Consolidated and formatted by Charlene Green. August 2016. GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 27 A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2008 If you have any news, swops etc please contact René (Rienie) on 083 320 2371. Haal diep asem. Dit kalmeer die gemoed. Nou dat jy kalm is, geniet saam met ons die inhoud van dié nuusbrief! Without really looking out for it, autumn has started to become part of our lives again. One notices it when you wake up in the morning and one has to switch on lights. With the electricity problems we experience so often it might be a good idea to get up later and use sunlight instead of ‘bulblight!!!! FEEDBACK FROM THE MEETING TELEPHONE, INTERNET & E-MAIL CONNECTIVITY Marius Rautenbach is still working on it and will give more feedback in due course. STORM WATER/ FLOODING PHASE 1 The tenders for the resolution of this problem were received but unfortunately it was much more than the original estimate of the Engineers, in fact R108 000-00 or 43% more. We are looking for and researching less expensive options. Watch this space!! ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED GATES The system is in operation. The cell phone system is working very well and should you want to participate, please contact Bruce Rabinson on 083 377 4110 or fax 042 293 4270. BEACH CLEANING The beach cleaning exercise was held on 22 February 2008. For the first time we were 19 people and it really made it a much lighter task. Afterwards we enjoyed an egg burger, coffee and gingerbeer. Thank you to Pieter and Salomé for their contributions. Pieter De Beer appeals to Phase 1 residents to please get involved. Only 1 of the 19 participants was from Phase 1. TEAM GREEN (input by Graeme Goodwin) The Environmental committee was appointed by you, the Homeowners. The time for responsible citizen participation in protecting the environment is upon us, and every effort needs to be made to care for our threatened species and ecosystems. We Humans love to take but are reluctant to give or put back. All estuaries including our own are under serious threat. Some Homeowners are still indiscreet about cutting down trees and removing our natural vegetation. Some Homeowners have even carpeted their gardens. Each Erf comes with a garden, be thankful for that! As a committee we will be working on signage to improve awareness. An indigenous nursery will be established and all trails will be upgraded. Benches will be placed at different intervals on the trails. You can help by donating a bench; these will be recycled plastic, (maintenance free) each with a plaque giving your family name and year. To donate a Bench – contact Gayle Goodwin @ 078 339 1998. Take care, be positive, give back, and keep it green and clean. Best regards Graeme CONSTRUCTION OF CAUSE WAY Manie Venter's quote for the road to the slipway was accepted by the Board and he is expected to start shortly . TENTED CAMP FACILITY Cannot get hold of Mr. Struwig of the Department (D.E.A.E.T). Nevertheless the Board has instructed that the final working drawings must be prepared and submitted to the Archcom and Kouga Municipality as soon as possible. Maybe Mr. Struwig will then realise that we are serious about the mentioned matter. KOUGA VALUATIONS In the case of receiving a valuation for your property from Kouga Municipality you, as homeowner, has to accept or reject it yourself. If you reject the figure then you MUST submit your own objection timeously.
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Consolidated and formatted by Charlene Green. August 2016.
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 27
A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2008If you have any news, swops etc please contact René (Rienie) on 083 320 2371.Haal diep asem. Dit kalmeer die gemoed. Nou dat jy kalm is, geniet saam met ons die inhoud van dié nuusbrief! Without really looking out for it, autumn has started to become part of our lives again. One notices it when you wake up in the morning and one has to switch on lights. With the electricity problems we experience so often it might be a good idea to get up later and use sunlight instead of ‘bulblight!!!!
FEEDBACK FROM THE MEETING
TELEPHONE, INTERNET & E-MAIL CONNECTIVITYMarius Rautenbach is still working on it and will give more feedback in due course.
STORM WATER/ FLOODING PHASE 1The tenders for the resolution of this problem were received but unfortunately it was much more than the original estimate of the Engineers, in fact R108 000-00 or 43% more. We are looking for and researching less expensive options. Watch this space!!
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED GATESThe system is in operation. The cell phone system is working very well and should you want to participate, please contact Bruce Rabinson on 083 377 4110 or fax 042 293 4270.
BEACH CLEANINGThe beach cleaning exercise was held on 22 February 2008. For the first time we were 19 people and it really made it a much lighter task. Afterwards we enjoyed an egg burger, coffee and gingerbeer. Thank you to Pieter and Salomé for their contributions. Pieter De Beer appeals to Phase 1 residents to please get involved. Only 1 of the 19 participants was from Phase 1.
TEAM GREEN (input by Graeme Goodwin)The Environmental committee was appointed by you, the Homeowners. The time for responsible citizen participation in protecting the environment is upon us, and every effort needs to be made to care for our threatened species and ecosystems.We Humans love to take but are reluctant to give or put back. All estuaries including our own are under serious threat. Some Homeowners are still indiscreet about cutting down trees and removing our natural vegetation. Some Homeowners have even carpeted their gardens. Each Erf comes with a garden, be thankful for that!As a committee we will be working on signage to improve awareness. An indigenous nursery will be established and all trails will be upgraded.Benches will be placed at different intervals on the trails. You can help by donating a bench; these will be recycled plastic, (maintenance free) each with a plaque giving your family name and year.To donate a Bench – contact Gayle Goodwin @ 078 339 1998.Take care, be positive, give back, and keep it green and clean.Best regardsGraeme
CONSTRUCTION OF CAUSE WAYManie Venter's quote for the road to the slipway was accepted by the Board and he is expected to start shortly.TENTED CAMP FACILITYCannot get hold of Mr. Struwig of the Department (D.E.A.E.T). Nevertheless the Board has instructed that the final working drawings must be prepared and submitted to the Archcom and Kouga Municipality as soon as possible. Maybe Mr. Struwig will then realise that we are serious about the mentioned matter. KOUGA VALUATIONSIn the case of receiving a valuation for your property from Kouga Municipality you, as homeowner, has to accept or reject it yourself. If you reject the figure then you MUST submit your own objection timeously. PLEASE remember to notify the Association Administration immediately when you receive a rates account as the Kouga Municipality have, to date, not given us a hearing.
NEWSLETTERThe NEWSLETTER is now available on website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za If you make use of the website please inform us as we will then cease sending you a hard copy.
LOAD SHEDDING TIMETABLESA weekly schedule will be placed on the notice boards every Friday. Gamtoos falls into the Group 2 category. These times are applicable if load shedding should take place. For more information concerning this matter you can visit the following website: www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.zaWe experienced a blackout (not Escom related) during December 2007. This was caused by dampness and rodent problems. The electricians worked on the high voltage circuit breakers and the follow up maintenance work should be completed within the next ± 3 weeks.
NEW YEAR'S EVE GRUNTER'S GREEN BONFIRE
Messrs Pennichini and Evans have complained and want the Bonfire to be stopped. How do YOU feel about it? Contact the Office or René to view your opinion in writing. The majority vote should prevail.
HONDE/DOGSA, dit bly maar die ou -ou storie - ons doen maar weereens 'n beroep op u om toe te sien dat u honde in u erf bly en as u met hulle gaan stap dat hulle aan 'n leitou is. As iemand 'n probleem met 'n ander persoon se hond ervaar, probeer asseblief om dit met die eienaar uit te klaar.The resort does not have a dog catcher and we do not want one. The SPCA's telephone number at Humansdorp is 042 295 2814 and they are prepared to take in stray animals.
REPAIRS TO PUBLIC ROADS This is the responsibility of the Public Works Department and the Board has suggested that the Homeowners Association should report the state of the roads to the Department and not get involved as such.
GENERAL
DIRECTORS AND CO -OPTED MEMBERS* GF Rushmere replaces CB Rushmere.* D Lee who was co -opted Archcom and Environment Committee member has resigned. The Board would like to convey their appreciation for his commitment and hard work. Nobody has replaced him yet.• G Goodwin was appointed Chairman of the Environment Committee. Welcome on Board Graeme!!!
ADDRESS / NAME CHANGES - ADDRESS / NAAM VERANDERINGEIf you have moved to live at Gamtoos permanently; or moved from one address to another; had a name change, then please let Jenny Todd know. This in writing so that she may update our records. Fax: 041 363 0269 or email [email protected]
PIETER DE BEER'S THOUGHTS ON LITTERING WITHIN THE RESORTGAMTOOS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONMany of the residents who are currently living in Gamtoos, made a choice to retire here and many residents came here to make this place their permanent residence, although not retired yet. Some are fortunate enough to invest in Gamtoos as a holiday resort. However, each individual made the decision as a direct result of the beauty, peace and calm of this beautiful place. Such beauty is difficult to find elsewhere in our country. It is for this reason that we as proud homeowners are so protective of our peaceful and beautiful place, or should I rather say, “we were under the impression” that it was a peaceful and beautiful place. One should only look around us to experience the outrageous wastage of the following: Sweet wrappers, soft drink cans and bottles, empty two litre cold drink bottles, etc. etc. etc. These unsightly and useless items are strewn all over the roads; onto our neighbour’s erven and where-ever it is comfortable for one to dispose of it. An innocent fishing exhibition to the river becomes a disaster. Once at the prime spot, and hoping to be out of sight, the anglers turn into monsters. All the rubble I mentioned earlier is left all over the terrain but the dirt drums, which are placed there, are found empty. Culprits seem to enjoy breaking their empty bottles thus leaving very dangerous broken glass pieces to unexpected visitors to the area. This is a serious matter because once injured by such a broken bottle, a person has to travel a long way for assistance. What about the children? People tend to ignore the fact that this is a nature reserve and that whoever has the privilege to enter it, must be responsible in order to remain welcome in the reserve. Once you entered the Gamtoos area, which reminded us of paradise in the past, one is greeted with rubble. Don’t you dare take a visitor on a tour to our beautiful beach! One feels ashamed to see all the rubble and you are left apologizing for the mess created by careless people. One should not risk taking off ones shoes while strolling on the beach. The place is booby-trapped and you will definitely be robbed of your precious blood. Did our beach become the new dumping site? One might ask. It is interesting to note how many people are carrying heavy laden cooled boxes, which are filled to the brim with all sorts of lovely cold pleasures, which are intended for the day on the beach. Would you believe when I say that these empty pleasures become extra heavy after a day’s fun in the sun! All the empties are disposed of right there and then. All bottles must be broken of course otherwise the day was not a success. My pleasure has now become your nightmare. Bravo to those brave souls who think our beaches are for their pleasure alone, while endangering others in their four track vehicles and Quadra cycles. You are forbidden to do so gentlemen. What happened to the pride and responsibility of the South African, I might ask? What about the bird life and all the creatures that live on the beaches? One day it will all be gone and who will we blame?Lets us wake up and be responsible before it is too late. It is our duty as homeowners to assist wherever we can to ensure that Gamtoos returns to its former glory. I beg you to be part of this action against those who litter our beautiful Gamtoosriviermond.
GAMTOOS HUISEIENAARS VERENIGING Ons almal wat hier kom aftree het, het hierheen gekom omdat hierdie seersekerlik een van die mooiste natuur omgewings in die land is, of sal ek se “was”. Kom ons kyk om ons rond hier waar ons woon. Lekkergoed papiere, koeldrank blikkies, sigaret stompies en leë pakkies, bierblikkies en bottels en twee liter koledrank bottels lê oral gestrooi. Dit lê in die strate en in die buurman se erf. Wanneer ons by die rivier gaan hengel, dan word ons sleg. Langs hierdie natuurbewarings reservaat lê al die rommel waarvan ek melding gemaak het. Wanneer ‘n mens by die afrit na ons eens op ‘n tyd “paradys” kom, word jy met rommel gegroet. Ons kry skaam om aan buitestanders ons pragtige strand te gaan wys. Hier moet jy nie waag om kaalvoet te probeer stap nie, anders word jy vinnig van jou kosbare bloed ontneem. Die strand het blykbaar in ‘n stortings terrein ontaard, deur mense wat nie ‘n duit omgee vir ander se welstand nie. Vol bottels wyn en bier word met moeite na die strand gedra maar wanneer dit leeg is word die nuttelose bottels blaakbaar te swaar om terug te dra. Gerieflikheidshalwe word hierdie nuttelose kruike daar en dan gebreek sodat ons ons voete stukkend moet sny. Wat her geword van die eerlike wetsgehoorsame Afrikaner wat so trots op ons erfenis was? Hulle jaag met hul vier trek voertuie onwettig op die strande rond sonder om die onskuldige persone se lewens in ag te neem. Ons voël lewe en vis word goedmoeds uitgeroei en dan wil ons weet wie se skuld dit is.
Kom ons skrik wakker en keer voor dit te laat is. Dit is elke eienaar se plig om ons te help om ons pragtige Gamtoosriviermond weer tot sy oorspronklike glorie terug te bring en hom weer ons trots te maak. GROOT ASSEBLIEF. P. De Beer. THE TREE'S PRAYER.
You who would pass by and raise your hand against me,take care, lest you harm me.I am the heat of your fire on the cold winter's night,the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun,and fruits are refreshing, quenching your thirst as you journey on.I am the beam that holds your house, the board of your table,the bed on which you lie and the timber that builds your boat.I am the timber of your hoe, the door of your homestead,the wood of your cradle and the shell of your coffin.I am the gift of God and the friend of man, you who pass by, listen to my prayer.HARM ME NOT!(Translated from an engraving in the garden of MARIMURTA SPAIN).
NEW RESIDENTSNoël en Mara Strydom - Baie welkom hier by ons.Dirk en Liz Coetzee - Hoop julle gaan lekker bly.Hartlik welkom ook aan die Fouche's.SIEKESAnton Landman was in die hospitaal en is gelukkig weer op die been. Sterkte.Alice Fourie baie welkom terug. Ons het jou afwesigheid gevoel.Oupa Wolmarans het tipies ' Murphey's Law' sy gebruik arm gebreek en ons hoop hy geniet die luukse van vroulief se versorging.Ons dink ook aan Magda Rautenbach.Ons dra almal altyd aan Sy sorg op derhalwe is jy ingesluit al verskyn jou naam dalk nie hier nie.Ingeborg Matten is not well and we wish her a complete and speedy recovery. David Stewart passed away. Our condolences to Melanie and family.
EMPLOYMENT OPENINGGeorge Gerber will shortly be relieved of some of his Resort Manager’s duties as he will be concentrating on the Building Inspectorate, Archcom, Envirocom and related affairs. There is now a vacancy for the position of Assistant Manager. Briefly the job description for this vacancy is as follows:* control of labour; * refuse removal; * firefighting equipment maintenance and drills; * Envirocom; * roads' repairs and maintenance; * signs and * fences; etc. If interested please forward your CV to Lorraine Garner on fax 041 363 0269 or email : [email protected] by Wednesday, 19 March 2008.
ST JOHNS FIRST AID COURSEIf wives of Firefighters and others wish to attend please contact Pieter De Beer on 072 227 0441.
SPECIAL THANKSTo all the Folk of Gamtoos .As most of you know we experienced a fire in our home in the late afternoon of January 23rd. By the time I managed to get back to the house from the main gate, some builders teams and various other people were getting the fire under control. If it were not for them we would definitely not have had a house left standing. To you all we Thank You from the bottom of our hearts, for all your magnificent help.But it doesn’t stop there because subsequently all of you in Gamtoos have shown your great concern and have opened you hearts and been so supportive to us, which has helped so greatly through this difficult and emotional time. For this we don’t know how to say thank you enough, but would humbly like to say Thank You and God Bless you all. Best WishesThe Todd’s.
TEN SLOTTE Elke man het 'n vrou nodig omdat daar 'n paar dinge is wat verkeerd kan gaan en waarvoor mens nie die regering kan blameer nie! RenèASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 12095, MOFFAT PLACE, 6002 - 1ST FLOOR PAMELA BUILDING, 2ND AVE NEWTON PARK TEL: 041 363 0263 FAX: 041 363 0269 EMERGENCY NUMBER 076 072 4751 email: [email protected]
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 28
A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 29 MAY 2008 If you have any news, swops etc please contact René (Rienie) on 083 320 2371. We start this letter with wintry greetings - one can for sure now feel and see that we are in the cold season of the year! Despite the nippy weather we are fortunate to be at the seaside where one does not have the same cold weather conditions as in the inland!We are fortunate to have Angela Stockly as a resident. She is currently working on a brochure in which she is going to try to get the residents and visitors acqainted with the beauty and history of our resort and surrounds. She is planning to submit the brochure quarterly and it will also appear on the website.
FEEDBACK FROM THE MEETING TELEPHONE, INTERNET & E-MAIL CONNECTIVITY Marius Rautenbach is still working on it and will give more feedback in due course.
STORM WATER/ FLOODING PHASE 1 We are still trying to buy back erf 183 to create a settling pond (landscaped and fenced) with a pump so that excess water can be pumped out, when the need rises. The present owners are unwuilling to sell. We are continuing to try to persuade them to sell or to swop. We will keep you updated. REMOTE CONTROL REPAIRS The Homeowners Association has nothing to do with repairs or a service exchange systems. The following rules apply:(1) The warranty period - guarantee is four (4) weeks max. If a remote is brought back within four (4) weeks, Jenny Todd or Pieter de beer can exchange them ang get them fixed at the Homeowners expense. (Obviously only if they don't look as if they have been abused, etc. etc. etc.).(2) After four (4) weeks Homeowners must buy another unit.Broken units can be left with Jenny Todd or Pieter de Beer or taken directly to Ross Bowman at Security Technology Worx for repairs. We will attempt to get these broken units fixed. If successful we will return them to the owners and charge them for the repairs.
COMPLETION OF CAUSEWAY Cause way has been completed. They are busy with the maintenance of the slipway road from the cause way to the slipway. ELECTRICAL SERVICES Eveready currently sells a micro wind power generator system. Individuals can look at installing their own micro wind generator or also consider solar panels, and gas options, etc. or evens a small generator for emergencies.
WATER COST COMPARISON Gamtoos Mouth Resort residents are paying R5.50 per kilolitre. Jeffrey's Bay residents are paying R6.00 per kilolitre - this when an availability charge of R46.70 and a consumption of 25 kilolitres are taken into reckoning.
DISTRICT ROAD 434 This road has now been repaired with the assistance of Marius Keyser and Chris Strauss of the Department of Roads. We extend a word of appreciation for these most needed repairs. To drive along a road without potholes is a real pleasure.
SUBSTATION The work on the substation is completed. This was started after the arching which caused a blow out in the substation. An extractor fan with a timer had been installed for ventilation. The walls had been waterproofed and rat traps were set to stop rodents from entering the system and bird proofing was also done.
WEB SITE Those with internet facilities are requested to visit our web site www.gamtooshomwowners.co.za and will find the following new additions:* AGM minutes and Chairman's report* Causeway pictures* Beach clean - up dates* Fire fighting practice dates and* List of telephone numbers for Gamtoos Emergency Service.
KOUGA RATES BEACH CLEANING The beach cleaning happened on Saturday, 17 May 2008, and it was as per usual a massive success due to very concerned and energetic participants! We were so grateful towards the newcomers who joined in the cleaning campaign and really appreciate their help. In total we were 20 who did the cleaning and we all enjoyed the lovely bacon - and - egg - burgers with coffee which were prepared by Salomé, Pieter and René at the office in Phase 1. We would like to thank Taptiana Pengelli for her contribution towards the burgers - such generosity is highly appreciated!!
ADDITIONAL SNIPPETS 1. Stefaans Gerber has been appointed as Assistant Resort Manager. His enthusiasm is visible in what he is doing. The labourers are not very impressed with him. David Mangesi has been appointed as a general labourer for the invader irradiation programme. His hard work is also appreciated. 2. Telephone numbers: Resort Manager - George Gerber - 071 981 9592 Assistant Resort Manager - Stefaans Gerber - 076 072 4751 WAARSKUWING / WARNING
U moet asseblief kennis neem dat die Departement Natuurbewaring besig is om op tree teen oortreders op die strande. Onthou u mag nie op die strande ry nie. Werk asseblief saam. Please take note that the Department of Nature Conservation is currently taking action against transgressors driving on the beach. Please give them your support and do not drive on the beach!!
ADVERTENSIES/ ADVERTISEMENTS Handees Hardware & Tool HireContact Manie Venter at Mondplaas at 083 350 4719 or 073 820 6368 Window Cleaning ServicesThey utilize pure water and high reach water-fed poles to ensure that your windows are left totally spot free and sparkling clean! For Quotes or Contracts contact André and Kobie at 072 244 9588 or 076 881 8534 Gio’s Timber Construction They specialize in Log Homes.Contact Giovanni at 084 655 6638 for Sale Boat: Viking 19ft. Cabin boat on galvanised trailer.Motor: Evinrude 120 HP V4 with in board fuel tank.Accessories: Fish finder - Eagle cube 128, gaff, prawn pump, 12v battery, lights, 2 X anchors, life jackets and other.Price: R65 000.00Contact Zane at 082 774 8198 LIEF EN LEED / THE BITTER AND SWEET 1. Ingeborg
Matten passed away during the month of May. Condolences to the next of kin and we assure them that we keep them in our prayers. 2. Ons innige meegevoel aan Marius Rautenbach en sy gesin met die heengaan van sy geliefde eggenoot. Ons verseker hom van ons voorbidding vir hulle in hierdie donker tyd van rou.3. Ons was diep geskok oor die skielike heengaan van Harold Maree, die bouer. Ons onthou ook hierdie familie in ons gebede.4. Our deepest sympathy also to Jenny Tee who lost her father - in - law a while ago. We pray for them constantly.5. Lorraine Garner lost her brother - in - law in the beginning of June. We extend sincere words of sympathy to her and her family.
TEAM GREEN (input by Graeme Goodwin ) Best regardsGraeme
HUNTER'S GREEN BONFIRE REFERENDUM A petition, which clearly indicated that the majority of the residents were against the mentioned bonfire, was signed by most of the permanent residents and handed to the Board. Afterwards Zane Hayes also submitted a list of petitioners FOR the bonfire. At the Board meeting it had been agreed that a referendum should be held with the next NEWSLETTER. Homeowners can bring out their vote on this matter at issue on the ballot paper which will be included in the NEWSLETTER. The outcome will be final!!
GENERAL U moet asseblief seker maak dat U ekstra petrol in voorraad het, aangesien sommige mense se familie kom kuier met ‘n leë tenk en dan moet hulle petrol lee nom huis toe te gaan. Ek wonder nou net of hulle hoop hulle kan sommer permanent hier bly!! En daarom sorg hulled at die tenk leeg is. U moet ook maar U plante teen bosvarke verseker want al die piesangplante word sommer oornag opgevreet. Vra maar vir die Foreman’s!! TEN SLOTTE DIE BOODSKAP VAN DIE HORLOSIE.Elke uur van die horlosie het 'n boodskap vir my 1 Uuur sê vir my ek leef net EENMAAL, en daarom moet ek die lewe waardeer en reg gebruik 2 Uur sê vir my ek het TWEE OUERS wat ek moet eer en gehoorsaam 3 uur herinner my aan 'n DRIE - ENIGE GOD (Vader, Seun en Heilige Gees), wat ek moet dien met my hele hart. 4 Uur herinner my aan die VIER WINDSTREKE en waar ek ook al mag gaan, het ek die Hemelse Kompas (Die Bybel) nodig om my die rigting na die Hemel aan te dui. vervolg in volgende uitgawe van die nuusbrief. Renè ASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 12095, MOFFAT PLACE, 6002 - 1ST FLOOR PAMELA BUILDING, 2ND AVE NEWTON PARK TEL: 041 363 0263 FAX: 041 363 0269 EMERGENCY NUMBER 076 072 4751 email: [email protected]
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 29
A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2008. If you have any news, swops etc please contact René (Rienie ) on 083 320 2371. Die aanbreek van die lente is darem maar ‘n wonderlike tyd van die jaar , dit is ‘n tyd vir feesviering , die begin van ‘n splinternuwe jaar deur Moeder Natuur. Saam met die lekker lentemaande kom daar natuurlik allerhande tuintake wat aangepak moet word. Trek vandag nog die tuinhandskoene aan en raak sommer lekker vuil. Ek het vanoggend vroeg opgestaan en toe ek deur die venster kyk, sien ek ‘n Bosbokooi wat heerlik aan my Gezanias vreet en later het sy ook aan die doringboom se punte gevreet. Is ons nie bevoorreg om in so ‘n rustige plek te woon nie , om die wildediere en die ongerepte natuur so te geniet nie. Wat egter baie ontstellend is , is dat mense die bokke met klippe gooi – groot asseblief indien U dit sien rapporteer dit asseblief aan Pieter de Beer , hy sal definitief die nodige aandag aan dit gee.
