africa in action and
enjoy the warm West Coast hospitality for
which this event is famous for!
UPCOMING
crowned as league champions as they finished
more than twenty points ahead of their closest
rivals and only lost one game of the season.
Our first team also ended the season as runners
up by only one point and thereby qualified for
the playoffs for promotion to a higher league and
represented the club, sponsors and community
with exemption. The boys unfortunately lost in a
tight semi final match 21-23 but will fight again
next season for higher honours.
Times are tough and the willingness from
LCE’s Developer to invest and become part of
the community is something the club appreciates
deeply. We cherish the relationship and hope that
it will last as long as possible. We will always
strive to make LCE proud sponsors.
EVENTS
13th December
Mashie Christmas
Market Day & Grand
Opening Event of Mashie
Clubhouse
19th & 20th December
Mynhardt Dames Classic
7th & 8th March
Club Championships
25th April
LCE Weskus Marathon
1st May
West Coast Classic
FOLLOW US
/LCEGolfEstate
@LBNGolfEstate
8
G OLF
Greenkeepers Report
Klaas van Eyssen | LCE Greenkeeper
No Minor
Mashie
Bob Parry | LCE Mashie Manager
Since our last article the Mashie has gone from
strength to strength. The addition of a braai room
to the existing clubhouse has helped to facilitate
monthly parent and junior events, ladies “chip n
sip” events, kiddies parties and bachelor do’s! It is
becoming a real family zone, especially now that
we have DSTV and music at our finger tips.
If you fancy a good read and a quiet cup of coffee,
the mashie is a must destination, especially first
thing in the morning before the newspapers get
creased. On weekends one can join us for sport on
the TV and an impromptu boerewors roll or hotdog
after golf, not to mention a chilled beer or two.
The winter months have been very kind and
an agronomist’s dream actually. The rains which
started in early May and only really finished in
September have been steady over a period of
five months, unusual for the West Coast. The net
result is that we have blanket cover of grass on
the second nine at the Mashie, less than a year
since those holes opened. In essence there is in
fact, on the face of it no longer a new nine and an
old nine it is simply eighteen holes of bliss for your
golf game, in some cases hybrid and below.
We are planning a Mashie Christmas Market Day
and Grand Opening Event on Saturday 13 December
to celebrate our latest completed asset. This is
guaranteed to be lots of fun at our joyful abode on
Fairway Lane. Watch out for details!
Late May 2015, the main course is hosting its
second “Sunshine Tour Origins of Golf Event”
great stuff! That said the pre–tournament par 3
competition we have planned on the Mashie, is
bound to go down really well with spectators. Like
at The Masters it will be great to see how the top
dogs cope with our tricky little course and which
clubs they select! Our Mashie certainly looks like
it will be in tournament condition by May, thanks
to our greenkeeping staff with course designer
Klaas van Eyssen at the helm.
We don’t plan to stop improving the Mashie
Course. Next winter the tee boxes on the original
front nine will be converted to grass, so as to
match those on the back nine. In some cases this
will mean re-siting, resulting in more interesting
and slightly longer approaches. Grass tees on par
3’s, which is what you have at the Mashie, tend
to get more wear and tear and therefore need to
be bigger as well! Another plan is to beautify the
entrance with the addition of trees and shrubs
for an immediate wow factor, plus enhance the
car park with a new and better surface material.
Together with the already added palm trees near
the clubhouse, the Mashie will be transformed to
have its own oasis. Be sure not to miss out on a
therapeutic hour or two with us in the near future!
After an unusually long winter, which has blessed
rest on the second and the eighteenth fairways
us with lots of rain, we find ourselves in summer
thankfully and for sure they have been tested in
and time to carry out improvements where
any case this winter! On the twelfth fairway at the
necessary.
low point of the course on the angle of the dogleg
Additions to the course are cart paths near the
the jury is still out and it may result in lifting the
tee boxes on the second, fifth and eighteenth,
height there slightly to sort out that nagging issue.
which requires 1,300 square meters of paving. Also
On the maintenance side, our spring treatment
where it is thought necessary, kerb stones which
went well and we are happy all is in good shape for
are working well on the eighteenth for example,
peaking the holidays. All our greens on the main
will continue to be introduced.
course and the Mashie course
Very exciting stuff – the
In some instances cart paths
have been hollow tined and top
considered to be an eye sore definition on the course is dressed. Same applies to the
will be removed, for instance also enhanced by its usage, bowling green which has had
on the third hole which is now stunning as a result - enjoy! new ditch boards fitted as well.
complete and looks a lot better
The practice putting green in
and the sixteenth. Both the aforementioned
front of the clubhouse has been re sculptured
areas will be grassed and have irrigation. The
to take out some quite severe slopes which also
Mashie car park will be used as a “Guinea Pig” to
alleviates drainage problems there as a result.
ascertain the effectiveness of a type of asphalt
Now the real connoisseur golfer will have noticed
for the upgrading of the rest of our cart paths in
a distinct difference on our main course right now.
due course.
