SOUTHBROOM NEWS - APRIL 2009

>> CPF REPORT

Crime

Figures for Feb were 7 incidents of housebreaking which was higher than we are comfortable with but initial figures for March indicate that the number of incidents is on the decline. The economic situation is impacting on crime adversely and general crime on the coast is way up on last year. We urge all residents to take extra care over this holiday season. Please remember to report all incidents to the Southbroom Police Station and to call them if you notice anything suspicious
 

Quad Bikes

The use of quad bikes on Southbroom Roads and beaches is strictly FORBIDDEN !!

>> SRA REPORT

Roads
The Ratepayers will have seen some action with regard to pothole road repairing - it is somewhat desultory but the hope is that it will continue.

Public Water Quality
The Ratepayers Association are working day and night to improve the quality of the waters in the lagoons and streams of Southbroom, but we ask everyone to please stay out of these waters. It is vitally important that we all play a part in improving the situation by regularly treating septic tanks and drains with environmentally friendly products which are available locally.

Granny's Pool

The rehabilitation of Granny's Pool is underway and the boardwalk and ablution block should be completed shortly. This new facility is wheelchair and stroller friendly and will be a great asset to Southbroom. Huge thanks must go to Joy Crutchfield who has spearheaded this initiative.

>> CONSERVANCY

PROJECTS ACHIEVED IN 2008
Extension to the Bush Buck Trail (BBT):
The Bush Buck Trail area includes a large piece of land which abuts Churchill Road close to its eastern junction with Exeter Road. This area has now been cleared, including over 100 small to medium self seeded Pine trees which were beginning to take over as well as many large lantana bushes. The choked grassland and several Aloes responded very quickly.
The trail descends steeply via over 100 new steps to an existing BBT path. It is planned to locate a bench alongside the trail with good views of the forest canopy. Our thanks to Dick Plaistowe, Mozzie Wouters and Sally Wigley for completing this project. Thanks also to Hibiscus Coast Municipality (HCM) for the grant to assist with this project.
Display of Alien Invasive & Flowering Indigenous Shrubs/Trees – Eyles Park next to the Tennis court.
The display has 2 aims:
i. To help residents & owners identify the worst and most common alien invasives.
ii. Display the many lovely flowering and colourful indigenous shrubs and trees that are available at our local Nurseries and grow well.
Why Indigenous trees & shrubs?
>The buck love to nibble on them
> The birds & butterflies depend on them for food, nesting etc.
>They create a living garden where all the flora & fauna are happy.
> They are water-wise plants.

THE SELECTED PROJECT FOR 2009
The old garden refuse dump which adjoins the Eyles Road entrance to the BBT!
This is perhaps the worst invasive alien area in the village. It “specialises” in Syringa, Bug weed, Castor Oil bush and lantana! The plan is to clear, restore and replant and create a new trail through the area to link to the existing BBT trail. This project is also the focus of our 2009 HCM application for a grant..
Please watch this space for our progress reports.

>> CONSERVANCY FUND RAISING GOLF DAY

> BB Stableford -- Separate Mens' & Ladies' Competitions.
> Sponsor a hole : R500 gives you the hole for the day to   market your business
> Make up a 4 ball: R50 entrance fee per person.
> Donate a prize: Thank you for the great prizes and donations we received in 2008.
> Or simply give a donation: These all helped us to achieve and complete our projects.
Contact Val Holtshausen 039 316 8543 or Pearl McGregor 039 316 6409 for further details.

>> MUSIC IN THE PARK

A very pleasant evening with +/- 60 people and 12 on the walk .Some stayed on enjoying the sounds of the nightjars and frogs and seeing the fireflies up to 8pm. We are very grateful to Robin Ransome and friends for their lovely music and if anyone knows of any other musicians who may be prepared to give of their time and talent.

 Click here to contact David and perhaps we could have these evenings more often.

>> LIBRARY NEWS

Thank You

The Southbroom Library wants to sincerely thank the following sponsors:
> Southbroom Store
> Kwikspar
> Sensasia
> Southbroom Proshop
> Hugh & Jean Purtell
> Mike Lapham (Electrician)
> All the Library volunteers
There has also been a constant stream of wonderful books donated to the library by users of the library, visitors, Kloof Library (Durban) and kind friends. We cannot thank you enough. Keep up the good work.
 