FEEDBACK FROM THE MEETING
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGThe AGM will take place at 14h00 on Saturday the 1st of November 2008 at the home of Julian and Vanessa Kasperski.
STORM WATER/ FLOODING PHASE 1- PONDING OF ERF 183 Negotiations with the owner in progress. A précis of events as well as details of his neighbors has been sent to Mr Holmes as requested. The intention is to acquire the plot from him and to create a pond there. We will keep you updated.
REMOTE CONTROL SALESVanessa Kasperski is taking over the task of selling remotes. Please contact her on 082 297 0170. KOUGA CAMPING GROUNDAngela Stockley has obtained the documents the Board needs to study before we meet with Kouga Municipality. (Management Plan and the PPP) Angela will arrange for a meeting in October.
REPAIR OF THE SLIPWAY A tender for the slipway has been approved and work will start in due course. The estimated date of completion is 30-11-08. The slipway will be closed during the construction. KOUGA RATES At a meeting with Kouga Municipality the following information was obtained: Kouga still have to revalue at market value next year, as Port Elizabeth has done this year. Only 29 homeowners currently appear on the valuation roll. The rebates on the old valuations are acceptable, but may not be acceptable on the new market related valuations next year. We will at that stage, see what rebates they offer and object if necessary. Homeowners will have to put in their own objections if they are not happy with the new market related values next year. At present they are in the phasing in stage. In a nutshell the following points are relevant: 1. We have the valuation roll and can give homeowners their valuations.2. The current tariff is 1.462c in the rand. 3. There is a phasing in discount over 3 years. I.e. 75% in year 1. 50% in year 2. And 25% in year 3. 4. We have presently been given a 30% rebate for services not offered. 5. We have advised homeowners to pay under protest, and to reserve the right to challenge and renegotiate the 30% rebate in the future. 6. Implementation of rates by Kouga is seen by them as being a tax, with no impact upon levies. If you have received a rates account you should pay it. Write Kouga a covering letter to inform them that you are paying under protest and that you reserve the right to challenge the 30% rebate given for services not offered. This in the future. This negotiation to take place under the auspices of the Homeowners Association’s Board representing all 449 Homeowners. If you have not taken transfer of your property from Gamtoos Mouth Investments and they receive your rates account, they will pay it and debit your loan account to recover the expenses paid on your behalf. BEACH CLEAN-UP Thirteen people attended the Beach Clean-up operation. An owner from Holland, Mr Van Roeden, and Mark and Melissa Willemse from phase 1 joined us. Remember all homeowners are welcome. We always need more hands. Afterwards we enjoyed bacon and egg burgers, coffee, tea and toast. Thanks to Pieter De Beer. Also thank you to Salome for her marmalade.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE Mark Willemse is the new chairman and he is very enthusiastic. Please support him. Remember that the Nursery is in full swing. ADVERTENSIES/ ADVERTISEMENTS Handees Hardware & Tool HireContact Manie Venter at Mondplaas at 083 350 4719 or 073 820 6368 Gio’s Timber ConstructionThey specializes in Log Homes.Contact Giovanni at 084 655 6638 WANTED Artists, Crafters and Traders for arts, crafts and gift store opening October 2008Contact Carol Kritzinger at Fountains Regional Shopping Mall , Jeffrey’s Bay.Cell phone 082 441 4779 or [email protected]
WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEM Contact Nicollas Reddy in connection with a GSM wireless alarm system that can be controlled from your Cell phone. If the alarm triggers it can contact up to 6 people.Contact numbers : 0861 733945 / 011 796 5030 or 083 419 4727E-mail : [email protected] For SaleBoat: Viking 19ft. Cabin boat on galvanized trailer.Motor: Evinrude 120 HP V4 with in board fuel tank.Accessories: Fish finder - Eagle cube 128, gaff, prawn pump, 12v battery, lights, 2 X anchors, life jackets and other.Price: R65 000.00Contact Zane at 082 774 8198 For Sale Casio LK215 lightning keyboardSharp 3CD shuttle mini Hi-FiSharp Carousel convection microwave ovenWolf electric lawnmowerRyobi edge hog weed eaterRyobi blower/vacuumRyobi carpentry tools still sealed in boxesCall Jessie on 082 810 9167 or call at:192 Honeysucker Drive
LIEF EN LEED / THE BITTER AND SWEET Baie geluk aan Jacques Gerber wat met die Gamtoos 1000 ‘n bootjie gewen het. Jaques jy moet darem aan my ook dink as jy so baie visse vang. Ek eet ook graag vars vis !!! Gerrie Joubert en sy vrou het ‘n “cooler box “ en olie gewen. Baie geluk.3. Oupa Wolmarans het sy 82 ste verjaardag gevier Baie geluk !
GRUNTER'S GREEN BONFIRE REFERENDUM Results of the Bonfire referendum. The Pro Bonfire homeowners in favor won. Those in favor - 28 votes. Those against - 13 votes. The New Year’s Eve Bonfire will be allowed to continue under the strict supervision of Zane Hayes (Director) and some Firefighting team members. The people holding the Bonfire must clean up the remains the following day.
LEVY ACCOUNTS Statements are only rendered after each water reading, which is done every three months. Monthly accounts are not sent out, with the aim of keeping the levy down, as postage and administrative costs are expensive when running a Development as large as Gamtoos Mouth Resort. By keeping the costs down over the past years we have been able to keep levy increases down to a minimum. Levies are now R100 per month. Levies are due on the 1st of each month, in advance, and unless these monies are forthcoming on a regular monthly basis, it becomes extremely difficult to conduct the affairs of the Homeowners Association. There are amounts to be paid each month whether or not the owners are paying their levy accounts. It is also extremely unfair to place the burden of meeting such costs, on those homeowners who pay their levies regularly. Non-payment results in the funds of the Homeowners Account being depleted. Please settle this account immediately and continue to pay regularly. Consider using the debit order facility. You will not have to incur any cost, and your account will not fall in arrears. ALGEMEEN Baie dankie aan Manie Venter vir die sirene wat hy geskenk het. U sal nou dadelik hoor as daar ‘n brand is. Sarel Gerber het sy dank uitgespreek teenoor Stephaans vir die opgradering van die pad na die skeepshelling.
HERWINNING/RECYCLING U gaan in die toekoms 2 vullis sakke (een groen) ontvang. U moet al U bottels en blikke in die groen sak plaas.Baie dankie vir U samewerking!!.In the future you will receive 2 refuse bags (1 green). Place your bottles and tins in the green bag. Thank you for your co-operation!!
INTERESTING INFORMATION Dirk and Liz Coetzee rescued a seagull. Walking the dogs along the beach and towards the river mouth our boxer dog came across a seagull struggling on the ground. We went to investigate and found that the seagull was entangled in fisherman’s gut and steel tracing wire. It also had a large hook through its beak and there was a red float attached to the line. Through all its struggling the steel trace and gut wrapped around its feet eventually pulling its beak with the hook approximately 4cm from its feet. Clearly it had very little chance of surviving. Painstakingly we removed the hook from its beak and untangled its feet from the steel trace and gut. This done the seagull took a few minutes to compose itself before flying off towards the river. One week later we came across another seagull also with a float and hook through its beak, but before we could get close enough to help it , it flew away. We appeal to the fishermen to be very careful with their hooks and gut. People walking on the beach please pick up the hooks and gut lying around – it can save a seagull from a horrible death.
TEN SLOTTE DIE BOODSKAP VAN DIE HORLOSIE. ( vervolg ) 5 uur dui op die vyf vingers aan my hand, waarmee ek moet werk om eerlik my brood te verdien en vir die Here diensbaar te wees.6 uur sê vir my ek moet ses dae van die week werk en my pligte getrou na kom.7 uur sê vir my dat ek op die sewende dag moet rus en kerk toe gaan om vir die Here dankie te sê vir al Sy genade wat ek onverdiend ontvang, en om te luister na Sy boodskap.8 uur laat my dink aan die agt siele in Noag se ark wat in die sondvloed behoue gebly het : en net so sal ek behoue bly as ek in die Ark ( Jesus ) skuiling soek. Renè Ons innige meegevoel aan Renè en haar familie met die dood van haar broer. Julle is in ons almal se gebede. ASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 12095, MOFFAT PLACE, 6002 - 1ST FLOOR PAMELA BUILDING, 2ND AVE NEWTON PARK TEL: 041 363 0263 FAX: 041 363 0269 EMERGENCY NUMBER 076 072 4751 email: [email protected]
GAMTOOSMOUTH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 30
A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER 2008.If you have any news, swops etc, please contact René (Rienie) on 083 320 2371The Weekend Duty Managers are:Derrick Goodchild, Willem Grobler, Stephanus Gerber, George Gerber. Cell no 076 072 4751Resort Manager: George Gerber Cell no 071 981 9592This will be the last NEWSLETTER of the year 2008 - almost unbelievable that we are so near to a brand new year! As this is also the start of the festive season, we would like to extend a word of warm welcome to all the holidaymakers. From the Resort’s side we will try our best to make it enjoyable for all and in return we just have one request - please abide by the rules of the Resort throughout your stay. DIRECTORSZane Hayes was re-elected at the AGM. Kobus Raath and Stuart Shelver were also elected as new Directors to the Board. Congratulations on your election. There had been a dead heat, so the Chairman decided to appoint all 3. Pieter De Beer and Derek Goodchild were not available for re-election. Thank you both for your dedicated and very able service to the community over the past number of years. Your achievements are evident for all to see.
BUDGETThe Budget was approved by the Board and the levy will be R125.00 per month from 1-1-2009. This for the Calendar year 2009.
REPAIR OF THE SLIPWAYNational Marine Construction’s quote - Johan Liebenberg - was accepted on 2-10-2008. His estimated date of completion was 30-11-2008. Obviously this has not happened, we are disappointed with the service thus far. Mr Colin Rushmere is attempting to get him on site as soon as possible. The chances of completion before the shutdown are slim.
HERWINNING/RECYCLINGGreen refuse bags costs R4 each compared to R1 each for black bags. Please place bottles and cans in one black bag and refuse in the other. Groen vullis sakke kos R4 elk in vergelyking met swart sakke wat R1 elk kos. Plaas asseblief al u bottles en blikke in een sak en vullis in die ander.
REMOTE ELECTRIC CONTROLLED GATES - VIA LAND OR CELL PHONE.Ronel Buchner has taken over the admin of the above service from Bruce Rabinson. Please contact her on 082 320 6156; email: [email protected]. New subscribers - R150 per year, payable in advance. A reduced fee for more than 1 family member per household is applicable. This service is strictly available to Gamtoos Homeowners only. Ronel will be overseas from the 28th of December to the 13th of January. Please contact Bruce during this time on 084 619 4927; email: [email protected]
BUILDERS SHUT DOWNThe builders shut is from closing on Friday the 12th December 2008 to starting on Monday the 12 January 2009. Within the Resort, no building activity can take place during this shut down period. This rule will be strictly applied. Remember the plots are to be left clean and without any rubbish or litter thereon.
BEACH CLEAN UPPieter De Beer will arrange the last beach clean up for the year on Saturday morning the 13th of December. This under the auspices of Mark Willemse. Come and enjoy a bacon and egg roll and coffee after the beach clean up with Chef Pieter. Hope to see you all there. The Beach clean up dates for 2009 are: February - Saturday the 14th May - Saturday the 16thAugust - Saturday the 15th November - Saturday the 14th We suggest that If you are going down to the Lagoon or Little Beach, please take a refuse bag with you. If 100 people each pick up 1 bottle a day we can make a huge difference. Fewer injuries this holiday season will be a great bonus.
FIRE FIGHTING - SKID UNITPurchased
BOAT TRAILER IDENTIFICATIONThe current system makes provision for the registration of boats and vehicles with the Resort Management. The Board has now decided to include trailers in the registration process. This as per the rules appertaining to the issuing of skippers licenses. The owners name, address, telephone number and Gamtoos Mouth Homeowners Association’s registration disc number must now appear on all tailors. All registered boat owners to please contact George Gerber on 071 981 9592 at their earliest convenience. The Homeowners Association reserves the right to tow away and impound unidentifiable trailers on Homeowners Association Private Open Space.
LABOURERS CHRISTMAS HAMPERPlease do not give Jan and the rest of the Labour Force liquor over the festive season. Pieter De Beer has offered to go around the Resort and collect money for the labourers for hampers. Please support him in this worthwhile effort.
TWO/THREE/FOUR WHEELERS AND OTHERNO JOY RIDING IS ALLOWED IN THE RESORT.
ADVERTS/ADVERTENSIES
Arts and Crafts:Shamwari Crafts - Celebrating the Mystical Rhythms of Africa. Shop G29 Fountains Mall Jeffreys Bay. Kiddies workshops throughout December 2008For Sale: Tyrannosaurus wrek for sale. Boat needs attention. Unused motor - 55 Yamaha outboard. View next to the Slipway Gate. Cell 072 373 2427.Gio’s Timber Construction:They specialize in Log Homes. Contact Giovanni on 084 655 6638Tuindienste/Garden Services:Dirk en Liz Coetzee has taken over the grass cutting/garden service.Skakel hulle op 084 512 4961Riverside Café:Under new Management. Wena Ferguson verskaf daaglikse dringende kruideniersware. U ondersteuning word waardeer. WELKOM - WELCOMEWelcome to all new residents - enjoy the ResortWelkom aan alle nuwe intrekers - geniet die OordSIEKESOupa Wolmarans en Ouma Wolmarans is tans ongesteld. Ons dink aan julle en ander wat siek is op die oomblik. Word gou gesond. Remember:Don’t point a finger to anybody else, because 3 are pointing back to you. Finally: We wish you good health and many memories and sunsets, warm blankets on rainy days and lots of shade in the summer heat. We wish you peace when you need silence and laughter when you need company and that all of your dreams and desires may be fulfilled to your satisfaction. The simple things and the quality of life matters most and that is what we wish each and every one of you. ‘n Baie geseënde Kersfees en ‘n voorspoedige Nuwejaar word aan u almal toegewens. RENÉ
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER/NUUSBRIEF NO 31 A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2009 - 41st If you have any news, swops etc please contact René (Rienie ) on 083 320 2371. It is unbelievable that it is the beginning of April. Time really flies and you can put in your bulbs for a beautiful Spring garden. The children and grand children are at home for the holidays and they can assist you!!!
FEEDBACK FROM THE MEETING Ons het al amper vergeet dat dit Kersfees was, maar ons wil net baie dankie sê vir Salome de Beer en haar helpers vir die kollekteer van die geld vir die werkers se Kersgeskenke . Ons het vir hulle elkeen ‘n hamper van omtrent R700 gegee. Baie dankie aan elkeen wat ‘n bydrae gemaak het. Ek kan U verseker dat hulle dit waardeer het.
BEACH CLEAN UP The last clean up was the 14th February and it was a great success as usual. Thank you to all the old faithful’s. The dates for the next clean ups are as follows:16 May15 August14 NovemberZane Hayes requested that the “Little Beach” on the lagoon be included in the program. All Homeowners, please come and join us. Bacon and egg rolls thereafter.
PLAYGROUND -- PHASE 1 Over Xmas adults abused the playground. A sign “CHILDREN ONLY “ will be put up. Please report any incidents to George or Stephanus, and try to encourage Homeowners to comply with the rules.
PLAYGROUND PHASE 2 The area that has been ear market is in Tern Way to the South West of erf 455 and to the North East of erf 455. Any comments or objections to be addressed to the Board of Directors Fax to 041 363 0269 or E-mail [email protected] . Homeowner participation is encouraged. This location was chosen after the Sub Committee had also considered Grunters Green and the area to the North of Moonfish Close.
LAMP POSTS Children/teenagers maliciously damaged the lampposts over Xmas. They shake the pole until the lamp breaks. 5 Were broken in total. Although insured, the repair costs don’t exceed the excess. Please report this type of behavior to the Resort Management. GARDEN REFUSE/BUSH AND BUILDING RUBBLE REMOVALS WAS NOW A GARDEN REFUSE/BUSH REMOVAL: No GAMHOA labour R 60.00 R 80.00 Our GAMHOA labour R 90.00 R 120.00 B BUILDING RUBBLE: No GAMHOA labour R 90.00 R 100.00 No GAMHOA labour R 90.00 R 150.00 FIRE FIGHTING DEPARTMENTRiaan Senekal is our new OC (Officer Commanding). Thank you to Riaan for taking over from Pieter De Beer. Pieter, we appreciated your time an effort in the past, and are grateful that you are continuing to serve as a Team Member. Pieter thanks once again. We would like to thank Manie Venter again for the siren he donated. George has tested it once, but nobody in Phase 1 responded. Did you not hear it? Please give George feedback. ADVERTENSIES/ ADVERTISEMENTS Handees Hardware & Tool HireContact Manie Venter at Mondplaas on 083 350 4719 or 073 820 6368 Gio’s Timber ConstructionThey specialises in Log Homes.Contact Giovanni on 084 655 6638 WANTED Artists, Crafters and Traders for arts, crafts and gift store that opened in October 2008Contact Carol Kritzinger at Fountains Regional Shopping Mall , Jeffrey’s Bay.Cell phone 082 441 4779 or [email protected] WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEM Contact Nicollas Reddy in connection with a GSM wireless alarm system that can be controlled from your Cellphone and if the alarm triggers it can contact up to 6 people.Contact numbers: 0861 733945 / 011 796 5030 or 083 419 4727E-mail: [email protected] BLACKIE’S PROJECTS Your local Building Contractor.For all your building needs and a free quotation please contact Pieter on 082 929 3781 Are you suffering from Mosquito bites? Treat it with >All-in-one > the natural way (includes no chemicals) – sprays available from R 25. Contact Angelica at 078 927 4175 PLANTS Yvonne Bradley has seedlings for your spring garden. Plants will be available from the middle of April.Tel: 073 156 0624. LIFT CLUB From Gamtoos to PE and back. We are looking for another person to join – preferably with their own car. Leaving Gamtoos at 06:15 in the morning. Contact Amanda 076 1877 461 / Estelle 071 60604698 / Angelica 083 411 9500
TENTED CAMP FACILITY. Steven Abrahams submitted plans on 17/12/08. Have since seen him and he has made the corrections and submitted the plans to Kouga for approval. The plans are open for inspection.
SLIPWAY REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE. Johan Liebenberg received conflicting instructions over Christmas. Chris Egberink has since spoken to him and requested that he complete the work as soon as possible. He is now on site but way behind schedule.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEES, Mark Willemse has resigned as Chairman. We are in the process of appointing a successor and will keep Homeowners informed. TORTOISE SANCTURY. Arthur Ahlschlager, a tortoise expert approached us to start a tortoise sanctuary in the Resort. He identified an area 50x50 square meters off the slipway road which we have cordoned off. Arthur will stock the sanctuary and monitor the progress. After the breeding program has prooved successful he will start releasing the over population into the wilds. The Eastern Cape has 4 species of tortoise, more than any of the other Provinces. Two mountain tortoises have already been released into the bush.
LIEF EN LEED / THE BITTER AND SWEET Jacques Gerber het aan die Karati kampioenskappe deelgeneem, eerste plek gekry met sy Kata en tweede plek met Grapping. Hy het sy bruin belt gekry en hy is uitgenooi na die S A Kampioenskappe in Stellenbosch later vanjaar. Baie geluk Jacques! Pieter de Beer word die 7de April geopereer. Sterkte! Henri Grobler is tans in Greenacres Hospitaal. Beterskap aan al die persone wat ongesteld is, ons hoop U is sommer gou 100%. NUWE INWONERSBaie welkom aan al ons nuwe inwoners. Ons weet dat julle sommer dadelik sal tuis voel.
TEN SLOTTE DIERE BEPAAL DIE BESKAWINGSPEIL Dit is baie bemoedigend om te sien hoe die Burger die welsyn van die diereryk op die hart dra. Baie dankie daarvoor.Martin Luther het gesê jy kan ‘n Christen se diepte bepaal deur te let op hoe hy sy hond behandel.Ghandi het ‘n volk se beskawingspeil gemeet aan hul gesindheid teenoor diere. Die teoloog Ferdinand Deist het geskryf ‘n gelowige wat geen tyd het vir diere nie , het eintlik ‘n sort “ halwe godsdiens “ beet . Selfs Hitler was ‘n diereliefhebber .Christene , bid asseblief vir diere wereldwyd – mak sowel as wilde diere – hul welsyn organisasies en die “groen “ beweging in Spanje wat sterk betoog teen bulgevegte . Diegene wat so laag daal om diere te mishandel, moet swaar gestraf word. Hierdie kosbare deel van die skepping – die diereryk – verdien al ons waardering en respek . ( Brief geneem uit die Burger ) TO ERR IS HUMAN TO FORGIVE DEVINE . Renè ASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 12095 MOFFAT PLACE, 6002. 1ST FLOOR PAMELA BUILING, 2ND AVENUE, NEWTON PARK. TEL: 041 363 0263 FAX: 041 363 0269 EMERGENCY: 076 072 4751 EMAIL: [email protected] RESORT MANAGEMENTMANAGER - GEORGE GERBERASSISTANT MANAGER - STEPHANUS GERBER Weekend Duty Managers: GEORGE GERBERSTEFANUS GERBERWILLEM GROBLER DERICK GOODCHILDContact the Weekend Duty Manager on 076 072 4751 ‘n Brief ontvang van Sarel Gerber, wat gevra het dat dit gepubliseer word. Geagte Gamtoos Vriende en Inwoners Laat die son skyn Graag wil ek net onder U aandag bring dat ons tans in ‘n wonderlike gesonde, skone asemrowende en pragtige omgewing woon. Ons weet ook dat die een die ander moet respekteer en dat daar wette is wat nagekom moet word. Ek vra dus namens Gamtoos Bouers om verskoning dat ons op 19/02/2009 om 17:05 nog besig was om te werk. Ons het op erf 538 dak opgesit omrede die plafon bo-op die dra balke reeds geslaan was en die reen waarvoor ons gebid het, het gedreig om te val. Ons sou groot skade gekry het as die dak nie op was nie. Ons het om 17:40 klaar gemaak, dankie vir diè wat menslikheid het en verstaan en so ook die son laat skyn op ander, wat ons glo Jesus ook wil hê. Ongelukkig is daar die wat net aan hul self dink en dit maak my bewoë om te sien dat daar sekere kinders van die Here is wat agterbaks is en nie mans genoeg is om jou self te kom sien nie, maar agter jou rug bel, slegs 5 minute later as gewone tyd 17 :00 Sekere werk moet ongelukkig klaar gemaak word bv. ‘n Blad wat gegooi is moet afgewerk word, ens. Ons bouers probeer ons bes om stiptelik 17:00 klaar te wees, maar partykeer laat omstandighede dit nie toe nie.Ons sal dit waardeer as ons bouers in kennis gestel sal word as die krag afgaan , dit benadeel ons en vertraag die werk soos huidig die geval was. Niemand wil graag 05:30 opstaan en oortyd werk nie. Ons sal dit waardeer as ons nie hoef te werk nie, maar ons gesinne moet eet. Ten laaste wil ek net dankie sê vir ons liewe Vader vir gesondheid, krag, genade en werk. Laat die son asb. ook op ander skyn. Met LiefdeSarel Gerber
RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER NO 32
THE 42ND MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2009 If you have any news, swops etc please contact René (Rienie ) on 083 320 2371.Ons is nou regtig midde in die winter of is dit nou maar net ek wat so koulik is! So ses van die gesinne wat hier in die Oord woon, was so bevoorreg om vir drie dae by Dennis Lee-hulle op die plaas te kuier. Was dit nou heerlik! So stil en rustig, almal het verfris teruggekom. Wat nou heerlik was , was dat die kragopwekker om 9 uur afgeskakel is en dan was dit so donker en kon ons die sterre soveel beter sien. Dit het my laat dink dat ons mos hier in die Oord kan krag spaar as die straatligte so 10 uur afgeskakel word, dan kan ons ook die sterre soveel beter sien en bewonder. U kan miskien terugvoer gee !!! In any case I am not complaining about Winter, because that is the God - given time for nature to rest and one must bear in mind that without Winter there can't be Spring.
