the Muse - Aug 2019 by the Muse magazine by Pinelands Directory

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PINELANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE issue

98 | Aug 2019

Pinelanders in the Cape Horticultural Society WATERBLOMMETJIE Nina BREDIE Timm

QUIRIMBA Community ISLAND Travellers

BUTTERFLY Out and WORLD About

Paediatric vision • Binocular vision • Age related disorders • Pathology screening • Contact lens fitting • Retinal photography

SECOND PAIR FREE

PROMOTIONS GET A FREE PAIR OF OFFICE LENSES TO THE VALUE OF R3 500

GET A FREE PAIR OF XPERIO® POLARISED SINGLE VISION LENSES

when you purchase a complete pair of spectacles with Varifocal lenses with Crizal® or Transitions™.

when you purchase a complete pair of spectacles with Crizal® Drive lenses.

Shop G62, Ground Floor PHONE: 021 531 1953 Howard Centre, Pinelands pinelands@mckennascott.com www.mckennascott.com DON’T FORGET... THE MCKENNA & SCOTT ROAD RACE 2019 10km Road Race • 5km Fun Run • 5km Walk For the whole family • 2000 Medals and lucky draw prizes SUNDAY 4 AUGUST 2019 • LOWER OVAL, PINELANDS Donation to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital

WELCOME About the cover: The genus Oxalis purpurea is pre the Gondwana split and now occurs worldwide from the Americas to Asia, Europe and Australasia as well as many species in South Africa. The SA species are true bulbs and propagate that way rather than by seed. Our pink Oxalis purpurea occurs from Namaqualand to Caledon. The colour of the flowers vary from the common pink to salmon, rose to white. Oxalis are one of the genera that botanists at Stellenbosch are very interested in and identification often relies on microscopic details. Text by Jenny Scarr. See article page 10 on the Cape Horticultural Society.

WE NEED CELEBRATIONS IN OUR LIVES

Fork-Tailed Drongo

This past month we enjoyed a rash of birthday gatherings. It set me wondering why we place so much importance on the traditions around occasions like birthdays, Christmas, graduations, weddings, funerals and accomplishments.

This all black bird, slightly smaller than the Red wing Starling, was until recently quite uncommon in the Cape Town area. In the past couple of years they have started moving in and are now often seen on the Constantia Green belt and Tokai Forest. The Fork-Tailed Drongo is uniformly black with a forked tail and a bright red eye. They are excellent mimics and often copy the Pearl Spotted Owlet, cats and predatory animals. They are known to mimic the alarm calls of Meerkats to make them drop their prey. They are quite fearless and frequently harass raptors up to the size of Fish Eagles. They generally occur singularly or in pairs.

Much of life is a jumbled flow of many small moments and unimportant fleeting events… the everyday humdrum, which does not adequately represent our own humanity. Having little emotional or practical value, our memories do not hold onto them so we tend to 'leak' a lot of our own personal history. That's why I think we need to properly celebrate events of value and significance whenever we can to mark the passing of time in our lives and create a time capsule that we can place on the shelf in our emotional storehouse. Nothing aids the memory better than a gathering or party around the event when we share it with other people. The photos, selfies, videos, champagne, dancing and common traditions like candles, birthday cakes and singing silly songs add an emotional hook which helps to cement the memory so we can keep on reliving and drawing on it. Celebrating often, like this, places prominent flags in our memory to make a richer recording of our humanity for ourselves. There are other benefits as well. Gatherings, whether happy or sad, bring us closer together as friends and family as we have more shared experiences from which to better understand and appreciate each other. They are also a much needed chance to have a bit of fun and laughter and keep our inner child alive with a temporary licence to be a little silly and let our spirit and character really hang out. As older and younger generations share the traditional celebrations and rituals in the course of our lives, it prepares us for what lies ahead in our futures and lets us recall, relive and recount our own similar earlier experience of the occasion. They help us to understand and enjoy our place on the circle of life. So, that's why I think we need much celebration in our life. Enjoy the edition!

Max Schutte Editor and Advertising

Writer and Photographer

Max Schutte

Glynnis Schutte

CONTACT THE MUSE MAGAZINE t 021 531 3324 c 073 644 1288 e muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za p The Muse, 12 Rhone, Pinelands, 7405 NEXT EDITION DEADLINES 099 • Sept 2019 Bookings: 12 Aug Published: 27 Aug 2019 Content: 16 Aug

View the Rate Card on our website: www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

for advertising details, deadlines, artwork requirements, circulation information and publication schedules. Your news, photographs and stories can be submitted to The Muse Magazine by email at muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. The Muse reserves the right to select articles for inclusion and to make alterations to submitted contributions.

© Copyright reserved. All editorial content and graphics are copyright and may not be copied, republished or re-used without the express permission of The Muse Magazine, which reserves all rights. Parts of this publication may also be subject to separate copyright by other parties.

August 2019 | the muse | 1

Text: John McFarlane, Pinewood Village resident. John has been a keen birder for more than 30 years, and is a long time member of the Cape Bird Club. See www.capebirdclub.org.za.

BUYING SELLING LETTING PINELANDS, THORNTON and surrounding areas

Gavin McDougall 061 076 1481 We strive to be good to all, and good at what we do! Contact us for a free CMA valuation www.opendoorproperties.co.za info@opendoorproperties.co.za

BREAKFASTS LUNCHES FROZEN MEALS August Special

BEEF BURGER Only R25.00 was R29.90

TRY OUR TRAMEZZINI with a choice of fillings Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5pm

FREE WIFI Saturday: 8:00am - 1pm Millside Park, Morningside, Ndabeni Free deliveries from 9am - 3pm • Mon - Fri 021 531 6398 | 082 926 1361 for orders over R40 www.goodys.capetown to surrounding areas

Tony’s

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2019/07/22

I will offer you cash for any of these items:

GOLD (even scrap gold) remember when you lost that

earring and buried the other in your jewellery box? SILVER from scrap jewellery to silver teasets MEDALS Boer War, WW1, WW2 inc badges & buttons. COINS remember the old tickey, sixpence, shilling, 5 shilling and R1 coin from the 60’s? POSTCARDS up to 1945 (1900-1920 are best) CUPS & SAUCERS duos & trios (plate, cup & saucer) OLD TOYS Schuco, Dinky, Meccano etc. FOUNTAIN PENS, PEN-KNIVES Yes, I buy AND EVEN BROKEN WATCHES them too!

