Umhlotaan Autumn by j

UMHLOTAAN MAGAZINE : AUTUMN EDITION

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FROM THE CEO’S TEE BY CHRIS VAN DER MERWE A couple of weeks ago I happened to find myself at a presentation by a senior oﬃcial of the Department of environmental aﬀairs, who, at the time was berating the negative impact of golf estates on the natural environment. The conviction with which this person delivered her message resulted in enthusiastic applause from the audience every now and then. The main issues which seem to be the “problem” with golf estates are the following:

Prince’s Grant was created from a “wall to wall” sugar cane field. Although sugar is an essential part of our daily diets, the production of sugar cane, as with most other “mono culture” crop management practices such as timber plantations, corn fields, have disastrous eﬀect on bio diversity, an eﬀect which far exceeds of the “green” areas of any golf course. In our case less than 5 % of the original farm of approximately 150ha was not covered in sugar cane, see photos below.

•“Golf courses are nothing more than green deserts” •“A healthy environment is dependant on bio diversity which will ensure a healthy eco system, and a golf course impacts negatively on this bio diversity.” •“The chemical applications in the form of herbicides and pesticides on golf courses, have a disastrous spin- oﬀ for the natural fauna and flora, in particular water courses. •Continuous fertilization processes amend soil conditions impacting again negatively on bio diversity. •Excessive water usage on golf courses threatens a scarce resource in South Africa. •And finally, it is a myth that golf courses create more employment opportunities, according to the speaker, this is just an easy escape for golf course developers to justify the negative impact on the environment.

The rehabilitation of this area was done by introducing literally now thousands upon thousands of indigenous trees and shrubs, a feat by the late Jeremy Stubbs and his team, which seems almost unreal today. Just more than 40% of the 150ha is now successfully converted to indigenous bush, an improvement of more than 600%, which must be considered remarkable.

Considering myself an “environmentalist” who dedicated the first ten years of my adult life dedicated to researching the complexities of the natural environment, (for which I was, miraculously, awarded a PHD), the presentation made me consider whether any of the statements, made by the speaker and which seems very popular in the media, is applicable to regards to Prince’s Grant.

In terms of bio- diversity there is just no comparison with what was here before.

The reality seems to be quite diﬀerent, as least in so far it applies to Prince’s Grant.

In terms of bio diversity, where the area was covered with one dominant species namely “sugarcane”, we have now at Prince’s Grant: •71 species of indigenous trees •239 diﬀerent types of birds •a variety of mammals and reptiles species, (yes unfortunately the monkeys came as well), including everything from small bucks like duikers to large legewaans.

With regards to chemical usage, fertilization programs and water usage, these are no more than the applications required to ensure a successful sugarcane crop. The fact is that the herbicides and pesticides used for sugarcane farming is a lot less discriminate in their impact than the products used in the management of sugarcane production.

That leaves us with the impact of Prince’s Grant on the local economy and in particular job creation. Two weeks ago an international steel company announced a R750mil investment in a steel plant some 90km from down the coast at Richards Bay. The KZN MEC for Economic Aﬀairs proudly announced at the opening of this huge investment that 150 sustainable jobs will be created by three quarter of a billion rand investment. By comparison between 500 and 600 people enter the Prince’s Grant gate on a daily basis to earn a living on this estate. Considering the above, one is left with the understanding that those “environmentalists” who are so “convinced” of the negative impact of golf courses and golf estates on the environment are generalizing a scenario which will only be true if the development is taking place in a pristine natural environment. Like so many issues that confronts us today, the “toss up” is therefore in cases not between a golf course and a pristine environment, and in the case of Prince’s Grant, the environment certainly benefited from the establishment of this golf estate. Property owners at Prince’s Grant can certainly be proud of what has been achieved and we should continue to cherish and protect our contribution to the rehabilitation of the environment by improving the bio diversity of this area.

Chris

THE UMHLOTAAN Magazine of the Prince’s Grant Coastal Golf Estate Tel: 032- 482 0002/12/54 Fax: 032- 482 0013 email: reception@pghoa.co.za Open Weekdays 08h00 – 16h00 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dave Miller (Chairman) Ivan Swaﬃeld Hubert Mimm Paul Coningsby Brian Kelley Chris van der Merwe (CEO) Derek Paxton (Co- Opted member) IMPORTANT NUMBERS Flying Squad Police Station: Ambulance: Hospital: Fire Department: Municipality: Electricity: Water Problems: (After hours) Estate Manager:

10111 032 551 8200 (SAPS Stg) 10177 032 437 6000 (Stanger) 032 946 6700 (Alberlito) 032 551 3413 032 437 5500 (Stanger) 032 437 9300 (Ilembe) 032 437 5019/ 81 032 482 0002 032 482 0003 083 443 3181

EDITOR Justin Scott justin@estatepress.co.za GRAPHIC DESIGN Lorinda Scott lorinda@estatepress.co.za SALES Hayley Armitage hayley@estatepress.co.za PRITING Pinetown Printers OFFICE NUMBER +27 32 946 3187 FAX NUMBER +27 86 605 0098 EMAIL info@estatepress.co.za If you would like to find our more about advertising in the French Connection magazine please contact Hayley

072 104 9431 or email hayley@estatepress.co.za

While every eﬀort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents Estate Press cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise therefrom. Estate Press is a privately owned and funded company and is not subsidized by Prince’s Grant residents or board of trustees.