FEEDBACK FROM THE MEETING
FISHING AND BAIT COLLECTION CATCH CARDSA Post Box will be erected at the Slipway where the fisherman have to put in the results of the fish they have caught and bait they have collected on catch cards. Alternatively use the existing Post Box at the Sales office (Phase 1). Please adhere to this request by the Gamtoos Estuarine Management Forum. The Environmental Committee will summarize the catch cards and report back to the Estuarine Management Forum. Archie Moore and Stuart Shelver have been elected onto this Forum to represent the Homeowners Association. TELEPHONE NUMBERS – ELECTED DIRECTORS AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMANTo facilitate communication between Homeowners and Directors herewith their details: Zane Hayes - 082 774 8198 - email: [email protected] Raath - 080 415 5411 - email : [email protected] Shelver - 082 687 5960 - email : stuart [email protected] Moore - Environmental Committee Chairman - 072 244 5112
2ND PLAYGROUND AREA IN PHASE 2The area that has been ear marked is in Tern Way to the South West of erf 454 and North East of erf 455. This location was chosen after the Sub Committee had also considered Grunters Green and the area to the North of Moonfish Close. Any comments or objections to be addressed to the Board of Directors - fax to 041 363 0269. It seems that there may be more objections against the idea than support for it. A referendum will be held before the final decision is made.
SALES OF REMOTESRemotes will be sold to Homeowners only and not to tenants of Homeowners. It is the Homeowner’s responsibility to see that his/her tenant has a remote. Once the tenant leaves the Resort he then hands his remote back to his landlord (Homeowner)When a Homeowner sells his property, it is his responsibility to hand over his remotes to the new owner.
TOOL SHEDSWe have finished our research on tool sheds and have the following recommendations: Suggest Homeowners use Stable Wendy’s – Greg 072 272 0863. There are two options - one with a flat roof and one with a pitched roof, both measuring 6m². The outside walls are half log and the prices range from R 9 300.00 to R 7 000.00 each. Stable Wendy’s are not VAT registered, so VAT will not be added. For further details contact Lorraine Garner 041 363 0263. FIRE FIGHTING DEPARTMENTRiaan Senekal is appointed as the new OC. Thank you for your willingness to do this.DRILL DATES:Saturday the 11th of July and Saturday the 7th of November at 10h00 - Riaan 083 384 7676
POSBUSSE / POST BOXESOns doen ‘n beroep op u om asseblief ‘n posbus opterig. Dit sal baie help met die aflewering van kennisgewings. Please consider putting up a post box at your house. It will be a tremendous help with the delivery of notices.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEEArchie Moore was appointed Chairman of the Environmental Committee and was co-opted onto the Board. We wish to thank him for his time and welcome him on board. Archie will call a Sub Committee meeting in the near future.
BEACH CLEAN-UPOur next Beach Clean-up will take place on Saturday the 15th of August. All hands are needed. Thereafter join us for a bacon and egg roll.
REFUSE REMOVALA friendly request! Please do not put any bottles and tins in your black bags. The white bags are for all your glass and metal refuse. Please do not put garbage in the white bags, black bags are for this refuse. Refer any queries to Stephans Gerber 076 072 4751.
KOUGA MUNICIPALITY BUILDING REGULATIONSPlease remember that Homeowners cannot occupy partly-built structures. On completion of a dwelling one needs to obtain an Occupation Certificate before moving in. This as per the Kouga Municipality and the National Building Regulation rules.
KOUGA CAMPING GROUNDThe Board’s decision is that we recommend that Kouga close it down. Archie Moore and Stuart Shelver have been given this mandate, as they serve on the recently established Gamtoos Estuarine Management Forum.
KOUGA RATES ISSUEKouga have sent rates accounts to many more Homeowners for the financial year 2008/2009. These calculated on the old valuation roll. They will also be sending out rates accounts for the financial year 2009/2010 which will be based on the current valuation roll. It looks as though Kouga is working on a 0.0035c/r tariff as published and a 75% phasing in allowance at Gamtoos, ie. 0.000875 or 0.00088 c/r rounded up. This as reported by Pieter De Beer. Members of The Board of Directors are to meet with Kouga regarding a discount for services not offered and a discount for buying water in bulk.
VISVANG STORIES3 Manne van Gamtoos het gaan visvang en met lang stories teruggekom. Ons publiseer hulle nuus in ons September nuusbrief. Dit beloof om die lagspiere behoorlik te prikkel!!!
SLIPWAY LIP REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE.Johan Liebenburg reported that he had finished and presented his final account for R39 000.00 on 5 May 2009. We agreed to an on site inspection to check the work done. The inspection was held on the 6 May 2009. It was immediately seen that the work done was not as per the quote given and accepted. The minutes of the meeting of 6 May 2009 set out our comments of the work done and the work still to be done. Also the letter to Johan Liebenburg about the process now to be followed. Colin Rushmere’s stipulations were discussed and are as follows. He requested report back’s by the approximately 90 registered fishermen in the Resort, on the work carried out. The survey forms have been circulated to these boat owners. If the slipway does not work corrective action must be taken. If it works we need to negotiate a settlement based on the quote and what was actually done. We await the return of these opinion survey forms from the fishermen and other interested parties. This in order to proceed with the next step. Please return forms as soon as possible.
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE BEACH – THROUGH THE KOUGA CAMPING GROUNDCopies of the Western District Council and Kouga correspondence and agreements were given to George Gerber who in turn gave copies to the local guard for distribution to his bosses. Home owners are to pay the R10 per annum entrance fee and to keep the receipt as proof.
ADVERTENSIES/ ADVERTISEMENTSHandees Hardware & Tool HireContact Manie Venter at THORNHILL on 083 350 4719 or 073 820 6368Gio’s Timber ConstructionThey specialise in Log Homes.Contact Giovanni on 084 655 6638 WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEMContact Nicollas Reddy in connection with a GSM wireless alarm system that can be controlled from your Cellphone and if the alarm triggers it can contact up to 6 people.Contact numbers : 0861 733945 / 011 796 5030 or 083 419 4727 E-mail : [email protected] BLACKIE’S PROJECTS Your local Building Contractor.For all your building needs and a free quotation please contact Pieter on 082 929 3781ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM MOSQUITO BITES? Treat it with >All-in-one > the natural way (includes no chemicals ) – sprays available from R 25. Contact Angelica at 078 927 4175LIFT CLUBFrom Gamtoos to PE and back. Looking for another person to join – preferably with own car. Leaving Gamtoos at 06:15 in the morning. Contact Amanda 076 1877 461 / Estelle 071 60604698 / Angelica 083 411 9500LIFT CLUBFrom Gamtoos to Newton Park/Walmer PE. Leaving Gamtoos around ± 6.30/ 7am. Leave for Home (Gamtoos) ± 4/4:30pm.082 556 0517 HERSTELWERKDrienie is nog beskikbaar vir herstelwerk . U kan haar kontak by 080 961 0071 of 079 183 2432 .Sy is ook beskikbaar om na u tuin en huis om te sien wanneer u nie hier is nie. Kontak haar asseblief. WALTER VAN DER RIET- NURSERYHas a small indigenous nursery on his farm , 1 kilometer from the Thornhill flyover towards Loerie . Suurpruim , Proper Olienhout, Common Yellowwood, Coral Trees, Aloes - small garden variety and Palms. Tel.: 042 286 0771 Cell. 082 556 0329 VAN STADENS WILDFLOWER RESERVESale of plants took place on 20th June 2009. Plants were sold between R 10—R 30.We are now on their mailing list for future sales, so we should get notification before going to press in future. RONA NURSERYIndigenous plants and trees./ Inheemse plante en bome.JEFFREYS BAY Tel. 042 293 1959ANNE ENGELBRECHT IS URGENTLY looking for a house to rent for at least 6 months. Will you please contact her at 072 0190 238. It will be appreciated if anybody can assist . Show your humanity!!! LIEF EN LEED / THE BITTER AND SWEETBaie geluk aan Dino en Dessica met hul babadogtertjie, Sirè. Ons hoop sy sal julle baie vreugde verskaf.Aletta Landman het haar Moeder verloor. Ons innige simpatie aan die Landman gesin.To Ron Lewis and family. Our sincerest condolences with the sad loss of your nephew. We keep you in our hearts and prayers. To Barbara Waspe. Our deepest sympathy with the loss of your beloved husband. We will keep praying for you.To understand another human being you must gain some insight into the conditions, which made him what he is.ASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 12095, MOFFAT PLACE, 6002 - 1ST FLOOR PAMELA BUILDING, 2ND AVE NEWTON PARK TEL: 041 363 0263 FAX: 041 363 0269 EMERGENCY NUMBER 076 072 4751 email: [email protected]
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 33 A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2009
If you have any news, swops etc please contact us. See info on page 3 Spring is here and I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and the beautiful blossoms. Enjoy the work in the garden and the birds singing early in the morning.
FEEDBACK FROM THE DIRECTORS MEETING
PLEASE REMEMBER THE A G M ON SATURDAY – 14 NOVEMBER 2009 AT 14: 00.If you can’t attend the meeting, please make use of your proxy.
BEACH CLEANINGThe last beach cleaning exercise was a great success once again. Thank you to all the helpers. Special word of thanks to Lorraine and Kevin for their help!The next beach cleaning exercise is 21 November 2009 at 08:00 and after our normal bacon and egg burger we will have a fire fighting practice. Please attend this ! We are relying on you !
CELLPHONE GATE OPENING SYSTEMRonél Buchner is no longer involved. Any new or existing clients should contact Bruce Rabinson directly on 084 619 4927 email: [email protected]
STORMWATER FLOODING PROBLEMIt was decided to purchase a sludge pump and ancillary equipment to pump out excess rain water from the low lying area between erven 182 and 183.
SLIPWAY REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCEThe Board decided to cancel Liebenberg’s contract. He was also to be removed from our supplier service list. Management will monitor how successful the repairs are and how long they will last. The results of the survey were presented to the meeting. Thank you for participating in the survey, as your input helped tremendously.
BULK ELECTRICITY AND WATER TARIFFS The Directors have made an appointment to see Willem Van Jaarsvelt of the NMBN Electricity Department regarding a bulk water tariff for the Association. Rob Palmer of Clinkscales Maughn Brown, our Electrical Engineers, will accompany us. A similar appointment with the Kouga Municipality will be made concerning the water tariff. We meet with the NMBN Electricity Department on 22-10-09.
PLAYGROUND NUMBER 2After some negative feedback and on receipt of Alf Evan’s letter it was decided to shelve the project. At present the playground in Phase 1 is considered adequate.
ELECTRICAL OUTAGESThese are caused by faults on both our side and on the NMBM’s supply side. The Association’s problems have been mainly due to moisture in the panels. Various remedies were suggested and implemented namely. Extractor fan, hydroscopic sachets, heating elements and a ceiling. Our Electrical Engineers have now modified the equipment to obviate the problems. Half the work has been done and the other half will be completed on the 4th of November from 8h00 to 17h00. The faults on the NMBM side have been caused by the following. Thieves – tampering and stealing copper off the power lines, power surges, strong winds, dampness, vandalism, monkeys and birds, and faulty lightning arrestors. The problem continues to receive our earnest attention.
WATER RESTRICTIONSWater restrictions are imminent. Please use water sparingly.
ALIEN VEGETATION WORKSHOPGeorge and Stephanus Gerber as well as Martin and Jenny Todd attended the workshop. The event was organized by John Elliot (Manager of the Nature Reserve and Horticulture Department of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) Dr Paul Martin spoke on the different alien species and their effect on the environment. John Elliot spoke on indigenous alternatives and rehabilitation methods. The MD of Herbcon Services John Cuyler discussed the most effective and environmentally friendly herbicides. It was a most informative workshop. George is liaising with the above mentioned people. We have already started to implement the rehabilitation process. John Elliot is also involved in environmental issues at Colin’s Kariega Game Reserve. KOUGA RATES AND TAXESAll Homeowners were sent a circular dated 1-9-09. Since then Kouga notified us that the first R15,000 of residential properties is not ratable. This as per the Act. Otherwise all information and advice remains the same. Contact Chris or Lorraine on 041 581 2606 if you have any problems.
LABOURERS CHIRSTMANS HAMPERPlease do not give Jan and the rest of the Labour Force liquor over the festive season. Salomè De Beer has kindly offered to go around the Resort and collect money for the labourers for hampers. Please support her in this worthwhile effort.
ADVERTENSIES/ ADVERTISEMENTSHandees Hardware & Tool Hire Contact Manie Venter at Thornhill at 083 350 4719 or 073 820 6368Gio’s Timber Construction They specialize in Log Homes. Contact Giovanni at 084 655 6638Vir enige klere herstelwerk asook om na huise en tuine om te sien kontak asseblief vir DRIENIE by 082 961 0071
Airedale Brickworks Klei Stocks/pleisterstene, Klinkers en Maxi 90 stene kan by Gamtoos afgelewer word. Stocks: R1450 per 1000 (koste besparing op arbeid en materiaal is 20%) Klinkers: R1600 per 1000 Maxi 90: R1950 per 1000 (37 stene per vierkante meter) Hierdie prys sluit VAT in en is vir bestellings van 10 000 stene of meer. Skakel Marcel by tel: 041 461 9510 cell 084 696 9700 faks 041 581 1445
Gamtoos Vallei NuusGolfdag: Op 7 November op Hankey Golfbaan. Vir meer besonderhede skakel Zana by 042 284 0335Gamtoos Sitrus Karnaval word beplan vir 29 Mei 2010. Hou die spasie dop vir meer info later. Linmere Real EstateAre you, your family your friends or colleagues interested in investing at Gamtoos? We have a number of plots on offer eg. Seaview plot for R425, 000; Seaview potential plot R390, 000. Cosy plot in phase 1 R280, 000. A number of lovely houses available. Contact Vanessa on 082 297 1070 / 042 286 0647 or Lorraine on 072 256 0560 / 041 581 2606 Painting and handyman Contact Michael at Plot 193 Cell: 083 262 9401
GAM 1000 HENGELKOMPETISIE 23 TOT 27 SEPTEMBERSarie Van Der Mescht van die Burger berig: 289 Deelnemers op 141 bote het sake teen mekaar uitgespook. Hennie Viviers - kabeljou van 11,3kg; Anemie Bosch – kabeljou van 11,5kg; Pine Pienaar – kabeljou van 31kg; Mario Gerber – grootste nie-eetbare vis – ‘n blou rog (blue ray) van 19kg; Ben de Villiers – grootste eetbare vis – kabeljou van 10kg en ‘n knorder (tiger) van 3,5kg vrygelaat. Stuart Smith het die grootste knorder vrygelaat. Die Grand Slam-prys vir die hengelaar wat ‘n knorder, ‘n kabeljou en a knorhaan (gurnard) tydens die kompetisie kon inkatrol het aan Robert Pitout gegaan. Streng kompetisie en bewarings reels was aan die orde van die dag. Almal het baie pret gehad: Boeresport, potjiekos, vleisbraaivure, en Operasie Opruim.
JEFFREYSBAAI SKULPIE FEES EN LOERIE NAARTJIE FEESDie onderskeidelike feeste het op die naweek van 26 September plaasgevind. Ons kontrei is bo-baas met al hierdie lekker aktiwiteit om te geniet!!!
LIEF EN LEED / THE BITTER AND SWEETOns innige meegevoel met Rina Wolmarans en familie asook Salomè de Beer en gesin met die verlies van hul geliefdes. Ons dink aan julle in ons gebede. Patrick Sodladla, een van die Huiseienaars Organisasie se werkers is oorlede op 10 Oktober. Ons innige meegevoel aan sy familie.
TEN SLOTTE BELOOFDE VISVANG “OUTING”5.45. Op pad na St. Francis hawe, 4 manne, opgewonde oor al die vis wat gevang gaan word vandag, die 3de Junie.By die hawe word kajuitraad gehou. Wie doen wat. Die skipper sal die boot van die sleepwa stuur. Een van die bemanning sal die sleepwa met die boot in trurat na die water stoot en die ander twee manne moet saam met die skipper in die boot klim. Nou hier begin die moeilikheid! Die bestuurder het vergeet om die boot los te maak. Na drie probeerslae en die voertuig wat amper water skep, besef die skipper dat die boot is nog vas aan die sleepwa. Moeilikheid opgelos.Toestemming word gevra om die hawe te verlaat. Toestemmning toegestaan. Nou gaan ons visvang.Moeilikheid no.2. Een bemanningslid word moeilik en breek `n visstok omdat die vis nie byt nie. Net haaie!. Skipper besluit om aan te beweeg. Moeilikheid no.2 opgelos.Moeilikheid no 3. Hier word weer niks vis gevang nie. Net weer `n “stewige “haai. Toe sien skipper op die “fish finder” op die skerm `n groot kol en ons sien voëls duik in die water. Skipper sê manne sit rapalas aan dan sal ons “trawl.” So gesê, twee stokke uit, nou gaan ons bonitas vang. Skipper sien `n vin: Vra is dit `n haai? Gaan nader. Sien toe dit is `n groot sonvis. Almal sien die sonvis vir die eerste keer. Ry al in die rondte om die sonvis. Vergete is die bonitas. Nou kom die moeilikheid. Die een enjin hoes en proes en vrek. Wat nou? sê die skipper.Nou sien hy, hy het so opgewonde geraak dat hy vergeet het om vir die manne te sê trek op. Een rapala weg en baie lyn om die “prop”. Nou moet die lyn verwyder word. Gelukkig is daar `n skerp vismes aan boord. Skipper klim half in die water met die skerp mes.. Hy word moeg en besluit hy moet `n plan maak. Steek mes in hand, nogal diep. So nou het hy `n verskoning. Hy bloei. Nou gaan `n bemanningslid verder probeer. Dit was nie lank nie toe is hy papnat. Nou wonder mens net!Drie Gamtoosers en een Pretorianer kom huistoe met `n barmhartige skipper van J.Bay wat ons jammer kry met 5 visse. ***Joy is not in things ; it is in us.—Richard WagnerASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 6267, MOFFAT PLACE, 6002 - 1ST FLOOR BLOOMINGDALES OFFICE PARK, , CORNER OF 9TH AVE AND MAIN ROAD , WALMER TEL: 041 581 2606 FAX: 041 581 2601 EMERGENCY NUMBER 076 072 4751 email: [email protected]
SCRIBE – RENÈ (RIENIE) 083 320 2371
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 34
THE 44TH MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2009 If you have any news, swops etc please contact us. (see info page 4)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE WATER RESTRICTIONS. USE WATER SPARINGLY. NO GARDEN HOSES.This is the last NEWSLETTER of the year. A person cannot believe the year is nearing its end. It feels like yesterday when the first NEWSLETTER went out. I hope that all the visitors will enjoy their holiday and that there will be no power failures during the festive season. We all pray for rain, but hope the rain will not spoil your holiday.
FEEDBACK FROM THE MEETINGDIRECTORSGood news! Zane Hayes has been re-elected and Angela Stockley was elected as a Director. Please take note - SHE IS A WOMAN AND THUS VERY CAPABLE. She will show everyone, that we women can stand together! Congratulations to both of you!! Contact details: Zane Hayes – 082 774 8198 email: [email protected] Angela Stockley – 072 510 3983 or 041 585 0906 email: [email protected] have asked that homeowners put any requests for them to attend to in the post box at the Sales office. A sincere thank you to Kobus Raath and Stuart Shelver for your dedicated and very able service to our community. Kobus thank you for also attending our monthly Management meeting at the Resort. Stuart thank you for your input and continued representation on the Estuarine Management Forum. Archie Moore will continue as our Environmental Committee Chairman. Also as one of our representatives on the Estuarine Management Forum as well. Archie, we appreciate your efforts.
BUDGET/LEVIESThe budget was approved by the Board and the levy will be R160.00 per month from 1-1-2010. This for the Calendar year 2010. Your debit orders will be adjusted accordingly. If you are paying by stop order, please advise your bank to adjust your stop order. Statements are only rendered after each water reading, which is done every three months. Monthly accounts are not sent out, with the aim of keeping the levy down, as postage and administrative costs are expensive when running a Development as large as Gamtoos Mouth Resort. Levies are due on the 1st of each month, in advance, and unless these monies are forthcoming on a regular monthly basis, it becomes extremely difficult to conduct the affairs of the Homeowners Association. There are amounts to be paid each month whether or not the owners are paying their levy accounts. It is also extremely unfair to place the burden of meeting such costs, on those homeowners who pay their levies regularly. Non-payment results in the funds of the Homeowners Account being depleted. Please settle this account immediately and continue to pay regularly. Consider using the debit order facility. You won’t have to incur bank cost’s, and your account won’t fall into arrears.
ELECTRICITY AND WATER INCREASES 1 JULY 2009
WaterKouga increased the cost of water from 1 July 2009 by 5.9%. We received notification at the end of July. The Board of Directors decided on the 28th of July to increase the water from R5.95 to R6.25 per kilolitre. This is a 5% increase. The quarterly invoices in September reflected this increase. Notices were put up at Vanessa’s office, the Sales Office, on the notice boards and delivered to residents.
ElectricityNMBM increased the cost of electricity from the 1st of July by 25%. The Board of Directors decided on the 17th of July to increase the electricity from 66c per kwh to 85c per kwh from the 1st of Augusts. This is a 28.8% increase. Notices were delivered to residents and were put up at the two points of sale. ELECTRICITY DISPENSING UNITS. It has been brought to Management’s attention that after the recent electrical outages that occurred, some electrical dispensing units failed to register consumption. Put plainly, this means that electricity was being supplied free of charge. Currently, as explained at the AGM, we have a substantial loss on the electricity income and expenditure statement. This is obviously one of the reasons for the loss. We appeal to your morality and request that you should contact George Gerber or Neels Du Plessis should your meter be supplying electricity free of charge. That is not registering consumption.
RESORT MANAGEMENTHomeowners must phone George Gerber on 071 981 9592 in the first instance for information and advice. If he is not available, then phone his assistant Stephanus Gerber on 076 072 4751.
NOTICE BOARDSAngela has offered to keep the notice boards at the entrance of Phase 1 and Phase 2 updated. Please check the notice boards for new notices on a regular basis.
SLIPWAY WALK ON’SThe slipway walk on’s have been completed. We can now launch and load our boats with ease. Thank you to George and his team on a job well done!
REPAIRS TO DISTRICT ROAD 434 AND STEPS TO THE LAGOON.For the past year, we have been in regular contact with the District Roads Engineer at the Department of Roads and Transport regarding the repair of the district road 434. They have advised us that they were investigating various options to reinstate and stabilizing the road. They have called for tenders. I am sure that you have noticed the activity in the last month or so. They hope that the works will be executed in the present financial year; however this will depend on the cost and the availability of budgeted funds. The repair of the steps to the lagoon falls under the jurisdiction of the Kouga Municipality. We have been in contact with them. We will set a cut off date and if they do not repair it, we will. The Board has approved an amount for the Association to repair them ourselves.