Call me… my number is 083 775 00 55 … you stand to earn some cash for those old trinkets, bits & pieces that no longer serve you.

email: destony@telkomsa.net

C A N N O N S C R EEK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Friday 2 August 2019

CANNONS CREEK COMMUNITY FOOD AND WINE FAIR

TREASURES

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

20/01/2016

PRESENTS

A Community Food and Wine Fair

This community event will take place at 2:58 PM the school from 6pm to 10pm. There will be food, cold-drinks and craft beer on sale. Wine-tasting will be available. Entry: free. Email cannonsevents@gmail.com.

Sunday 4 August 2019

MCKENNA & SCOTT ROAD RACE

Starting at 7:30 at the lower Oval, Pinelands Athletic Club. There are medals and lucky draws for 10km runners, 5km fun runners and 5km walkers.

Saturday 10 & 31 Aug 2019 KAROO ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY (KAPS) MARKET

Support the KAPS market table at SASNEV, 4 Central Square, Pinelands from 9am-1pm. Call Gloria 083 450 2782 - donations welcome.

Wed 21 August 2019 PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB @PINELANDS LIBRARY

Join the book club for adults from 10:30am to 11:30am on the 3rd Wednesday of every month in the Library Hall for a book chat. 10:25 PM month Joanne Hichens, South African This Crime Fiction writer, will be the keynote speaker. For more information, call Verna or Lauren at the library on 021 530 7160.

Thurs 22 August 2019 WESTERN CAPE BLOOD SERVICE

Donate blood at St Stephens Church Main Hall, Central Square, Pinelands between 3pm and 7:15pm. Usually takes 30 minutes. Eat a balanced meal four hours beforehand. Call 021 507 6300.

Fridays

STORY TIME @PINELANDS LIBRARY

Come to the Kid's Zone from 1:30pm to 2:15pm every Friday for Storytime. Suitable for children from 2 years.

Saturday 24 August 2019

PINEWOOD VILLAGE CRAFT MARKET

The residents of Pinewood Village are having a craft market from 9am to 12pm. The articles are made by the villagers themselves. Contact: Judy Mollison 0824595487.

Wed 28 August 2019 STEEL MAGNOLIAS

The monthly cancer support group for ladies meets at 7pm at 20 Peak Drive. Call Catherine 021 531 3963.

Wed 28 August 2019 PINELANDS STAMP CIRCLE

Meet in the Activities Hall, Pinelands Library at 7:15pm. This is an All-members "Postmark" show and tell evening, along with the Garden City Trophy competition and the Beginner's competition. The results of the Treasure Hunt will also be revealed. Call Martin 021 689 5050.

Saturday 31 August 2019 ANNUAL PLANT SALE

Cape Horticultural Society members have grown a wide range of indigenous and exotic shrubs, trees, bulbs, perennials, annuals - as well as a limited number of interesting and unusual plants. Come to the plant sale at 11 Sonnet Quay, Marina da Gama (off St George’s Drive), from 9:30am to 2pm. Call Melanie 021 788 2840 / 082 550 2618.

Wed 4 September 2019

HAPPY HOUR @PINELANDS LIBRARY

Join the Pinelands Library social group for adults in the Pinelands Library Hall at 10am for Book Chat. T he topic is 'Addiction'. Call 021 530 7160.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! email muse@pinelandsdirectory.co.za. Date: Friday 2 August 2019 Time: 18h00 to 22h00 Venue: Cannons Creek, 2 Nursery Way, Pinelands Entry: Free Email: cannonsevents@gmail.com

Send content for the September 2019 edition by 16 Aug 2019. R130 ensures placement in the calendar.

August 2019 | the muse | 2

This Winter, thousands of people will need your help.

Winter

Many of those less fortunate will face the harsh reality of the South African Winter with inadequate shelter or warm clothing.

warmer

Pinelands *R26 000pm

S BY OL U D S

Pinelands *R3.325m

Pinelands *R2.995m

Pinelands *R4.795m

Pinelands *R2.795m

ER D R N FE U F O

Pinelands *R11 000pm

Pinelands *R10 500pm

BY LE T U S

Pinelands *R1.050m

Pinelands *R3.750m

BY LE T U S

S BY OL U D S

Pinelands *R6.495m

If you have any unused clothing or blankets, please think of donating it to those who need it most by dropping it off at our Seeff Pinelands branch and we will forward it to various shelters and charities.

BY LE T U S

S BY OL U D S

drive

Pinelands *R8 500pm *Asking price

If you are thinking about selling or letting, call us a for a FREE no obligation valuation. We would love to assist you with all your property needs.

Pauline Pat Julie Kathy Robyn Joy Hareb Peat Meyer Anderson Meyer Mitchell Sales Manager Sales Sales Sales Rentals Sales 082 490 0344 083 290 1331 083 288 8481 083 987 7673 078 359 0354 076 459 4312

Expertise Built Through Generations of Trust

Ground Floor︱Howard Centre︱Pinelands︱Phone: 021 531 7507︱pinelands@seeff.com ︱

SeeffPinelands

COMMUNITY NEWS

NEW STORE NOW OPEN IN MAITLAND

Bring this advert to claim your pawsome Only redeemable at Maitland branch until 15 September 2019.

15% DISCOUNT!

Not Including goods already on special and not for OTC medicinal goods.

We sell a variety of top quality food brands and accessories for your dogs, cats, small pets and even birds. Quality products at competitive prices without compromising on our service. Our animal loving, knowledgeable staff is on hand to advise and assist you.

Pets4Life Maitland Unit 23 Gateway Park Berkley Road Maitland

PINELANDS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH August is celebrated as Women’s month. PNW has embraced this initiative for the last few years. One of the focus areas during Women’s month is the ‘keep a girl child in school’ idea. The aim is to ensure that no young lady has to skip school because she doesn’t have the finances to buy the necessary sanitary protection. The Pinelands community have been very generous in donating to this worthy cause. Donations are distributed to local schools, where the need is greater than we may realise. PNW also makes packs for the SAPS Victim Support team for emergency supplies in the event of a woman falling victim to crime and needing very necessary basic supplies. Pinelands Neighbourhood Watch is appealing to all Pinelanders to support their Women's month initiative initiative. All donations can be dropped off at Pizzeria Villagio in the Howard Centre from 1 August until 31 August. Thank you to Sandra and her team for their support. Any sanitary or health products will be appreciated. Some boys at the schools benefit from a soap, toothpaste and toothbrush kit. PNW is very grateful for the support behind this drive. Call info@pinelandsnw.co.za or chairman@pinelandsnw.co.za to arrange for collection. WHITE LIGHT PATROLS On another note - please diarise the following dates for scheduled White Light patrols for this year: 30 August; 25 October; 20 December; 28 February. There will be coffee at the end of each patrol. Members will be reminded closer to the time. Patrols will start at 7:30pm. For a white light patrol the patrollers with white lights, SAPS with their blue lights and ADT and Zonewatch with their roof lights patrol in convoy through Pinelands. Often older folk or families who don’t normally like to patrol alone, join in the white light patrol as it’s a controlled drive through Pinelands.

