Woodhill Issue 4 2017 by Tracey Garde

WOODHILL YOUR ELITE COMMUNITY PUBLICATION

ISSUE 4 | 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | A

r e h c s i F Narina 082 456 6051

narina@allestates.co.za Specialising in Woodhill and Surrounding Estates

21 years

B | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

of Realtor Experience

19 years with

Jowic

CONTENTS ISSUE 4 | 2017

Important numbers and contacts From the editor HOA Greetings A lean, mean, Greenkeeping Team Annual Woodhill Kiddies Christmas Tree Rules and regulations Woodhill Facebook page Woodhill College Upcycling Golf means busines Summit on Site Tennis at Woodhill Bake me pretty Festive season safety G&T – it’s a classic Easy bird identification 2018 Travel Woodhill meeting/board rooms Perfect Christmas gift pressure! Taking your furbaby for a walk Healthy. Happy. Hydrated. Keedzco Holiday Program for kids Accredited Estate Agents

01 02 04 06 08 12 15 16 18 20 22 24 30 33 34 36 40 43 44 46 48 50 53

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | C

D | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS SWITCHBOARD 012 998 0011 ACTING GENERAL MANAGER Louis Bekker gm@woodhill.co.za PA TO THE GENERAL MANAGER Milanie Davies pa@woodhill.co.za

ACTING COMMERCIAL MANAGER Lizette van der Merwe cm@woodhill.co.za FINANCE Debbie Koekemoer debbie@woodhill.co.za FACILITIES MANAGER facilities@woodhill.co.za

CONFERENCE & BANQUETING BOOKINGS Lionel Swartz lionel@summitonsite.co.za PRO SHOP BOOKINGS 012 998 0021 GOLF DIRECTOR Brendon van Niewenhuizen brendon@woodhill.co.za GOLF CO-ORDINATOR Stephan Dreyer golf@woodhill.co.za COURSE SUPERINTENDENT Hugo van den Berg cs@woodhill.co.za HOA RECEPTION Onica Ramasodi reception@woodhill.co.za

PUBLISHER: TLG Publishing (Pty) Ltd for Woodhill Residential Estate. ADVERTISING SALES: Tracey Garde | 082 460 6007 | ads1@woodhillmag.co.za EDITOR: Tracey Garde | 082 460 6007 | editor@woodhillmag.co.za DESIGN & LAYOUT: PatZwi Design House (Pty) Ltd | 082 456 2190 | design@woodhillmag.co.za

SECURITY CONTROL ROOM & AFTER HOURS 012 993 1236 - 24 hour service 071 112 6547 - Emergency

All work published in Woodhill Magazine is protected by copyright. Only with written permission from the publisher may any part of this magazine be reproduced or adapted in any form. We welcome contributions to Woodhill Magazine, but the publisher of this magazine retains unrestricted rights to edit submitted material. The publisher will place editorial contributions at its own discretion, space allowing. We do not accept responsibility for material submitted and cannot guarantee the return of any original material. The publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinion is not necessarily that publishing in Woodhill Magazine and the publisher does not accept any liability of any nature that may arise from the contents of the magazine.

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 1

EDITOR | WH

he Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Mr Jack van der Merwe, sums up the achievements of the board and staff in his message featured in this issue. It’s always great to hear positive feedback on crucial elements that make Woodhill the Estate of Choice. We touch on certain elements that contribute towards this success such as the Greenkeeping team, Summit on Site, Tennis at Woodhill and various other aspects too. Of course, the recent Kiddies Christmas Tree event was proof of the Woodhill spirit. It’s wonderful to see so many families come down to the Clubhouse each year for an evening of fun whilst the kiddies love waiting for and meeting Father Christmas. This event marks the start of the festive season for many and it certainly kick starts the festive cheer. It’s been wonderful to work with the Woodhill team again this year and to have the opportunity to publish Woodhill Magazine. The relationships built over these past three years have created a sense of trust and we thank all the advertisers for their loyal support.