BEACH CLEANING
The few old faithfulls were there and although it was a miserable day we enjoyed it and the bacon and egg roll is always a winner. Please come and join us next year. We need your help. Beach clean up dates for 2010: Saturday – 6 March; 5 June; 4 September; 6 November
FIRE FIGHTING The fire fighting training was not a success. Actually it was a fiasco, as only 6 people (including the lecturer) attended. They were Derrick, Robert, Pieter, Irene, Lucas and Rian. Rian not only worked nightshift the previous night but helped with the beach cleaning and then waited in vain until 11 o`clock for the other people to come. The weather was not pleasant but that is no excuse.Omdat daar nie mense was nie het ons die kans benut om die tekortkominge in die stelsel uit te lig en te bespreek. `n Houthuis brand binne 10 minute tot as. Sou daar nou `n brand ontstaan is ons redelik verlore want ons is verwyderd van stedelike geriewe. Ons is dus op onsself aangewese en sal moet saamstaan. Derhalwe is dit noodsaaklik en ons plig dat elkeen sal sorg dat hy/sy die gratis opleiding ondergaan om `n brand vinnig, ordelik en in `n span te bestry. The next practice will be held in phase 1. Date will be confirmed. Hope to see all of you there.
RATES AND TAX PAYERS ASSOCIATIONThis association was recently started by a number of concerned residents to communicate with the Gamtoos Mouth HOA and the local authorities. The management committee of the association at present consists of 8 residents. They are Mrs A. Stockley; M.Bradley; D. Coetzee; P.H. deBeer; P. Fourie; T. Jamison; R. Gravett and A. van Vuuren.You will be informed regularly of progress and dates of meetings.
QUAD BIKES - 3 & 4 WHEELERS The latest report from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Traffic Department – Mr JJ Van Rensburg is as follows: 1 They are not allowed on public roads or on Gamtoos Mouth Resort roads or public open spaces.2 Quad Biker - 3 or 4 wheelers can’t be licensed. 3 Therefore they don’t have a Road Worthy Certificate.4 They can be registered with the GPO for insurance purposes only.5 They are allowed on private property and on farms etc. Normally where workers don’t come into contact with the public. This is their niche market.6 If they are involved in accidents then the following applies.a. The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund will not entertain the claim by the injured person, as the quad bike is not a licensed vehicle.b. The person injured will have a direct claim against the quad bike owners. These claims could run into millions. The Homeowners Association has no way of knowing if the quad bike owners are insured for public liability or not. As a result, quad bikes were banned in the past and remain illegal on Gamtoos Mouth Resort roads and public open spaces. If a Homeowner is caught driving them in the resort and the incident can be proofed, then a R500 fine will be imposed. Please be aware or these facts.
MALICIOUS DAMAGE TO “FOR SALE” AND OTHER SIGNSTeenagers + younger children are urged not to damage any “for sale”or other signs as they are very expensive to replace. Ouers, praat asseblief met julle kinders om nie die “te koop” en ander tekens te beskadig nie. Dit is duur om te vervang.
DOGSWe have once again received complaints about dogs roaming around the Resort causing havoc, and becoming a nuisance. They must be restricted to your property, ie fenced in, and be under proper control when outside the limits of your property. Only dogs on leashes are allowed to be taken for walks. Owners of the dogs are responsible for the cleaning up of their dog’s litter in any public areas.
RUBBISHEmpty cooldrink bottles, beer cans and bottles, cigarette boxes and even building rubble are lying on vacant and undeveloped plots as well as verges. The owners are complaining about the fact that they have to clean up where they have not messed. Please attend to and remove your own refuse and building rubble. Don’t dump it on you neighbors erf or on the verges.
RECYCLING/HERWINNINGPlease remember to put your tins and bottles in the white bags provided for recycling. If you need a bag, please ask Stephanus. Onthou om al u bottles en blikke in die wit sakke te plaas vir herwinning. As u ‘n sak benodig vra net vir Stephanus.
WARNINGThe children and even adults must be very careful when they walk around in the township and the POS. Do not move stones, etc. because the puff-adders are very active. The other snakes are also in the vicinity. Please be on the look out.
SPEKBOME EN ANDER BOME/PLANTEPieter De Beer en Dennis Lee is hard besig om Spekbome toe plant. Dankie Dennis vir die skenking van die Spekboom plantjies wat hy van sy plaas af bring en al julle harde werk. George en Stephanus is ook besig om te plant waar Port Jackson verwyder is. Enige ander skenkings sal hoog op prys gestel word. LIEF EN LEEDKaren Bezuidenhout het `n groot operasie ondergaan. So ook die dogter van Wena en Peter Ferguson. Stephanus Gerber het ‘n skouer operasie ondergaan. Ons wens hom ‘n spoedige herstel toe.Julle word `n spoedige herstel toegewens. Ook die van u wat ons nie van weet en nog nie genoem het nie. Dit was met skok dat ons van die skielike afsterwe van Andrè en Linda van Staden se seun verneem het. Daan Olivier se ma is oorlede op 10 Desember. Ons innige meegevoel met die gesinne. Ons sal u onthou in ons gebede.
KERSBOOM / XMAS TREEDie aand van 24 Desember sal die kersboom by die “shack”, net verby die afdraai na die “slipway “ gehou word. Die “Lorrie” sal weer die kinders oplaai om 18: 30. A Xmas tree will be held on the evening of the 24th of December at 18:30 at the “shack”, just past the turnoff to the slipway. TORTOISE SANCTUARYArthur Ahlschlager, the Port Elizabeth tortoise expert released 21 small tortoises in our Tortoise Sanctuary recently. Arther will monitor the stocking and their progress. After the breeding program has proofed successful he will start releasing the excess population into the wilds. We are very exited about the program.
BUILDERS SHUT DOWNThe builders shut down is from closing on Friday the 18th of December 2009 to starting on Monday the 11th of January 2010. Within the Resort no building activity can take place during the shut down period. This rule will be strictly applied. Remember the plots are to be left clean and without any rubbish or litter thereon.
SPEED KILLSA earnest request – please drive slowly!! We have lots of children walking around the Resort!
STAFF HAMPERSThank you to Salome de Beer for the collecting of money to buy groceries for the workers and to all the residents for their contributions. We can assure you that the workers and their families will be most grateful for the food hampers! When we forgive someone, the knots are untied and the past is released. ADVERTENSIES/ ADVERTISEMENTSHandees Hardware & Tool HireContact Manie Venter at Thornhill at 083 350 4719 or 073 820 6368 Gio’s Timber ConstructionThey specializes in Log Homes.Contact Giovanni at 084 655 6638 Vir enige naaldwerk herstelwerk asook om na huise en tuine om te sien kontak asseblief vir DRIENIE by 082 961 0071 PAINTING AND HANDYMANContact Michael at Plot 193 Cell : 083 262 9401
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Geseënde Kersfees en voorspoedige Nuwe Jaar aan u almal.
ASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 6267, WALMER, 6065 - 1ST FLOOR BLOOMINGDALES OFFICE PARK, CORNER 9TH AVE AND MAIN ROAD, WALMER. TEL: 041 581 2606 FAX: 041 581 2609 RESORT MANAGER 071 981 9592 ASSISTANT MANAGER AND WEEKEND MANAGERS 076 072 4751 email: [email protected] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za SCRIBE RENÈ (RIENIE) 083 320 2371
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 35
THE 45TH MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 04 MARCH 2010 If you have any news, swops etc please contact us. (see info page 3 )PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE WATER RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THE KOUGA MUNICIPAL AREA. USE WATER SPARINGLY. NO GARDEN HOSES ETC. REFER CIRCULAR. Ons kan duidelik voel dat daar `n verandering in die lug is. Herfs is vinnig aan die kom. Dit is so jammer van die droogte. Die fauna en flora ly daaronder. We have a big tortoise visiting our garden on a regular basis. Feeding her (we were informed that she is a female) gives us great pleasure. She eats the watermelon peels very quickly. This shows that there is not enough food in the vicinity.This brings me to the drought. We are all aware of the shortage of water and the water restrictions. Many of us are using tank water to save the municipal water.Lets all endeavor to use as little water as possible and handle the water shortage with urgency!
FEEDBACK FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING HELD ON 4-3-2010
SLIPWAY FENCINGGeorge Van Niekerk will be fencing off the parking, picnic and toilet areas on the riverbank at the Slipway as well as the Tortoise Sanctuary. This to keep the cattle out. A meeting to discuss the specific area that will be fenced off was held on 24-3-2010. Work will commence soon. LOSS OF ELECTRICITYWe are taking the following measures to remedy the situation. Monthly recons of homeowners consumption at cost to adjusted revenue. Homeowners account printouts of purchases. These are being compared to averages that were calculated. Large differences are being investigated. Spot checks. Inspections are taking place to establish if any homeowner’s meters are malfunctioning. Electricity losses – It is being reported that when we have surges or a meter is faulty, and then it is possible to receive electricity without it registering. How does this happen – Zane Hayes explains: 1 phase may go off and the other 2 phases might leak through so you get 100 volts instead of 220 volts. Please be honest and report faulty meters. Comparing the Municipal and Homeowners Association meter readings to see if they agree. A 4 monthly audit of the Utility Vending Machines is done. We check the machine printouts against the manual schedules and the cash banked to the ledger account. Switching off of the streetlights in phase 2 to save consumption. The Board with the consent of a sample of homeowners has switched off 63 of the 171 streetlights in Phase 2. This was done on a trial basis and will be monitored. If you have any complaints please contact George Gerber and we will remedy the situation. AIR-CONDITIONING IN THE SUBSTATIONRob Palmer from Clinkscales, Maughn, Brown Electrical Engineers, recommended that we install an air-conditioning unit in the substation as a preventative measure against flash/blow-ups. Hopefully this will solve the problems. The installation is currently under way. PUNITIVE WATER MEASURES DURING WATER RESTRICTIONSKouga Municipality has increased our water tariff and we have no option but to increase the homeowners water tariff from R6.25 to R8.09 per kl from the 20th of March 2010. The tariff will be reduced once the restrictions are over and Kouga reduces its tariffs.
TARRING OF THE ENTRANCE TO PHASE 1 The Board decided to tarr the entrance to Phase 1 now rather than to wait for the Developer to tarr it when tarring the roads in Phase 3. Gamtoos Mouth Investments will pay half of the costs and the Association will pay the other half. We await the final tenders.
STRAND SKOONMAAK - 13 MAART 2010 Wat ‘n mooi windstil Saterdagmore. VEERTIEN vrywilliges rapporteer by die kantoor in fase 1. Baie dankie vir die belangstelling! Dankie aan 3 nuwe gesigte nl. Archie en sy vrou en Arthur Mc Naughton. Kom fase 1 kom sluit by ons aan en sien hoe lekker en bevredigend dit is !! Die spek en eier broodjies was weereens ‘n wenner. FIRE FIGHTING / BRAND BESTRYDING - 13 MAART 2010Ongelukkig weereens ‘n swak opkoms. Wat gaan u doen as u huis brand en niemand kom u help nie. Ons het almal opleiding nodig. Dit sal chaos veroorsaak as ‘n brand ontstaan en u wil help maar weet nie hoe die apparaat werk nie, of hoe u in die span se hanteering van ‘n vuur kan inpas nie! 14 vrywilliges het die oplyding bygewoon. Ek doen ‘n beroep op u om my te kontak as u wil help : PIETER 072 2270 441.Ons het 3 voorvalle in fase 2 gehad, maar gelukkig was dit gou geblus deur die fase 2 vrywilligers. Ons is bevoorreg on Rian Senekal as inwoner te hê. Hy is die Seksie Bevelvoerder van Uitenhage se Brandweer. Dankie aan die belangstellendes wat die oefeninge bywoon. Ook baie dankie aan Rian wat altyd bereid is om sy tyd op te offer. Please join us in the interests of your own safety. In case of Fire Emergency in the Gamtoos Mouth Resort – the difference between a devastating tragedy and a manageable accident is in all our hands. KNOW YOUR FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES. Please join the volunteer Fire Fighters – contact: PIETER 072 227 0441.
DOGS – MUNICIPAL BYLAWSThe complete dog bylaw document will be distributed to all dog owners in the near future. The following inserts are extracts of by-laws relating to the keeping of dogs in the Kouga Municipal District:- BYLAW NUMBER TWO- CONTROL OF DOGS. 1 Dogs in public places must be under the owner’s control, and on a collar and leash. 2 Bitches on heat must be kept off public places. 3 No dogs are allowed to trespass public or private property. 4 No dogs are allowed to become a nuisance, or a hazard to pedestrians or traffic.
5 No dogs are allowed to kill birds or other animals. 6 All dogs must be fenced into their own yard.
BYLAW NUMBER THREE – RESTRICTIONS ON THE KEEPING OF DOGS 1 One household (erf) can have only two(2) dogs. 2 One household (erf) can not have more than one(1) unsp ayed bitch. 3 Premises are defined in the same way as the plot or erf or similar are defined in the Deeds Registry.
BYLAW NUMBER 5 – SEIZURE IMPOUNDING AND DESTRUTION OF DOGS 1 Authorized municipal officials, police officials and members of the S.P.C.A. etc. can seize or impound dogs. 2 Dogs constituting a hazard to vehicles or pedestrians or traffic using a public road can be impounded. 3 Dogs causing damage to persons or property can be impounded. 4 Dogs can be impounded who’s owners do not comply with the provisions of clauses 3,4,5 and 6 of bylaw number two above. 5 The release of a dog from a pound, will only take place upon payment of the respective fee to the pound authorities. On destruction of a dog no compensation is payable by the council to the owner.
DEFACATION IN PUBLICThe owner is to remove or cause to have removed the excrecia from the street, public place or the beach where his dog has littered.
OFFENCES AND PENALTIESOffenders shall be guilty of an offence and liable to pay a Municipal fine of R 200-00 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both the above.
SPEEDING Please do not speed in the Resort. The children are playing and riding their bikes to the Playground. Ry asseblief stadig in die Oord. Die kinders speel en ry hulle fietse na die Speelgrond toe.
LIEF EN LEED Wat ‘n hartseer jaar was dit nie vir ons hier in Gamtoos nie. Ons wil ons diepste meegevoel betoon aan die volgende gesinne: Immelman gasin in Fase 1; Meiring gesin in Fase 1; Faans en Mara in Fase 1; Van Rooyens in Fase 1; Wolmarans gesinne in Fase 1 & 2; Olga’s father in law and she is presently in Russia en laastens die Gerbers met die skielike heengaan van Tersia. There were also people in hospital and we are so glad that they have recovered so quickly: Ruth and Alf Evans; Barbara Waspe; Danie Gouws en Corneels van Rooyen. Ons dink ook aan Riaana van Rooyen. We will remember you in our prayers. Een van ons staatmakers, Milda, wat altyd raad gegee het met siektes en skete en ook by noodhulp betrokke was, het ons verlaat. Willem is verplaas na Johannesburg. Ons sal julle mis.
TORTOISE SANCTUARY Ons het twee groot skilpaaie hier en die wyfie het besluit haar gesin moet vergroot word. Ons het gesien waar sy die eiers gelê het en het dit afgekamp. Ons sien uit na die verskyning van die kleintjies.
BEDANKING Weereens baie dankie aan Salome en Renè vir die insameling van die geld en aankope van kos vir die werkers Ons het met die Paasnaweek weer vir hulle die laaste kospakkies gegee. Baie dankie aan die inwoners vir u milde bydraes. Sonder u vrygewigheid sou ons dit nie kon gedoen het nie. To all our friends at Gamtoos we wish to thank you most sincerely for all the love, concern and prayers during Alf’s illness and recent spell in hospital and the visits since coming home. God bless you all. Ruth Evans.
ADVERTENSIES/ ADVERTISEMENTSHandees Hardware & Tool HireContact Manie Venter at Thornhill at 083 350 4719 or 073 820 6368Gio’s Timber Construction They specializes in Log Homes. Contact Giovanni at 084 655 6638PAINTING AND HANDYMAN Contact Michael at Plot 193. Cell : 083 262 9401BOAT FOR SALE Boat 3.9 m open type. Anufactured floatation. Galv. Trailer & tail board MOTOR 25 HP evenrude; Fuel tank; Seats; 2x anchors. Contact ZANE 082 7748 198
ELECTRICITY SURGES Remember to switch off your electricity during times of surges in order to protect your household appliances.
SO SHORTLife is like a journeyTaken on a trainWith a pair of facesAt each window paneI may sit beside youAll the journey throughOr I may sit elsewhereNever knowing youBut if fate should mark me To sit by your side Let’s be pleasant travelers It’s so short a ride. ASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 6267, WALMER, 6065 - 1ST FLOOR BLOOMINGDALES OFFICE PARK, CORNER 9TH AVE AND MAIN ROAD, WALMER. TEL: 041 581 2606 FAX: 041 581 2609 RESORT MANAGER 071 981 9592 ASSISTANT MANAGER AND WEEKEND MANAGERS 076 072 4751 email: [email protected] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za SCRIBE RENÈ (RIENIE) 083 320 2371
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 36 THE 46TH MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS HELD ON THURSDAY 03 JUNE 2010I REPORT AS FOLLOWS: If you have any news, swops etc please contact us. (see info page )
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE WATER RESTRICTIONS. USE WATER SPARINGLY. NO GARDEN HOSES, ALTHOUGH IT HAS RAINED. WE ARE SO PLEASED WITH THE RAIN.
It is winter and cold. I hope that the children are enjoying the long school holidays. I have asked Rina Wolmarans to write something about the soccer. I am sick and tired of the vuvuzelas, but may be I am the only one. It is the last match on Saturday and my money is on Germany! Maybe it will be Spain. We’ll wait and see.Sokker (Rina Wolmarans): 2010 het toe aangebreek! “Feel it, its here!!! Sokker is op almal se lippe. Vuvuselas blaas en raas met `n lawaai wat hoor en sien laat vergaan! Die wat nie blaas nie skop `n oorverdowende lawaai op en “dans” die strate vol. Wettige en onwettige produkte word MISBRUIK. Hoelank nog, wanneer – indien ooit – gaan dit einde kry?Het sport dan straks die plek van Godsdiens ingeneem? Swaar verdiende fondse vind die breê pad na pret en plesier! Wat nou van die armes, beproefdes en bedroefdes? Is daar nog iets vir hulle oor? Ek vra maar net.Wat gebeur wanneer alles oor is? Is alles verby? Almal is huis-toe! En jou ore, jou keel, jou beursie?Ek wil nie regtig weet nie…….
Soccer (Chris Egberink) Chris Egberink watched 4 Games in PE with his daughter and friends. Got some cheap seats behind the goal posts. He found the atmosphere electric and the games very exciting. He was only sorry that his Dutch team lost in the final, but was thrilled that they beat Brazil 2-1. He agreed Spain were deservedly the winners. What an unforgettable experience!!
FEEDBACK FROM DIRECTORS’ MEETING
STREETLIGHTSChildren in the Resort are vandalizing the street lights. If you see it happening, please report it. These unnecessary costs and waste of manpower can be avoided.
STAIRS TO THE LAGOONMarc Gottsch (Colin Hockin’s son in law) donated the concrete stairs to the lagoon. A big thank you for such a wonderful donation! The Association will level the top of the stairs with a cement filling, build a balustrade on the one side and secure the embankment with wooden poles.
REVISITING TARRING OF THE ENTRANCE TO PHASE 1We obtained specs from the Engineers and gave them to Contractors to enable them to re-quote. The quotes were substantially higher at R77,520 and R59,466 (Inc. VAT). The decision to tar the entrance road now, was reversed on the recommendation of Zane Hayes and Angela Stockley. This as, firstly they were unhappy with the new prices quoted above, which were substantially higher (± 35%) than the original. This meant that the Homeowners share of the account rose from R22088 to R 29733 (Inc. VAT). Secondly, as the road had been repaired to adequate standards recently. This using G5 & PPC grit. If this standard could be maintained by the Resort Management, then Homeowners could wait for GMI to do the job at their expense. Thus saving R29733. Both elected Directors felt that they had to go back to their constituencies and sound them out. Ballot papers are enclosed, please let us have your vote by 31-8-2010.
WATER ACCOUNTSJune water accounts will be at the rate of R8,09 per kilo litre. This is the Homeowners Association’s tariff during the current water restrictions. A formal application for a discounted water tariff was submitted to the Kouga Municipality recently.
SLIPWAY FENCINGThe fencing of the slipway area is near completion. The cattle grid will soon be built to keep the unwanted “guests” out. The tortoise sanctuary fence and gate has been completed.
INTERNET CONNECTIVITYAngela Stockley is negotiating with MTN to get us within their 3G footprint. This will be our best option as MTN already has a tower at Gamtoos. Hopefully we will soon be able access a faster internet.
ELECTRICITY INCREASE – HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONAs from 1 August 2010 the new electricity tariff will be R1.05c per kwh (23.5% increase). The price was 85c per kwh last year. This as the NMBM have increased their tariff by 22% from the 1st of July 2010.
BEACH CLEANUPSaturday morning, 26 June, was the quarterly beach clean up. 14 People turned out. Thanks very much to all of you. We really appreciate it. The next Beach Cleanup and Fire drill will be on Saturday 11th of September 2010. The final Beach Cleanup and Fire drill for the year will be on the 4th of December.
ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRSDennis Lee donated a large number of elephant`s foot trees (“spekboompies”). Robert Gravett and Pieter de Beer took it upon themselves to plant some of these trees in phase 1 in the children’s playground. Also in phases 1 & 2. And on the dunes. The trees were planted on Wednesday and on Saturday it was noticed, that some had been pulled out by hooligans. Please help to identify these culprits, so that they can be dealt with properly.Any donations of plants will be gladly accepted. Many thanks to Dennis Lee.
LIEF EN LEEDThe following people have recently passed away:
Edgar, brother of Barbara WaspeIan, son of Ben and Millie van DeventerNoel Strydom , husband of Mara Strydom.Please accept our Condolences Specially for those who lost a loved one.MISS ME – BUT LET ME GOWHEN I COME TO THE END OF THE ROADAND THE SUN HAS SET FOR MEI WANT NO RIGHTS IN A GLOOM – FILLED ROOMWHY CRY FOR A SOUL SET FREE?MISS ME A LITTLE – BUT NOT FOR TOO LONGAND NOT WITH YOUR HEAD BOWED LOWREMEMBER THE LOVE THAT WE ONCE SHAREDMISS ME – BUT LET ME GOFOR THIS IS A JOURNEY WE MUST TAKEAND EACH MUST GO ALONEIT`S ALL A STEP IN THE MASTER`S PLANA STEP ON THE ROAD HOME,WHEN YOU ARE LONELY AND SICK AT HEARTGO TO THE FRIENDS WE KNOW AND BURY YOUR SORROWSIN DOING GOOD DEEDS.MISS ME – BUT LET ME GO. IS HUIDIGLIK OF WAS IN DIE HOSPITAAL:Mara Strydom - ligte beroerte. Dennis Lee - hartaanval. Lucas se broer – beroerteKerneels van Rooyen - operasie, (asook sy vrou Riana) Ons wens almal ‘n spoedige herstel toe.
ALGEMENE NUUS Rina Wolmarans het Gamtoosmond verruil vir Grahamstown.Milda en Willem Oostuizen se dogter se drieling is gebore. Baie geluk .