THANK YOU

Finally, a big thank you to sponsors who add to birthday cheer for SAPS staff by contributing to the birthday chocolates. The breakfast vouchers from Good Food Café @ Merrypak – are always a massive hit. Thank you!

Right: Constable Lindanathi Sikhakhane Known to PNW members as SK.

021 286 6868 info@pets4life.co.za pets4life.co.za @pets4life_za

www.pets4life.co.za

August 2019 | the muse | 4

We’re Real about Real Estate

COMMUNITY NEWS

Third Paul Harris Fellowship Award FOR ROTARIAN BRIAN SMART Pinelands resident, Brian Smart was recently awarded his third Paul Harris Fellowship Award by the Rotary Club of Newlands in recognition of his work among youth in the Khayelitsha community. Brian is a member of the Pinelands Rotary club and has been working in Khayelitsha for over 20 years. He has been instrumental in launching InterAct and EarlyAct community service clubs in local schools as well as supporting and driving library projects, ensuring that learners have access to learning and reading material.

PROPERTI ES PINELANDS, THORNTON MAITLAND, KENSINGTON

Chris Crous Sales & Principal 082 410 5559

Trish Rix Rentals 078 038 2337

SOLD

Sharon Mangwende was officially inducted as the Lions President of the Lions Club of Cape Town on 22nd June at a sparkling affair at the Goodwood Sports Club. Lions members and guests enjoyed a three course meal and were entertained to live music. Lions Club members are dedicated to serving their communities. To join or for more information contact pinelandslions@gmail.com or see their faceboook page.

www.jawitz.co.za

Central Square Pinelands

We Offer: The right tenants Management | Tenant Placements Maintenance | Inspections Secure rental payments

PINELANDS | * R2 795 000

THE LIONS CLUB OF CAPE TOWN WELCOMES PRESIDENT ELECT SHARON MANGWENDE

021 531 0773

HASSLE FREE LETTING

SOLD

Pictured above is Brian Smart alongside Past President of Newlands Rotary (2018-2019), Jenny Howard.

* asking prices

Marion O’Gorman Rentals 076 588 0422

Roger Lawrence Sales & Owner 082 895 2719

SOLD

PINELANDS | * R2 750 000

SOLD

PINELANDS | * R3 795 000

THORNTON | * R2 795 000

FOR SALE

THORNTON | * R2 700 000

THORNTON | * R2 450 000

TO RENT

PINELANDS | * R19 500 pm

TO RENT

THORNTON | * R16 000 pm

Buying, Selling or Renting? Contact us today! Qualified Tenant Database and Profile | Network Affiliation Maintenance | Council Accounts Collection | Legal Process Expertise

Above from left: Outgoing President Janine Filmer, newly elected President Sharon Mangwende; Master of Ceremonies Wolsley Jacobson and District Governor Geila Wills.

August 2019 | the muse | 5

JAWITZ PINELANDS celebrated Mandela Day by providing soup to 100 elderly folk at The Kensington Home for the Aged. Follow us on Facebook at Jawitz Properties Pinelands

DENNEHOF DENTISTRY Dr M Bassier Dr A. Sedick BChD (U.W.C)

WHITENING

SPECIAL R1 000

BChD (U.W.C)

includes consult, cleaning and one 20min whitening session

COMMUNITY NEWS

August 2019 | the muse | 6

FIVE YEAR OLD ALEX STEVENS WINS GOLD AT SABOD

OPEN SEVEN MON - FRI SAT & SUN DAYS A WEEK 9am - 6pm 9am - 1pm Suite 14, Dennehof Centre 29 Sipres Avenue, Thornton 021 534 0830 • 021 534 1150 • 081 2527 358

www.coincidental.co.za

Doctor

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Above: At the Club Grades Competition at Grand West Ice Rink left: Logan Stevens with her sister right: Alex Stevens.

Dr Louise Wigens Encouraged by her dance teacher "teacher Vee" from the The Rhythm Factory, Alex entered her first Hip Hop competition held at the CTICC on the 16th June 2019. At five years old Alex was the youngest entrant in her age group (under 7) at the South Africa Body of Dance (SABOD) competition. Proud mother Simone Stevens did not expect a placing for Alex but hoped the experience would be good exposure for

MEDICAL AID RATES Phone for an appointment

021 531 4111

Mutual Park, Pinelands HOURS West End Medical Suite Mon - Fri First Floor - in the mall 08:30 - 17:00 drsreception@telkomsa.net www.westendmedicalsuite.co.za

HelenKeller

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S O C I E T Y

E S T. 1 9 5 8

Retirement Centre and Low Vision Community Services

her to see other dance schools and dancers perform. "Alex danced and danced a few more times, and had so much fun on that stage. We were pleasantly surprised when they called her number to take 1st place on the podium. The crowd roared and we all shouted and applauded her... Proud moments. She simply loves dancing and dances anywhere and every time she hears music. "

FIGURE SKATING AT GRAND WEST

A week prior, Alex and her sister Logan competed in their figure skating club grades competition at Grand West ice rink. Alex was awarded a gold medal and placed 1st in her grade, Pre-beginner level 3.