FESTIVE CHEER

At long last our well-deserved holidays are here! It’s been an amazing year for many as we’ve overcome challenges, made our voices heard and stood together for what we believe to be right. And 2018 promises to be even more exciting. 2 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

To the readers, thanks for your continuous input into the many different article aspects that make up our magazine. It’s, again, been lovely to meet some of you and to share in your experiences living in this beautiful Estate. We look forward to sharing loads more features in our 2018 issues. For those who will be staying at home during the holidays to enjoy all that Woodhill has to offer, we have included some ‘house rules’ regarding the course as well as some safety tips. For those who are going away, we wish you safe travels. To all our readers, we wish you a wonderful festive season filled with much laughter, love and cheer. Till we meet again in 2018…

Tracey

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 3

HOA | WH

HOA GREETINGS

Chairperson’s 2017 Christmas message Dear Homeowners and Residents of Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club.

by Telkom, should be completed in the New Year. This will further enhance the safety situation within Woodhill.

We are fast approaching the end of 2017 which has been an eventful and exciting year.

We have been very fortunate over the past three years of being security incident-free. This can be contributed to the sterling work that Xone, our Security Service provider, has done over this period. Because of this the Board has decided to extend their contract for one more year.

At the Annual General Meeting of the WHOA, held in August 2017, I set the following targets for the Board: • Ensuring sufficient security for all residents and guests of Woodhill; • Enhancing the golfing experience at Woodhill and growing the number of rounds played; • Enhancing the “estate-living” experience of everyone; • Ensuring the maintenance and upkeep of the 18 hole, Pieter Matkovich designed golf course; and Achieving these targets within an environment of strict cost containment and income maximization. I would like to give a preliminary reportback on the above mentioned targets: SECURITY Everyone is aware that crime and more importantly violent crime has become the most imminent threat to Woodhill homeowners and residents. Woodhill has instituted special measures to address the threat of car hijackings at the access gates and have deployed additional teams of security personnel for the festive season. The role-out of the fiber-to-the-fence together with thermal cameras, as proposed

4 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

GOLFING EXPERIENCE We currently have 849 golf members and 24 corporate members at Woodhill. We should again have close to 38 000 rounds of golf played during the year, which would be close to the number of rounds that were played last year. This is very good news as the other golf courses are reporting a constant drop in the number of rounds played. We are continuously receiving complements on the quality of our course and the friendly staff in the Pro-shop, which I am sure has a lot to do with the number of rounds being played. ESTATE LIVING Woodhill has unveiled a brand new, fullyintegrated Facebook page. Packed with news, information, promotions and competitions - Woodhill’s new Facebook page provides residents, guests and corporate partners with all the latest happenings. A new website at www.woodhillestate. co.za has also been created for all the latest, official Woodhill news, promotions and competitions.

You may be aware of the fact that Woodhill has, over the past five to six years, had various caterers who only lasted a year or two before departing. Woodhill has recently appointed Summiton-Site as our partner to manage the food and beverage function at Woodhill. This has proven to be a winning recipe. In the past the income Woodhill received from the catering companies were in the order of R30 000 per month. For the previous two months Woodhill has received in excess of R130 000 per month. The feedback we are getting from the homeowners is that they are happy with the quality of food offered by Summit. We will be establishing a restaurant within the Clubhouse next year which should further enhance the quality of the Club. MAINTAINING THE GOLF COURSE As you know earlier this year Woodhill appointed a new greenkeeper, Hugo van den Berg and he has been going from strength to strength. Woodhill is without doubt the best maintained golf course in Pretoria and we receive numerous compliments from players and visitors to our estate on the condition of our golf course. COST CONTAINMENT AND INCOME MAXIMIZATION The success of the Summit-on-Site partnership has been discussed. Woodhill is in the final stages of negotiations with a large investment company to be the brand sponsor of Woodhill. This sponsorship will run into millions of Rands over a five year period, we will make an announcement early in the New Year.