NUWE INTREKKERSDie Vosloos in fase 1 is nou permanent hier. Baie welkom.The Seaton – Smith’s are busy building their house and will move in soon. A hearty welcome to you. COMPLAINT FROM OLGA BRAUDIE ERF 310This is not a very good advertisement for our Resort !!The following items were stolen from her property :A whales spinal vertebra.Some unusually shaped rocks.A lot of whale bones that she had collected and displayed in her garden.If you have any information to offer about the missing items please contact Olga on Cell no : 082 442 3837.Thanking you in anticipation.
ADVERTENSIES/ ADVERTISEMENTSLIFT CLUB FROM GAMTOOSMOUTH TO P E CONTACT 082 556 0517 Handees Hardware & Tool HireContact Manie Venter at Thornhill at 083 350 4719 or 073 820 6368Gio’s Timber ConstructionThey specializes in Log Homes.Contact Giovanni at 084 655 6638 PAINTING AND HANDYMANContact Michael at Plot 193 Cell: 083 262 9401BOAT FOR SALE3 meter boat on trailer. 9.9 HP engin. R10,000 or nearest offer. Contact Clyde Bradley on 073 156 0624 BOAT FOR SALE6 meter boat on galvanized trailer with new tires. Open top. Includes fuel tank. 40HP Suzuki engine. R11,000 or nearest offer. Contact – Lorraine on 072 256 0560
FOUNDA large bunch of keys were found by Clyde Bradley. Please contact him on 073 156 0624. AUTOMATIC ENTRANCE GATES - CELL PHONE ACCESSThis system is run exclusively by Bruce Rabinson for his account. Please contact him directly on cell 084 619 4927 for all the necessary information and questions you might have.
FROM OUR SCRIBEThis will be my last NEWSLETTER. Hopefully Cal Seton Smith will take over. (Lets chat about it again some time). As ex Editor of the Herald you are the right person to write the NEWSLETTER. I am sure the residents will in future receive a well structured letter.The Association would like to take this opportunity to thank René Van Vuuren for her enormous contribution to the NEWSLETTER. Her input, compassion and optimism will be sorely missed. ASSOCIATION OFFICES: PO BOX 6267, WALMER, 6065 - 1ST FLOOR BLOOMINGDALES OFFICE PARK, CORNER 9TH AVE AND MAIN ROAD, WALMER. TEL: 041 581 2606 FAX: 041 581 2601 RESORT MANAGER 071 981 9592 ASSISTANT MANAGER AND WEEKEND MANAGERS 076 072 4751 email: [email protected] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za SCRIBE - TO BE ADVISED ON NEW APPOINTMENT. 12/7/2010
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 37
After the 47th Board meeting was held on Thursday the 2nd of September 2010. I now report as follows: Spring is in the air, the weather is warming up, and like a rising tide, spirits are lifting here at the tranquil haven we call the Gamtoos Mouth Resort. The number of permanent residents has grown to 82 households, and it won’t be long before those weary souls from the Highveld start their annual migration to the coast to bask on the golden sands of the beach, and to deeply breathe the tonic that is provided by a fresh south-easter.And to think, we have it all year round. Who says life has to be fair.The seasons bring changes and one is the ushering in of a new scribe with this NEWSLETTER. More about that later. Let’s talk about the important stuff first.
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF GMHOA WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY THE 13TH OF NOVEMBER 2010 AT 14H00 IN THE BARN AT THE KASPERSKI’S HOUSE.
GOOD NEWS FOR PHASE ONE – TARRING OF THE ENTRANCE ROAD It’s official. The Contractors have been given the go ahead to get on with tarring the entrance to Phase One following a survey of GMR homeowners. Three options were under consideration.a) To revert to the original entrance between the properties of Colin McDonald and Norman Grobler. This road is already tarred. There was however some concern that these homeowners would be constantly badgered by inquiries, and by people not in possession of remotes, wanting access. It also meant that current traffic flow would have to be reversed, which was likely to cause confusion. Heavy traffic would have had to use the current access, which would have meant locking and unlocking. b) To tar the current access and retain the status quo. Half of the cost would come from the Homeowners Association’s reserve funds, and half would be paid by the Developer. The cost is estimated to be R60,000. c) A third option forwarded by the Developer was that he would carry the entire cost if homeowners were prepared to wait for the start of Phase Three.The poll conducted by the Homeowners Association found the majority in favour of tarring the existing trouble spot. At the 47th meeting of the Board of Director on September 02, acting chairman Graeme Rushmere gave the order to "go ahead".
TENT CAMP SITES FOR THE SLIPWAY AREA At the same meeting a proposal was tabled which, if approved, would see the establishment of 12 well-organised tent sites near the slipway at an estimated cost of just under R200 000. This cost would be borne by the Developer (very nice), and includes site levelling, instant grassing, ranch fencing, road construction, six enviro loos, 12 gas lamp poles, 12 braai areas, running water, taps and cold showers.The sites would be exclusively for the use of homeowners. Your scribe reckons a committee of homeowners could be set up to manage the facility and ensure that it is not abused. At this stage it is no more than a proposal and the matter will be referred to residents for feedback. If you like the idea, drop Chris a line.
OTHER MATTERS ADDRESSED BY THE B.O.D. MEETING Water costs: This thorny issue dates back through eight years of correspondence. The Association has actively engaged Kouga Local Municipality about our entitlement to a 25 per cent bulk discount which is not being currently applied. No one at K.LM. appears to know why we’re not getting the kick-back nor does anyone seem prepared to take the matter forward, except Mr Peter Gerber. The Homeowners Association is considering some tough options.Meanwhile, let’s remember that water restrictions are still in force and the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Fix those dripping taps, use water sparingly and do not use hosepipes.
Refuse removal and tip site: Following concerns about how environmentally friendly our refuse disposal system is, the meeting was advised that the current trench, burn, compact and cover system represents best industry practice. The recycling of tins, paper and glass will continue, but resort manager George Gerber reports that a large amount of recycle material has been accumulated and will now need to be specially removed. If any resident sees a profit opportunity in this, contact George. Acting chairman Graeme Rushmere invites anyone with knowledge of a better refuse control system than is presently being used, to present the model or ideas for consideration. On the subject of refuse, please don’t put your grass cutting in the blue bins on Public Open Space, bag it and we will collect it from your erf. Keep all black bags on your own property until collection.
Abuse of remotes: It’s no secret that remote controls have been abused and every effort should be made to reel this problem in and ensure that access remains for those who are entitled to it. If you have lost one of your remote control devices, see George so that he can establish which one it is and render it ineffective. Those who have given or lent remotes to friends and family who are not entitled to them need to know that access is being monitored, and that there will be a negative backlash against offenders. This is not an "open gate" resort, and those who are turning it into one will be penalised. Rather get back those remotes in the hands of outsiders. Accompany your visitors to the Slipway. Let’s be responsible homeowners and look after our facilities.
Paying levies: Homeowners are requested to consider doing this by debit order. It will cut down admin and mail costs and make life easier for all. Be reminded that statements are only sent out quarterly with the water invoices. Levies are payable monthly as per the Memorandum of Association and GMHOA is not obliged to send out statements monthly. Please cooperate.
Post boxes: Not everyone has bought into the idea of putting up a post box. This is a useful idea which will facilitate our internal communications. Let’s do it.
Staff instructions: Residents are not permitted to give staff direct instructions. The workers report only to the resort manager. If you have a request, he’s the man to approach.
THE UGLY FACE OF CRIME HAS PAID US A VISIT We probably live in one of the safest places in SA. You can stroll through our quiet streets at night without being molested, and if you leave your doors unlocked, you will probably be fine. But let’s not be overconfident. In Phase two a few weeks ago Tinus and Annatjie Jameson awoke to find an intruder in their home. They did not detain him. The same night the Seton-Smith’s home, currently under construction in Weaver Way had new wiring stripped from walls and fittings, apparently by the same perpetrator. Our sources tell us that the man is a suspect in several cases, and police were about to arrest him. Hopefully he now resides in a small room without a view. If you see strangers wandering around, please report them to the resort and weekend duty managers immediately. Don’t leave temptation in sight, and before you let any vehicles through the gate, check on the occupants’ destination. Let’s all wise up.
BEACH CLEAN-UP Well done to Gamtoos Mouth Resort residents who did their bit on international beach clean-up day, on September 18. A record number of 22 people turned up at the sales office to pick up their bags, and get to work. The clean-up was a good opportunity for residents to interact and get to know one another, and at the same time, do something about cleaning up our beautiful beach and lagoon area. Some thought that maybe this should be done every second month instead of quarterly. Thanks to Pieter de Beer, who was the driving force behind this project and to his wife Salome and René who assisted in providing hot coffee and egg an bacon rolls at 10 am, when the "troops" returned with their bags full.
BACK FROM OZ Colin and Wendy McDonald have returned from a six week visit to their son Roby in Australia and were most impressed with the efficiencies they experienced in that country. Colin’s vision for a resort craft centre took a step closer to reality at the recent B.O.D meeting when the decision was taken to make space available for this project in the old Barnes cottage on the Slipway road. Colin has several pottery wheels standing by, to be put to use by interested residents. Always a teacher at heart, he was a well-known lecturer and innovator in ceramics, but his talent was lost for many years to the real estate world, in which he and his wife Wendy flourished. Wendy is also a gifted ceramicist, and will play a key role in the craft centre. Colin is a talented sculptor, and this no doubt, with other forms of art will form the core activities of the venture. Their son Dean, incidentally, is an award winning documentary movie maker, and has been the man behind the camera in the Fish Africa series, featuring the Alcock brothers. One of these films has a lengthy feature on Gamtoos River fishing. Talented family. Speaking of talent, Pieter de Beer is a wood carver of note. Some stunning examples of his skill are on display in his home. Millie van Deventer is also accomplished in this art form.
RIAAN’S ON FIRE Local fireman Riaan Senekal turned up the heat at the recent World Fire Fighting Games in South Korea. Along with his brother Alton, the pair brought home a clutch of medals. Riaan has made us especially proud, as he serves as our volunteer fire chief here at the Gam. The world event saw 8 000 competitors from 60 countries competing in various sporting disciplines. Riaan brought home the gold in the hammer throw with a massive heave of 26.5 metres, and was a member of the winning tug-o-war team. Well done!
MOOI SO JACQUES Sarel en Nellie Gerber se seun Jacques was tweede in hoogskop by die SA karate kampionskappe. Hy is uitgenooi om in Orlando (VSA) te gaan deelneem. Baie dankie aan almal wat donasies gegee het. Hy het ook tweede gekom in die stampkar reisies en was baie trots om met die vlag om die baan te ry. Baie geluk Jacques!
PANDAMONIUM ON THE WATER! Keep an eye out on the river for Graham Goodwin’s new boat PAN-DA-MONIUM. They say the arrival of this fine craft and the danger it represents with hook and line has so frightened the grunter that they have fled the river for the safety of deeper offshore waters. Go get ‘em Graham and may the PAN-DA-MONIUM live up to its lively name.
TORTOISE EGGS Spare a thought for that great big mamma tortoise that roams the bush areas of Phase Two. When she lays eggs, she may have to wait for up to three years for them to hatch. She has a clutch of eggs off Weavers Way, which has been carefully demarcated. And she’s been seen making new "nests" not far from there. Those who have been waiting patiently for the eggs to hatch will have to be patient. Experts say that they can take up to three years. Good thing tortoises aren’t in a hurry.
CONDOLENCES Our condolences go to: Connie Meiring whose mother has passed away. Hester Oosthuizen whose brother passed away. Charmaine Gouws whose sister passed away and Faan and Mara Gerber who have lost a brother-in-law. It’s good to hear though, that their son Edwin is doing well after his illness.
SPEEDY RECOVERY We wish a speedy recovery to the grand child of Willem and Henry Grobler who has been in hospital. Others recovering from procedures include Douglas Wyatt, Leonie Nell, Gayle Goodwin and Greitjie Luyt. Also on the mend are Daan and Annatjie Olivier’s grandchild, FC, who was in hospital. We wish them health and blessings for the future.
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION RULES These were approved by the GMRPA. Thereafter they were printed and distributed to all homeowners and agents in the Resort. Those who have not built as yet will receive copies in the mail shortly.
SPCA MEMBER George Gerber is now a member of the SPCA and can impound dogs.
CONGRATULATIONS
A handshake and a hug are due to Lucas and Renè van Vuuren, who have been presented with a bouncing grandson, Liam. Their son Etienne and his wife Celeste will no doubt be required to spend more time with the folks now that the family is growing.
THANKS RENÈ Maybe it’s the new grandson she wants to make time for, or maybe she just needs a break, but Renè has finally decided she’s sharpened her pencil for the last time, and has handed the baton to a weary newspaper hack, who after more than 40 years in journalism headed for the hills of the Gamtoos Mouth Resort to escape the crazy world of breaking news, insanely corrupt politician, and threats of media curbs.What fun it has been to prepare this news letter after all that scary stuff that is part and parcel of an editor’s life.Thanks to René for walking me through the first steps of this project, and for the contribution of various snippets of news. We won’t say we’re going to miss her, because she will still be with us. And she will still be contributing. Just as she volunteered me for this job, I lay claim to her future services. Touchè en baie dankie.Cal Drop us a line about your news: [email protected]., or phone 083-3911547. KEY NUMBERS Gamtoos Mouth Resort Homeowners Association: Tel: 041-5812606; Fax: 041-5812601 Resort Manager (George) 071-9819592 Fax: 042-2860799, Assistant Manager and Weekend Managers 076-0724751. PO Box 6267, Walmer, 6065 email: [email protected] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za Directors Angela Stockley 072 510 3983 email: [email protected] Zane Hayes 082 774 8198 email: [email protected]
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 38
TIME TO CHILL OUT THE resort has steadily been filling up as holidaymakers have arrived for the Christmas break. The four by fours have been rolling in with boats in tow – big boats with big engines, ready to take to the pristine waters of the Gamtoos. It’s been a tough year and the break is well deserved, so we welcome those absentee homeowners to paradise for a time of regeneration and relaxation. They will notice some improvements, such as the tarring of the entrance to Phase one, and the work that has been done on the slipway road. In this, the 38th NEWSLETTER of the Homeowners’ Association, your scribe will report back on the recent Annual General Meeting, along with the 48th meeting of the Board of Directors, and a few items of general interest. Fishing: To all holidaymakers as well as permanent residents this is probably a good time to consider bait and bag limits as we makes use of the wonderful natural resources to which we have access. Remember, your kob limit is one fish a day, minimum size of 50 cm. We are allowed five spotted grunter a day, minimum size of 40 cm. For those who will ply the surf, the leerie (2 fish limit, minimum size 70 cm) and elf (4 fish limit, minimum size 30 cm) should be on the bite. The guys have been making good catches of leerie with live mullet, so if you’re prepared to work for your fish, this is a good option. Also watch bait limits. Let’s look after the resource for next year and for the sake of future generations. A good policy is to take out no more bait than you can use, but just to be safe, any of the tackle shops will be able to give you a full list of bait and fish limits. As the festive spirit descends we wish all a blessed and joyous time with family and friends, and remember, let’s be careful. Life is beautiful if you can find peace in these frenetic times. If that is your intention you have come to the right place.
Annual bonfire: An event not to be missed will be the lighting of the traditional bonfire on Grunters Green at midnight on December 31, to see the New Year in. Bring bubbly and chops and let’s celebrate together. The bonfire has been a feature of Gamtoos Mouth for the past 40 years. Zane Hayes is the Director in charge.
48th MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSWith Colin Rushmere in the chair, the final meeting of the year was fairly brief and to the point. Listed below are the main points. 2011
Levies: The monthly levy is to increase from the current R160 to R185 a month. It’s not a decision that was lightly taken. Costs are constantly on the rise, and this was considered to be a necessary hike to keep the HOA abreast of needs in 2011.
Expenses reported at the AGM were increased to make provision for the possibility of taking over the management of the Kouga Camping Ground. The net projected annual expenditure to be covered by levies now totals R1@061,640 up by about R158,000 on the current years budget. This amount is to be raised from 450 owners in Phases one and two, and so the contribution per erf should be R196.60 a month. Levy was agreed at R185 per month. This will leave us with a projected deficit of R62,640, which may be absorbed by careful cost containment. The final budget is attached.
Speeding: It has been noted that some drivers have been taking advantage of the newly tarred entrance to Phase one, to turn on the speed. Children walk this road to the Play Park. Please slow down! Good news is that a speed hump will be erected in the New Year to pacify our local drag racers.
Water Saving: Not all will be aware of the serious water shortage being experienced throughout the province. Use of hoses is still prohibited, and all residents and visitors are encouraged to use water sparingly.
Building close-down: The annual building close-down will be enforced from December 15 to 10 January 2011. To ensure that the break is as peaceful as possible there will be no construction allowed then. Christmas hampers: Salome de Beer is making her rounds to collect funds to ensure that the resort staff get decent hampers for Christmas. It’s a good initiative and it ensures that they and their families will also have something to celebrate about. Thank you to those that have already given so generously. Telephone, email and internet connectivity: Following a presentation at the AGM by True Technologies of Jeffreys Bay, responses from interested parties are now awaited to see if the scheme for improved connectivity will be viable. To make it worth the service provider’s efforts, at least ten subscribers will be needed from Phase one and ten from Phase two. Installation per site will cost ±R1450, which will include individual boosters and the installation of a tower at a high vantage point in Phase two and in Phase one. All subscribers will need to have "line of sight" and the system is claimed to be at least on a par with ADSL. Monthly rates are competitive. A full report from True Technologies is attached to this NEWSLETTER. Indiscriminate paving: It was reported that indiscriminate paving of plots has taken place in Phase one, resulting in rain water run-off swamping lower lying plots. It has also resulted in the indiscriminate and wanton removal of trees. Home-owners are reminded that the maximum clearance allowed in Phase one is 60 per cent of surface area, and in Phase two, 50 percent of surface area of the site. Those who are turning our environmentally sensitive resort into a concrete jungle seem to have lost the plot (excuse the pun). Most of the trees that are being taken out are protected, so perpetrators are committing an offence. Please play by the rules.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Nearly 50 people pitched for the AGM, held in the shed up at the farm. In contrast to some of our previous Annual General Meetings, this was a fairly placid affair, which indicates that people are generally better informed and mostly satisfied with the performance of those who are in charge. The meeting was chaired by Graeme Rushmere who welcomed the formation of a Ratepayers’ Association, which will liaise with the developers, and represent residents’ interest with regard to Kouga Municipality civic matters.
With no new proposed Directors Zane Hayes and Angela Stockley were proposed and accepted. The Chairman thanked them for their work in the past and willingness to continue.
Rates reductions: Graeme reported to residents that the Board of Directors was actively negotiating with Kouga for significant rates reductions, relating to property rates, a bulk water discount and the Environmental Management Fee, seeing as many municipal services are already being supplied by the HOA. He said a permanent 50 per cent discount for property rates was probably a realistic figure. Building codes: Reporting on the state of the development, he said that 208 houses have been erected, and management is in the process of ensuring that the Building Codes and Regulations were being enforced. He appealed to all to adhere to the code. (These guidelines are there for the protection of all. It is obvious that maverick ideas and selfish motivations are not in the interests of all.) Improvements: Graeme assured those present that the HOA would remain committed to the improvement of the resort, citing examples such as the newly tarred strip of road, the fencing of the slipway area, and the improved signage as examples. He said management was working with Angela Stockley in establishing better internet access.
Phase Three: Commenting on the projected Phase three development, he said this would not, in the present economic climate, be a fast track development. An EIA for 125 plots and business premises was being undertaken. He also explained how the founding principles of the resort allowed the developer to take the resort up to a maximum of 580 plots. An amount of 2.5 percent of Phase three net sales revenue would flow into the HOA reserve fund. He also assured residents that feedback would be sought from the community with regard to the business development. He said this would not be commercially driven, but rather directed at serving the needs of the community.
Financial report: Chris Egberink’s financial report was accepted without question, and Angela Stockley, who serves as a director, and is also secretary of the Ratepayers’ Association congratulated him on his budget and financial report.
Kouga Camping Grounds: The gathering was told that the Board and Resort Management had been in talks with Kouga Municipality with a view to taking control of the derelict camping grounds situated on our boundary. No finality had yet been reached, and proposals were still being considered.
Ratepayers’ Association: Alan Van Vuuren, chairman of the fledgling Ratepayers’ Association was given the opportunity of explaining the organisation’s objectives. He said the AGM of the association would be held in the farm hall at 11 am on December 30th and appealed to home and plot owners to support this meeting, as the association was acting in their interests.
Craft centre: Ceramicist and sculptor Colin McDonald addressed the meeting on the craft centre which is to be located in the old Barnes Cottage. He said that the place had been cleaned up, and two pottery wheels were now in place. The centre will be for anyone who wants to be involved in arts and crafts, with the intention of bringing such people together. Colin can be contacted on 073-1657664. His wife Wendy, also a ceramicist, can be reached on 082-7748205.
Levy statements: Are sent out quarterly with the water invoices. Water will be read on ± the 15th of December and the statements will be sent out thereafter.
Property valuations on the Kouga Roll:Kouga property owners who are unhappy with their property valuations again have until January to raise an objection and apply for re-valuation.@ Full details will be posted on www.gamtoosratepayers.co.za . It is advisable to keep a copy of your appeal and get a receipt from Kouga Municipality.
Beach clean-up: The next beach clean-up starts from the sales office at 8 am on December 18. Bring the kids pick up your plastic refuse bags and let’s tidy up our beach. Heading up the effort is Pieter de Beer, who with his team of helpers will reward all who participate with coffee and egg and bacon rolls. This when the participants return with their garbage at 10 am. The last clean-up was a huge success and it’s a good way of getting to know your neighbours. Remember folks that when you go down to the water for a swim and to catch a few rays of sunshine, please take your plastic packets and bottles back home. It’s tough enough cleaning up the chokka boat refuse that washes up on our shore line. Beach Clean up dates for next year: 22 January, 23 April, 23 July, 22 October. Dates for fire fighting drills to follow.
Such a pity: Nearly two decades of effort went out of the window during the recent power outage caused by a transformer which caught fire. The victim was Dennis Lee, whose excellent collection of koi fish went belly-up when the pumps responsible for providing oxygen were shut down. The collection was worth thousands of rands. In fact one favourite specimen was apparently worth over R2@000. Talk about Murphy’s law. It had to happen while Dennis and Marlene were away. Sorry broer. Our hearts go out to you.
The big tent: Big Ben van Deventer hopes to have his church tent up and functioning before Christmas. It will be situated on the open space alongside the sales office. Ben and others will be bringing the good word to all those who wish to come and worship our Lord, the focal figure of the Christmas message. Drop in to some of the services over this time. It’s about the only thing you don’t have to pay for these days, and you’ll be the richer for it.
Noise pollution:
Sound carries here, so don’t play the loud music too late, or go joy riding on our narrow roads in those noisy, banned machines. Stop, smell the sea air and listen to the birds.Condolences: Our sympathies are with Willem and Henry Grobler following the loss of Willem’s mother. Jeanette Wolmarans se swaer is oorlede. Pieter de Beer se tannie is oorlede.We’re glad to hear that: Leonie Nell is out of hospital and back home doing well. Lydia Gouws is back home after a time in hospital and is feeling much better.We’re sad to hear that: Mara Strydom has been in hospital. Deline Goodchild has been in hospital. Our thoughts are with you.Congratulations: Mara Strydom’s grandchild is getting married on December 18. We take it she won’t be helping with the beach clean-up then?
Gamtoos Mouth Garden Services: Need help keeping your plot or garden in good trim. For lawns, flower beds and even painting your house, contact Dirk Coetzee on 084 5124961
Thought for the day: Success is sweet, but it usually has the scent of sweat about it. Drop me a line with your news at [email protected] call at 084 7654050. Bless you all over this timeCal
KEY NUMBERS Gamtoos Mouth Resort Homeowners Association: Tel: 041-5812606; Fax: 041-5812601 Resort Manager (George) 071-9819592 Fax: 042-2860799, Assistant Manager and Weekend Managers 076-0724751. PO Box 6267, Walmer, 6065 email: [email protected] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za Directors Angela Stockley 072 510 3983 email: [email protected] Zane Hayes 082 774 8198 email: [email protected]
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER 39
WATER INVOICES MARCH 2011 Statements and water invoices are sent out quarterly.