EDITORS NOTE How busy have the past few weeks been?! We saw easter arrive a little earlier and before we knew it we were celebrating Freedom Day and heading towards Mother’s Day. With all this activity going on we’re really glad to be able to deliver your second Umhlotaan magazine for the year. It’s been great putting together this edition as I got a chance to meet with some of the people who help contribute to the magazine, take a short trip around your beautiful estate and snap up a bunch of photo’s for the magazine. We’ve also had great support from our advertisers over the last two editions, and want to say a very gracious thank you - without them this magazine wouldn’t be possible and we acknowledge their support in a very big way. Thanks! Recently readers of the Umhlotaan have also started getting in touch with us, which is great, and we’ve been able to add a few interesting bits on page 16 which were shared by you! Thanks to Yolande from Switzerland for all the back and forth to share the pictures taken. It was a great surprise to get a mail from that far away about the magazine. Please don’t stop sharing stories, thoughts and even ideas for the magazine with us...we really do want to hear from you and it brings a reality to something we love doing, when we get your feedback. The team at Estate Press hope you enjoy this edition as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to you. We’re glad to be “close at hand” while you sit back, relax and enjoy the read.

Justin God Bless

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THE UMHLOTAAN

KZN Open Mixed Circuit Schedule 2008 Date

Host Club

Contact for bookings

January

27th

Durban Country Club

Pro Shop

031 313 1777

February

10th

Kloof Country Club

Pro Shop

031 764 1492

17th

Durban Country Club

Pro Shop

031 313 1777

24th

Zimbali Country Club (golf carts recommended)

Pro Shop

032 538 1041 opt 1

March

16th

Mount Edgecombe Country Club

Pro Shop

031 502 1010

30th

Umhlali Country Club

Bookings

032 947 1181

April

13th

Prince’s Grant (golf carts recommended)

Pro Shop

032 482 0041

May

25th

Durban Country Club (Beachwood)

Pro Shop

031 564 4257

June

8th

Durban Country Club (Beachwood)

Pro Shop

031 564 4257

15th

Royal Durban Golf Club

Bookings

031 309 1530

22nd

Kloof Country Club

Pro Shop

031 764 1492

July

13th

Umhlali Country Club

Bookings

032 947 1181

August

3rd

Prince’s Grant (golf carts recommended)

Pro Shop

032 482 0041

September

7th

Zimbali Country Club (golf carts recommended)

Pro Shop

032 538 1041 opt 1

14th

Prince’s Grant (golf carts recommended)

Pro Shop

032 482 0041

5th

Mount Edgecombe Country Club

Pro Shop

031 502 1010

12th

Royal Durban Golf Club

Bookings

031 309 1530

October

26th

Kloof Country Club

Pro Shop

031 764 1492

November

9th

Umhlali Country Club

Bookings

032 947 1181

December

7th

Kloof Country Club

Pro Shop

031 764 1492

Pro Shop

031 716 8184

3rd Sunday of each month - Cotsworld Down (golf carts mandatory)

The KZN Open Mixed Circuit, held on Sunday afternoons, is open to all clubs and affiliated players in the province. Each Tournament, run by the host Club, will normally be an Alliance (2 ladies, 2 men) . The tournament fee charged by each Club will include green and competition fees plus a light supper. Fees will be in the region of R170-200 per player, plus extra charges where golf carts are mandatory (+/- R240). Bookings will open 2 weeks before each Tournament. Thanks to the following for their support and sponsorship: The Pro Shop at Springfield, The Pro Shops at all the Clubs, Ian Wyles Auctioneers and Flick Pest Control (at Royal Durban GC) and Phil Simmonds (at Mount Edgecombe CC)

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Fax

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THE UMHLOTAAN

AUTUMN 2008

CAPTAIN’S REPORT BY IVAN SWAFFIELD

‘How quiet it is out there’ … these are the words that one often hears these days. Whether in business or at leisure it’s as though a wind of uncertainty has just blown across the land. Prince’s Grant is not immune to the economic symptoms that plaque us all and whilst it is great to know that our Golf course and Estate remains as ‘good as it gets’ there is concern as to ‘where to from here’. As far as activity on our course is concerned the cracks first appeared around September ’07 when the decline in visitors rounds were observed. December month was (15%) down on the previous year and the trend continued through to yearend in March. Member’s rounds however saw a reversal of this trend with a 10% increase in rounds over the previous year. Surely a positive sign of more houses completed and members and families taking up residence when ever possible. Our closest neighbours, Umhlali, have a trend not dissimilar from ours but then they had undertaken disruptive renovations to their clubhouse, which impacted on their numbers. Other courses that have come on line are Simbithi and Cotswold Down whilst Zimbali cleaned up their act in replacing their greens. Many will advocate that the reason for our slump is due to our visitor’s prices being too high. Others will argue that the