WH | HOA

#Woodhillforthewin Reviews from our Facebook page speak for themselves – with a rating of 4.7 stars, we must be doing something right! Such a beautiful and peaceful place...We had a kiddies birthday party and this place just fitted all the needs.Lovely platters and well trained staff... Margaret Geldenhuys Brand

Finally I would like to wish everyone who will be celebrating Christmas a blessed Christmas feast and to everyone to have a safe and peaceful year-end break. If you are traveling please remember to Arrive – Alive. Festive greetings

Jack van der Merwe

Board of Directors Chairperson

I am happy that the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) Pretoria branch holds its meetings at the lovely Woodhill Country Club - always a great experience to be there. Maureen Tong Well managed. Pristine, very classy with exceptional excellence driven by the luxurious view of perfection, if u find pleasure in Harmony that’s the place to be & it’s very, very clean. Cassidy Blaq Beautiful and well taken care of. I enjoyed every minute I spent there. Ntokozo Maphisa

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 5

HOA | WH

A LEAN, MEAN, Greenkeeping team

6 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | HOA

“The turf team and myself are committed to deliver the best possible playing surface,” Hugo van den Berg Course Superintendent

s is evident in the pristine state of our golf course, our Course Superintendent, Hugo van den Berg and his team are a force to be reckoned with. A passion for the work they do together with determination, drive and commitment pays off and ensures that Woodhill Golf Estate remains one of the Top 100 courses within South Africa. Hugo and his entire team will be operational over the festive season. As this is peak summer they will be mowing daily to keep up with the aggressive growing of the kikuyu. Focus will also be given to tree pruning. With the lovely rain of late the trees tend to get top heavy with all the moisture in the leaves causing them to droop lower to the ground and they can snap if not properly pruned. All tees, tee surrounds, fairways and green surrounds will be sprayed with a liquid fertilizer, incorporated with a plant growth regulator to encourage more lateral growth. This will help with reducing the clippings and getting an even tighter playing surface

and at the same time gives a lovely colour to the treated areas. As we move into 2018, Hugo and his team will make the eradication of osgras/ paspalum in the fairways and tee box complexes a key focus point in the New Year. These areas will be chemically suppressed and kikuyu growth will be aggressively promoted during the summer and early autumn. This is a continuous program and it will take some time to transition the affected areas from predominantly osgras to pure kikuyu. Please be aware that the chemical used to suppress the osgras will also yellow the surrounding kikuyu for a short while. But with topdressing, aerating and spot fertilizer treatments the kikuyu will take over the areas as it is a very aggressive grower. The chemical suppresses the seeding of the osgras. Thus with no new seed in the ground the annual osgras plant will die off leaving the kikuyu to grow in it the treated areas. Of course the daily maintenance will continue as normal.

#Woodhillforthewin We love to brag – and why not! The letter received below is testament to our fabulous Course Superintendent and his team: Hi Brendon Thank you so much for allowing me to play on Friday morning. Calvin and Neal in the pro shop were very accommodating and friendly. Your golf course is in tremendous condition, it looks like we are in February when you see how green your course is. However it’s not that your course is green that is impressive but more so the attention to detail that was mind blowing. I haven’t played Woodhill since we last had a PGA championship there maybe 14 years ago. The trees have framed the course, your bunkers and the edgings are immaculate, the overall condition of your course is actually unrivalled in Gauteng. Kudos to you and your greenkeeping staff, to do such a job takes care and love for the entire course complex and that is obviously in abundance with you all. WELL DONE. Regards Ulrich van den Berg (Sunshine Tour Professional)

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 7

EVENTS | WH

HO HO HO… Merry Christmas

On Friday evening, 24 November 2017, the clubhouse was filled to the brim with excited Woodhill kiddies and their families – everyone eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Clause. The build-up began a few days earlier when Woodhill Country Club hosted its annual Christmas Market. With all sorts of original, handmade and beautiful wares, this year’s market was a treat. On Friday evening the little ones were treated to carnival games, popcorn, slush puppies and party packs (all bottled up thanks to Vanessa Safionas of Remax). A jumping castle, stilt walker who sculptured balloons and face painters kept everyone entertained. When Santa Clause arrived, all his fans were super excited to receive their gifts.

The success of this annual event is yet another great attribute to life on the Estate of Choice.

8 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | EVENTS

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 9

10 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 11

HOA | WH

FORE! During the festive season, Woodhill Country Club welcomes many regulars and visitors to our pristine course. Residents and many non-golfers enjoy the freedom of wondering around the estate and many golfers will enjoy the extra time spent playing their favorite game.