Retirement Centre Community Services Resource Centre Low Vision Services Full Nursing in Care Centre (temporary or permanent) Assisted Living in Home & Askew Suites Independent Living in Cottages OPEN AFTERNOON FOR VIEWING every 3rd Tuesday in the month at 3pm Services and viewing by appointment only

2A Links Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405 Private Bag X25, Howard Place, 7450 Phone +27 21 531 5311 Fax +27 21 531 5358 E-mail management@helenkeller.org.za Web www.helenkeller.org.za

August 2019 | the muse | 7

OUT AND ABOUT

The Animal Sanctuary @ Butterfly World Caring for many exotic birds, animals, reptiles and spiders, the Animal Sanctuary at Butterfly World has a huge task on their hands. We visited during winter and although most of the butterflies were not active due to the cold weather we were pleasantly surprised to see how the place has grown since we were last there. The gardens outside have a number of gazebos where one can enjoy a picnic (food has to be bought at Butterfly world) while the children explore the enclosures where they will find meerkats, monkeys, an owl, a blue duiker, marmoset monkeys, many birds and a very shy arctic fox. The overwhelming cry from the sanctuary is to beseech members of the public not to buy exotic animals as pets. Their lack of domestication leads to many problems and dangers - and ultimately the animals have

to be homed in a sanctuary because they cannot live successfully in their natural habitat. Indoors we visited the spider and scorpion house - all safely behind glass (hopefully). There are a few lemurs, more easily seen from the restaurant side of the enclosure; iguanas, snakes, terapins, a greysbokkie, many parrots and some albino hedgehogs (illegal to keep as pets). The place is a great educational experience for children and poses some challenges for keen photographers, especially when the humidity becomes a problem. Open 7 days a week but not on Christmas day, from 9am to 5 pm. For prices see the website at www.butterflyworld.co.za. Call 021 875 5628. The park is situated on the R44 - shortly after the exit from the N1. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast before visiting Butterfly World. Right next door is Villa Visaggio - a licensed restaurant and event venue with tables inside and outside. Open: 9 am to 10pm. Call 066 224 5181.

FRAMING PLACE

46 Lower Main Road Observatory 021 447 3988 021 447 1538

info@framingplace.co.za

With unwavering commitment to quality and timeous delivery OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Custom colour wood frames • Conservation framing • Stretcher frames • Framing of objects, art, mirrors and prints

www.framingplace.co.za

C A NNONS C REEK

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

UGUST G FRIDAY 23 A OPEN MORNIN 00 H 09H00 TO 11

ADMISSION TO GRADE RR 2020 If your child is turning 5 during 2020, he or she could be enrolled at Cannons Creek in January 2020 subject to an assessment this year. As our two Grade RR classes generally proceed to Grade R, there is less chance of Admission to Grade R each year and therefore it is advisable to consider enrollment in Grade RR. You are warmly invited to attend our Open Morning on 23 August 2019 with a view to book an assessment on Saturday 24 August 2019 between 09h00 and 11h00.

August 2019 | the muse | 7

www.cannonscreek.co.za

2019/07/2

August 2019 | the muse | 8

COMMUNITY NEWS

ENTERTAINING TALENT SHOW AT PINEWOOD VILLAGE

Pinewood Village hosted its annual Pinewoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent show on 10 July 2019. The capacity crowd was treated to various items by residents and staff. They competed in various categories:

Spoken Word; Instrumental and Acting. The Administration Staff entertained the audience with their percussion band, playing two well-known nursery songs.

Pinewood Village staff at the Talent Contest. The Percussion Band from Duckling Primary School, singing Ba Ba black sheep and Twinkle Twinkle little star. Back row from left to right: Yvonne Ellis, Pieter Janse Van Rensburg and Olivia Muchapondwa. Front row: Roshan Edries, Dianne Hancock and Sue de Villiers.

August 2019 | the muse | 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

PINEHURST TENNIS PLAYER PLAYS IN EUROPE Maggie Krieg, a Grade 5 learner at Pinehurst Primary, travelled to Europe during the school holidays as a member of the Cape Town Tennis team (formerly known as the Western Province Team). They practised in Budapest and gained valuable experience playing on clay courts. In their first tournament, in Bratislava in Slovakia, Maggie was placed in joint third place. Their second tournament took place in Lanzhot in the Czech Republic where they came up against stiff competition, but Maggie won all her matches - two singles and one double. The contingent from Cape Town Tennis lost the first round of singles 5-7, but won the second round of singles 7-5. The overall first and second single places went to the Czechs. They ended the tour off in Prague in an informal doubles internal tournament at a beautiful tennis court overlooking the city.

From left: Lucy Walker, Ella Molema and Lia Molema

PINEHURST GYMNASTS EXCEL Several Pinehurst learners took part in the Cape Town District Gymnastics Championships during the June school holidays. In Rhythmic Gymnastics, Ella Molema came first in her U13 age group at Level 5 and Lucy Walker, competing at Level 6, was placed first in the U11 age group. Both girls will go on to participate in the Western

Province Championships in Saldanha Bay in August to qualify for the team going to Nationals in September. We wish them both the very best. Lia Molema (level 1) received a silver medal at Cape Town District Champs for Artistic Gymnastics and a bronze medal at Western Cape Champs in the U8 age category.

PINEHURST HOCKEY PLAYERS AT PSI NATIONALS Pinehurst Primary School is proud of the hockey players who were selected to play for the Cape teams at the PSI Nationals Indoor Hockey tournament held in Cape Town in June. Lucy Walker played for the U11 Zone B team, called the Sharks, and Rebecca Loggenberg played for the Zone C team of the U12s, the Sunbirds. Congratulations to Adam Gibbon and Zach Redfern and their U12 Zone A Seals team-mates who were unbeaten and won gold. Congratulations also to Joel Widan and his U11 Seals team-mates who placed third, winning a bronze medal. The players thoroughly enjoyed the tournament. From left to right: Joel Widan, Adam Gibbon, Zach Redfern.

PINELANDS

R4 700 000

SOLE MANDATE CHARMING HOME / BnB

PINELANDS

R4 395 000

SOLE MANDATE 4 Beds • 4 Baths • 0 Gar

Showcasing 3 large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, huge lounge and dining area, industrial kitchen, reception, sun room, separate entrance cottage, pool, plus abundant parking. Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-1103

RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

3 HOMES - 1 ROOF

6 Beds • 4½ Baths • 2 Gar

1 x 1 bedroom home, 1 bathroom, 1 guest toilet & 1 x 2 bedroom home, 1 bathroom, 1 guest toilet and 1 x 3 bedroom home, 2 bathrooms, 1 guest toilet and double garage. All 3 homes have kitchen, lounge, fireplace and parking Cindy Sarandis 071 081 4413 • Web RXBS-1121 RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDS

R4 695 000

SOLE MANDATE LARGE HERITAGE HOME

4 Beds • 3 Baths • 2 Gar

Offering 4 bedrroms, 2 lounges and a braai room with double garage, deck and pool. Conveniently located at the Vincent Pallotti entrance of Pinelands for easy city access. Marlett Cuyler 082 514 4402 • Web RXBS-1008 RE/MAX Property Associates: 021 531 4477

PINELANDERS

Pinelanders enjoy the Cape Horticultural Society Pinelanders serving on the Cape Horticultural Committee: From left: Glenda Thorpe - Secretary, Errol Scarr - Chairman, Jenny Scarr - Speaker Convenor.

