BELVIDERE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 3299, KNYSNA 6570
Telephone: (044) 387-1950
Fax: (044) 387-1207
e-mail: bhoa@cxsa.co.za
BELVIDERE BROADSHEET
MAY 2011 (SECOND EDITION OF THE YEAR)
From the Editor..
Hopefully everyone had a Happy Easter? The following weekend we must have all been glued to the TV watching the Royal
Wedding. We watched the wedding in the lounge of the Protea Hotel in Storms River Village. A group of us went there for
two nights to attend the second Elvis Festival. We had great fun remembering our teens while listening to some excellent
Elvis impersonators do their stuff. While there were many contenders for the best Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroes were a bit
thin on the ground. The ladies in our group were invited to take part in the Marilyn Monroe competition but even the most
optimistic amongst us felt it would be rather a stretch!
I only received one comment about my last editorial which bemoaned our custom of taking bottles of wine and gifts to hosts
and hostesses. Merle Hertog wrote in saying ‘
“Well I was a bit horrified to hear the same box of choccies may have been circulating for a few years, hope someone
checks the sell by date! But the wine is a bonus and if the host opens the proffered bottle during dinner that will stop
us buying elcheepo as gifts!”
“Small Escapes” has now become “Great Escapes” so you world travellers can start sending in your travelogues about
favourite places visited overseas. I think it’s really interesting to share these experiences of trips far and near and
recommendations of local and overseas venues, guest houses, b&bs etc are very useful too.
You will see details of our forthcoming Lagoon-side Clean-up Party below. We hope there will be a good
turn-out. Please support this function – it will be fun as well as serving a useful purpose.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this newsletter. Without your input there wouldn’t be a Broadsheet so please
continue to write in.
As I write winter seems to be closing in suddenly. We will have to start digging out our winter woollies and stock up on gas,
wood and electricity. Those of us living near the oak trees have already started sweeping up the annual onslaught of leaves.
Philippa White
Lagoon-side Clean-up Party
DATE: Saturday 14th May 2011
TIME: 10.30 – 11.30
WHERE: Meet at the Jetty car park
Please bring a black bag and rubber gloves if you need them.
Wear walking shoes
FOLLOWED BY: The party at the Jetty car park at 12.00.
A snack braai will be supplied by the Manor Hotel. Bring your own drinks
Philippa White
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BHOA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
May is upon us, the weather is changing and we’ve even had a few drops of rain. The Estate is looking wonderful
in its autumn finery. A number of residents have been away, and things have been going along quietly. The music
concerts were warmly welcomed and I would like to thank Bob Tandy for his initiative in this matter. There was a
worry about some of the pine trees around the bird park, but these have been dealt with, and Bob Keen has been
cutting back the bulrushes in the bird pond.
The biggest problem on the Estate is one of the long-standing ones and that is dogs. During the last couple of
weeks a number of visitors to the Estate, whom we always welcome, seem to take their dogs for a walk and do not
use the available plastic bags, and this has created an upheaval. I would like to bring it to everyone’s attention that
there is a ruling regarding the number of dogs per property and the by-laws of Knysna Municipality under which we
fall, states very clearly that there should be no more than two dogs per property. Please could you comply with
this.
A number of the verges have been incorporated into people’s gardens and although they look very attractive there
are some hazards. At certain corners on the Estate it is not possible to see if there are pedestrians around the
corner. We will have to take some action if these problems are not addressed. The Committee has taken on the
role of being pro-active and this is why we bring this matter to your attention.
Glen Patrick has taken on the role of Administrator of Water, Fire and Security Affairs of the Estate and is
organising meetings with all concerned persons as the undergrowth on the Estate bordering the railway line is a
potential hazard.