12 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | HOA

•

No golfer may trespass on the private property of residents for any reason whatsoever including retrieving golf balls.

Golfers must exercise all reasonable caution during play not to cause damage to property or injury to residents and may be held personally liable for such damage or injury.

•

Golf practicing is limited to the designated range and practice facilities during the designated times only. No practicing is allowed anywhere on the course at any time.

•

The in-bounds (playing) areas of the golf course may not be used by any person whilst golfers are in play.

•

Playing golfers enjoy priority on the golf course always.

• •

Non-golfers must strictly remain on the cart paths between 06h00 and 18h00. They must take extreme caution and be aware of golf balls in flight.

Occupants of units adjacent to the golf course should exercise extreme caution when inside their gardens to avoid injury from golf balls in errant flight.

• •

For safety reasons, non-golfers may not walk, jog, ride a bicycle or drive carts across the golf playing areas of the course during golfing hours.

Residents are welcome to use the course for recreational activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, or exercising pets on a leash provided that no activity is undertaken that may potentially damage the course.

•

Non-golfers who walk, jog and cycle on the course cart paths do so entirely at their own risk.

•

No activity may be undertaken closer than fifteen meters to any green, tee box or sand bunker. Greens are the finely mowed and manicured areas where golfers finish every hole, indicated with flag sticks in the cups. Therefore nobody, except a golfer during official play, is allowed on a green, tee box or in a sand bunker.

t’s important to note the following rules during this time of year for everyone’s safety – and to avoid hearing that dreaded FOREEEEE!

•

Please be quiet and stand still for a moment when using the paths if a golfer is playing near you.

•

Access to the golf course to play golf will only be granted after registering at the Pro Shop prior to play.

•

No golfer may start to play golf on any hole other than the 1st or 10th, and only after having registered at the Pro Shop for play.

•

#Woodhillforthewin Often complimented, never disappoints, it’s no wonder our course is ranked in the Top100! I just feel the need to compliment everyone involved with everything at Woodhill! From the moment I drive in at the gate to the moment I leave I am always impressed! The golf course is in great condition all year round and it really is good value for money to play a round at Woodhill. The pro shop, halfway house and the bar/restaurant is always neat and the staff are always friendly and very helpful. The maintenance staff on the course are always mindful and respectful when you want to play a shot, and are super friendly. Keep up the good work and thanks for a fantastic golfing facility! I would recommend Woodhill to anybody. Willem Brooks Stunning course, great staff, really make people feel welcome. Michael Nash Great course condition , great service from Club staff - a great day out & look forward to returning soon. Ian Ardendorff

Interfering with, removing or vandalizing golf course property, including out-of-bounds markers is strictly forbidden.

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 13

14 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | COMPETITION

Woodhill gets a

FACE(BOOK) LIFT

Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club is proud to unveil it’s brand new, fully-integrated Facebook page. Packed to the rafters with news, info, promotions and competitions - Woodhill’s new Facebook page provides residents, guests and corporate partners with all the latest happenings.

Pop in, join the group, like us and share our informative articles, exciting news and myriad of promotions - you could stand to WIN amazing prizes! Visit the only official Woodhill Facebook page, or peruse our sleek new website at www. woodhillestate.co.za for all the latest, greatest official Woodhill news, promos and competitions - straight from the course’s mouth.

LIKE THE WCC FACEBOOK PAGE AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN 2 NIGHTS, DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST IN THE GEM OF THE BUSHVELD VALUED AT R8 000! Monate game lodge offers leisure guests pure indulgence in the heart of the bush, and gives conferencing and wedding clients guaranteed and complete exclusivity for their functions. Activities available on site: • Game drives with snacks and a • sundowner at the hippo dam • Guided Game Walks, Star Gazing, • Picnics, Spa www.monatelodge.com

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 15

16 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 17

Upcycling By Michéle Fortun Designer Interiors

Over the past few years ‘Upcycling’ has become quite popular. Not only does it allow for a little personalised creativity but it’s also easier on the pocket.