RECYCLING We are making a big effort to recycle refuse. White bags will again be distributed for recycling operations. Glass bottles, plastic and cans will be sorted into stock piles at the tip site from your white bags. We have to compact the items to try and make it easier and cheaper to transport them to Environman. We will be getting the following prices per kilo from them. Glass - 25c, tin 50c and plastic 40c/50c. Please let us have your ideas to make this a success.
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY True Technologies only received 3 homeowners that signed up for internet connectivity. If you are interested or have unanswered questions, please contact Anton Eckermans on 042 293 4168. Your two contact people at Gamtoos are: Angela Stockley - 072 510 3983 [email protected] or Michael Deyzel on [email protected] They need a minimum of 10 subscribers from Phase 1 and Phase 2 to proceed.
THE KOUGA CAMPING GROUND
MEETING WITH TOP MANAGEMENT AT KOUGA MUNICIPALITY THE controversial Gamtoos Mouth Kouga Municipality campsite remains a bone of contention and was once again the subject of discussion at the 49th meeting of Board of Directors of the Gamtoos Mouth Homeowners’ Association. Chris Egberink and Lorraine Garner reported back on their February 14 presentation to the Kouga Municipal Management Committee . The HA would like to take over management and upgrade the facility, introducing reasonable controls. Also at the February 14 meeting was chairman of the Ratepayers’ Association, Cal Seton-Smith, whose proposed changing the emphasis of the camp site to conservation and eco education, with the HA playing a vital role in management of the scheme. Municipal Manager Dr Eddie Rankwana thanked the Gamtoos folk for their input. In a written reply he advised that Kouga Municipality would not act on any of the options presented. But back to the meeting of the@Board of Directors. Chairman Colin Rushmere made it clear that he considered closure of the camp site to be the only solution, and that Kouga Municipality should abide by the findings of Cacadu Management Plan for the Gamtoos Coastal Reserve. He urged Angela Stockley to get in touch with the Cacadu District Municipality and Aidan Wood of Enviro-Fish Africa, head of the Estuarine Management Forum, to find out what their plans were. Meanwhile the Ratepayers Association has asked Kouga Municipality for clarity on its Easter plans for the running of the camp site.
KOUGA CAMPING GROUND DISTURBANCE – CHRISTMAS 2010 During the 2011 Christmas period, Kobus Raath, Tony Gerrard and other homeowners were exposed to loud music and disturbance that continued for days on end. Endless phone calls, visits to the Thornhill Police Station and correspondence from Kobus, Tony and the Homeowners Association followed this incident. The HOA received a letter from Thornhill Police Station Commander Captain Hendriks to assure us that a disciplinary hearing was conducted with a member of his staff who was involved in the incident. At a subsequent meeting between SAPS and Kouga Law Enforcement both parties agreed that it was important that rules and regulations be adhered to at the Kouga camping ground. New notice boards will be erected by Kouga Municipality. No loud music will be tolerated. The Kouga staff member involved will also be reprimanded. We are grateful that law and order will be enforced by both the SAPS and the Kouga Municipality Law Enforcement. The Association will continue to monitor the situation.
KIDDIES PARK The kiddies’ park situated at the entrance of Phase One will be better lit up at night following the proposed installation of a new light, and the fence between the park and the camp site will be replace and raised, which will improve security.
TREES FOR THE RESORT The board approved an amount of R1@800 for the purchase of indigenous trees for the resort. The planting programme is in the hands of Rob Gravett, Dennis Lee and George Gerber, who have acquired 180 saplings from a private nursery at Loerie. By buying more than 100 saplings they managed to get the price reduced from R15 per tree to R10. Now they will need to be planted and nurtured, an exercise in which residents can help with the watering. If any of our residents has thoughts on areas which need beautification, please contact Rob Gravett on 083 3076919.
MONKEYS AND SNAKES: Following a complaint about the shooting of monkeys and snakes, the board concluded that while these creatures should not be indiscriminately destroyed, they were sometimes a tricky problem and had to be dealt with. The natural cycle of feeding birds fruit etc, also attracts Monkeys and snakes, so please refrain from feeding wildlife. The board cautioned residents to abide by gun laws that prohibit the firing of any weapons (including Air guns) in a built up area. This is an offence that carries a heavy fine.
SHOOTING BUSHBUCK? A Phase Two resident told me recently that he called the police after hearing nearby shots. He suspected that someone was shooting bushbuck. When the police arrived at the home he had pointed out to them, they were told that the people had been firing off crackers. When asked where the fired cracker casings were, the police said they did not find any. The resident described to me how the bushbuck had often walked unafraid down the road alongside his home, at night. He no longer sees them. Is it possible that some people miss the point of living in a paradise such as this? You be the judge.
FINANCES: In his quarterly financial report Chris Egberink reported a cash surplus of R6@000. This was due to the actual loss for the 7 month period (July to January 2011) totalling R18@000, being less than the R24 000 loss budgeted for the period.
WATER PROBLEMS
The levels of our supply damns remain a concern, and all are reminded to use water judiciously. The Homeowners Association has implemented a resolution to withhold 30 per cent of the water tariff paid to Kouga Municipality while the municipality dithers over the bulk tariff discount which they should be allowing us. The money will be held in a trust account, and when the municipality finally comes to the party, we may all see a reduction in our water bills.
GO LUKAS Congratulations to Lukas Van Vuuren for his ascendancy to the Kouga Municipality Council. Lukas took over the non-political Kouga 2000 Party’s only seat on the council when the incumbent passed on. We understand that Lukas’s party will not be represented in the May elections. But give ‘em hell in the meantime, councillor.
RIVER MANAGEMENTIt saddens one to hear about some of the bragging fishing stories that do the rounds here at the Gam, and to discover the strong resistance some residents have to conservation activities. Anyone who believes that the good times will never end surely does not have a deep understanding of the dangers of over-exploitation as opposed to building a resource for the future. It should be noted that I am not talking about zero bag limits for kob and "no fishing" zones, which all anglers will resist, but basic, common sense management. Contempt for existing bag limits, gill netting, careless bate collections, and massive destruction of our coastal mussel resources are some of the problems we face. Old timers here at the Gam recall a time when good catches of mussel cracker were made in the surf. No longer, the mussels are scarce and the crackers have gone. At the rate the mussels are being collected and taken off the beach by the bag-full, they will soon be totally wiped out. We can still do something about these problems, if we act now. For example, all can assist in the eradication of the destructive gill nets. From a conservation point of view, it is interesting to examine the wanton destruction of the American buffalo in the nineteenth century. From 30 million animals, there were fewer than 1@000 left on the Great Plains by 1899. In just 50 years of uncontrolled hunting the species was nearly extinct. One hunter alone, William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), killed 4,280 animals in just one year (from 1867–68) while supplying buffalo meat for railroad construction crews. The buffalo was teetering on the brink of extinction when measures were put in place to save it. Let’s not kill the river, a known nursery for kob and other species. Let’s rather improve our fish stocks for our own benefit, and those who are yet to come. Think it over. "Only when the last tree has died, and the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, will we realise that we cannot eat money." - 17th century, Cree
NATUURBEWARINGS AMPTENARE Om en by 15 belangstellende Gamtoosmond inwoners het by Colin McDonald se huis bymekaar gekom om van Wayne Rudman (‘n vrywilligewerker van die Marine Coastal Management) te hoor hoe hulle orde in die Swartkops Rivier mond terugbring. Die vergadering was vir alle belangstellende persone oopgestel. Ongelukkig was die vergadering nie baie wyd bekend gemaak nie, omdat net etlike persone daarvan vertel is, al het ons gehoop dat die nuus versprei sou word. Ons teken verskoning aan vir diegene wat nie daarvan gehoor het nie en graag sou wou bewoon. Indien jy belangstel, gee jou naam an telefoon nommer aan Colin McDonald 073@165 7664, sodat ons jou direk kan kontak waneer daar weer so ‘n vergadering plaasvind. Terug na Wayne Rudman. Hy is ‘n spanleier van ‘n entoesiastiese en aktiewe span mense, en het hulp aangebeid ook ‘n bewarings eenheid hier op Gamtoos te loods. Rudman en sy span is in noue samewerking met die polisie en tree streng op teen mense wat herhaardelik die wet breek. Colin Mc Donald en Kobus Raath staan aan die voorpunt van die Kus, Rivier en Mondings werk vir die Gamtoos Belastingbetalers. Hulle hoofdoel is om ‘n span belangstellend bewaringsbewuste mense bymekaar te kry wat die begin ‘n kultuur van bewaring op ons strande, rivier en riviermond te ontwikkel. As jy dink dit is ‘n goeie plan, help hulle asseblief.
BEACH CLEAN-UP The quarterly beach clean-up took place on March 19. Those who took part were shocked at the mess left behind by beach users, especially at the mouth. This included sheets of plastic, plastic bottles and containers, and the usual trail of empty booze bottles. Some people just don’t give a damn! If you care at all about your environment, don’t leave the job to the good "old faithfulls". Come along next time and give a hand. All are welcome.
CRAFT CENTRE The craft centre down at the Barnes Cottage is slowly gaining momentum. Colin and Wendy Mc Donald have donated three pottery wheels and an active group of would-be potters are being taught the skill of "throwing" pots. Gus and Charlotte Smith have donated some furniture, and Colin plans to soon start building a kiln for firing the ceramics. The centre is open every Thursday morning. Other activities will soon include fabric printing, bead making, wood carving and ceramic sculpture. Want to give it a go. Just pitch on Thursday morning from about 9.30. There is no charge and all are welcome. If you have a skill to share, contact Wendy on 082-7748205.
BOOT SALE On Saturday, March 26 at 9.30 am (Last Saturday of the month) there will be a boot sale at the old Barnes Cottage. All that stuff gathering dust in your garage is worth rands and cents. Bring it down to the old cottage and convert it to hard cash. Who knows what bargains you may find in someone else’s junk.
ADVERTISEMENTS: For Sale: 25-litre white drums, ideal for the storage of petrol. Not to be used for drinking water. Only R5 a drum. Contact Hannes at 082-4416314. Lift Club: Need a workday lift to PE from the end of April? Contact Ritha on 082-6838712 Gamtoos Mouth Garden Services.: Need help keeping your plot or garden in good trim? For lawns, flower beds and even painting your house, contact Dirk Coetzee on 084 5124 961. Fishing equipment: If you have old rods or reels that look ready for the dust-bin, contact Ben Van Deventer in Phase One, whose hobby is fixing them. If you need repairs done to rods and reels, Ben will handle it for a small fee. Phone 072-6119827.
WE’RE GLAD TO HEAR THAT: Millie Van Deventer is home and recovering well after her op. Lydia Gouws bedank almal vir hulle belangstelling en gebede tydens haar siekte. "Al die oproepe en sms boodskappies! Dan wil ons net dankie sê vir die Here vir soveel vriende wat my opgedra het in gebed. En vir Danie ook bygestaan het. Mag die Here jul seên." Liedfe, Lydia en Danie. THEO EN ZELDA Lydia Gouws het hierdie boodskap ingestuur: " Theo and Zelda bedank almal vir die bydraes wat aan hulle gegee is. Hulle waardeer dit baie." Theo en Zelda het vir jare swaar gekry met die lewe by die karavaan park, waar Zelda sê stoof vir al die jare ‘n primus was. ‘n Paar maande terug het hulle ‘n RDP huis op Thornhill gekry en hul
lewens het verander. Theo het ook werk gekry by Thornhill se supermark and petrolstasie. Gamtoos se mense het hulle gehelp om ‘n nuwe begin te maak. "Weereens dankie dat jul, julle harte oopgemaak het vir jul medemens."
KEY NUMBERS: Gamtoos Mouth Resort Homeowners Association: Tel: 041-5812606; Fax: 041-5812601 Resort Manager (George) 071-9819592 Fax: 042-2860799, Assistant Manager and Weekend Managers 076-0724751. PO Box 6267, Walmer, 6065 email: [email protected] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za Directors : Angela Stockley 072 510 3983 email: [email protected] Zane Hayes 082 774 8198 email: [email protected]
NEWS ITEMS: Some residents have requested Afrikaans content in the news letter. It is a fair request and we will try and get some translation done. Better still. Stuur asseblief Afrikaanse berigte in. If you have any news items for the news letter please drop me a line on [email protected], or phone 084-7654050. A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver – Proverbs 25 v 11
GAMTOOS MOUTH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER NO. 40
JUNE 2011
RATES AND WATER TARIFFS:A strong delegation from the Homeowners’ Association met in mid-June with representatives of the Kouga Municipality, and presented a persuasive case for retaining, at the very least, the 20% rates discount for private townships we currently enjoy in terms of their rates policy. The Board thinks a 50% discount is more equitable especially since the phasing in allowances fall away on 30-6-2012. ( 25 %) In terms of the current arrangement, we at Gamtoos would be expected to pay the full rates less 20%, starting in 12 months time. ( 1-7-2012 ) Our team included Colin and Graeme Rushmere, Chris Egberink, and Ratepayer’s Association chairman, Cal Seton-Smith. It was argued that as we have created our own infrastructure such as the roads, electricity and reservoir, and we supply our own services, we should be seen by KM as a valued partner, doing their job for them, and this warrants a substantial discount. The battle to get the 25% bulk water discount due to us was also given impetus when Chris explained the history of this demand, and explained why the HA would continue to withhold a portion of the monthly bill until the matter was resolved, either amicably, or through legal process. While they listened attentively and sympathetically, the Kouga representatives said that any decision on discounts would need council approval. They invited the HA to put forward a written presentation, and assured us that they would see that it received due attention. Pieter Gerber and Eddie Oosthuizen have proposed that we are charged a bulk water tariff plus 15% to Council. This from 1-7-2011.
NEW FINANCIAL MANAGER AT KOUGA:Ria Van Heerden has been appointed by Kouga Municipality as their new Financial Manager. We wish her everything of the best in her new position and look forward to working with her and her team.
FLOODS AND DAMS:WELL, hip, hip, hooray. The drought is officially over. The Kouga dam has over-flowed, and we naturally expect water restrictions to now be lifted. Folks hare at the Gam measured between 60 and 70mm over several days and on Saturday, June 11, the Thornhill police came around to warn residents that the sluice gates would be opened. As it turned out, it made no real difference to the water levels. Apparently it takes eight hours for the water to reach the mouth, so that probably occurred sometime during the night.Our regular beach walkers reported that sweet potatoes and oranges had washed down from the Valley in the brown water that came down during the rains. Your scribe can vouch for this, having scavenged a few on a walk to the mouth. I was also able to rescue an eel which was slowly expiring in the tangle of reeds which had washed up along the river bank at the high water mark – happy to report that the little fellow slithered off eagerly when re-introduced to the water. DENDROLOGICAL SOCIETY: We showed Jenny Eldridge of the Dendrological society, and birder Rob Norton around the resort a few weeks ago. Jenny will come with a small team at the end of July to recce our hiking trails and to label some of our trees. Piet de Beer has agreed to make up some wooden tags so that the trees will be permanently marked. For those who do not know Piet, he is an accomplished wood carver/ sculptor, and has some excellent pieces crafted by his own hand, gracing his home.But back to the tree huggers: We have booked the GMI guest cottage (erf 108) for them, for that weekend. We thank GMI/Rushmeres for making it available.If anyone wants to accompany Jenny and co. please let me know. We can learn much from these folk. They will be looking for a specimen known as Cussonia Gamtoosensis, a rare variety of cabbage tree, near the salt lake.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE UPDATE:Robb Gravett has been elected as the Chairman of the Eviron Comm and co-opted onto the Board of Directors. Congratulations Rob and thank you for accepting the position. All Homeowners are welcome to attend the Environ Comm meetings and work parties. Our tree planting and nursery programme continues at a good pace, but there will be a hiatus now, until spring approaches.
RELOCATION OF SNAKES AND OTHER REPTILES.Angela Stockley advises that her husband Jigger and Rian Senekal are willing to remove any snakes and other reptiles and relocate them away from the Resort. Riaan can be contacted on cell 083 384 7676 and Jigger on 082 210 4784 when he returns from the UK in September next.
SECOND BOOT SALE:Our second boot sale took place at Barnes Cottage on Saturday, May 28. If you needed electric oil heaters, fishing equipment, a mini oven, two plate portable stove, knick knacks, plants ornaments and much more, this was the place to be.One item to catch the eye was a bright red mini-fridge, just big enough to put the chill on a six pack, or something similar, ideal for the boat, it was electric or battery powered. The next sale will probably take place nearer to spring, and may offer coffee and egg’n bacon roles for sale.
WELL DONE SIRWell done to the resident who reported a vehicle breaking all the rules on the river bank low land off to the left of the slipway. Entry to this area has been prohibited, closed with post and rail, and signposted, but the guilty party apparently tore down the sign removed the barricade and drove on and along the prohibited area. Really folk, does one have to take a vehicle down there? Is it too far to walk?The Board has instructed that the restrictions be replaced and that a R500 fine will be imposed upon anyone caught removing the signs or fencing, or driving onto the wetland area again. There is, of course, also the criminal action of malicious damage to property, which could emanate from any form of activity which damages the resort property. Anyone seeing this sort of abuse is encouraged to take down the vehicle details and number, record the time and date, and report it. Better still, call the resort manager or duty weekend manager, and let them deal with it on the spot.
COWBOYS AND CROOKSI guess some folk have no shame. We have all heard the stories of people being caught red handed removing stuff from absent owners’ plots. It’s shameful and one wonders what the perpetrators think.Resort manager George Gerber reports a recent case of building material being stolen off a plot in Phase One by one of our more salubrious residents. How sad this is. In a village environment like ours, the word is bound to get out, and the thieving resident’s reputation is, quite rightly, left in tatters.George has warned that the identity of the perpetrator is known, and says he must replace the material or else face further action.To our resident crook, your actions suck. Shame on you sir!
NO MORE LONG DROPSCALLING all builders. The HA has announced that shanty long drop toilets on building sites will no longer be permitted. All builders, including owner builders who hire casual labour, will be compelled to have chemical toilets on site, and these would need to be regularly serviced. This also as per the Kouga Municipality rules.
CAREFUL WITH THOSE PLANSWHILE on the subject of building, resort management is keeping a close eye on all building plans, to ensure that what appears on the ground is precisely what is represented in the authorised and passed plans. In the past, mistakes have slipped through the cracks, and in some cases builders have taken liberties by departing from plans. This invariably produces a backlash and unnecessary cost to put matters right. George warns that houses must match plans, and if any builder has doubts or questions, he should feel free to give George a call in the interests of clarity and transparency.
NEW INTERNET SERVICE UP AND RUNNING:Residents will have noticed that a Highsite mast/tower has been installed at the sub station in Phase Two. Anton Ekermans of True Technologies in J Bay is satisfied that our new internet connectivity is functioning properly, but believes that it may be necessary to make some changes over time to make it even faster and possibly install a more robust pole at a later stage.The sub station mast/tower is a relay for a second mast/tower to serve Phase One. An alternative consideration is to use a higher tower at the sub station and longer poles on subscriber homes in phase one. Any deviations should carry Board approval. Anyone interested in the new connection arrangement should contact [email protected]
SEAFISHERY OFFICERS:ANYONE interested in becoming “eyes and ears” for Marine Coastal Management, as an honorary Seafishery Officer, is encouraged to join this dedicated group of volunteers, headed by Wayne Rudman who gave a talk here some months back. There is a cost of R100 for finger printing and criminal record checking.The person who undertakes this is Mr David Marx on 078 6504365, 58 Rooseveldt Street, Glendinningvale, PE. He will provide the necessary documentation within one hour. Once that step has been completed, our conservation committee will take the matter forward with Rudman, who will forward documentation for approval.The two categories of participation are:a) Honorary Sea fishery Officer with arresting powers orb) Officer who would be the eyes and ears for the authorities.
STORK PARTY:SAREL and Nellie Gerber’s daughter Elzette of Amanzimtoti visited recently, and while here, a super stork party was arranged in anticipation of the arrival of the Gerber’s first grandchild.According to Sarel there were about 30 guests who celebrated the much anticipated event in a lively spirit. They wish to thank all those who came.To Sarel and Nellie and family, we wish you every blessing with this new addition to the family. The baby is expected late August.
RECYCLING:WE commend those residents who have entered the spirit of recycling by using the white bags supplied by the HA for their intended purpose, which is the separation and collection of glass, plastic and tins. These items are crushed at the tip site and removed for recycling. This also helps to keep the tip site neat & tidy.White bags can be obtained by phoning Stephanus Gerber on cell number 076 072 4751. Please do not use the bags for grass cuttings or garden refuse. 10,47 Tons of glass was removed and paid for by Ketco at the end of April. 2011.
ELECTRICITY PRICE INCREASE: The price increases from R1.05 to R1.30 per kwh from the 1 July 2011. A copy of the memo sent to all permanent residents and other house owners is attached. THE SLIPWAY ROAD Repairs and maintenance to the Slipway road will start shortly. We are waiting for the surface to dry out. LEAKING WATER METERS: Stephanus Gerber when doing the water readings during June 2011, found some leaks on both the homeowners side of the meter and also on the Associations side of the meter. These leaks end up being very costly for the responsible party. Please check your water meters daily and at the very least weekly if your consumption seems to be abnormal. If you don’t you could be in for a rude surprise. Especially caravan erven utilizing caravans which are not occupied continuously.
ADVERTSGAMTOOS MOUTH GARDEN SERVICES: Need help keeping your plot or garden in good trim? For lawns, flower beds and even painting your house, contact Dirt Coetzee on 084 512 4961.FISHING EQUIPMENT: If you have old rods or reels that look ready for the dust-bin, contact Ben Van Deventer in Phase One, whose hobby is fixing them. If you need repairs done to rods and reels,
Ben will handle it for a small fee. Phone 072 611 9827KLERE HERSTELWERK Vir enige klere herstelwerk asook om na huise en tuine om te sien kontak asseblief vir Drienie082 961 0071.
AFRIKAANS CONTENT: Sadly there has been no response to our request for the submission of Afrikaans items for this NEWSLETTER. We would like to carry news in both languages. Send it, we will publish it.
GOLFERS:A regular Gamtoos Mouth four-ball has been seen shooting the lights out at the Zwartenberg and Hankey courses, usually on a Monday or Tuesday morning. If other local golfers are interested in an occasional game, please get in touch with your scribe – 084 765 4050
NOW FOR THE KILN:AS the craft centre goes from strength to strength, momentum is building to build a wood fired kiln in order to finish the range of ceramic products being produced down at Barnes cottage. The mastermind behind this is accomplished ceramicist and sculptor Colin McDonald, who is prepared to donate a kiln which is currently on his country property, which will have to be dismantled, and then rebuilt at Barnes Cottage. Cant wait for that.
MORE ABOUT THE DAMS: PE Metro dam levels reflected below showed a significant improvement at 76,7% after the mid-June rains. The Metro’s main dedicated dams the Churchill and Impofu are the only ones that are not yet full and this will affect decisions about when restrictions may be lifted or whether full or partial restrictions are retained in the interests of long term supply.The Metro used an average off 233 ml per day as against the previous 300 ml before restrictions, a saving of more than 20%, which if applied earlier, could have resulted in dam levels being above 40% rather than the 31% of a few weeks ago.The Nooitgedacht scheme upgrade is only due to be operative in 2012.Levels as at 19 June 2011: Kouga 100%; Churchill 70,3%; Impofu 47,9% Groendal 100%.