economic downturn is more severe than we wish to imagine. Whatever the reason, diligence is the watchword and must be the approach we adopt when we look to our spend, and requirements, in maintaining our course as it is. On a more positive note … many may not be aware of the fact that together with Umhlali, Darnall and Maidstone, we form part of the North Coast Country Districts Union and our ‘Country districts team’ comprising, amongst others, PG members Tom Lovett and Eduard van den Berg recently competed in the KZNGU Interzonal Tournament at Richards Bay Golf Club. The upside is that our team came second out of seven competing teams losing only to Zululand on their home course. Tom excelled by winning all his match-play games with Eduard losing only one. Tom was again chosen to represent the KZN Country Districts team to participate in the SAGA Country Districts Interzone at Harrismith later this year and we extend our congratulations to him. Our Central league team playing in the ‘B’ Division and captained by Martin Peterson has thus far played 2, lost 2, albeit by a narrow margin. Good luck against Athlone this month …. it has not gone unnoticed that Martin is walking the course these days! .. really taking his job seriously? The Hickory Stick and North Coast Social league matches are about to commence this year and the teams are raring to go ….. Please place your names on the waiting list so as not to miss these exciting

events. PG host the social ‘Mixed’ interclub tournament this coming Sunday and we look forward to a great day. The ‘PG Ladies Open Day’ moves out to Tuesday, May 27th due to a clash of dates with Zimbali. Ladies, please don’t miss this opportunity to show case your skills … and please invite your friends. The competitors in the Mixed Match play Competition are heading for a final showdown. Those in the final are Steve Gavin and Angela Starkey who will play the winners of the match between Martin and Barbara Rotteveel and Dave Starkey and Joy Gavin. It’s great to see the camaraderie this competition brings out of the players and spectators alike. Good luck to all. Finally, a note on Etiquette: ‘The Spirit of the Game’ ‘Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf’ R&A. Golf Rules Illustrated 2008 Edition See you on the fairway ……..’Fore’… Captain Zee

LADY CAPTAIN’S REPORT BY NOELLE TAYLOR

Well it seems like no time at all since I wrote the last report…..Well done Trevor – what excitement – I know we were under pressure watching events unfold on the back nine at Augusta in the wee hours of the morning – what a result not only for this young man who is a credit to South Africa and will no doubt serve to be a great ambassador for this country but for golf as well – it is so nice to see a youngster who epitomizes the spirit of this great game. The Mixed Matchplay continues to thrill us with heavily fought games going down to the wire in most instances. There are usually a few golf buggies watching the games and the atmosphere is great with lots of clapping going on when the shots deserve it. The latest results are Dave Starkey & Joy Gavin beat Cathy Busby & Frans Strauss Ivan Swaffield and Bronwyn Gerbers beat Marilyn & Alistair Forbes Dave Starkey & Joy Gavin beat Noelle & Geoff Taylor Angela Starkey & Steve Gavin beat Ivan Swaffield and Bronwyn Gerbers So the final will be between the winners of the match between Joy Gavin and Dave Starkey and Barbara & Martin Rotteveel versus Angela Starkey & Steve Gavin. Watch this space.

up with the Bond Girls – two lovely young lassies who were kind enough to pass out the latest Golf Digest, a Hogan golf ball to every player, and collected business cards for a lucky draw at prize giving. Half way house went smoothly thanks to Gordon and the field seemed to move along nicely without any serious delays – that is, until the heavens opened and those without rain gear got drenched. I come from a country which gets lots of rain and if one wants to play golf one gets used to the fact that rain gear is as important a part of the equipment as the pitching wedge or putter. Not so here in SA. One can only laugh at the state our fourball got into – drowned rats would be an understatement. We did laugh and were pleased that the downpour only lasted for about 2 holes – the scores couldn’t have worsened! On the eighteenth it was heartening to say that despite the bad golf and the rain we had enjoyed ourselves and for me that’s what golf is all about.

admit that the competition over the water has merit!) – goes down too easy. The concept of the KZN Mixed Open Circuit is that golfers will travel to other clubs on a Sunday afternoon and play a game, have prize giving which is followed by a dinner where people can sit around and socialise. That was our intention but as we are quite far out Captain Zee suggested that we let people help themselves to dinner and do prize giving while they ate so that those who wanted to could head oﬀ back through the cane fields to their world before it got too late. It seemed to work well. Prizes went down to 5th position and the Bond Choice (the Bond girls from the 3rd tee) lucky draw went down a treat. Derek Paxton of The Lodge at Prince’s Grant kindly sponsored a 2 night stay Mixed Open Winners with prizes sponsored by Distell were E Espach, B Espach D Riley, C Gerber

The crowd gathered in Mulligans pub and spilled out onto the verandah even though it was getting late. Brand House had another couple of Bond style girls oﬀering samples of a very sweet nectar called Bells Special Reserve (hard for an Irishwoman to

I’m delighted to say that on Sunday 13th April we had a great turnout for our second KZN Mixed Open Circuit golf days. Invites went out to all the participating golf clubs as well as our members and we were blessed with 93 players on the day – 36 members and 57 visitors.