OK so the greens have been hollow tined, that’s
On the Driving Range you will see that a wall
one very necessary ongoing six monthly exercise,
was constructed, which is a windscreen for events
but just of late we have been administering Primo
such as the LCE Weskus Marathon and LCE Lagoon
Maxx. Primo Maxx, a liquid formulation grass
Cycle Challenge and MTB Funride and future
growth regulator, which works by redirecting plant
market days.
growth, has proved a real benefit on the main
Our irrigation system has also been extended
golf course. Among other things it shortens the
in the rough on holes three, four, nine and also
internodes, the part of the grass stem between
between seven and eight to beautify, improve the
two nodes. The node is the point on the grass stem
aesthetics and hold the ball better. Effectively
where the leaf is attached. Therefore, as you can
thus preventing more balls from going out of
imagine, creating a much denser grass sword. This
bounds, therefore widening the “avenue”. Many
allows an increased cutting height leading to much
more trees have been planted with the same idea
better lies and resultant ball striking!
in mind. Drainage problems have been put to
Jimmy Cook | LCE Golf Club President
We have just been through our
Winter with fortunate Indian
Summer days which made for
great golfing weather.
On behalf of our members I would just like to
thank our greenkeeper, Klasie and his team for the
wonderful course. Well done guys! The greens have
had their early summer makeover and they are
spectacular indeed.
There are new faces at the Club namely Riëtte Laas
the new General Manager and Golf Professional, Max
Birkenhead who heads up Swingfit, showing that LCE
just continues to grow every year. Max can help you
with coaching and sorting out your golf problems.
Congratulations to Carol van Niekerk and Mark
Day who are the incoming Ladies and Men’s Vice
Captains.
Keith Godfrey has been bestowed with Honorary
Life Membership, eell done and congratulations
Keith.
Watch the golf calendar, there are some great
competitions coming up – you can view this on LCE’s
website.
On the 2nd Presidents vs Captains day, I am sad to
report that the Captain’s team is still ahead in the
running, with a score of 2 – 0. Third time lucky for
the President’s side in 2015?
On behalf of the members, I would like to thank
all the staff of Langebaan Country Estate for their
friendly, professional and efficient service. We
really appreciate it.
Driving Range Edition
Max Birkenhead | LCE Swingfit Coach
Some say, in particular the great Walter Hagen,
you should “smell the roses” between shots on a
golf course. At LCE they are actually aloe’s and
other beautiful indigenous plants, on the way to
the driving range these days you can do just that
before “beating some balata”.
However this is only the tip of the iceberg as
our attentions move to improving your enjoyment
of our practice facility. The “Wendy House” which
has served us well over the years – some of you
may remember that it was the Professionals
Shop whilst the main Clubhouse was undergoing
substantial extensions and renovations in 2006 – is
going to be put into retirement.
The plan is to start early next
year with a fabulous bespoke
clubhouse there. Undercover seating,
shelter from the “Cape Doctor”, a
refreshment area and a place to relax
studying your game, plus a couple
of covered bays so your practice or
tuition can continue if it rains, will be
added to the mix.
Mione van der Walt | LCE Project Manager
The best dressed team including LCE’s Golf Club President; Jimmy Cook.
www.lce.co.za | 022 772 2112
President’s
Corner
Extreme
Makeover
4th FEARless
Godfathers Cup
LCE’s most popular golf event of the year, the
FEARless Godfathers Cup held in December
was once again a great success. This Developer
sponsored day, in memory of the two old original
partners “Godfathers” of LCE is so acclaimed that
a waiting list started very early in 2014 already. A
full field of 152 golfers tee’d off on this beautiful
summer’s day to start off this epic event. With
numerous fully stocked wetholes, an assortment
of finger snacks and even music on this terrific
course, all golfers were indeed contented. After
the prizes worth over R40,000 were handed over
PROUD ATTORNEYS FOR
LANGEBAAN COUNTRY ESTATE
Martin Vermeulen
Tel. 021 919 0395
www.heroldgie.co.za
Kairon Johnston (great grandson of Adolf Engling) & Dominic Scott (grandson
of Frank Robarts) handing over the trophy to the winners of the 4th Annual
FEARless Godfathers Cup.
to the successful contenders, the festivities
followed, where partners joined the already jovial
golfers. Live music by Silverland and a spit braai
was the order of the day with some interesting
moves on the dance floor. As usual, it was a party
not to forget (even through load shedding) and
once again the waiting list has started…
Weskaap Motors sponsored a golf day at LCE in aid of the LCE Juniors
Academy, here Burger Viljoen of Weskaap Motors hands over the cheque
to Bob Parry (LCE).
As most of you are aware by now, your tuition
requirements are very capably looked after by the
Swingfit Golf Academy. Getting a remedy if your
game is troubled or you are looking to improve
will be therefore much easier going forward as the
driving range will be attended to at all times.
With the building of the new clubhouse on the
range will come a state of the art indoor teaching
academy so that lessons can be conducted in all
weather conditions.
We will also be adding to the facility a custom
fitting suite with the use of Flight Scope making
sure that all golfers that use Langebaan Country
Estate have the very best of what any modern golf
facility has to offer from golf lessons to equipment
fitting.
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