NEW
HOMEOWNERS
PRUNING SEASON IS HERE
From The ESTATE MANAGER’S DESK
It is hard to believe we are already in September 2024 with Christmas not too far away. The year seems to have just flown by. We trust this has been a successful year for all our homeowners and residents.
Estate Manager Change
Property Sales on CVE
Demand for properties in our estate continues to remain high with upcountry purchasers looking to move to the Cape as well as some locals moving 5
I am sure that most residents are aware by now that I will be retiring from my Estate Manager role with effect from the end of December 2024. Given this situation, it is likely that this will be my last newsletter article. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of running the estate and genuinely appreciate the friendship and support I received from homeowners and residents alike. My family and I love the estate and we will certainly continue living here as long as is practical. Perhaps I can work on improving my golf handicap next year.
in. The biggest problem is that demand far outstrips supply, which always bodes well for our homeowners. Some interesting trends to note as follows.
SALES VOLUMES
• Full year 2021 = 18 transfers registered
• Full year 2022 = 32 transfers registered
• Full year 2023 = 17 transfers registered
• Jan – Aug 2024 = 9 transfers registered thus far
RESALE VALUES
• Calendar year2020 R3 million average selling price (approx.)
• Calendar year2024 R6 million average selling price (approx.)
Upcoming Events
Spring weather is fast approaching and we look forward to an increased volume of functions and events as the days get warmer and
longer. Some of our events to look forward to and coming up between now and the end of the year are as follows.
• 14 September 2024 Heritage Day
• 19 October 2024 Oktoberfest
• 15 November 2024 Wine Safari
• 6 December 2024 Christmas Tree Event + Carols
There are a host of functions being planned as well so please look out for weekly notices in your emails and on the Glovent app. Regular Friday food trucks will be back, boules court league to be organised, midweek functions and the bar will be open later in the evenings.
In addition the Lifestyle Centre will continue to be open on special sporting occasions where South Africa is represented - rugby tests, MMA fights, cricket and other sports events of interest to our residents.
Long Service Awards
We have a number of staff who have previously celebrated 10 and 15 years of duty to the estate and we celebrate these achievements with them. We usually hand out long service awards during the end of year function for our staff and this year we will be celebrating 10 years of continuous service with the following loyal staff.
• Cecilia Alexander Lifestyle
• Rodney April Maintenance
• Stacy Botes HOA Office
The Future
As support for the new Estate Manager, I will certainly make myself available to provide any support and assistance during and after the handover period. I am a resident on the estate and intend to stay so for the foreseeable future so will certainly be available to offer advice should any such advice be sought. As a long term resident I am still passionate about CVE and wish to see our beautiful estate flourish and prosper and remain the most sought after estate in this area. This can only be good for retaining and growing resale values for our homeowners.
As I pen my final newsletter as Estate Manager, I am filled with a mix of emotions - sadness to be leaving behind a role I have loved, but also excitement for the new chapter that lies ahead. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your support, collaboration, and friendship over the years. It has been an absolute privilege to serve this community, and I will always treasure the memories and experiences we have shared. I wish you all the very best for the future, and I have no doubt that the estate will continue to thrive under new leadership.
Farewell, and thank you again
Chris Liddicoat
NEW HOMEOWNERS
There has been one transfer since the June quarterly newsletter, however there are two transfers currently in process, with one property having been the subject of a “non-distressed” auction.
This is an exciting new concept which has proved extremely successful and obtained R1.5m above the reserve price, without even going to auction!
Should you wish to know more, please contact Stacy at admin@croydon-estate.co.za
Welcome to the Bennett family who have purchased 46 Capricorn Close and currently live abroad! We look forward to welcoming Mike, Liddell, Arianna and Bejanka in ± 18 months when they anticipate taking occupation.
PRUNING SEASON IS HERE
WRITTEN BY CHARL LOUW
With spring being around the corner, the annual pruning of the vineyards is under way. We recently held a pruning session for the residents with our vineyard consultant Gert from Vinpro. Although the weather was a bit chilly it was worth the wealth of information our consultant could share.
to channel vigour into a certain aspect of the plant. In the case of vineyards, it is to produce healthy grapes for wine and to ease the harvesting of the grapes.
What would happen if the vines aren’t pruned?
You would still get growth, but because a grapevine tends to grow from its furthest points, it would be hard to manage, and the yield of the grapes would be impacted greatly.
The staff also tried their hand at pruning in a less structured environment with Oom Ben and Charl offering advice and guidance.
Why do we prune?
Pruning is done to promote growth and
Are all vines pruned the same?
No, there are various factors, such as age, vigour, variety, that determine how a vine must be pruned and can differ from one vine to the next.
How high do we prune the vines?
It is pruned between 2cm to 4cm from the spur, and depending on bud spacing. We usually leave two buds on our vines, these two will become shoots that will ideally produce two grape clusters each. Top fact of the day:
Grapes bear fruit on the green shoots that arise from one-year-old canes. Pruning is based on producing fruit in the current season and renewing young canes for the next year. The old canes that produce fruit this season will not produce again.
Toni-Lee Van Niekerk
Ev ENTS
C Al ENDAR
Record Breaking Rainfall in the Western Cape
Despite a delayed start to the rainfall season, the City of Cape Town’s overall rainfall in July 2024 has achieved new records since 1960.
In a statement issued on 26 August 2024, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) noted that a series of cold fronts that hit the southwestern parts of the country in early July not only brought on cold conditions, gusty winds and snowfall but also saw new rainfall records broken.
This notable total not only exceeded the historical average, but it is also the highest monthly rainfall recorded for July since comprehensive records began in 1960.
The Newlands station, a notoriously wet region in Cape Town, received more than 500 mm of rain for July 2024.
Snow Report SA’s social media pages reported snowfall on Table Mountain on
Wednesday, 28 August. Did you catch a glimpse?
Temperatures remain cold as spring struggles to break through.
The six major dams in the Western Cape are all at over 100% of capacity at present.
Meanwhile, the Table Mountain aerial cableway is currently closed for maintenance, but is expected to reopen on 2 September 2024. Weather conditions created precautionary work outside the Estate, as can be seen on Friday, 5 July with the Landscaping staff clearing the channel along Kramat Road to avoid any blockages.
A FUN FACT ….
Our Assistant Maintenance Manager, Charl, has a new hobby. In lieu of a planned trip overseas next year, Charl has obtained his open water scuba diving certificate!
He shares some of his experience with us:
• The Cape waters are indeed very… very cold.
• He hasn’t seen a big shark yet, and hopefully won’t.
• Always dive with a buddy, especially if you see that shark.
• Fitness is important, be sure you can swim faster than your buddy.
• Everything looks bigger underwater, especially sharks.
• Health and safety is very important, it is hard to sneeze underwater.
• There is a whole world and an abundance of life down there, from bamboo forests to seagrass fields.
• It is a great experience and highly recommended to any adventurous spirit. We look forward to hearing about your trip in due time, Charl! 15