On 14th May we are holding a “Lagoon-side Clean-up”. The idea of this is for residents to meet at the Jetty car-park
at 10h30 and to bring a black plastic bag, a pair of gloves if required, and walk the length of the lagoon shore from
roughly where the Estate starts to the Old Belvidere shoreline, and to pick up plastic and other litter. This is not to
clear vegetation but to make it a little tidier. There will be a snack braai and refreshments in the car-park at
approximately 12 noon for all those taking part.
There has been a question raised about the weeds and leaves on the roads, and generally the condition
thereof. We have approached Mr Andre Petersen in this regard and he is aware of the situation. We have also
approached the Traffic Department with regard to getting some clean stop signs (or getting them cleaned).
On the financial side 99% of the residents have paid their levies and thank you to all who have. It makes life much
easier when we do not have to chase people for money. Well done to Jo in the office – a lady who does not get
sufficient accolades for dealing not only with Executive Committee but dealing with all the residents in such a
friendly manner.
Mike Mills
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY MATTERS
Community project
FAMSA Knysna
Dear Residents,
You will recall from the last Broadsheet that the Exco had decided to direct some of the funds which had been
donated by residents for community development/charity assistance to FAMSA here in Knysna with the main
objective being to help the people in Rheenendal and to add to the efforts of the trauma centre there which was also
largely provided by funds from the BHOA.
We have asked Lou van der Merwe, the Director of FAMSA, to write the following short article for inclusion in this
Broadsheet so that you may all be fully informed of the good work which FAMSA is doing in the community.
Sincerely
Brian Davidson
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“FAMSA Knysna is a well-respected organization of long standing offering excellent and relevant services to
members of all communities. The main focus remains counselling. It is strange that a physical problem, illness or
disability is totally acceptable & always elicits support and empathy, but if one has an emotional problem you are
expected to pull yourself together and get on with it!! Each person could and maybe should have benefited from
counselling at some stage.
FAMSA offers various services:
 Counselling as mentioned above for e.g. relationship problems, marital, trauma, abuse, etc.
 Training - various courses are presented which include an acclaimed basic counselling course and
workshops such as Communication Skills, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, etc.
We have also launched a Parenting Skills Workshop initiative. We feel that the youth are indeed our future
and the best way we can assist them is to ensure that their parents are equipped to provide the best
parenting they can. Basic moral values are so important.
 The Women of Worth (WOW) programme provides support groups, skills development and capacity
building for women in various communities. This programme is also open to all women – not only those that
have been abused - as we have seen how they can benefit from the training and support.
 The Victim Support & Empowerment (VEP) programme is run at all the Police Stations in the area and
the Court in Knysna. FAMSA delivers this amazing service to members of all communities who have been
traumatized by crime, violence, abuse, etc. Clients are often referred for counselling through this
programme. Individual and group Trauma Debriefing is done for SAPS, SANPARKS, the Municipality,
business and members of the public in cases of murder, suicide, violence, death, etc.
 We have also realized that many of the problems we see are a result of men needing assistance and
support. Our MEN’s programme focuses on encouraging men to come forward and we also present
workshops on relevant issues. As part of the programme we assist the local Correctional Services by
presenting rehabilitation workshops and counselling for inmates and parolees and assist with the reintegration into the community.
Our offices are centrally situated in Knysna so as to be as accessible as possible. We are, however, very aware of
some communities that are rather remote and clients may have difficulties accessing our services. Where possible
we are trying to establish a facility in the community for initially Victim Support, Counselling, Training and Meetings.
We had identified Rheenendal as a focus point and have been in discussion with the Municipality and SAPS for
some years to obtain a suitable venue. We were indeed thrilled with the recent developments and truly want to
compliment Belvidere Home Owner’s Association for identifying the need in the community and being prepared to
actively contribute to the establishment of a facility.
On behalf of the community of Rheenendal we want to thank you for sponsoring the WOW Programme as well as
the Trauma Room. We truly believe that the services rendered by FAMSA – with your support – will have a positive
impact on many in the area.
The clients who come to FAMSA Knysna for assistance come from all walks of life and communities.