2nd place Ang Starkey, Capt. Zee, Joy & Steve Gavin

There was a great buzz in the Pro Shop and on the putting green as players from clubs all over KZN, even a few Jo’burgers checked in. Christopher and Leon were mightily eﬃcient in signing everybody in and Frans givvied everybody to the tee where Cathy played a blinder as a starter on two tees – no mean feat with the chatting that was going on. It wasn’t long for the players who teed oﬀ the first to meet

Captain Zee handing Adele Hesp her lucky draw prize from Bond Choice

Ant Humphries – winner of 2 night stay at The Lodge & Faye Bailey with her lucky draw prize from Bells Whisky are all smiles!

Golf Update including breakfast and golf for 2 persons and the lucky winner was Ant Humphries from DCC. Thanks Derek. Congratulations to all those who won prizes and thanks to everyone who participated in the day. A very BIG thank you to Shada in the kitchen who put on a sumptious meal – a player from Umhlali who plays lots of the Mixed Circuit events said it was the best food he had tasted out of all the venues he played in so well done and thanks again to the Lodge staﬀ who were plenti-

The Mixed Matchplay continues to thrill us with heavily fought games going down to the wire in most instances. ful and helpful. Our next Mixed Open is on Sunday 20 July so please make a note in your diaries to invite some non member friends to play. Our Ladies Open is on Tuesday 20 May, changed from our normal spot of 1st Tuesday in May, due to the fact that Zimbali & Royal Durban are both having theirs on the 6th May. So if you get to read this before 20 May, ladies please book a time and bring friends along to experience what is reputed to be one of the best ladies open days on the calendar. On another note – I will be resigning my Captaincy at the next AGM so there is a spot for one of you lady golfers out there – please email me on noelle.taylor@ pamgolding.co.za if you are interested in taking up the cudgel.

FUNNIES A guy stood over his tee shot for what seemed an eternity; looking up, looking down, measuring the distance, figuring the wind direction and speed, driving his partner nuts. Finally his exasperated partner says, “What’s taking so long? Hit the blasted ball!” The Guy answers, “My wife is up there watching me from the clubhouse. I want to make this a perfect shot.” “Forget it, man! You don’t stand a chance of hitting her from here!”

Caddie League Prince's Grant finished well at Papwa, finishing 4th out of 16 clubs in the caddie league. Pictured from left to right: Moses, Themba, Frans,C.J and Christopher.

Golf development at Prince's Grant still going strong!

For information on general development of the game in some africa, check out the South African Golf Development Board at www.sagdb.co.za.

Bodasing Cup 07/06/2008 Better Ball Stableford IN MEMORY OF MANESH BODASING The Tournament is open

Recently the PGA got involved in local development of the game and the two groups will work together this year on a strong mentorship programme.

to all aﬃliated golfers to participate. The Trophy will be awarded to the highest finishing team which must consist of one member. AUTUMN 2008

THE UMHLOTAAN

PRINCE’S GRANT STUDENT PROGRAM

Since it’s inception in 2007, the student program at the Prince’s Grant has proved to be a beneficial learning tool and great experience not only for the students but for the estate as well. Billy Woods, Prince’s Grant very first student has come a long way since he became part of the golf course staﬀ in January 2007. His positive attitude and eagerness to learn how to maintain a golf course which is rated as one of the top 20 golf courses in South Africa, has equipped him with a sound knowledge which has earned him a promotion at Prince’s Grant in March 2008. Billy is now the team leader of the golf course staﬀ looking after the second nine holes on the course. Earlier this year, we have had two young new students who joined Prince’s Grant: Danél Botha and Jason Bushell. Danél and Jason are both greenkeeping students and are under the guidance of our new course manager, Allan Dalzell, who is currently doing a great job in ensuring the course is maintained in peak condition. They will be training at Prince’s Grant for one year.

THE UMHLOTAAN

AUTUMN 2008

fortunate to have had this opportunity bestowed upon me and have learnt a lot along the way, many thanks to Sue de Zwart and Gary Barker, our golf course consultants. They have been very helpful and I have learnt a lot through them. I would like to say thank you to Prince’s Grant for giving me the chance and I hope to continue working for them in the future. Danél Botha I would like to thank Prince’s Grant for the opportunity to do my training here. I started on the 15th of January 2008 to work here. As an Afrikaans speaking person working in an environment where the majority speak English, it was very diﬃcult to understand some of the tasks given to me. Thanks to the understanding of my work colleagues and course manager, which I really appreciate, the work and tasks given to me are much easier to understand and to do. I have already learnt a lot about greenkeeping. I am trying to translate or find some of the books in Afrikaans to help me.

Homeowners are encouraged to engage with our students on their experience at Prince’s Grant. The students share their experience at Prince’s Grant with us. (From left to right: Jason, Danél and Billy)

I can assure you that this is the work I want to do, I like the work, want to learn more and will give my best to do the work.I would like to get involved in the daily planning of all aspects of greenkeeping and distribution of tasks.