efore you throw away that old piece of furniture, have a good look at it and decide if it’s worth an upcycle. A fresh coat of paint or a sand down with some trendy fabrics to modernise it could be all it needs… The framework in your old furniture pieces is usually in good condition so re-upholstery is an effective economical solution. There are so many different fabrics on the market - you can choose anything your heart desires. Not only will your furniture enjoy a fresh new look, but it will enhance the entire room. No need to go out and purchase new tables and lamp shades to redecorate – just use your couch to make an old room new again! If your furniture doesn’t need upcycling just yet but you still feel like you’d like to update your room, then there are three simple tricks to doing just that… Every chair will tell you that their best kept secret is scatters, scatters and more…

18 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

scatters! Scatters are always a must as they finish off any chair, couch or bed. The best is to use feather inners as this allows for a soft natural look not to mention comfort. Scatters can be plain, printed, striped or textured. There are so many beautiful designs out there, you will surely find a few that you will fall in love with.

way to update your living room…

Another simple addition to a room that can be easily and effectively done is a rug. Not only are rugs functional in keeping the floor underneath clean, but they also add warmth to the room and are wonderful during the colder months.

Scatters, rugs and throws – all three together are a great way to put your personalised creativity into your room.

Lastly, a throw can bring the whole room together. Once again, colours, textures and patterns are limitless and it’s a great addition to the bed in the colder months.

Pop into our showroom to view any of these pieces. Happy decorating!

On the right are some examples of how these elements can enhance your furniture pieces. We’ve even included the addition of a pet into one of our examples as a cute

Michéle

• • •

Scatters and rugs are an easy addition to update a chair or couch. Scatters and throws make a bedroom cosier. Scatters and dogs – we love a cute pet as a décor item!

If you have some time to upcycle these holidays, we hope you have fun doing so.

Happy holidays!

083 461 6976 71 Jean Ave, Doringkloof Centurion

WH | HOME

BEFORE

AFTER

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 19

GOLF | WH

GOLF MEANS BUSINESS By 1Mark Golf Scoring

Golf isn’t only a gentleman’s game. It’s also a game for shrewd businesspeople and many a deal is closed on the course. Here’s why…

20 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | GOLF

hile a beautifully sunny Friday is beckoning at your office window, you feel cooped up inside with only a pile of work for company. If only you could be on the golf course now. Feeling the breeze, practicing your swing and enjoying a cold one at the 19th hole. But, of course, the guilt you’d feel over leaving your in-tray until Monday far outweighs the benefits of a little exercise. It’s time to start thinking differently about golf. If you change your perspective and play the game with the right mind-set, it can be a powerful business tool that can bring you much further than your nagging in-tray. THE GAME OF FORTUNE In his book Deals on the Green: Lessons on Business and Golf from America’s Top Executives (Penguin, 2007), David Rynecki explains the secret that many a successful executive has learned: golf can be one of the most powerful tools in your business briefcase. “No matter how sophisticated the tools become – the email and teleconferencing,

the Blackberrys and Powerpoint presentations – golf remains the true communication hub of… business.” In fact, 90% of Fortune 500-listed CEOs play golf, according to the Chicago Tribune. Whether this is because the game teaches certain skills that are valuable in business, or because it has simply become fraternity for like-minded businesspeople over the year, is unclear. Whatever the reason, the results are the same: golf improves your business game, too. In one study by the University of Pompeu in Spain, researchers found that CEOs who are not regular golfers are paid 17% less than those who are, and for every stroke a CEO’s handicap increases he receives 6% less in total salary plus bonuses.

{

PRESSURE TEST If money isn’t what drives you, here’s more motivation to pick up hat driver and get swinging: golf is also a useful personality test. “Golf teaches you about a person’s reactions in adversity – how they deal competitively with situations – because with golf there is such an easy mechanism to take advantage of the rules,” writes Rynecki in his book. “I’m not worried about their skills as a player, but rather how they conduct themselves, as golf, like business and life, will test you in a multitude of ways,” he says. Golf’s challenge is to stay calm under pressure, think strategically and act gentlemanly even when you’d much rather repeatedly bash your club against the nearest tree when your game goes south. It calls for competitiveness, focus and discipline – all qualities that get you ahead in the boardroom too.