Nobody is immune to what life sometimes throws at you. Because of very high confidentiality, we cannot “show”
you what we do, but as a result of our services there is less crime, domestic violence, murder, rape, child abuse,
breakdown of relationships, prejudice, suicide, divorce, etc, etc, etc, …………………… .
Thank you for recognizing our organization and allowing us to deliver much needed services. We look forward to
continued co-operation to support the community of Rheenendal.”
Lou van der Merwe
Director
FAMSA Knysna
044-382-5129
14-04-2011
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BELVIDERE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
The Belvidere Neighbourhood Watch continues its low-key profile with volunteers patrolling the Estate and Old
Belvidere, most nights of the week. Very, very many thanks to those marvellous, community minded folk. New
volunteers are always welcomed and appreciated - we are extremely thin on the ground. My phone number is
044 387 1198
Everyone is able to help the community, whether you patrol or not, by keeping eyes and ears open and reporting on
any unusual sighting, unsavoury looking stranger, or indeed, if you are unfortunate enough to have had a burglary
of some kind. By observing your particular Close or portion of Higher/Lower Duthie, you too can be very pro-active.
Another great habit to get into is to take the long way home round Belvidere and be aware of any small changes,
whenever you socialize. We can keep the neighbourhood safer by looking out for each other, and, from a more
practical point of view, we maintain the value of our properties in Belvidere if we are seen to be a safe place to
invest in.
Jan Mentz
FROM YOUR COMMITTEE
CALLING ALL LANDLORDS!
Your Committee has decided to prepare welcome/information packs
for people who are renting properties in Belvidere Estate.
Homeowners please collect these to give to your tenants from the
BHOA Office which is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings or
you can arrange to receive the information by e-mail from
bhoa@cxsa.co.za.
Fences
It has been noticed that not all fences in Belvidere Estate are in good condition and we hope those homeowners
who need to paint or repair fences will do so soon. There are a number of reliable painters we can recommend.
Verge Gardening
People who have undertaken to plant bushes and flowers on their verges are reminded that there should be a strip
of two metres alongside the road which is grassed or has very low plants. This is for safety and to give pedestrians
room to walk.
GENERAL INTEREST
UPDATE ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE KNYSNA N2 BYPASS
As you are aware the Environmental Impact Assessment Process for the N2 Bypass was completed towards the
end of 2009 and submitted to the decision making authority, the National Department of Environmental Affairs.
based on their comments and feedback, additional information was provided to the department in the first quarter of
2010. The department has now perused this additional information and submitted a letter to SANRAL and CES. A
meeting with the Assistant Director – Sensitive Environments of DEA and The Deputy Director – National, Sensitive
Environments, Antarctica & Islands took place in Cape Town in order to clarify the comments and additional
requirements requested from the department.
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CES is in the process of compiling a detailed response to the Department, supplementary information on the
northern route, in addition to a range of specific comments and clarifications on the documentation, as well as
dealing with additional comments from interested and affected parties.
We trust this helps clarify the current situation, and apologise on behalf of all parties for the protracted EIA process,
which has arisen mainly from the complexity of the issues at hand.
Managing Director
Coastal & Environmental Services
3rd March 2011
KNYSNA WEBSITE
Don’t forget Knysna has a website: http://www.visitknysna.co.za/
Another one which is interesting is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_Route
BELVIDERE SOCIAL NEWS
This column gives Belviderians a chance to share social news (births, deaths, engagements, marriages, celebratio
Wedding in Belvidere
Mr and Mrs Ennis Jones were married on the
19th February in Holy Trinity Church and then had
their rustic themed reception on the plot they own
at 189 Hill Street.
We wish them every happiness.
Congratulations!
Rowan Hutchison and Louise Ford of 68 Le
Sueur Lane are thrilled to announce that they
will marry on the 28th May.