Billy Woods Prince’s Grant student internship course program has been set up in such a way that it teaches young learners the simplest jobs to the most technical jobs of a superintendent. I have been exceptionally

Jason Bushell I’ve joined Prince’s Grant in February 2008 and enjoy every moment since. I love golf and being able to work on a golf course is the best experience I could have. Thank you to Prince’s Grant for aﬀording me the opportunity.

Lodge Report BY DEREK PAXTON Althea and Adilson were married at a lovely ceremony at Zimbali on Friday 11 April. The ceremony was attended by friends and family from all over the world with a very strong Zimbabwean contingent. The Reception was festive with a sumptuous buﬀet followed by dancing and cigar smoking! Adilson’s huge family did not attend instead Althea and Adilson have gone to Brazil for their honeymoon where they will celebrate Brazilian style with his extended family. Althea had been practicing her Portuguese for months before the wedding in preparation. We wish them both all the very best for the future. They have just received their permanent residency and now have every intention of remaining in SA for the immediate future.

This is almost entirely due to conferences. We have also managed to achieve a good room rate. Numerous houses on the Estate have been used for the excess numbers as most of the conferences are larger than The Lodge’s 15 rooms can accommodate and delegates request single accommodation. The golf continues to be quiet both over week ends and during the week. The onset of Super 12 this may once again have a negative influence. Easter was very quiet; I believe that the weekend at the end of the month will be busier as it is over a longer period

Congrat ulat ions

We have made some changes in the halfway with additional fridges and fans in an endeavour to cool the room down and speed up the service.

To more mundane matters, the occupancies in the Lodge have been very good for January, February and March with 54%, 67% and 52% respectively. and tiredness and can also be used as a preventative measure against ill health. The Treatment Centre has an introductory oﬀer of 4 sessions of Reflexology for R600 during the month of May. Vouchers are also available.

The Treatment Centre at Prince’s Grant oﬀers Reflexology – a holistic healing method which involves pressure and massage of the reflex points found on the soles of the feet. Reflexology promotes the body to heal itself. Apart from treating disease, Reflexology is an extremely eﬀective therapy in cases of stress, tension

For enquiries/ booking appointments please call Rhamba directly on 083 242 6142.

Special Mother’s Day Lunch Call The Lodge for details AUTUMN 2008

THE UMHLOTAAN

REPORT FROM THE COURSE MANAGER BY ALAN DALZELL

Before I go on to give an update on the golf course, I would first like to thank the management, the homeowners, and staﬀ for the trust, support and encouragement that has been given to me in the past months. It is really appreciated!! On the course, every day one can find a new problem presenting itself, which is very often a threat to our greens, tee boxes and fairways. The ant population is huge at Prince’s Grant, as everyday they start a new project on some part of our best looking grass. Crickets, nematodes, dollar spot, worms; and the worst of all ground pearl

are the other “pests” that climb in to the ring with the greens staﬀ on a daily basis. The course, I believe, is in good condition at the moment, we do have some wet areas on a few of the fairways, and most of this is because of the rains we have had in the past few weeks. We are treating to eradicate ground pearl on some of the greens. The golf course staﬀ has been divided into two teams, with each team looking after 9 holes, Albert Bhiyela heading the team looking after the first nine and ex- student Billy Woods, (now promoted) heading the team attending the second

nine. My job is to make sure that they have everything to keep the ball rolling, and to improve the course. We also have two student greenkeepers, Danél Botha and Jason Bushell, they will be training with us for a year, and hopefully will learn enough to be able to go on to join a good golf course and become good greenkeepers. I wish everyone happy golfing, and look forward to seeing you on the course. Yours in golfing Alan Dalzell

Meet our stars... Linda Padayachee | Supervisor (Security) Been Working at I was born in In my free time Favorite meal Favorite movie Favorite City/ Place Happiness is 10 years from now

Prince’s Grant since 2005 Stanger (KZN) Love shopping, watching movies & spending time with family. Mutton breyani and Nando’s comedy & horror Cape Town To wake up with a smile and putting your problems aside I would like to be successful business women

Shantal Kanipan | Duty Manager Been Working at I was born in In my free time Favorite meal Favorite movie Favorite City/ Place South Africa is 10 years from now

Prince’s Grant since 1999 Stanger Listening to music, reading and socializing Dhal roti and chicken curry Sivaji – The Boss (tamil) Is yet to come A beautiful country but is deteriorating too quickly To achieve my desired goals

Natasha Dhaver | P.A. to CEO/ Receptionist at HOA Been Working at I was born in In my free time Favorite meal Favorite movie Favorite City/ Place Happiness is 10 years from now

Prince’s Grant since 15th May 2007 Stanger I love music, reading, shopping & spending time with my family and friends Mince and macaroni I dont have one I would love to visit Dubai Knowing that my family & close friends are always happy and safe. I would like to have saved up enough money to take my whole family for a holiday where? Now that would be spoiling my surprise!