“CEOs who are not regular golfers are paid 17% less than those who are.”

}

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 21

FOOD | WH

TO THE SUMMIT & BEYOND… One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. -Virginia Woolf

Whether you have worked up an appetite after taking on one of South Africa’s top golf courses, are hosting a corporate golf day or merely popping in to enjoy lunch or dinner with your family - Summit on Site caters for all tastes. If the prospects for 2018 are anything to go about, the sky is the limit. While we all enjoy different types of dining, we all agree on one simple ingredient - taste. Ever since Summit On Site stepped up to the plate as Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club’s restaurant and bar partner in early January, there has been a lot of good food for thought. Established in 2009, Summit on Site, owned and operated by Lionel Swartz,

22 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

has a long and reputable history in the South African food and beverage, catering as well as hospitality and authentic South African cuisine markets. Since assuming their role at Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club, Lionel and his team have managed to not only significantly improve the profits, but have also triumphed in the face of adversity by currently revamping the facility into a more functional space for both patrons and staff alike. Both Summit on Site and Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club have invested a lot of time, money and effort to overcome the challenges and restrictions that the old building posed in terms of kitchen facilities, space, aesthetics and quality of service. Summit on Site is not only reinventing this space into a Bistro restaurant and bar, but have many other surprises up it’s sleeve for 2018 that will ensure that every member of the Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club family will return, hungrier than ever.

WH | FOOD

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 23

TENNIS | WH

GAME, SET AND MATCH!

ennis at Woodhill is gaining momentum as more players are seen enjoying this sport in more ways than just a simple practice or match. Cardio Tennis is a real thing! And The Riddick Tennis Coaching Team is proving its worth. Not only is Celeste Riddick Claassen the driving force behind Cardio Tennis which has become very popular on Woodhill, but she is also now the office Tennis Captain for the club.

24 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

Quick on her feet (as most tennis pros are), Celeste hosted 3 tournaments in November and December 2017 – one for the kids, ladies and adults. An amazing turnout of 45 players taking part in total (representing more than 11 different countries) is proof that Celeste’s passion for tennis and her wonderful coaching style is taking this Woodhill sport to new heights.

tennis at Woodhill to new heights.

Looking forward to 2018, Celeste foresees many more tournaments, open mornings and holiday programs – taking the love for

Very excited at being appointed the Tennis Captain, Celeste hopes to see more Woodhill residents out on the courts!

Attributing the great condition of the courts to the maintenance team, Celeste adds, “Thank you Tsepo for fixing all the holes in the fence. I have to thank the following staff members too for their contributions, Silence, Patric, Joseph and Enock.”

WH | TENNIS

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 25

NEWLY ACCREDITED ON WOODHILL Performance, quality and growth!

We would like to wish all Woodhill residents a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 26 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

Bullion Properties (Pty) Ltd tailors our services to your individual needs. Please visit our personal stock portfolio at www.bullionproperties.co.za.

YOUR WOODHILL PROPERTY SPECIALIST: MICHAEL CAHILL C: T: E: W:

082 561 0225 087 654 1333 michael@thebulliongroup.co.za www.bullionproperties.co.za

Bullion Properties (Pty) Ltd offers a full suite of Real Estate services including buying, selling, property management, leasing as well as all contracting and maintenance services for investment properties.

We aim to clearly integrate buying, selling, leasing, management and maintenance. You only have to manage one relationship – we do everything for you. Customers choose us because we are a one-stop shop, making it as easy for you as possible to invest, manage and take care of your property.

WHY WE BELIEVE OUR SERVICE IS AT THE TOP OF ITS GAME: • We have proven that our company values our clients and business partners; • We are an integrated model and have control over our resources; • We have a strong balance sheet with a proven track record; • Our brand is strong and well known; • We strive to improve on all levels of our associated services; • The company is owned and managed by qualiﬁed accountants and legal personnel; and • Our service levels are optimised and improve on a continuous basis at each level.