New Author
Paul Nel of Old Belvidere launched his first novel in March. It’s entitled “The Law of Douglas van Yssen”
and is set in Oudtshoorn and environs. The author grew up in Oudtshoorn and describes this beautiful
area with skill and sensitivity. Much research had to be done to ensure the book’s authenticity and it
reflects life in the late1920s in detail. Paul told me that he is following this epic tale with two more novels.
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GREAT ESCAPES
Bloemfontein B&B
We highly recommend Prima Vera B & B in Bloemfontein. It is not far from the N1 and a good stopping
place when you are driving to or from Gauteng. It is reasonably priced and very comfortable.
Contact: Telephone 051 433 2956
Jan & Veronica Burger
A quick getaway guaranteed to refresh the soul!
Have you ever heard of the Gamkaberg? Well, if you haven’t, it’s on our doorstep! It’s an isolated, rugged
mountain range, lying between the Swartberg and the Outeniquas. ‘Gamka’ is taken from the Hottentot word for
lion, but there are no lions in the Gamkaberg now. There is, however, a well-equipped and very attractive bush
camp called Tierkloof which is well worth a quick getaway. The Gamkaberg Nature Reserve is run by Cape
Nature and was established in 1974 to help conserve the endangered mountain zebra. You get there by turning
off Route 62 between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp.
The bush camp consists of three beautiful tented
bedrooms, set well apart from one another, a communal
ablution block (quite rustic), a kitchen and a lovely lapa with
a long table and plenty of chairs (and hammocks!) where all
your living and eating takes place. There is also a small
reservoir in which to cool off in summer. You have to book
the whole camp, of course, so it is best to get some of your
mates to go with you.
There are walks near the camp that are not too difficult, and it is well worth the effort to climb up the ravine to
the cave if you are up to it. We didn’t see any of the resident zebras, but were visited in
the camp by a pair of mating tortoises that put on quite a show for us! Of course there are
baboons, but they did not give us any trouble. We went in late October and it was pretty
hot at midday, but glorious in the early morning and evening.
Reservations are through Cape Nature at bookings@capenature.co.za or (021)6593500
and enquiries about Tierkloof can be make directly by contacting the office in the Reserve at (044) 203 6325
during working hours.
Diana de Waal
Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra – Malta
We visited Malta in April and one of the highlights of the trip was Qrendi. Qrendi is 11 km to the south of Valetta
and 4 km north of Malta International Airport. The population is just over 2,500. The south side of the village is
mainly agricultural and garigue land which leads to the world famous Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra. It
also leads to the picturesque Wied iz-Zurrieq from where trips to the Blue Grotto operate during the day.
What was the origin of Qrendi? The first inhabitants date back to 3800 BC – the Temple Age followed by the
Phoenicians in the Bronze Age (2500BC). Although Qrendi enters the realm of written history in the year 1417,
it was a habited site much earlier. There we find the magnificent and world famous temples built during the
Temple Age. The Phoenicians came after these first inhabitants followed by the Carthaginians and then the
Roman and the Byzantine Empires. Remains of shaft graves, field catacombs and archeological evidence
testify to long ago habitation.
Susie and David Cairn
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Aerial shot of Mnajdra Temple
What has Exco been up to now?
And they can’t even spell! Photo taken Malta 7th April 2011
J.COB
The Constant Gardener is back and the gardens are looking stunning. Many thanks to our mystery lady!
Thanks are due to Bob Tandy for organising the Concerts in the Bird Park. Additional thanks are due too
to The Bell Pub for sponsoring the event not only financially but also for providing the sound equipment.
CAN YOU/WE HELP?
This column is for Belviderians to use as a means of communicating with one another if they want to buy, sell, lend, borrow or
appeal.