Mona | Head Chef Been working at I was born in In my free time Favorite meal Favorite movie Favorite City/Place South Africa is 10 years from now 12

Prince’s Grant since 1st Aoril 2003 Durban Socializing with friends, watching movies, partying, visiting places Spicy chicken curry and savory rice Titanic Pretoria, Portuguese Island The best country but the crime rate is too high Want to go overseas

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THE UMHLOTAAN

AUTUMN 2008

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CAPE ROBIN CHAT

This delightful little bird may occur on the coast all year round but it becomes more abundant during the winter months, because like any sensible creature it retreats from the winter cold in the higher altitudes and moves to the coast for winter.

ty calls in its repertoire at any particular time. For this reason if you identify birds by their calls and there is any member of the Robin-Chat family in the area you may well think there is a “bird party” whereas there is a Robin-Chat sitting there repeating all the calls in his current vocabulary.

This type of behaviour is referred to as altitudinal migration, and the main reason for moving is that food is more abundant on the coast in winter. Their food consists mainly of small insects, spiders, worms, small frogs and lizards. In the winter months these creatures become scarcer in the colder regions and thus the Cape Robin-Chat moves to warmer regions. When they move to the coast it is with the intention of fattening up for the breeding season next summer. With the relatively short flight back to the midlands or higher they do not lose the same amount of fat as the intercontinental migrants like swallows do.

As can be seen from the illustration they are somewhat plainer than their brighter relatives in the robin-chat family especially when compared to the Red-capped Robin-Chat and Chorister Robin-Chat.

These small birds are about the same size as the more common Natal Robin-Chat which is a permanent resident of the coastal region. They also mainly feed in the understory of the forests and bush where they shelter from predators. They may well be seen on the edge of bushes and forests at certain times but they will retreat to the protection of the cover as soon as there is the slightest threat of danger.

When the grey-white belly and brown back are compared to the red bellies and blue-grey backs the Cape-Robin-Chat is not as striking as the other two but owing to the rarity value on the coast it is well worth looking out for this attractive mimic and exercising even more caution when identifying birds from their calls. Some weather prophets try to forecast the severity of the winter by the time of the migration, but this is a very unreliable method of forecasting as the migration is not a sudden event where all the birds gather as the swallows do and fly oﬀ over a reasonably short period, but rather a gradual movement where birds will move individually or in pairs. Thus the

n the forests and If you walk quietly in dune vegetation you may well see them and they can become quite confiding once they realise that you do o not pose any threat to them. rs As with most members mily of the Robin-Chat family the call of this bird is not limited to a singlee as a repeated call but it has deserved reputation of bend will ing a master mimic and d twenhave anything around

By Bing Comrie

sighting of the first bird in early autumn does not necessarily signal a harsh winter, but rather the shortage of food in his higher altitude home range which could have been caused by one of many factors. Thus rather than being forecasters of weather they would appear to respond to changes in weather or general environmental conditions in their home range. Keep an eye out for the arrival of these birds in the scrub and forest and try to work out why they have come down to the coast at that particular time as an interesting exercise. Enjoy your birding over the harder winter months and look out for the arrival of the regional migrants such as the Cape Robin-Chat and the Spotted Ground-Thrush.

INTERESTING BIRD FACTS (WIKIPEDIA.COM)

The Cape Robin-Chat, Cossypha caﬀra, is a small passerine bird of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. Resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa from Kenya south to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. The Cape Robin-Chat is 16-17cm long. The Cape Robin-Chat has a harsh, low trisyllabic alarm note "WA-dur-dra". The Afrikaans name name for this species, “JAN Frederik” gives the rhythm of this call, if the syllables of the latter part are run together. The song consists of variable short passages of musical notes, always starts with low slurred whistle cherooo-weet-weetweeeet.

Happenings at Princes Grants - What’s News?

“Yes, I have received a copy of the latest Umhlotaan, always love it...”

Some great feedback and photo’s from a homeowner living in Switzerland after having spent 4 amazing weeks at their home in Price’s Grant.

NEW ARRIVALS! From left to right: Elija Ross (2.6kg), Harriet Mary (2.2kg) & Seth Alexander (2.7kg) were born to Bruce & Vicki Millican on the 17th August 2007. Vicki carried to 37 weeks and was discharged from St. Augustine’s with all 3 babies after 3 days.

Estate Press were able to get a few photo’s of an Owl nesting happily in the estate, after being alerted by one of the residents keeping a close eye on the bird. Hopefully we’ll be able to keep you up to date on the eggs and very comfortable mom.

CHRIS GREEN

PLUMBING 082 490 7451 TWO 4 SEATER ELECTRIC GOLF CARTS FOR SALE R 30 000 each contact 082 560 8570 16

THE UMHLOTAAN

AUTUMN 2008

SERVICING PRINCES’ GRANT SINCE 1996

WHISKY TASTING EVENING during April

Bell’s Whisky Tasting Evening at the Jeremy Stubbs Conference Center Bell’s Brand Ambassador to KZN, Tommy Larkan, looking very handsome in his kilt, taught those of us who had never been to a whisky tasting before the inns and outs of the art of tasting the amber liquid. What did we learn? The correct spelling of Scotch whisky (as opposed to Irish whiskey) The diﬀerence between blended and malt whiskys which are improved with a dash of water and which don’t need any To use three of our senses the eyes for colour, the nose for aroma and finally the taste How to tell a good whisky by swirling it in a glass (proper tasting glasses used) and seeing the results – open and closed legs – you had to be there!!!! We tasted 5 brands, in a specific order, some of which are available here in SA and some not. The Bell’s Special Reserve was by far the most popular with a few conoscenti going mad for the Caol Ila from Isla on the west coast of Scotland with that wonderful aromatic peaty flavour.

