EDITORIAL
No prizes for guessing the number of shopping days left to Christmas. I am sure many of us are trying to add a few here and there. It is hard to believe that another year is almost over.
Some of our human swallows have returned. Welcome back Bill and Eve - you were sorely missed.
Listening to the news the other day I was shocked to hear of the escalated violence in our schools, although we should not be surprised when discipline has gone out the window. What kind of role models are some of the teachers? Some sexually abuse their students and they get a slap on the hand and told not to do it again. I think that our Minister of Education has the right idea to implement random drug testing and a metal detector would seem to be a necessity, especially when pupils go to school armed with knives, guns and all sorts of other weapons that can cause pain and destruction. Are parents too busy with their own demanding lives that their children may as well be in an orphanage? At least there, they would be taught right from wrong. Teachers should be allowed to punish the disrupters with some kind of corporal punishment as we were in our days. We were taught to respect our elders, our parents and teachers and to be proud of our school uniform. I have seen some pupils looking like they have picked their clothes out of the ragbag. Our school prefects were instructed to issue demerits for slovenly behaviour and dress. Bring it back. These children are our future, what are we breeding – monsters? When 17 & 18 year olds swear at one using the “F” word, it is time to rethink our methods of upbringing and bring back the hidings. “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” They need to be taught some manners. How many of our children and grandchildren respect women? How many would stand up to offer an older person a seat? How many would apologise if they had upset you? I think we can count on one hand the number of well-mannered children we have come across lately.
Enough of that, lets get down to some lighter reading. Fisherhaven’s Christmas Fair is really taking shape. The number of stallholders that have booked is increasing and thanks to a bright idea from a member of our community, we handed out flyers to the marketers in Hermanus and have already had some positive response. We will be handing out at Kleinmond, Somerset West and Milnerton as well. So all our local entrepreneurs, don’t delay, book now while there are still some spaces left. Fill in your name at the Cafés and pay your R50 to ensure your place. We are still not sure whether or not to have the stalls on both Saturday and Sunday or just on Sunday and leave Saturday for the kiddies. The beer tent will be “open” on both days and there will be live entertainment on both days, so your thoughts on this would be appreciated. We are still looking for helpers on Saturday and Sunday to assist with the kiddies’ things, like the Jumping Castle and the races etc. Please lend us an hour of your time. The list is also at the Cafés. Please put your name down and the time you would prefer, then we can co-ordinate with you all closer to the time. We are looking for sponsors to help with the advertising - think about it.
Summer is on our doorstep and it looks as though we are in for a hot, hot one, so take care and slap on the sunscreen, slip on a shirt, put on a hat, and drink lots of water.
The yellow box in the Fisherhaven Café at the Piccaninny is hungry so please feed it with your suggestions and news items.
Don’t forget the collection boxes at the Cafes for the FRA Christmas Hampers - something special for the needy in our community. It is always nice to give something back. So please pop in a tin, a packet, or a bottle. And if you know of someone who would benefit from these hampers over the festive season you can give either Pat or me a call on 315 1605 or 315 1600.
DEE
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CHAIRMANS SCRIBBLES
This month, I am sorry, but I must ask your help on several matters in no particular order:
Our fete organisers are in desperate need of helpers – particularly with organising the children’s events. PLEASE, there must be some mums and/or grandmums out there who love working with children. Contact my other half or Dee – you know the numbers.
The fete will, at about this time, hopefully become an annual or bi-annual event, with the proceeds being split between the FRA and a local charity. Naturally, the funds going to the FRA will be spent on local projects. Watch the notice boards, papers etc. SEE YOU ALL THERE.
The Easter Festival proceeds bought some benches and a table. We would like to thank Erik van Odenhoven for the use of his labourers who assisted Erick Kerwin and myself to “plant“ them so that hopefully they won’t walk. Also a Big Thank You to Margie for donating a bench in memory of her Dad - Len Chaffe. “RIP Len” Our waterfront is starting to take shape and it promises to be a lovely place to picnic on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We have such beautiful surroundings and we don’t utilise them.
The FRA AGM takes place at the Lake Marina Yacht Club on 9th December 2006 that is 09-12-06 at 11:00 hours – it would be nice to see our members again. Yes, yes, there will be refreshments after the meeting and I hope much interaction between our members and your new committee. We, the committee, have struggled a little this year, mainly through lack of committee members – so if you have been a FRA member for 2 years or more and are concerned about the welfare of your neighbourhood – why not serve on the committee?
The next open Ward Committee Meeting is on 13 November 2006 (13-11-06) at the Hawston Library at 18:00 hours (6 o’clock in the evening). Come and show the ward committee that we are all concerned with the affairs of Ward 8.
I was saddened to hear of the passing away of Lillian Cameron. I am sure you all agree with me when I say that Lillian was a lovely, lovely person and that Fisherhaven is poorer now that she is gone. I understand that on her recent trip back to the UK Lillian managed to see many of her family whom she had not had any contact with for many years. That must have been very enjoyable for her and her family. Lillian always supported the FRA, the Neighbourhood Watch and me personally, in all our endeavours and I shall miss her greatly. The committee joins me in sending our condolences to Susan and to all her family. We are there for you now.
Changing the subject – Christmas is coming – try not to pass our Hamper Collection Points by. You will note we have made the collection boxes available earlier, so please help, we will make Christmas Hampers up for the needy Fisherhaveners. The boxes are at the Haven Café and the Superette.
Lastly don’t forget the criminals will be doing their “Christmas shopping” – in fact, I suspect they have already started – so keep ‘em peeled, phone John or myself – you know the numbers. Pass on the info – you never know you may be giving us all a Christmas present when we catch the blighters. Lock up, do not leave saleable goods on show – it only acts as a temptation. Should you become a robbery victim ALWAYS report it to the police or empower your Neighbourhood Watch to open a docket on your behalf.