Raffle Tickets
Please, come and visit us at the library and buy one or more raffle ticket(s). We plan to use the money towards the buying of new books, striving to satisfy our very discerning readers and keep up to date with fashion regarding the latest authors!

>> MONTY BRETT BIRD IDENTIFICATION COURSE

The Monty Brett Bird Identification Course was attended by 28 budding bird enthusiasts and beginners, ages ranging from 20 to 80. The course was held in the Conference Room at the Riverbend Crocodile Farm from Monday 16th to Friday 20 March. The Course was run by Bird Experts Clive Hopcroft and Marion Melville and organised by Monty Brett (who also did the Raptor Course). Anyone who thought they were in for an easy time changed their mind after the first day - five hours of lectures, slides and bird calls was followed by homework that took at least 2 hours. Each day started with a test on the homework, culminating with a two hour exam on the final day followed by everyone being presented with a certificate. However, everyone agreed that they had really enjoyed the course and learnt a great deal about birds - it was also interesting how many said they would like to do a follow up course - but everyone also expressed the joy of no homework!!

DATES TO DIARISE

EASTER FRIDAY

10 April 2009

EASTER BEACH WALK IMPENJATI TO SOUTHBROOM

Meet at Riptide, Southbroom at 07h00 on Good Friday. Bring hats, sun block and water.  Also, bring some plastic bags to pick up litter on the way.

We would appreciate non-walkers who would be able to drive the walkers from Southbroom to Impenjati.

The walk back to Riptide takes between 2 and 3 hours.

Friday

24 April 2009

The first of the Classics at Riverbend Concerts

Featuring the Russian pianist, Tatiana Bogmolova. Tatiana started lessons at the age of six and studied at the Nozhny Novorod Conservatory and the Novosibirsk Special School for Talented Children. She is a qualified piano teacher, accompianist and performer and was senior lecturer at the Institute of Arts at Tomsk State University. At present she teaches in Johannesburg at St John's College and Rodean. Tickets are available at the Crocodile Farm and the concert will begin at 1900hrs preceded by a complimentary wine tasting at 1815hrs.

The Crocodile Restaurant will be open for supper after the concert and tables must be prebooked.

Thursday

7 May 2009 at 17:30

IDP and Budget Meeting

As part of the Municipal Community Participation Programme, the Mayor and members of the HCM Council will hold a meeting with members of the public regarding the IDP and Budget.  The meeting is an opportunity for the public to raise all service delivery and budget related issues at the Munster Sports Complex.   It is in all residents interests, so please try and attend.

Saturday

25 July 2009

Southbroom Conservancy Fund Raising Golf Day

Please support this important event.

Contact Val Holtshausen 039 316 8543 or Pearl McGregor 039 316 6409 for further details.

BUY THIS BOOK !

A most informative book on Invasive Alien Plants in Kwazulu Natal is available from David Halle at R50.00 per copy. The book is published under the auspices of WESSA-KZN and every household should have a copy.

Also, if you would like a guided tour through the Bush Buck trail

Click here to contact David.

SOUTHBROOM LIBRARY

NOW ALSO OPEN ON SATURDAYS ...

AND FOR ART, TEA, COFFEE & BISCOTTI

VISIT US ON:

Tuesdays: 09h00 - 16h00

Thursdays: 09h00 - 16h00

Saturdays: 09h00 - 11h00

HAPPY MEMORIES OF THE

 BIRD IDENTIFICATION COURSE

We Want That Homework Done Today !!

Clive Hopcroft, Ellen Mbele & Monty Brett

Southbroom "Birds" Learning About Birds

Kate Clarence, Heather Campbell, Barbara Reynolds and

Nicola MacKenzie

Two Pams Are Better Than One!!

Pam Osbourne and Pam Quarmby

Please Monty - Did We Pass?

Bruce & Nicola MacKenzie, Trude Lehrer & Monty Brett

Thank you to

Viv Date for supplying us with these wonderful photos.