TOP VIEW PRODUCTIONS
We are offering each homeowner belonging to your association the opportunity to buy a set of aerial pictures of
their property. Each homeowner will receive a set of no less than 10 close up high resolution aerial images of
their property. Basically what we do is start taking pictures from ground level and as the helicopter climbs
higher further pictures are taken. The result is a sequence of images from low to high. Because we use drones
we can fly very close to the property and if required for large properties we can fly as high as 300m. This offer is
aimed at all homeowners and is a worthwhile investment considering the price. Images are high resolution.
Each homeowner will only pay R350 for his/her aerial pictures. In addition clients will receive the images on a
disc. These can be blown up to A1 print size. Telephone 074 133 6043
e-mail topviewproductions@gmail.com
Garage For Sale in Main Park!
Garage for sale plus a large open parking spot in the original Garage Park. An extra garage is a sort-after
facility on the Estate and they are only available to BHOA members. Phone Allan Hardie – 082 900 9620.
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Inside Jetty Berth For Sale
The Right of Use to an inside, protected and easily accessible berth at the Belvidere Estate jetties is available
for sale. This has been a wonderful asset for us but reluctantly we must sell as we are re-locating.
Phone Allan – 082 900 9620.
Canoe Rack
To the person who uses the Steininger canoe rack please contact Helga Steininger on 082 899 6995
Domestic Employment
Marina Page has worked part-time for us for several years and is industrious and pleasant. She is looking for
extra days of employment in Belvidere, starting immediately. For contact details phone John or Colleen Morris
on 044 387 1392.
Thank You
I am very grateful to the kind people who donated material to the sewing group up in Nekkies. A special thank
you to an anonymous donor who not only gave us all the curtains from her house but donated a sewing
machine as well. Overlockers are very expensive and desperately needed by the sewing ladies. If you can
help please phone Helen 044 387 1139
Plant Appeal
You may have noticed that I am in the process of upgrading the Bird Park. As we are nearing the time to divide
many of our perennials in our gardens I would appreciate it if homeowners would let me have any excess
plants. I would be happy to collect and store them until I can use them. Telephone Bob Keen on 044 387 1338.
SPEAK OUT!
DANGER!
1. Possible danger areas in Belvidere.
In walking along the path at the edge of the lagoon, one needs to be aware of falling branches from dead trees.
Where the path forks there are two historic old oak trees which are shedding big branches on to the walk-way.
The dead blue-gum trees further along the pathway towards Brenton on Lake, also are now rotting and
dropping large branches on the path below. At the bottom end of Roberts Lane in the park land in front of Fish
Eagle Cottage and also along various walking paths down to the lagoon, further falling branches pose a danger.
The other areas of concern are at the beginning and end of Lower Duthie (Armstrong Close end and Robert
Gray Avenue end). At both ends the road turns rather sharply. Driver visibility has been reduced significantly
by dense and tall woody foliage which completely occupies the side-walk. Pedestrians at these points
unfortunately are unable to escape quickly when two cars pass each other in opposite directions, unless they
are on the side-walk on the other side (lagoon-side) of the road. If one is on the obstructed side, to get out of
the way in an emergency, one would have to dive from the street into this impenetrable dense woody bush. The
bush occupies the entire side-walk and extends right up to the street. A pedestrian has to rely on hearing rather
than vision to warn of an approaching vehicle because of the visual obstruction around the corners.
Fortunately there are speed bumps but, in the case of traffic coming down the hill at the Armstrong end, these
may not be a sufficient deterrent. I believe a pedestrian at the Robert Gray end was severely injured several
years ago. Residents by and large are aware of these danger areas but casual visitors should be warned.
Isaac Gien
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2.
Brenton Car Break-in
I just thought that it would be worth warning residents and visitors about car break-ins at the beach car park at
Brenton-on-Sea.Yesterday, we went there with our visitors from Johannesburg. We travelled in their hire car
which had an EC registration - I am sure that "foreign" cars are targeted more than local CX ones!