Hope to see you all at at least one of the events.
Keep well, keep safe.
Mike Masterson
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NONSENSE
In the late 1700’s many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly a long wide board was folded down from the wall and used for dining. The “head of the household” always sat in this chair whilst everyone else sat on the floor. Occasionally, when there was a guest for dinner (usually a male), he would be invited to sit in the chair. Sitting in the chair, one was called the “chair man”. Today in business, we use the expression or title “Chairman or Chairman of the Board”
Men who shaved their heads to keep them free of bugs and lice wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford wigs made of wool. These wigs could not be washed so, in order to clean them, a loaf of bread was hollowed out and the wig placed inside and baked in the oven for 30 minutes. The wigs would turn big and fluffy - hence the term “Bigwig” usually referred to a wealthy or well-known man.
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BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Braai
What is a braai? It is the first thing you will be invited to when you visit South Africa. A braai is a backyard barbecue and it will take place whatever the weather. So you will have to go even if it’s raining like mad. At a braai you will be introduced to a substance called mieliepap.
Ag
This is one of the most useful South African words. Pronounced “ach” as in the German “achtung”, it can be used to start a reply when you are asked a tricky question as in “Ag, I don’t know” or in a sense of resignation as in “Ag OK, I’ll have some more mieliepap then”. It can also stand alone as a sign of irritation.
Donner
A rude word, it comes from the Afrikaans “donder” (thunder). Pronounced “dorner” it means “beat up”. A team member in your rugby team can get donnered in a game or your wife can donner you if you come back from a braai at three in the morning.
Howzit
This is a universal South African greeting and you will hear this word throughout the country. It is often accompanied with the word “Yes” as in “Yes, howzit” in which case you answer “No, fine”
This was the first in a series explaining local South African terms for our many overseas visitors.
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HANDY HINTS
Avo’s browning? To stop them, place unpeeled in boiling water for just 40 seconds. This will help slow down the colouring process.
For easy garlic crushing, sprinkle the cloves with salt. Salt acts as an abrasive and helps break down the garlic.
How about a Beetroot Dip?
Process 250g cooked beetroot with 45ml natural yoghurt, 10ml creamed horseradish and salt and pepper. Serve with savoury biscuits or chips.
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EXCHANGE RATES
Gloomy economic headlines can make you feel out of control, especially when it seems like they’re talking a foreign language.
However, the good news is that the sinking rand will bring many tourists, as those from countries with stronger currencies will rush to spend them on the cheapest overseas holiday of their lives. Crafters make sure you have built up a considerable stock for the markets that these tourists visit on a daily basis.
Exporting goods to other countries means increased profits to counteract the increased costs at home.
One enterprising soul exported South African rocks to Europe for the overseas landscapers and made himself a fortune.
The gold price may rise which is always good news for the mining industry. Invest your spare cash in gold shares before the price rises.
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DIARY
1st Monday of every month TRIVIAL PURSUIT AND BINGO at the Piccaninny 7:00pm. Great fun.
1st Saturday of every month MORNING MARKET outside the Piccaninny from 11am. Pop along and see what gives.
1st Wednesday of every month GARDEN CLUB from 2pm. at Marion Niemeyer’s home in Broadway. Phone Pat 315 1605
3rd Tuesday of every month SMOOTHES DEMOSTRATION Marlene’s home in Riverside Drive Time 10am. Come along and see what you can do with fruit and vegetables to refresh you on the long hot summer days.
21st November - The COFFEE MORNING Ladies Christmas Lunch
Every Sunday - Boule/Petange in Broadway next to Marion Niemeyer’s home at 10am
You can contact Pat Masterson for more details on all of the above. Her number is 3151605
Any news items you wished published: FEED THE YELLOW BOX AT THE CAFÉ.
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DURR ESTATES
DURR ESTATES has just listed 6 (yes that’s six) Prime Properties that will never be repeated, so close to the Lagoon it’s scary. Whilst not on the waterfront, you will not get any closer.
Do you need to Rest and Recuperate? A comfortably-insulated Log Cabin especially for you, whilst your family and friends stay in the 4-bed 2-bath house - R1, 550 000.
Or is it Peace and Quiet you crave? Then Peace and Quiet is what you will get. This home situated in the quietest road in Fisherhaven is yours for R985 000.
If it is tranquillity, you’re after, then let the tranquil atmosphere of this home surround you. Wrap-around balcony curls round this 2 bed 2 bath double story with separate flatlet. And the price? - R999 000.
Mr Average you are not, so this unique style home is for you. Boasting 3 beds, 3 baths, LARGE study, the most wonderful kitchen and pantry, separate dining and lounge with a beautifully crafted bar, double garage and bachelor pad it’s all yours for R1,400 000.
On the other hand, maybe you would like to live in a washed wooded interior 3 bed 2 bath newly renovated kitchen complete with built in stove & washing machine for R895 000?
Safe and secure in this large family home 4 beds, 2 baths, 3 garages and pool, look out of any window and appreciate the stunning lagoon views - R1, 640 000.
That is not all we have - plots, plots and more plots and even more homes to tantalize and excite you. Durr will also assist you to raise the finance to buy here and give you free valuations should you be thinking of selling: Phone me: 072 909 7015.
THE DURR TEAM taking a well earned rest at the ½ marathon during the Whale Festival.
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THANK YOU
A huge thank you to the Chaffe’s for the donation of one of the benches that are being enjoyed at the waterfront. Cam, Margie and Debbie have given a bench in memory of the dearly departed husband, dad and granddad Len. Len was a well-known Fisherhavener and his abrasive manner that kept us all on our toes is sorely missed at the Committee meetings. Rest in Peace Len your memory will be with us forever.
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