CONDOLENCES:Our heart-felt condolences are extended to Ron and Sheila Lewis on the loss of their son, Nigel in Johannesburg; and to Jigger and Angela Stockley, on the loss of Jigger’s mom in Ireland.
KEY NUMBERS:Gamtoos Mouth Resort Homeowners Association: Tel 041 581 2606 fax 041 581 2601 PO BOX 6267 Walmer, 6065 email: [email protected] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.zaResort Manager (George) 071 981 9592 Fax: 042 286 0799, Assistant Manager & Weekend Managers 076 072 4751 Directors Angela Stockley 072 510 3983 email: [email protected] Hayes 082 774 8198 email: [email protected] police: 042 286 6201
Two wolvesOne evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “my son, the battle is between “two wolves” inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith”.The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”Cal
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION - NEWSLETTER NO 41
Big Changes ComingThere are major changes on the way, affecting how the resort is to be run and if you want all the details, or have any questions, then you need to be at the Annual General Meeting at The Thornhill Hotel on November 12 at 14h00.With Chris Egberink due to retire shortly, Board Vice Chairman Graeme Rushmere advised that the Board will be delegating more management responsibilities to residents, represented by an appointed Executive Committee to be appointed by the Board.In announcing the new admin plan Graeme said: “We are building three offices in the farm shed, which will become our new administrative centre. Resort manager George Gerber and his assistant, Stephanus Gerber will be located in the new headquarters, along with Jenny Todd. He announced that Cal Seton-Smith had been appointed to head up the Exco Committee.Jenny will continue to function as per her current job description, except that the accounting function has been outsourced to the Bellbuoy Group, who specialise in Managing Agents work. Jenny will also assist the Exco chairman and staff, be the permanent presence we have lacked on site so far, handling queries and carrying out a range of administrative functions. George and Stephanus will continue in their current roles. “Some of the duties of the Exco committee will include rules enforcement, supervising maintenance of reticulation systems, roads and buildings, approval of quotes, issuing purchase orders and payment approval. Also staff monitoring, electricity audits, archcom inspections and a range of other functions. It will be a relief to some that Chris’s services will not be entirely lost. He has been retained as a consultant with special focus on architectural issues and the passing of plans,” said Graeme. He said “the Board would announce the hand-over date and fuller details at the AGM or sooner”.The development of the plan follows a consultative process which has drawn in various stake holders and residents’ representatives.“We have long believed that this is the way to go. We are aware of the importance of homeowners having a meaningful say in the running of the resort, and we believe that this is a significant step towards achieving that goal,” he said.He emphasised that the Board would still retain its full powers and would remain involved as the development of the resort continued, and as Phase three was rolled out.
In this news letter Graeme has used the opportunity to thank Chris for his years on unstinting service. “Chris has carried the load on his shoulders, and we wish him everything of the best during his retirement. He has been involved with Gamtoos since the very beginning and there is no doubt that we will miss him,” he said.Appointment of New Managing Agents
As of 1/1/2012 the Bellbouy Group has been appointed as our new Managing Agents to deal in the main with the accounting function. Information they require and their literature is attached. It is of utmost importance for you to complete the attached forms so that the change over takes place without any hitches.
Tree People ImpressedThe Dendrological Society members were impressed with the variety of trees and plants they found at Gamtoos Mouth Resort. They did not find the unique Cussonia Gamtoosensis, but we showed them a few examples of our Cussonias (cabbage trees). Jenny Eldridge said that the trails were great. On Saturday afternoon, July 30, Cal and Rob accompanied us down to the salt water lakes for a beautiful walk among the Aloe Africanas (Uitenhage Aloe) the Sideroxylon inerme (White Milkwoods) and some large Cussonia spicata (common cabbage tree). The lakes are very picturesque with plenty of bird life. We saw the fish eagles flying above us. Other trees we saw were Schotia afra (Small-leaf Boerbean), Pittosporum viridiflorum (Cheesewood), Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus (Candlewood), Zanthoxylon capense (Small Knobwood), Polygala myrtifolia (September Bush) and others."On the Sunday morning we were joined by some more members of the Dendros and we set off to explore the “Valley Thicket” above the houses, It was a beautiful sunny day and we started with the Boerboon Forest Trail up to the pipe line and then came back along the Gurra Trail and the Bushbuck Trail. We lost the trail towards the end and had to do a bit of bundu bashing through the Fynbos and under the trees but got back safely in the end. This was a very interesting walk and we were amazed at the size of the Boerboons. These stately trees must be very old. I have given Cal a list of the trees we saw. The Fynbos was stunning and on the Caltrate section at the top of the ridge we saw some Syncarpa recurvata (Everlastings) that are on the Red Data list as an endangered species". There were also Ericas, Felicias, Othonnas and Eriospermum (Kapokbos) as well as Rapanea gilliana (Dwarf Cape Beech) too small for a name tag! On the flat grassy section there were large clumps of Oxalis with very large flowers, quite a show. Finally on arriving at the reservoirs we found a dead porcupine. This is such a lovely area and the trails are easy going with lots to see. It will be an added bonus to attach permanent name tags to the trees and encourage locals and visitors to learn to identify them. Many thanks for your hospitality and the use of the cottage.(Jenny Eldridge Dendrological Society)
Internet Connectivity: If you wish to have internet connection contact true technologies. Phone Tina Ekermans on 042 293 4168 cell: 084 513 0231 or email her on [email protected]. (New update – possibly MTN will be installing 3G at Gamtoos shortly)Water invoices and statements: Note that water invoices and statements are sent out quarterly not monthly. Please pay your accounts timeously. Pumping it out: The pre-spring rain just kelp coming, and this meant there was a lot of work for our new portable, submersible pump, which has been kept busy in Phase One, clearing the drainage sumps and the pools of water that inevitably form after good rains. The water table is high and although the sumps that have been put in strategic places are helping, they simply cannot cope with the ongoing rains we have received.Our portable submersible pump, which also shifts sludge, feeds into a long, soft pipe, which leads the water off to low lying areas, where it disperses. It is a remarkably effective system, and although it is not the ultimate solution, it is a good compromise. So for now, those who were often plagued by water at their gate or doorstep, are receiving a quick response and relief from a problem which we have lived with for some time.How you can help: Residents can help keep the water ponding problem at a minimum by ensuring that tank overflow pipes and gutter drainage is directed away from the roads towards low lying areas, or into parts of the garden where it
can soak away. Excessive paving of some erven, has created run-offs which have made the problem worse than it should be. See what you can do to help.Septic tanks: Not every one knows how septic tanks work and how harmful some practices can be. Those folk who hire out their homes should have a list of instructions in their bathrooms. Here are a few pointers.1) Do not pour cooking oils and fats down the drain. The grease hardens in the septic tank and can clog the inlet or outlet. It also clogs soil pores.2) Pesticides, paint thinners, solvents disinfectants, poisons, cigarette stompies and household chemicals, kill soil organisms that help purify sewage. Some organic chemicals will filter through and contaminate underground water.3) Avoid septic tank cleaners as they do not reduce the need for regular pumping of the septic tank and can contaminate underground water.4) Your drain field (soak away) does not have unlimited capacity so the more excessive your water usage, the greater the likelihood of problems.5) Check for leaky taps and toilets as these can double the amount of water you use.6) Ensure that foundation drains; roofs water, gutter water and surface water are directed away from the septic tank and soak-away.
Fishing protocol: Despite an international focus on conservation, many anglers treat the environment and bait and bag limits with contempt. It’s inconceivable that such ignorance should exist in an age of information overload.Those who simply do not care will always be with us. For those who do care, here are some points of protocol supplied by one of our residents:1) Limit your catch to ensure that future fish stocks remain healthy.2) Leave your fishing spot in a cleaner state than you found it.3) Respect the rights of property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts.4) If you want to succeed, use the proper tackle and bait for the species being targeted.5) Promote the sport by educating children in conservation, and fishing techniques.6) Report illegal fishing activities to the proper authorities.7) Make sure you understand the basic principles of boating on the river, and be considerate by not racing past those who have lines in the water.
Slipway Road: The slipway road is being repaired and should be in good condition for the Christmas break. Users of this road should drive cautiously, especially as much of the traffic has boats in tow. Be wary around the blind corners. There is no need to hurry.
Electricity up: Electricity prices have risen in accordance with the national trend. The NMBM anticipated a 24.8% electricity price increase and we thus increased our tariff from 105c to 130c KWH from the 1 July 2011. NMBM’s actual increase was 28%. The Board decided to now implement the correct percentage and the price will increase to 135c as from 3-11-2011. A limit of R 1000 per month per Homeowner will be imposed up to 2 November 2011. Naturally exceptions will be made if property motivated.
Water down: Residents will be happy to know that the water prices have normalised after the heavy early spring rains which filled up supply dams. The price of our water from the Kouga Municipality has decreased from R7.89 to R4.28 per kilo litre. This as from 1st August 2011. this is a 46% decrease. This based on Part A Scale D of their published tariff, which is what we are being charged on at the moment.In response thereto the Board has decided to reduce its tariff to the Homeowners from R9.22 to R6.60 per kilo litre. This as from 1st August 2011. This is a 28.4% decrease. In comparison residents in Summerstrand are paying R6.60 per kilo litre up to 24kl per month. Also the Kouga residents are currently paying R5.78 per kl up to 24kl per month. This plus a R60 monthly availability charge.The price is down from R9.22 to R6.60 per kl. Just a reminder to read your water meter daily or at least weekly. If you are not a permanent resident, please ask you neighbour to read it for you.
Same old same old: Sadly we see the same faces at every beach clean-up, those 12 or 14 faithful souls who care enough about our environment to want to make a difference. If you want to meet your fellow residents, come along, enjoy an egg and bacon roll and cup of coffee, and help keep our beach in decent state. Join us for the next beach clean-up. They always take place on a Saturday morning, starting from the sales office at 8h00. Watch the entry gates for posters which advertise our beach clean-ups.
Security problems. You will notice from the attached circular that we will be tightening up our security. Please support this for your own safety, as well as the protection of the homes of our many home-owners. Security is the responsibility of all. The recent theft of three very expensive out board motors, plus one or two break-ins during the past 12 months, serve to warn us that we cannot be vigilant enough. If you have reason to doubt the credentials of a stranger on the resort, ask who he/she is and how you can help them. If necessary then call the manager of his assistant without delay. Each homeowner has a duty to monitor and amicably confront strangers.
New Tractor and Trailer: Residents will have noticed that we have a handsome new Massey Ferguson tractor, purchased at considerable expense. The old machine which was some 30 years old served us well, but it had finally passed its sell-by date and had become costly to maintain. We will shortly be acquiring a new light-weight trailer which will be used for general duties, while our old trailer will be kept for heavy duty work.
Danie and Lydia: Our sympathies are extended to Danie and Lydia Gouws who tragically lost their son Justin, in a work-related accident in Pretoria. The couple would like to thank friends and residents who rallied around and supported them in their time of
need. Confirmed Christians, the couple said they wanted to honour the Lord for the way the difficult situation was managed, and how arrangements to manage the tragedy slotted together.
Post boxes: Many still do not have post boxes. Help us communicate with you by installing one at your front gate. It is also a useful receptacle for the weekly refuse bag that is delivered to you.
Advertisements:Gamtoos Mouth Garden Services: Need help keeping your plot or garden in good trim? For lawns, flower beds and even painting your house, contact Dirk Coetzee on 084 5124 961.Fishing equipment: If you need repairs done to rods and reels that look ready for the dust-bin, contact Ben Van Deventer in Phase One whose hobby is fixing them. If you need repairs done to rods and reels, Ben will handle it for a small fee. Phone 072 6119827.Klere herstelwelk: Vir enige klere herstelwerk asook om na huise en tuine om te sien kontak asseblief vir Drienie – 082 9610071
KEY NUMBERS: Gamtoos Mouth Resort Homeowners Association: Tel: 041 581 2606; Fax: 041 581 2601 P O Box 6267, Walmer, 6065 email: [email protected] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za Resort Manage: ( George) 071 9819592 Fax: 042-2860799, Assistant Manager and Weekend Managers 076-0724751 Directors: Angela Stockley 072 510 3983 email: [email protected] Hayes 082 774 8198 email: [email protected] Thornhill police: 042 2866201
We wish residents and holidavmakers a season of oeace and iov
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION - NEWSLETTER NO 42
Count-down to new admin launch:Within a matter of days Gamtoos Mouth resort will be under local management. January 3 marks the day when an Executive Committee (Exco) of local residents, appointed by the Home Owners' Association board, takes over the day to day running of the resort under the chairmanship of Cal Seton Smith, who for the past year headed up the Gamtoos Mouth Ratepayers' Association.The committee will also include board member Zane Hayes as well as Hannes Visagie, Kobus Raath, Tris Wooldridge, and Jeanette Steenberg.The executive committee, along with Jenny Todd, George and Stefanus Gerber, will all operate out of the new office centre in the farm shed.Cal has said that there would be several priority projects under the stewardship of the Exco, among which would be to establish a properly functioning fire-fighting response, an ongoing road maintenance programme, and improving operating efficiencies, productivity and cost containment, as well as beautification of the resort, especially at the two entrances.The Exco would report regularly to the board and would draw strength from semi-retired Chris Egberink's vast knowledge and many years of experience, said Cal,
A lively AGMMore than 80 residents attended a lively annual general meeting held at the Thornhill Hotel on November 12. The two major points of interest were the increased budget, which, in addition to taking inflation into account, had to accommodate the cost of the new admin set-up. The budget was balanced by increasing levies from R185 to R235 a month. Chairman Colin Rushmere explained that GAMHOA had in the past been substantially subsidised by the developer, but the time had come for it to stand on its own feet.The second point of interest was the election of two home-owner representative to serve on the board. The candidates were incumbent, Zane Hayes, and new candidates, Cal Seton-Smith, Hannes Visagie, and Dries Gouws. In addition to those present, more than 40 proxies were registered. After a close count Hayes and Seton-Smith were elected.
Levies from 1 January 2012The draft budget was approved at the first Board of Directors Meeting. The levies will be R235.00 per month as from 1-1-2012.
New pedestrian gatesHandsome new pedestrian gates have been installed in both Phase one and Phase Two. Electronic key pads have been fitted and the code, which is 2010# (remember the soccer World Cup), will be changed from time to time in the interests of security. Residents will be informed timeously. Some residents have commented that both entrances are shabby, with too much wire and too many untidy signs and were too "bittty", creating a careless "low budget" look. Ways of improving the appearance will be considered early in the new year. We appeal to residents to respect the electronic key pad system which is expensive. These cost comes out of our budget which is fuelled by levies, so let's take care.Chris Egberink commented: "In the discussions it transpired, that our staff hadmentioned to his client, that another builder had done some quality work in the resort. This remark was mis-understood and for this we apologise!"
The dates set for next year's meetings with the Builders' Association are Wednesday 25 January; Wednesday 30 May and the 26th September 2012. We appeal to builders to give Manie their support. It is in all our interests to know and acknowledge the parameters and framework within which we all work.
Bouquet for ManieBuilders are generally on the receiving end of criticism, but one resident was effusive in her praise for Manie Venter. Linda van Vuuren lives virtually across the road from one of Manie's completed projects. She writes:"In spite of all the usual frustrations which usually accompany this type of construction, I feel it only fair to compliment Manie Venter and his team on their exemplary behaviour during the entire building process. "His team was at all times.well behaved and well mannered. At no time did I experience bad language or any other unpleasant behaviour. With our grandchildren on occasion playing outside it was never necessary to reprimand the builders for any unpleasantness."
Thanks John HeughWe thank John Heugh for fitting out the craft centre at Barnes Cottage with much needed lighting. John's wife, Anna Marie is a keen crafter who is also a brilliant caterer. She regularly brings something from her oven down to the centre on a Thursday morning. This brings all crafting at a halt around 10.30 am, when all gather around the table for coffee and a generous slice of cake or tart, or scones, or... enough said. Caution is thrown to the winds as those present descend upon the feast. Step aside Nigella, this is Anna Marie's turf. Watch out for her recipe book which will be published sometime in the New Year.
A word of thanks to Martin Todd as well. He rushed down to the centre one morning to sort out a problem with the power supply. We appreciate you guys. It's what makes the Gam special.
Millie Van DeventerOur thoughts and prayers are with Millie Van Deventer at this time as she undergoes intensive treatment. Those who know her well can vouch for her strength and depth of faith in the face of adversity. Keep her in your prayers.
Trying for 50 per centChris Egberingk has written a powerful motivation to the Kouga Council which urges it to increase the rates discount we receive as a gated community from 20 per cent to 50 per cent. Earlier in the year a strong delegation headed by Colin Rushmere, supported by Graeme Rushmere, Chris, Lorraine Garner, and Cal Seton-Smith, representing the
Ratepayers' Association, made a presentation to the Kouga Municipality on why we should receive a bigger rates discount. We were invited to put forward a written presentation.
Chris's presentation is both detailed and compelling, and will hopefully appear on the GAMHOA website some time soon. A response is expected from Kouga some time early in the new year. We take this opportunity to wish Chris a blessed retirement as he eases back from the full pressures of the tasks he has carried out so thoroughly over the years.
AfrikaansOns verlang Afrikaanse insette in die Nuusbrief. Stuur ASSEBLIEF u berigte in.
The suggestions / mail boxThe suggestions / mail box will be relocated from the Phase 1 Sales Office to the New Offices at the Shed.
Questions and Answers ColumnHannes Visagie requested that we have a questions and answers colunm in the NEWSLETTER. Lets give it a go. Send in your questions and we will do our best to answer them.
AdvertisementsGamtoos Mouth Garden Services: Need help keeping your plot or garden in good trim? For lawns, flower beds and even painting your house, contact Dirk Coetzee on 084 5124 961.ueveiutM in riidie une, wiiube nuuuy ib nxmg iiiein. M you neeu lepniib uuiie lu iuus emu iccis, oen will handle it for a small fee. Phone 072-6119827.Klere herstelwerk: Vir enige klere herstelwerk asook om na huise en tuine om te sien kontak asseblief virDrienie-082 9610071Key numbers:Gamtoos Mouth Resort Homeowners Association:Homeowners can still phone the Linmere offices on a temporary basis until we have the newGamtoos office telephone installed.Tel: 041-5812606; Fax: 041-5812601.The new postal address is: PO Box 213, Thornhill, 6375email: [email protected] (change will also follow)website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.zaAll levy and water account payments must directed to: Bellbuoy Managing Agents - Cheryl Du Sart (bookkeeper):Tel: 041 374 444 fax: 041 374 2444 PO Box 7660, Newton Park, 6055Banking details:F.N.B - Newton Park - branch code: 261 050Account name Bellbuoy CC Trust Account - obo Gamtoos Mouth Homeowners AssociationAccount number: 6233 0571 143Resort Manager :(George) 071-9819592 Fax: 042-2860799Assistant Manager and Weekend Managers 076-0724751 Directors : Zane Hayes 082 774 8198 email: [email protected] Seton Smith: Office numbers and email address to follow Thornhill police: 042 2866201 Quote: A wise man speaks because he has something to say. A fool speaks because he has to say something.email me at [email protected]
NEWSLETTER NUMBER 46 — DECEMBER 2012 OFFICIAL NEWS LETTER OF THE GAMTOOS MOUTH HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION
Electricity price down in new deal
AFTER months of investigation and negotiation, the price of electricity supplied by Gamhoa to residents is to be reduced in January. This move comes into effect as a result of our bulk supplier, Nelson Mandela metro, introducing a stepped tariff, and the fact that many of our permanent residents use less than the 350 kilowatt hours which qualifies for the bottom rate in the tariff structure. After much deliberation and commissioning a full report on our options from consultants, Clinkscales Maughan, Brown, it was decided that we could drop from the current averaged rate of 150 cents per kilowatt hour to 130 cents per kilowatt hour for users of up to 350 kwh/h. The price increases to 155 cents between 351 and 600 kwh/h and to 184 cents above 600 kwh/h. The greatest challenge was to ensure that the formula complied with our Memorandum of Association, which allows us a 25 per cent mark-up on the stepped tariff rates. The mark-up is to cover a host of costs. These include cost of sales, cost of losses, cost of public usage such as street lights, maintenance and so on.
In this process Gamhoa managed to secure a better bulk price from NMBM, saving five cents per kwh/h, bringing the bulk cost down to 116 cents per kwh/h.
To bring us in line with accepted practice, Gamhoa will no longer be in a position to replace electricity dispensing units free of charge. The first EDU is paid for by the developer. Replacements at about R650 per unit will be paid for by homeowners.
Gamhoa will also not be in a position to carry out free connections. As is the case with other municipalities, residents will now pay for first time connections, and any subsequent reconnection. This is expected to be costed at R1 750 per connection.
Levy increase limited to R20 per month Levies for next year will rise from R235 per month to R255 per month, an increase of about 8.5 per cent. This was approved by the board after the Exco had reviewed the initial proposed budget, and tweaked and trimmed it in an effort to bring it closer to the inflation rate.
AT ATHE AGM Pictured at the AGM held at the Thornhill Hotel on November 10 were, from left, Zane Hayes and his wife Liz, Lorraine Garner from the Walmer office, and Chantal Van Heerden from Bellbuoy. Zane resigned from the board after 13 years.
AGM rings the changes
DESPITE rumours that the Annual General Meeting of he Gamtoos Mouth Homeowners’ Association would be cancelled due to a late challenge to its legality in terms of the New Companies Act, the meeting was held in a good and constructive spirit. Several key outcomes are worth recording.
Gam News covers the electricity tariffs on the front page.
The new levies, also on page one, were approved by the board earlier this month, after Exco called for a mandate at the AGM, to be given time to reduce the budget.
Many it seems welcomed a decision of the Exco to discontinue the annual Grunter’s Green New Year’s Eve bonfire, as this decision was widely supported when residents were asked to indicate approval or disapproval for the decision. The annual street party/braai to see in the New Year will go ahead.
Chaired by Colin Rushmere, the meeting broke with tradition when vice chairman, Graeme Rushmere proposed that all three nominated for directorship, Cal Seton Smith, Hannes Visagie, and Dries Gouws, should be appointed. This was accepted and no election was held.
Zane Hayes, who served as a director for 13 years, was not available. With conservation representative, Tris Wooldridge a co-opted member, residents now have four representatives on the board.
The meeting was attended by a crowd of about 45, most of whom were Phase Two residents. Apparently some in Phase One doubted the meeting would proceed as it was being challenged in terms of the New Companies Act. If this is indeed true, they missed a good meeting for no good reason. Two days before the AGM the Board received a letter suggesting that Gamhoa and the Board, may not be compliant with the New Companies Act, and that an AGM under the auspices of Gamhoa would be illegal. This was surprising, considering that Gamhoa had undertaken a full legal probe into its status at a cost of nearly R17 000, after being challenged earlier in the year. At the time trivial changes were recommended by lawyers, which were carried out. A hasty meeting was convened two hours prior to the AGM. The concerns were presented by ratepayer’s chairman, Kobus Raath, supported by Tinus Jamison, prime mover in pushing for Gamhoa to conduct a compliance probe earlier in the year. Graeme Rushmere, a qualified attorney, requested Raath to specify references to the Act which might support the challenge and cause him to cancel the meeting. This was seen to be less than convincing and the meeting went ahead as scheduled. Rushmere suggested that any further challenges, should there be any, would not be considered unless they were motivated by a qualified legal opinion.
Chairman hails Exco ‘success’ Board chairman, Colin Rushmere hailed the Exco administrative system a “huge success” and congratulated outgoing chairman Cal Seton Smith and his team for their achievements over the course of the past year. Rushmere said that establishing the local office had brought residents closer to the decision making process and to having a say in the running of their own affairs. He listed some of the projects undertaken by the Exco, including a slipway registration programme. Road maintenance was undertaken and all the resort’s roads were crack sealed, and kerbing installed in places. He referred to the repairs
and maintenance of the boathouses and the slipway, as well as the construction of a jetty at the slipway and enlargement of the trailer park. Projects included the manufacture of bush fire trailer, and ongoing training for the volunteer fire fighting team, the upgrade of Grunter’s Green, the opening of the “Goodwin Gulley” floodwater spillway, the flattening of the old tip site, and the cleanup of Barnes Cottage grounds.