Anyway, there was nothing left inside the car that was visible from the outside, but the thieves jemmied the
passenger car door, got into the boot area from inside the car and stole a leather bag as well as a wallet and a
cell phone. Not a nice experience or welcome for our visitors from Johannesburg where this sort of thing is
expected. What a pity. When we went to report the case, the police told us that they had had another report of
a similar break-in that same day. So all visitors to Brenton-on-Sea, please be aware.
Brian Davidson
3.
Manhole Cover
This is the manhole cover which was not in place
and when stepped on was flung up and injured
Merle Hertog badly while she was walking her dog.
It’s the one on the right of the Council Office and
opposite Number 146 on Upper Duthie Drive.
Apparently the meter readers are careless so
please be careful and try to avoid stepping on any.
Good Compost?
Living in the Belvidere bubble has its disadvantages! On Sunday 3rd April a crew of 3 very colourful men pulled
onto my drive in a very dilapidated Nissan pick-up, loaded with compost (???) for R10.00 per bag, the bag was
shown as a 15kg nursery bag. I was shown a shovel full of the product and assured it was mushroom and
tobacco mixed, now before I could call for back-up, who was in the shower at the time, these men are casting
big bin loads of 'compost' and spreading with vigour and lots of speed, needless to say I am feeling ripped off.
Has anyone any information about the type of compost these men are selling?
Merle Hertog
Green Quotes
“At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees*, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon
rainforest**. Now I realize I am fighting for humanity.”
Chico Mendes
*destroyed for the short lived profit to be made from feedstock for bio fuels
**destroyed for the short lived profit to be made from growing beef for overfed Americans
----------------------------------------------------------------“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they will never sit in.”
Greek proverb
Chris Gow
THE TREE
Let us pause for the taking of inventory
To measure the debt we owe the tree.
For the searching root that knits the soil,
The cooling shade for those who toil,
The air we breathe, nature’s greatest gift,
And the leaf that heralds each season’s shift.
Forget not the fruit that feeds man and beast.
The branch that burns to prepare the feast.
That sturdy frame that builds the home,
And the paper on which you read this poem.
The tree gives all and asks no prize,
Even making the axe that ends its life
Anon sent in by Priscilla Rood
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.
Those were the Days
A friend sent me this 38 year old menu from the Carlton Hotel. Interesting to see how inflation has soared and
one can see what huge changes have occurred in sophisticated cuisine from those times. He also said,
“I spent a night in The Royal Hotel, Knysna in 1963 and they charged me R1.25 'student rate' for Bed and
Breakfast.”
CARLTON HOTEL
Menu
Today’s Suggestions Friday 18th January 1963
Assorted Hors d’Oeuvres
Paw Paw Cocktail
Cream of Lettuce Soup
Pizza Carlton Style
from R0.95
R0.40
R0.35
R0.85
Grilled Sole & Lemon
Prawns a L’Orientale
River Trout a l’Orange
R1.05
R1.35
R1.25
Larded Fillet of Beef Madere Sauce
Roast Turkey Paysanne
Poussin Peri Peri & Rice
Grilled Sirloin Steak Maitre de’Hotel
Veal Noisette in White Wine Sauce
Braised Ox Tongue & Spinach
R1.25
R1.25
R1.30
R1.15
R1.15
R1.05
Gateau Meduse
Baba au Rhum
Iced Cup Venus
Sweets from the Trolley
R.0.55
R0.55
R0.55
S.Q
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PHOTO GALLERY
I'd like to share this with the other folk
living in Belvidere. It's what I do for fun!
This horse was rescued from death by starvation
in January 2009 and I adopted him from SPCA
in Cape Town. I named him Gold Dust. He is
thought to be about 4 years old now. We did a little
driving demo at Rheenendal on Sunday10th April
and had huge fun.
Merle Hertog
IT’S A LONG, LONG ROAD
sent in by John Magill
Please send in your contributions for the next Broadsheet due out beginning of July 2011 as early as
you like to e-mail: philmwhite@cyberperk.co.za Telephone 044 3871661
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