The Cape Horticultural Society is older than Kirstenbosch Gardens and this year celebrates their 114th year in existence. The society which meets at the Athenaeum on Monday evenings has approximately 200 members – some of which are Pinelanders – keen gardeners and lovers of nature. Originally established to provide education and knowledge on the cultivation of plants the Cape Horticultural Society (CHS) provides an outlet for amateur and professional gardeners in the form of regular meetings where there are interesting speakers, plant tables with various exhibits for identification or sale; and monthly garden visits to interesting gardens. The CHS also enjoys affiliation with international Horticultural Societies situated in other Mediterranean climates, such as France, Portugal, Margaret River in Western Australia, Chile, San Francisco and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. An association in the UK is also part of this group because of their love of plants. This group is called Mediterranean Gardening International (MGi). In August/September 2020 the CHS looks forward to hosting an

www.pinelandsdirectory.co.za

International Conference in Cape Town for members of MGi.

ERROL SCARR –CHAIRMAN OF CHS

Pinelander, Errol Scarr, is the current chairperson of the CHS. Born in Port Elizabeth he matriculated in 1959 and developed a keen interest in gardening after helping his mother with numerous flower shows. Following his passion for a career in horticulture, he firstly trained in the Port Elizabeth Parks Department. After National Service in the Navy he secured a place at Kew Gardens on their three-year Diploma in Horticulture course. He met his wife Jenny who also went to study at Kew. She was from Hertfordshire where she trained at Oaklands College of Horticulture for two years. In 1967 Errol convinced Jenny to emigrate to South Africa with him. Errol landed a job with Parks and Recreation in

Durban, while Jenny became a lecturer at the University of Technology. Commenting on living in Durban Jenny says "It was like Kew without the glass”. After 32 years Errol retired from the Parks Department after having been the Director of Parks and Recreation for 20 years. Leaving 2,000 staff behind, he and Jenny went back to his hometown of Port Elizabeth, where they bought a smallholding which they developed for four years growing vegetables and fruit.

SETTLING IN PINELANDS

In 2006 Jenny and Errol moved to Pinelands to be nearer their young grandchildren as their daughter had married a Pinelander. In 2007 they joined the Cape Horticultural Society and discovered a very different world of plants in the Western Cape compared to the Eastern Cape and Europe.

August 2019 | the muse | 10

Above: Pinelands members of the Cape Horticultural Society displaying some plant examples from their gardens. From left: Glenda Thorpe is sporting a bunch of Restionaceae (Elegia tectorum). Jean Sleigh – Lachenalia bulbifera. Hanne Christensen and Keith Breetzke – Poinsettia. Pat Pells – yellow Clivia. Andrew Thorpe – Hypoestes aristata. Errol Scarr – Strelitzia reginae and Jenny Scarr – Lachenalia bulbifera. For the first time they became acquainted with the numerous bulbous plants that grow in the Western and Northern Cape and were committee members of IBSA (Indigenous Bulb Association of South Africa) which meets regularly in Pinelands. Learning to live with the drought and very sandy soil of Pinelands has brought many challenges and learning experiences to the Cape Horticultural Society members.

ENJOYING THE COUNTRYSIDE

Jenny and Errol enjoy travelling and experiencing different plant biomes. Making good use of their campervan they have toured widely to Namibia and Etosha, Chobe, Namaqualand and the Roggeveld and Kgalagadi. Reporting on their most recent trip to the Kgalagadi they say it was very dry and there were very few birds. One of their favourite places is the Meerkat Sanctuary at Kalahari Trails. In spring their trips will include visits to Tankwa Karoo for the flower season.

MGI CONFERENCE

Errol looks forward to hosting the Aug/Sept 2020 Mediterranean Gardens International conference, featuring “Plants that South Africa has given the world.” Before the conference, participants will explore nature in Namaqualand. Afterwards there will be a trip to the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust where much work is under way conserving endangered habitats.

August 2019 | the muse | 11

Pat Pells has been a Cape Horticultural Society member since the early 1970's and served on the committee from 1979 – 1987. She has a wealth of information to share with fellow gardeners. Andrew and Glenda Thorpe have been members since 1997. Errol and Jenny Scarr have been members for 12 years. Keith Breetzke joined 10 years ago and Hanne Christensen came along about 3 or 4 years ago. Jean Sleigh joined 2 years ago. The society is working on the modernisation of their website and sharing information via social media.

AN IDEA FOR PINELANDS?

Jenny would love to see businesses combining their advertising spend on a community project such as beautifying the traffic circles and sidewalks of Pinelands. In Britain a business "adopts" an area and makes sure it is well maintained and well planted. A small sign advertising the business can be placed nearby.

GLENDA THORPE–CHS SECRETARY

The CHS secretary Glenda Thorpe, also a long time Pinelander, says the society does not only concentrate on the technical aspect of gardening but highlights the pleasure from propagating and growing both indigenous and exotic plants. Keen gardeners are aware of the need for nutrient rich soils, but chemicals are avoided as much as possible. Waterwise gardening is a popular topic, and the members express an interest in the use and possible ill effects of overusing groundwater. Glenda joined the CHS in 1997 and has been instrumental, with an excellent committee, in organising many of the annual flowers shows from 1999 to 2014. She is responsible for maintaining the CHS website along with and a facebook page (with help), providing an interactive experience for the younger generation.