Ons stel direkteur Dries Gouws voor
Gesin/Persoonlik: Is gebore in Aberdeen in NoordOos Kaap, groot geword op Uitenhage, laerskool voltooi by Brakrivier Primere skool (Nou bekend as Ankervas) op Rocklands en Hoërskool by HTS Daniel Pienaar. Getroud met Charmain en het een seun en twee dogters. Seun is in polisie, een dogter ‘n onderwyseres en die ander een betrokke met instandhouding beheer. Stokperdjies, Houtwerk,fietsry, motors, motorfietse en liggaamsbou Loopbaan: Begin werk by SAS&H in 1976, kwalifiseer as motorwertuigkundige na Diensplig. Voltooi studies in Ingenieurswese in Pretoria. Voltooi besigheids studies by RAU en Projekbestuur by Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Tans werksaam as Hoofingenieur by Transnet Port Terminals vir OosKaap wat die hawens van PE, Ngqura en OosLonden Persoonlike Doelwitte en beginsels: Doen alles wat jy aanpak na beste van vermoë. Om so ver moontlik dieselfde op te tree ongeag die situasie. Streef daarna of altyd logies en binne ‘n spesifieke beginsel raamwerk op te tree.
Hannes Visagie is new Exco chairman
HANNES VISAGIE takes over as chairman of the Exco from January next year. Cal Seton Smith, who chaired the Exco during its first, year, announced before the AGM that he would not be available for a second term as chairman, but would be prepared to remain on the Gamhoa Board and Exco committee. Here are some brief profiles on Hannes, and the two newcomers to Exco’s ranks: HANNES VISAGIE Elected Board Director and Chairperson of the Exco for 2013. Hannes was born in Johannesburg where he met and married his lifelong companion Marie. They have two children, a son who has his own Computer Programming Company and a daughter who is a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg and Monash University. Hannes worked at the Department of Health in Gauteng as Deputy Director and was retrenched with the introduction of affirmative action in of Helen Joseph Hospital with 2 000 employees and with a budget of R200 million. Thereafter he moved to Life Healthcare where he soon proved his skills before retiring in 2008 as the Quality System Specialist in the Management of Healthcare Risk Waste for the entire Life Group nationally. But not for long. Wasteman appointed Hannes as Health Care Risk Manager to manage the national contract of HCRW for the entire Life Healthcare and Netcare hospitals, including all the Medicross Clinics. In October 2009 the Visages moved to Gamtoos and Hannes finally retired in 2011. He served as Exco Member in 2012 where he contributed to the effective management of Gamhoa. At the AGM in November he was elected to serve as Director and was also appointed as Exco chairman for 2013. His motto in life is “do unto others as you would like them to do unto you”.
ANDRE VAN STADEN
Andre en Linda van Staden is woonagtig te perseel 341 fase 2. Hy was die afgelope 35 jaar werksaam by die Nelson Mandela munisipaliteit na samesmelting van Kwanobuhle, Despatch en Uitenhage munisipaliteite . Sy posvlak het gewissel vanaf senior bestuur tot middelvlak bestuur en sy vakveld gebied was vanaf publieke administrasie, finansiele begrotings en ingenierswese . Die laaste 5 jaar voor aftrede het hy die pos beklee as senior superindent “operations” by gesondheids dienste. Hy het gedien op verskeie kommitees waaronder hy voorsitter ook gewees het. Sy belangstelling aan sporte wat hy aan deel geneem het in sy later jare was krieket, en rolbal. Hy het homself beskikbaar gestel om op die kommitee te dien omrede hy dink hy kan insae lewer tot die daaglikse bedryf in hierdie organisasie.
HESTER OOSTHUIZEN
Gesin/Persoonlik: Gebore in Krugersdorp en het grootgeword op die plaas Tweerivier in die Brits distrik. Haar pa was ‘n beesboer daar. Laerskool gedoen by Beestekraal en haar hoërskool loopbaan voltooi by Brits Hoërskool. Sy is lief vir sport en het korfbal en sagtebal gespeel, werpskyf gedoen en geswem. Getroud met Gerhard en het vier seuns en ses kleinkinders. Loopbaan: Begin werk by ouditeure en verskeie diplomas verwerf in rekeningkunde en rekenaar geleterdheid. Haar voorliefde is syfer werk en sy geniet ‘n uitdaging.
Hannes Visagie, right, who takes over as Exco chairman in January, enjoys a snack and a chat with Hendrik Bezuidenhout at the AGM.
Het u geweet? Ons woon in n besondere streek. Die area tussen Kabeljousrivier en Van Stadens Rivier is die enigste plek ter werweld waar vier biome bymekaar kom—Valleibos, Duineveld, Doringveld Oop Grasveld en Fynbos. Is ons nie bevoorreg om in so ‘n streek te woon nie? Bewaar dit asseblief! Rene Van Vuuren
IT’S never good news for the Gam when stalwarts like Alf and Ruth Evans leave, but the octogenarian pioneer of the resort and his wife believe that the time has arrived for them to move to an old age development in Jeffreys Bay. The couple have put their name down for the move and are waiting for a place to open up for them. But, says Alf, their son Neil is taking over the home and he and Ruth will be back over weekends and for the occasional holiday. Alf has been a Gam regular since he was a young boy, and his knowledge of the river dates back to the thirties. Get him started on the old days, and you’d better sit back and lend an ear, because the stories are rich and endless. Alf and Ruth married 51 years ago, after meeting in a church choir in John St, Uitenhage. He started his working life as a butcher, did a spell as a grocer, was an auctioneer for Vignes, and further down the line he moved into industry, working as a buyer for Goodyear before retiring. He recalls stories about the big flood of 1932, a year before he was born. It caused havoc, washing away low lying houses, cars and boats and swamped the Ferry hotel. That year it cut its course past the current wetlands to the old mouth, beside which he and his pals grew up. The big flood of 1968, which once again saw the Ferry Hotel under water, re-cut the mouth to its present position, and left behind the lagoon, which Alf says is receding at a rate of about 50 metres a year. He says the Ferry Hotel has flooded at least three times down the decades. On one occasion the river rose to within inches of the road across the steel bridge. Alf believes the mouth is slowly working its way back to its old course, having already moved about 200
metres down the beach since 1968. He believes the dramatic change in the dune fields since the early days, is significant. The dunes were so high one could not see the sea over them. After the big flood of 1932 his dad, Alf senior, who for many years held the record on the river with a 120 lb kob, built a holiday place on the hill. He recalls lazy days when there were no TV sets, computers, fridges, freezers or electricity. The only mod con was a windup gramophone, which provided the music for street parties outside the Hayes home. The hotel, where the shop now is, was called the Gamtoos River Sea Hotel, and used to rent out boats to a steady stream of visitors. In those days there were only about 30 wooden boats on the river. Only a few had engines, and those of only a few horsepower each. Names from the early days like Slatem, Foster, Dicks, Beckley, and Wasp, roll of Alf’s tongue in the context of interesting tales. An outstanding angler back in the day was a man with the unlikely name of Shirley Wadsworth. Ruth’s eyes light up as the tale is told of her catching two decent sized grunter in one cast. Alf chuckles as he recalls when, as a boy, he and two girls got lost in the hills near where the reservoir now is. After finding there way to a remote farmhouse in a thunderstorm, a messenger was sent to their distraught parents, who came to fetch them. It has been a lifetime alongside a marvellous river, and 13 years of blissful retirement in their present home. They are memories that will never fade. Pioneers Alf and Ruth prepare to move on ORIGINALS . . . Alf and Ruth Evans in the doorway of their charming cottage (one of the originals) in Kingfisher Crescent.
Could this be us ! IT might have been a spark from a braai that was lit during near gale force winds, or it could have been an electrical fault. No one is quite sure, but the fire which raged through St Francis Bay on November 11, destroyed more than 70 luxury homes, many of them on the marina. Sprays of sparks leapt from one home to the next, fanned by the wind and generated by enormous heat from the flames raging through the thatched roofs. As the inferno spread through the normally tranquil seaside village, the orange glow could be seen from as far as 40 kilometres away. About 20 years ago St Francis was ravaged by another blaze, but on that occasion only eight or nine homes went up in flames. Here at the Gam we have to ask ourselves, could this have been us? Exco did, a few weeks before the St Francis disaster, and at the October monthly meeting the decision was taken to call an end to a 40 year tradition, and to cancel the annual New Year’s Eve bonfire. The decision was not popular with everyone, but a show of hands at the AGM showed that there was overwhelming support for the decision. The questions needed to be asked whether the risk of rampant fire was worth it, could we manage an outbreak, and would insurance pay out if we had sanctioned a fire which ended up causing wholesale destruction, such at the St Francis blaze. Insurance companies are claiming losses could run up to R600 million, although this seems to be an inflated estimate, and they say it could take up to five years before St Francis Bay is back to normal. Whatever else, a catastrophe of this scale is bound to push insurance premiums through the roof, so we will all be paying for this. Here at the Gam we have a well set out water reticulation system with evenly spaced fire hydrants throughout the resort. During the course of the year one of our residents, Mervin Unsworth, undertook the manufacture of a high speed first response fire trailer at the Shed, at no cost except for the materials supplied by Gamhoa. In addition we have two well equipped fire trailers ready to hook up and go. The problem is we have no more than about six regular volunteer firemen who have been attending monthly fire drills throughout the year. These drills have been conducted by highly qualified resident fireman, Riaan Senekal. Mark Willemse, who is also highly qualified, but was Boarded, has assisted from time to time. But by and large the response from our residents has been lukewarm. Some useful Safety hints 1) Ensure that you have at least one functioning fire extinguisher in the house and a decent length of hose connected to your garden tap. 2) Be alert in the home. The prime cause of fire is carelessness—irons, heaters, stoves. 3) Never allow any fire to be unattended. 4) Ensure that you properly extinguish any fire which you have lit. Footnote: Be wise over the festive season. Be cautious with your braai fires, do not let off crackers, and do not throw your cigarette butts out of the car window. See fire fighting details on back page. Cut them out and stick them to the fridge door.
Flames envelop a St Francis Bay home in the recent disaster in which more that 70 homes, mainly on the marina, were destroyed. Only a fortnight before the St Francis disaster , Gamhoa Exco banned the Grunter’s Green bonfire
Ratepayers AGM Diarise December 22. The annual general meeting of the Gamtoos Mouth Ratepayers Association will be held at Barnes cottage at 2 pm. If you want a say in what happens at the resort, be there to raise your points and elect office bearers. Payment of rates is a hot topic and may evoke animated discussion.
Beach cleanup The final beach cleanup of the year takes place on December 22, starting at the Sales Office in Phase One at 8 am. Join us in doing our bit for the environment, and then join us for a free egg and bacon roll and cup of coffee afterwards. It’s a worthwhile exercise. Help make us proud.
Advertising Rates To offset production costs of Gam News, we now offer advertising space in these pages at very attractive rates. See, for instance, the Truewan ad on Page 8. This ad, of approximately half a page, cost the advertiser R200. Our rates are as follows: Full page R400, half page R200, quarter page R100, and smalls up to 50 words, R10. For advertising information, email [email protected], or contact the Gamhoa office on 0422860819. Post boxes Many homes in the resort still do not have post boxes. If you do not have one you may miss out on important notices which are frequently circulated by Gamhoa and individuals.
NEWS IN BRIEF: Riaan brings home gold THE Gam’s burly fireman, Riaan Senekal brought home a bag full of gold, silver and bronze, from the World Fire fighting Games held in Sydney Australia in November. Riaan, a 41yearold professional, who is a two pip Shift Commander at the KwaNobuhle fire station, is also our volunteer fire chief, and training officer. The gentle giant is a product of Brandwag High in Uitenhage. He is a sports fanatic, having excelled in athletics as well as rugby. The 115kg front rower, who represented Crusaders in the first league, intends running out for the occasional game for Despatch next season.
The recent World Games, an event which is supported by the world’s major developed countries, was contested by nearly 10 000 firemen from across the globe. Riaan took gold in both the hammer throw and tug-o-war, while claiming silver in the extra heavyweight category of the tug-o-war, and the Dragon Boat event. His bronze came from the 4x400 relay race. His brother Alton, also a top level fireman, took gold in squash singles, and the mixed doubles with his wife Carien. He also took silver in two of the tug-o-war events, so the Senekal brothers did more than their share in helping South Africa bag 101 medals at the event, which put us in sixth place overall, out of the 44 participating countries Two years ago, competing at the World Games in South Korea, Riaan also bagged a clutch of medals Speaking about the games, he explained: “Firemen around the world are a tightly knit brotherhood, so the spirit at the games is fantastic. Around the world we share one code, and single common prayer for protection, courage and the ability to carry out our duties with dedication, no matter what the danger. “Fire fighting is in my blood. I entered this way of life after completing my military call up, and I have never regretted it. I cannot imagine being in a job which tied me to a desk. The action and the adrenalin rush of taking on a big blaze, and serving the community, these things are the lifeblood of a fireman.” Keeping fit is a way of life for Riaan. So he will be fully ready to do it all again at the next Games, which will be held in Los Angeles in 2014. The Gam’s ace fireman, Riaan Senekal, gave the opposition the chop at the World Fire Fighting Games in Sydney last month.
Kouga says no to rates discount Wednesday, December 12, a Gamhoa delegation met with Kouga financial director, Carlien Burger, to push for a 50 per cent rates discount for home owners. The delegation included Board Chairman, Colin Rushmere, Exco chairman Cal Seton Smith, Exco member Hannes Visagie. Ms Burger was told that Gamhoa was not satisfied with the current 20 per cent rates reduction, as this did not nearly cover the services which are provided in the resort. The meeting was cordial, but the delegation was told that Gamhoa residents were charged a basic rate and if Kouga provided services, such services would have to be paid for over and above the basic rate., Legally, Kouga is under no obligation to take over provision of services, as Gamhoa and other small towns in the Kouga ambit are all legally bound to adhere to their original obligations, as set out prior to being absorbed by Kouga when municipal boundaries were redefined. All gated communities and small towns received a 20 per cent rates discount and no exceptions will be made. Much as we feel hard done by, Kouga is acting legally. The council has the power to increase or reduce the current discount, but is not considering any change to the 20 per cent concession. The bottom line is that we are in the same category as a body corporate, and remain committed to our founding obligations. We believe there is little chance of a legal challenge succeeding.
No holiday building projects: Resort and building manager George Gerber warns that all building activities at the resort will cease on December 14, when the building industry closes down. From that date any building activities and the use of noisy equipment such as power sanders, routers and angle grinders will be disallowed. This decision has the full backing of the Exco. Painting, touch ups and minor maintenance will be permitted, but the home owner who believes that the close down holiday period is a time for projects, will find stern resistance, says Gerber.
Office on skeleton staff:
From 3pm on Christmas eve, to 2nd January, the Gamhoa office at the Shed will be operating without admin staff, Our assistant manager, Stephans Gerber will be the man in charge. Over this period our labour team will be in on a daily basis, except or public holidays, and will provide essential services. Throughout the peak holiday period there will be twice weekly refuse collections, on Mondays and on Fridays. If a public holiday falls on one of these days, then collections will take place the preceding day.
Slipway discs: No permanent slipway discs will be issued over this period. Temporary discs will be issued. Those who qualify for permanent discs will be able to exchange temporary discs for permanent discs in the new year, at no additional costs. No vehicle may enter the slipway area without a disc.
Launching protocol: The new jetty at the slipway is for the convenience of those launching and removing boats from the water. It is not a picnic facility or a convenience spot for riverside anglers. Boaters are to take note of the no wake zone within 30 metres of the slipway. No boats may be moored to the jetty.
Holiday homes: Those who have holiday homes which will be rented out are requested contact the office before the closedown to alert us. All landlords must ensure that holiday tenants have a copy of the house rules. Landlords will be held accountable for the conduct of tenants at all times.
Cell phone gate access: GAMHOA has taken over total management of the cell phone gate access system from our service provider, Securitech. What this means is that those who previously subscribed to Securitech, must sign up for the new year with Gamhoa. The annual cost per cell phone will be R120 and the cut-off deadline will be end of January.
Estuaries Fishing cancelled The National Estuaries Fishing Championships which was to have been held on the Gamtoos River in November, was cancelled after the River came down in flood for the third time this year. Up to 140 mm were measured during one week in October.
Check out the new Gamhoa web site in January, at www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za
MORE NEWS SNIPPETS: Miracle Mike works his magic AS Mike Deyzel lay in a coma for five weeks after a horrific car accident, doctors predicted that if he re covered he would be a paraplegic for life. The future looked grim for the young man who had just qualified as an electrician, and was returning with a colleague to the Daimler Chrysler base in East London where he worked. The driver of the car
escaped virtually unscathed, but as the car swerved and collided with a tree, the young Gamtoos man’s legs were smashed, and he sustained serious right arm and chest injuries. Worst of all was the major trauma to his spine. The following year would be the worst of his young life, helpless, wheelchair bound, and incontinent. Only a few weeks ago, Michael “Buff” Deyzel, aged 28, sat at a computer in GMHOA’s offices and took staff through the new website he has designed for the company. With all of his body functions fully restored, and with obvious upper body strength, he looked the picture of robust health. While he still needs to use a wheel chair, he is by no means confined to it. Against all odds, and through dogged determination, he now leads a normal life, drives his own car and is fully capable of taking care of himself. Doctors, who toiled over his limp body during the crisis, carrying out intricate surgical procedures, now describe his recovery as a miracle. As soon as he was strong enough Mike struck out on his own, determined to live a normal life and moved to Uitenhage, where he pursued his interest in the IT field, gaining practical experience at the coal face, as well as doing several IT diploma courses through Unisa. He now lives at the Gam again, with his parents, pursuing his talent in web design, and problem solving in computer software and hardware. With constant changes taking place in IT, it’s a never ending road which gives him great satisfaction and the possibility of realising a dream to one day own his own computer business.
Gamhoa realised that its website needed a facelift if it was to serve as an effective local, national, and inter national showcase for the resort. It would also need continuous updating and it was obvious that super competent Mike was just the man to do it. Visit www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za in January and see for yourself.
Web master Mike Deyzel points out some features of the redesigned web site to Jenny Todd, at the Gamhoa offices at the Shed.
SNEAK PREVIEW
Catch a glimpse of what our new entrance sign may look like. In coming Exco chairman Hannes Visagie and his creative team have worked hard to produce a design which will work as our main entrance, with similar smaller signs at the gates.
Letters to the Editor Send us your views on any matter affecting the resort. Email to [email protected]. Letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. No letters of a personal nature, or any insulting comments will be published
Wise words on fire prevention Robert Pennacchini writes: No doubt you have been following the news about the fire at St Francis, and what a fire can do. Following on the discussion with regard to the "Bonfire" held at the AGM, I think this finally puts to bed the debate about a bonfire on Grunters Green. Furthermore as a concerned resident I trust management will also have a good look at our very own situation here at Gamtoos and how we can improve on the fire control here locally. Personally I think the two small fire trailers are totally inadequate should a fire break out. I suggest a news letter or some type of pamphlet be distributed amongst residents, especially with the holiday season upon us to ask everyone to “be careful” with braais etc. I wonder how many residents here have some type of fire extinguishers in there households to take care of small fires like a stove or oven setting alight. I personally have experienced two such mini fires on the stove, when making chips for example. Its panic stations. Therefore I have three powder extinguishers. By the time our local fire guys get together and mobilize the trailer, ones house will have burnt down. It should be enforced that everyone must have extinguishers in the households. What about fire “hose reels” on properties, to connect up to water hydrants if the pressure is strong enough here. Preventative action must be taken now. Let’s NOT wait for a fire.
Editor replies: Your comments make a lot of sense, particularly with reference to the need for every home to have fire extinguishers. Our two fire trailers are quite useful, using four inch hoses. We have fire hydrants every couple of hundred metres, Pressure from the reservoir is also good. In addition, we have a first response fire trailer which carries a 500 litre skid unit and petrol powered pump and a hydrant compatible hose. Potentially, our response time should be no more than a few minutes. Our volunteer team trains once a month.
The Board, Exco and staff of Gamhoa wish residents and visitors a blessed and peaceful time over the festive season
Bellbuoy details
Time to be merry. . . but not stupid
There are bound to be parties over the festive season. It is that time of year when people want to get together, relax and celebrate. On New Years Eve there will be a street party/braai at Grunters Green. Elsewhere folk will be celebrating privately, some of them deep into the night. New Year’s Eve is the one time when people let their hair down without fear of upsetting someone. But for the rest of the season Gamhoa appeals to residents to be sensible and to consider neighbours. Many have come to their holiday homes after a gruelling and difficult year and they want to unwind, relax, and enjoy the peace that the resort offers. They do not want to be blown away by someone’s boom box, or inconsiderate rowdiness. That is why our house rules are quite specific about noise. In the interests of peace and creating a holiday nuance there will be no building activity over this time, and no noisy angle grinders and saws should be disturbing the peace. For those who wish to socialise, tone down your music after 10 pm and take the party inside to minimise disturbance. We expect silence to be totally respected from midnight. Remember, we are subject to Kouga’s strict bylaws, and in terms of these no disturbance is tolerated, day or night. If you want a late noisy party, take it off camp, to the beach or to the river, or consider hiring a venue out of the way. We expect visitors and residents to respect the house rules, with the following in mind at this time: A) No drinking in public is permitted (Also a Kouga law)
B) No joy riding. Quad bikes, and golf carts are not permitted, and unlicenced children may not drive. Our manager is empowered to issue R500 spot fines. C) Dogs off your property must be on a leash, and dog mess must be picked up by the owner. D) In order not to offend residents do not treat the play park, the roads or the slipway as your private property. Rules are in place to assist you with this. E) Those who rent out holiday homes must properly brief their tenants about resort protocols. Remember, you are sharing our corporate facilities with strangers. You will be held responsible for the behaviour of your guests. Ensure that no overcrowding is permitted in your holiday home, and that a copy of house rules is available for your guests to see.
All the key numbers
Fire Brigade J’BAY 042 2910250 Ambulance 10177 Poly Clinic 042 2932000 Police 10111 SAP Thornhill 042 2866203 Kouga Law Enforcement: 042 –2910283 and 0422910250.Resort Manager : 0719819592 Assist and Weekend Managers 0760724751Gamtoos Fire Fighting Weekday Control Centre 042286 0819 Resort Manger 0719819592 Asst Manger 076 072 4751 Duty Manager 076 072 4751
VOLUNTARY FIRE FIGHTERS Team leader Riaan Senekal 0833847676 Control/Liaison Jenny Todd 0825560517 Volunteers: M Unsworth 0835845990 C Seton Smith 0847654050 D Lee 0723923295 H Visagie 0829057877 R Gravett 0833076919 W Grobler 0832317558 A van Staden R Pennacchini 0422860960 N Du Plessis 0825070044 Weekend volunteers: G Goodwin 0734562857M Todd 0723732427 Please phone Jenny to volunteer – 042 2860819
Office details Gamtoos Mouth Homeowners Association: Tel: 0422860819; 0810656469 Exco chairman: 082 9057877 The new postal address is: PO Box 213, Thornhill, 6375 email: [email protected] Website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.zaBellbuoy Managing Agent: Cheryl Du Sort (bookkeeper) 041374 4444; Fax 041—374 2444. PO Box 776, Newton Park 60555.
STOP PRESS: We sadly report the sudden and unexpected death of local resident, Eugene Venter and offer sincere condolences to the family.
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