So a big thank you to Tommy for giving up his evening, to Wendy for organizing it all and especially to Derek from The Lodge for the use of the conference centre. If anybody has any suggestions on similar or dissimilar events that could offer an evenings entertainment to the residents please don’t be shy. There’s talk of a bird walk with an expert, a breakfast with a famous explorer….. Wendy Freeman has agreed to be our social calendar organisor and she can be contacted on 032 482 0170 or by email wendyfreeman@yebo.co.za All set up and ready to taste

Tommy Larkan has everyone’s attention

The craic was mighty with lots of banter about aromas from cinnamon to tcp mouth wash. The event was oversubscribed and more chairs had to be brought in. Tommy supplied some tasty snacks and by the end of the evening there were quite a few empty glasses (although Rodney did fill up 2 jugs of slops from all the tasting glasses). AUTUMN 2008

THE UMHLOTAAN

How Green is your Golf Estate? Wally Menne - April 2008

‘First appearances can be misleading’ This saying summarises the experience of humanity ever since people first started to speak, and to express their awareness of the environment. Whether learning the hard way from accidentally stepping into quicksand, or trying to cross a river controlled by crocodiles, primitive people must have quickly realised that their very survival depended on making the right choices when presented with the uncertainty of how to proceed in a potentially life-threatening situation. Of course those that lived to tell the tale would have had the advantage of later being able to share their experiences with other members of their tribe and to warn their children about possible dangerous situations. From their shared wisdom, early people would have been able to develop the ability to anticipate hazards, and to preempt injury or death by simple avoidance of danger, or by sticking with the group. The logical principle of ‘safety in numbers’ would soon have demonstrated its worth in their daily struggle to subsist and to survive. Arising from this early rudimentary human behaviour the ‘teamwork’ approach would have developed, through which groups of people were able to achieve physical feats out of all proportion to their individual strengths. Think of the great human artefacts that would not exist today if such common group-purpose could not have been rallied - Imagine no Eiffel Tower, no Pyramids, no Great Wall of China! Of course not all historical manifestations of ‘team-effort’ have produced wonderful or enduring results. Our planet is literally ‘littered’ with the ruins of failed human attempts to impose their will on the landscape. Crumbling castles and forts, gloomy graveyards, rusting shipwrecks, and mouldy mansions have romantic connotations for the past, but also serve to remind us of how short-lived the products of human effort can be. On the other hand, we need also be reminded of the enduring negative impacts of ‘team-effort’ mistakes made in the past that have damaged our shared environment. Top of the list must surely

be the invention and use of the atomic bomb, of which the devastated lives of the people, and the radioactive ruins of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must perpetually remind us. Denuded forests, abandoned opencast mines, grasslands obliterated by Eucalyptus plantations, and polluted rivers and oceans are present-day manifestations of collective human choices made ostensibly in the name of ‘progress and development’. However, when revisited in the light of new knowledge and a better understanding of how our behaviour impacts on the health of our planet, it becomes obvious that the wisdom of the choices that led to the negative outcomes of those activities was deficient in many ways. The main failure of those decisions was that they failed to recognise their impact on future generations. That the grossly excessive natural resource consumption habits of a single generation, ours, could undermine and work against the future welfare of our children and grandchildren, depriving them of the right to make diﬀerent and better choices, because the damage has already been done. So you may ask: What does all of this have to do with our golf estate? The answer is fairly simple: Firstly, through careful and well thought through design and layout, Prince’s Grant has already made good progress along the road to sustainability. Mainly through sensitive siting of roads, services and building sites, but also by deciding to make the protection and preservation of all naturally vegetated areas nonnegotiable. Secondly, by adopting a rigorous approach and policy for the restoration of indigenous vegetation, and the eradication of alien invasive plants, enhanced the conservation value of the whole estate. These wise choices made in the early stages of the project are now literally bearing fruit, considerably reinforcing and supporting the ecological integrity of the remaining areas of original, Swamp, Riverine and Dune forest. What remains though, is to see whether it will be possible for current and future owners of homes at Prince’s Grant to not