ANNUAL PLANT SALE

The next event being prepared is the

annual Plant Sale which will be at 11 Sonnet Quay, Marina da Gama on 31st August from 9:30am to 2pm. Plants are provided by society members and the funds raised are put towards the club’s various charitable activities. Errol expands on the projects they support as an organisation: 1. An annual prize for the top CPUT Horticultural students. 2. Organising transport of primary school children from disadvantaged areas to the Gold Fields Environmental Education Centre in Kirstenbosch Gardens. 3. Helping during the flood crisis at The Harold Porter Nature Reserve National Botanical Garden. 4. Being instrumental in the formation of "Friends of the Arderne Gardens" and labelling the trees at Arderne Gardens as a centenary project. 5. Supplying soil and plants to community gardens. For more information email Glenda at: info@capehorticulturalsociety.co.za. See www.capehorticulturalsociety.co.za. Try the Monday evening meeting at The Athenaeum, off Campground Road next to WPCC in Newlands. Non-members pay R30 which includes tea and biscuits and entry to the raffle. Plants and seeds are on sale at the meetings. The talk on 5th August 2019 will be by Morné Faulhamer on the 2019 SA Landscaping Institute’s winning gardens. 

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August 2019 | the muse | 12

Shukri Wiener - PAC

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION A THEATRE TREAT TO SEE GREASE

PINELANDS ATHLETIC CLUB FOR RUNNING and FIELD AND TRACK EVENTS The Pinelands Athletic Club established in August 1937 has a busy anniversary month organising the annual 10km road race and 5 km fun run on Sunday 4 August 2019. The title sponsor is McKenna & Scott Exclusive Optometrists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Howard Centre Pinelands. Pinelands Athletic Club will donate R2.00 of every entry received to the Red Cross War Memorial Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. The start and finish are at the Lower Oval in Pinelands with the route running through certain streets in Pinelands. About 2000 runners are expected from the various running clubs in the Cape. Casual runners/walkers are welcome. For more information see www.pinelandsathleticclub.co.za or email jamesmk@iburst.co.za. For a good story on the "Heavy Metal Guys" - a group of masters athletes from Pinelands Athletics club who excel in the track events such as shot put and discus see page 16 of this edition. Seen above is Shukri Wiener - also a member of the "Heavy Metal Guys". He represents Pinelands Athletic Club in Javelin and all five Throws Pentathlon events.

In celebration of Mother Ted's sixty-third birthday, some of 1st Pinelands Brownies, Guides and their Guide Hall Housekeeper, Mrs Nellie Malgas, attended the stellar matinee performance of Pinelands High School musical production "Grease" starring their multi-talented Pack Leader/ Lone Ranger Andelin Mbaki, on Saturday 20th July 2019. Great fun was had by all.

MONEY MATTERS

Creating and protecting your wealth

ABOUT OUR PRACTICE

By Sue Torr

Director Crue Invest

Nine reasons to engage the services of a financial planner In an age of DIY everything, it is easy to be convinced you can go-it-alone when it comes to financial planning. Being timepoor and information-overloaded are just two reasons why you should consider the services of a professional adviser.

investors to panic in times of volatility, the best course of action is often to do nothing at all. A good financial adviser will actively engage with you through times of market uncertainty and refocus you on your longterm goals.

SAVING YOU TIME

MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS

With thousands of financial products to choose from, financial services have become one of the most heavily regulated industries in South Africa. Financial planning covers a myriad of areas including risk protection, tax advice, local and offshore investing, estate structuring, retirement funding, financial management and medical aid. An independent adviser will be able to identify your needs, narrow down the available options and recommend solutions that are appropriate for you.

SAVING YOU MONEY

Many professional practices charge an upfront planning fee which covers the development costs of your plan, together with a fee charged as a percentage of assets under advice. Many firms negotiate favourable investment fees with selected asset managers, meaning you are able to invest more cost-effectively through the planning practice. In addition, an adviser can help you avoid making financial mistakes which cost you unnecessarily in the long-term.

HOLDING YOU TO ACCOUNT

Like your annual visit to the dentist, committing to meet annually with your financial adviser can be a big ask. A good adviser will insist on reviewing your financial plan every twelve months, and more regularly if circumstances dictate. Major life events such as marriage, a property purchase, change in employment, the birth of a child, divorce or retrenchment may necessitate more frequent meetings with your adviser in order to recalibrate your plan and re-set the course.

CONTROLLING YOUR EMOTIONS

As humans, we are programmed to identify problems and find solutions, whereas investing calls on us to respond somewhat differently. Although it is only natural for

August 2019 | the muse | 13

Making uninformed decisions can cost you dearly and derail your financial plan. With scams and corruption at an unprecedented high, a financial adviser plays an important role in helping you to research, assess and make informed decisions about how and where to invest.

UNDERSTANDING LEGAL INTRICACIES

Each area of financial planning has its own set of legal intricacies and complexities, including areas such as tax, contract, property, insurance and deceased estates. These are best navigated together with a qualified adviser, preferably one with the CFP® designation.

Crue Invest (Pty) Ltd was founded by husbandand-wife team, Sue and Craig Torr, in July 2004 as a niche, fee-based practice. Over the past 15 years, the company has grown organically and is now one of only 15 financial planning practices in South Africa to be accredited as an FPI Approved Professional Practice™. Providing advice on over R1 billion of invested assets, our team includes four Certified Financial Planning® professionals, two legal advisers and a team of administrative experts. All our financial planners are directors and shareholders in the business, meaning the company is 100% owner-managed. As a fiercely independent practice with no affiliation with any investment or insurance company, our aim is to develop life-long partnerships with clients to help them grow sustainable wealth and design legacies for their loved ones.

Come and have coffee with us. We’d love to help you plan.

Adv. SUE TORR MANAGING DIRECTOR (BA, LLB)

CRAIG TORR, CFP® ERIC JORDAAN, CFP® DIRECTOR (B.COMM)

DIRECTOR

(B.COMM, LLB, LLM, ADV. GRADUATE DIP. IN FINANCIAL PLANNING)

REDUCING YOUR TAX BURDEN

A key role of any financial adviser is to help you structure your financial portfolio in the most tax-efficient manner. By understanding legislated taxes and duties, your adviser will help you structure your estate optimally for your benefit and for the benefit of your heirs.

CINDY GORDON DEVON CARD, CFP®

ERIN WHITE

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR (B.COMM)

(ADV. CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL PLANNING)

GARETH COLLIER, CFP®

SHANEEZ BREDEKAMP

DOMINIQUE PADUA

(B.COMM)

DIRECTOR

MAKING IT PERSONAL

Personal financial management is the cornerstone of financial planning. Most financial advisers are able to provide clients with advanced budgeting, money management and debt reduction tools, together with advice on how to allocate expenses, cut costs and budget for mediumand long-term goals.