only remain committed to the original ‘green’ vision for the estate, but to also actively seek better ways to protect and nurture what has already been achieved. To build on those achievements, we need to look beyond the obviously ‘green’ aspects of our external environment. We need to start pay attention to other less visible impacts of the modern lifestyles that most people follow. Many of the things we do that consume energy, and the products we consume generate considerable negative environmental impacts, and making simple changes to the way we live can benefit the environment •Our electricity consumption – reducing waste and improving efficiency. Convert your geyser to a solar system! •Our water consumption – using as little as possible in the house, and directing wastewater into flowerbeds. Install a rainwater tank! •Our liquid fuel consumption – avoiding unnecessary travel, sharing transport and downsizing to smaller, more efficient vehicles. •Our consumption of paper – adopting the practise of recycling or re-using •Our use of toxic pesticides – taking steps to prevent the problem by blocking off holes and cracks that harbour cockroaches, ants and fleas. •Our use of household detergents – look for less toxic biodegradable products. •Our contribution to the waste-stream – make every effort to prevent waste creation by avoiding unnecessary packaging, opt for returnable containers. •Our waste food and garden cuttings – make or buy a compost bin so that all your organic waste goes back into the ground. So while making all these relatively minor adjustments to our behaviour may not appear to be quite as important as preventing tropical deforestation and nuclear wars, they are things that fall directly under our control, and make a substantial contribution if adopted by significant numbers of people. Will the community at Prince’s Grant meet this challenge?

WĞĂĐĞ ŽĨ ŵŝŶĚ͘ /ŶƐŝĚĞ Θ KƵƚ ǁĂŶƚ ǇŽƵ ƚŽ ďĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ƌĞůĂǆ ĂŶĚ ĞŶũŽǇ ǇŽƵƌ ŚŽůŝĚĂǇ ŚŽŵĞ͘ tŚŝůƐƚ ǇŽƵ͛ƌĞ ŝŶ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞ Žƌ ĂǁĂǇ͕ ǁĞ ďĞůŝĞǀĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ŽĨĨĞƌ ǇŽƵ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵĨŽƌƚ ŝŶ ŬŶŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵƌ ŚŽŵĞ ŝƐ ŝŶ ĐĂƉĂďůĞ ŚĂŶĚƐ ĂŶĚ ĂůǁĂǇƐ Ăƚ ŝƚƐ ďĞƐƚ͘ tŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ůŝĨĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ĨĂĐĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŽĚĂǇ͕ ƉůĞĂƐƵƌĞ ŝƐ ƉƌĞĐŝŽƵƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƵƌ ŵŽŵĞŶƚƐ ŽĨ ĞŶũŽǇŵĞŶƚ ƚƌĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ͘ dŝŵĞ ŝƐ ŽĨ ŚƵŐĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ŵĂŶǇ ŽĨ ƵƐ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƚĞĚ͘ dŚĂƚ ŝƐ ǁŚĞƌĞ /ŶƐŝĚĞ Θ KƵƚ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵ ƵƉŐƌĂĚĞ ǇŽƵƌ ůŝĨĞƐƚǇůĞ ďǇ ĨƌĞĞŝŶŐ ƵƉ ƐŽŵĞ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ƚŝŵĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĞůŝŶƋƵŝƐŚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĂŝŶ ƚŚĂƚ ŐŽĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶŝŶŐ Ă ŚŽůŝĚĂǇ ŚŽŵĞ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ͘ KƵƌ ĐŽŵƉĂŶǇ ŚĂƐ Ă ǁŝĚĞ ǀĂƌŝĞƚǇ ŽĨ ƉĂĐŬĂŐĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƚĂŝůŽƌͲŵĂĚĞ ƚŽ ƐƵŝƚĞ ǇŽƵƌ ŶĞĞĚƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞŵĞŶƚƐ ƐŽ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞƌǇ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƚĂŬĞŶ ŽĨĨ ǇŽƵƌ ƐŚŽƵůĚĞƌƐ͘ ZĂŶŐŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ Ă ŵĂŶŝĐƵƌĞĚ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ͕ ůĂƵŶĚƌǇ ĂŶĚ ŚŽƵƐĞ ĐůĞĂŶ ƚŽ Ă ĨƵůůǇ ƐƚŽĐŬĞĚ ĨƌŝĚŐĞ ŽŶ ĂƌƌŝǀĂů ʹ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ǁŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ǁĂŶƚ ĂŶĚ ǁŚĞŶ ǇŽƵ ǁĂŶƚ ŝƚ͘ KƵƌ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ƚĞĂŵ ŝƐ ƌĞĂĚǇ ƚŽ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ǇŽƵƌ ŚŽůŝĚĂǇ ĂŶĚ ďƌŝŶŐ ďĂĐŬ ƚŚĞ ƐŚĞĂƌ ŝŶĚƵůŐĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŽŶĞ ĚĞƐĞƌǀĞƐ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ ƚŝŵĞ ƚŽ ƐŽĂŬ ƵƉ ƚŚĞ ƐŵĂůů ƉůĞĂƐƵƌĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ůŝĨĞ ŚĂƐ ƚŽ ŽĨĨĞƌ͘

Priced at R5.5m. Panoramic views of the sea and coastline Situated on the 1st fairway. 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms with a pool & fully furnished R2.9m

Sales

Contact LILIEN PAXTON 032 482 0005 082 855 1642

Rentals Contact ROSANNE 083 743 1255 or

Sole Mandate | R 1.65m LILIEN PAXTON 082 855 1642 | email: paxprop@worldonline.co.za

Land in this area, uninterrupted sea views | R1.6m

ROSANNE 083 743 1255 | email paxfam@mweb.co.za