DIRECTOR (B.COMM)

OFFICE MANAGER

FINANCIAL PARA-PLANNER

SHANA PETERSEN

CHANTELLE POTGIETER

CORLENE BOTHA

HAVING A TRUSTED GUIDE

One of the greatest benefits of partnering with a financial adviser is teamwork. Having a trusted and well-informed partner to help you navigate the legal, financial and administrative complexities of the industry is comforting. As an independent and educated gauge, your adviser fulfils the important, and often indispensable, role of financial touchstone. 

HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT FINANCIAL HEALTHCARE (NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN PARA-PLANNER ADMINISTRATOR WEALTH MANAGEMENT)

Crue Invest (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial services provider regulated by the Financial Services Board, FSP No. 19025

CRUE HOUSE 5 Long Place, Pinelands phone • 021 530 8500 email • info@crue.co.za web • www.crue.co.za

August 2019 | the muse | 14

PRINCIPAL'S ARTICLE

By Ann Morton Principal Pinelands North Primary School (The Red School)

SCHOOL HISTORY

Have you ever thought about how valuable your memories of your schooling days are to the schools you attended? About ten years ago, while teaching grade two pupils about ‘autobiographies’ and how valuable they are for family oral history, I realised that I had not written mine, despite being asked to do so many times when I was at school. Because we spend so much time at school, our autobiographies involve many of our schooling memories too…. Don’t you remember wondering what your teachers did at night, all alone in their classrooms, waiting patiently until you returned in the morning? I certainly did!

YOUR SCHOOL MEMORIES

I decided to start writing my memories of my life after my mom died. I realised at that point that there were so many things I hadn’t asked her that I would have like to have known. She attended Pinelands Central School but I know nothing about her time at primary school. How did she get to school? What did she learn that was valuable to her in life later? What did she play on the playground? It would have been so valuable to the ‘Blue’ school if I could have given them this information.

CREATING ORAL HISTORY

Remember too that history is being created daily, so if you are parent of a child at one of our local schools, their daily living at home and school, is considered history tomorrow. Most families today seldom sit down at a table together to eat a meal. I

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therefore love setting homework for my pupils that involves something like this: Make an appointment with your family to have supper together, and then start a conversation about "…….." You could regularly initiate this as a parent at the dinner table yourself. Write their answers down for them afterwards to create their oral history for the time when they would appreciate it in life.

RECORDING THE STORY

I am currently writing the history of Pinelands North, and here are some pointers to the type of information a school would find valuable for their archives: Staff Who were the significant staff while you were there? What made them so important in your life? Subjects What subjects were taught and how did you react to the content taught? In hindsight, did what you learn at school have any bearing on your adult life? Intervals What games were played during break time? Were boys and girls segregated? How and why? What did you have in your lunchbox? Afternoon activities What sports or cultural activities were offered? What did you do and why? Did any of these activities make a difference in your life?

SCHOOLS IN PINELANDS

Interesting facts that I have discovered about the schools in Pinelands: • The Pinelands Primary School was the first school built in the suburb and it was known as Pinelands Central Primary School. The first principal was Herbert van den Hoven, affectionately known as ‘Padda’! • Pinelands North Primary was known as Pinelands Primary No 2, and was created in 1948 for the children from Pinelands Central living in the ‘north’ of the suburb! • Pinelands High School was built in 1952, and was first known as Pinelands Secondary! • In 1956 an Afrikaans medium school was built in the suburb: Laerskool Oudemolen, which was based on the grounds now occupied by Vista Nova High School. • Pinehurst Primary was opened in 1966, and known as Pinelands Extension 6 School! • Cannon’s Creek was started in 1997, after some teachers from Pinelands Primary and Pinelands North took the package offered in 1996. So, if you attended any of the schools in Pinelands particularly, put pen to paper and then share your memories with the school concerned. 

August 2019 | the muse | 14

Valkenberg Estate Liesbeek Avenue Mowbray

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fireside Music Sessions

PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PLAY HOCKEY FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Join us for live music Saturday afternoons 1 to 3pm

Pinelands High School is extremely proud to have had three students selected to represent South Africa in hockey.

Book in advance & bring this advert for 15% off your bill. Valid for Saturday lunch only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other special offers. Times may vary slightly. Check our website for current details.

021 448 0507

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MANDELA DAY AT PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL

Book any treatment for you and a friend & they pay HALF PRICE

Wash & Blowdry for only R100

Waxing Wednesdays Book your wax on a Wednesday and get 30% off

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Sunrise Park, Prestige Drive, Ndabeni (next to Spar Tops) .

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Students and staff at Pinelands High School entered into the spirit of Mandela Day by making thousands of sandwiches which were delivered to schools in need.

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August 2019 | the muse | 15

Business Cards, Flyers, Brochures, Laminating, Projects, Mugs, Promotional Items, Scans, Canvas, Perspex, Stickers, Photo Printing, Posters, Plans and much more.

COMMUNITY NEWS

PINELANDS ATHLETIC CLUB CELEBRATES "THE HEAVY METAL GUYS"

Borg Stannius

Pinelands Athletic Club established in 1937 is well known for the large and successful contingent of road runners - but this month we celebrate the long time masters who have enjoyed club membership in the field of track athletics.

Anton Wale Steve Johnston

91 year old Borg Stannius was born in Denmark and his family coped during the depression with "porridge for breakfast, a bit of meat, lots of potatoes and tons of gravy for dinner," says Borg. Today he still believes that this is the diet that will get you to old age as a successful athlete! Borg and his son moved to Cape Town in 1995. A friend Steve Johnston, now also a masters athlete, introduced Borg to Pinelands Athletic Club. "As for my sporting career in South Africa, I have participated in all the throws, namely the hammer, the shot, the discus, the javelin and the weight throw, together with the Throws Pentathlon which involves all the throws and I have established new South African records since 1980 in all the age groups. On a number of occasions I competed in national champs in both New Zealand and Denmark during visits to family, making myself unpopular by winning all events." Biggest moments: "Participating in the World Champs in Brazil in 2013, bringing back to South Africa and the Pinelands Athletic Club, six Gold Medals. Of the 4000 athletes competing in Brazil 62 were South African Master Athletes, all paying for themselves, unlike sponsored athletes who are able to turn their sporting abilities into an income producing career. In December 2018 I set a World Record at a Western Province Meeting, and bettered the same record at the 2019 South African Champs in May, this year. Then I was chosen as the Master Athlete in the years 2005, 2010 and 2013. I would like to thank fellow athletes and officials for good companionship and encouragement, in particular Steve Johnston, Anton Wale, Shukri Wiener and fellow members of the “heavy metal gang”. 

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Now 80 years old, Steve has been doing athletics, mostly the throws, for the past 65 years. "I hold 13 WP records in Discus, Hammer, Weight Throw and Throws Pentathlon, which I mostly gained before Borg Stannius got going. Since I turned 75, I have not been able to break any of his records. However we still remain friends! In truth, I carry on because I love the sport. It gives a purpose to my training and keeps me fit. It also allows me to try to be the best I can at whatever age. There are hindrances to performance that come with ageing such as stiff knees, but it is still worthwhile, not only for the sport, but for the camaraderie with ones friends and other competitors. One thing that I appreciate about Masters Athletics, is that athletes support each other and applaud a good effort. Most people regard athletics as a fairly safe sport but I have seen a few people hit by implements. In fact I myself have twice in the 65 years, hit officials with a discus. Fortunately they both survived. Apart from the great enjoyment I have gained from athletics, it has also enabled me to travel to eight different countries, meeting interesting people, such as the elderly gentleman in Brisbane throwing the hammer. He had a beard that reached his waist! Athletics also introduced me to the world of advertising and film shoots, which resulted in TV adverts that have been flighted all over the world. 

Anton Wale, a civil engineer from Cape Town, now 65, was in his late thirties when he started marathon running. At 40 he turned to masters athletics. "My first goal was to receive provincial colours which I first achieved in high jump then subsequently in discus, shot, javelin and hammer respectively." "At the South African Championships in Bloemfontein in 2017 I won the gold for all six of the events (shot, discus, javelin, hammer, weight and the throws pentathlon) and achieved my national colours in both shot and discus. Now my goal is to break the SA record in the discus and thereafter to qualify for national colours in all 6 of the throwing disciplines. Hopefully in years to come South Africa will start to perform in the world track and field athletics in proportion to the wealth of talent that we as a nation hold. Despite the wonderful “Rainbow Nation” mantle that we assumed in 1994 - this wealth of talent is as yet untapped. Athletics is a metaphor for life in general. Do not just live life – take full advantage of the wonderful gift that you have been given – and whether you run, or walk or throw, do it with your all, to the best of your ability. Let this same philosophy apply to your work, or in fact anything that you choose to do. At the Pinelands Athletic Club we have a wonderful camaraderie of throwers and a club that appreciates our efforts. 

August 2019 | the muse | 16

Magical Mozambique dhow safari HEADING FOR IBO ISLAND

Being in nature, hearing its sounds, smelling the earth or the ocean, fills our souls and recharges our inner beings. So choosing a holiday always means being away from the crowds and finding the path least taken. Our adventure was a trip to far northern Mozambique around Ibo island – the same latitude as the Comoros and the northernmost point of Madagascar.

was in, we packed our small tog bags and camera bags on the dhow and set about launching a double kayak for the first leg. We (with guide) paddled across a short stretch of ocean into a stiff breeze, and then through an extensive sheltered mangrove forest - breathing it in and soaking up the environment. We couldn’t have been

VIEWS FROM THE PLANE

We engaged the services of Genevieve from Kaskazini Travel who is based in Pemba, and planned our six day Mozambique experience. We flew from Johannesburg to Pemba, then caught a connection to Ibo island on an 8 seater aircraft. The aerial views of the turquoise Indian Ocean and the coastline dotted with dhows from this low-flying small plane sparked much excitement and the taking of numerous photographs.

PLANNING THE DHOW SAFARI

Ibo Island has a population of 3000, a rich history, and interesting architecture dating back to colonial times. We stayed on our arrival and departure nights in the well-priced small B&B, Ulani Lodge, with a lovely refreshing swimming pool. Jose, the owner, collected us from the air strip in an open landrover. The top floor of the building was a covered deck with 360 degree views over the town and ocean. It served as the pub in the evenings and as the breakfast area in the mornings. Here we met Wilfred, our guide for the next few days, and discussed the ins and outs of our private Dhow Safari arranged by Ibo Lodge. It would be just us, Wilfred, a chef, and the boat skipper.

PADDLING A DOUBLE KAYAK IN THE SEA

The following morning when the tide

August 2019 | the muse | 17

Dhow negotiating the mangrove swamps happier. Once through the mangroves the wind picked up, so we opted to climb aboard the dhow, stashed the kayaks on the deck as they unfurled the sails for a gentle journey south to Quirimba island.

TENTED CAMP AT QUIRIMBA

Here we arrived to a gorgeous private tented camp site. Sundowners of ice cold G&Ts added a special touch. A dinner of fresh grilled red snapper was prepared for us and served on a table set for two on the beach next to the waters edge. Eventually we collapsed into our very comfortable stretchers with white linen dreaming of yet another day in paradise.

SNORKELLING ON THE REEFS

The next three days did not disappoint, including two nights each on Quirimba

Low tide on Quirimba Island and Matemo islands. Wilfred took us in the dhow to beautiful reefs at low tide where we snorkelled until we were tired. The dhow collected us where the currents had taken us. The ocean life was exquisite, with numerous colourful tropical fish, tridacna clams, anemones with their resident Nemos, star fish, corals and sponges.

TREK FISHING

Exploring through the mangrove channels we met a group of local ladies treknet fishing in the river. They had not been very successful that day, but engaged with us in sign language and smiles, with Wilfred interpreting as well, and I (Louise) was invited to join them. It was extremely exhausting walking through knee deep water splashing and shouting to herd the unseen fish! Respect! Moments after returning to our kayak the group started ululating and called us back to see and photograph their huge catch.

BUSY LOCAL TRADE

Being spring tide, the locals were out and about on the reefs at low tide, harvesting sea cucumbers (sold to Chinese buyers), octopus, and netting or spearing fish. The octopus would be pounded tender with sticks. It was fascinating to witness all this activity, as well as local buyers on the beach bartering and buying from the women.

MAGICAL HOLIDAY BREAK

Northern Mozambique proved to be a magical holiday break. An escape into nature with its tranquillity and wildlife, made for a memorable ocean experience! By Dr Louise Wigens. Images Rob Tarr. 

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