WHY CHOOSE US? • The company is owned and managed by qualiﬁed accountants and legal personnel; • We value our clients and business partners, priding ourselves in service excellence; • We have a strong balance sheet with a proven track record; • We market on 20+ online platforms • Our Facebook page has 6300 likes and growing; • We offer free valuations and advice to our clients; • Our exclusive mandate clients are able to make use of FNB Property Leader, a free valuation by the bank worth R5 000 – an invaluable tool; and • Bullion Properties is a one-stop property company that can assist you from A to Z with the entire sale process: legal, ﬁnancial, consulting and marketing. ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 27

This Modern Majestic Masterpiece is For Sale in an Exclusive Country Estate in Pretoria East R 7 790 000 Recently featured in the August 2017 issue of Home Owner magazine and soon to be featured on Top Billing. Situated on a 2 900sqm stand this home fits right into its surroundings. It’s modern and interesting, with big, open spaces, lots of natural light and living areas that open on to a covered patio. Clean and neat, the exterior of the home is linear in design, a concept that extends to a well- manicured garden. The covered patio is the perfect entertainment area - overlooking the sparkling pool and well manicured garden. An intimate firepit is the perfect spot for a glass of wine and a few friends. The lounge is perfect, especially in winter, as the big open windows and doors allow in lots of natural light and in the evening the ambience of the fireplace is comforting. Like the rest of the home, the kitchen, modern and sleek, embraces the less-is-more philosophy – high gloss surfaces and handle less finishes, with appliances that are modern, yet discreet. A private family lounge or cinema room can also be found on the ground level of this home, which offers welcomed privacy and intimate family gatherings. The main bedroom is beautifully adorned in natural contrasting colours, relaxed in warm hues of brown and grey - enjoying the captivating ambiance from lighting and a fireplace. With the shower wall decorated in eye-catching mosaic, the large en-suite bathroom gives one the impression of being in a spa, a theme that is carried through to the guest bedroom and bathroom. In keeping with the sleek design, bathrooms boast wall-hung toilets, which boost the illusion of space. The homes further accommodation is 4 additional bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Completing this home is 3 garages, full staff accommodation and sensored lighting throughout. Contact Nadia 079 895 8953 or Adele 082 656 6013.

The excellence of our listings represent the excellence of our service. List your home with us and we will do the same… 28 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

Nadia van der Merwe | 079 895 8953 Adele Oosthuizen | 082 656 6013

Preparing your home loan application and supporting documentation SALARIED PERSON/S 1. A copy of your ID. 2. 3 Months latest payslips (if your salary includes any variable income i.e. commission/petrol reimbursement etc, we will require 6 months). 3. 3 Months stamped bank statements – where your salary is deposited. 4. Bullion Bond Brokers application form, and personal assets and liabilities (your Bullion Bond Brokers Consultant will provide you with this). 5. Consent form from banks (your Bullion Bond Brokers Consultant will provide you with this).

PURCHASING THE PROPERTY IN A TRUST 1. Copy of ID for all Trustees. 2. A copy of the Trust Deed. 3. A copy of the Letter of Authority and Resolution of the Trust. 4. Letter from your Accountant confirming the solvency of the Trust/and confirmation if the Trust is trading/not trading. 5. 3 Months bank statements on the Trust, should the trust be trading. 6. Last 2 years signed financials on the Trust, should the trust be trading. 7. Up to date management accounts on the Trust, should the trust be trading. 8. Proof of income on all Trustees (either salaried/self employed criteria, as set out). 9. Bullion Bond Brokers application form, and personal assets and liabilities required from each Trustee (your Bullion Bond Brokers Consultant will provide you with this). 10. Consent form for banks required from each Trustee (your Bullion Bond Brokers Consultant will provide you with this).

SELF EMPLOYED PERSON/S 1. A copy of your ID. 2. Last 2 years signed business financial statements. 3. Up to date Management Accounts – should your financials be older than 6 months. 4. A letter from your Accountant confirming your monthly income/drawings. 5. 3 Months stamped business bank statements. 6. 3 Months stamped personal bank statements. 7. Your last 2 years ITA34’s. 8. A copy of your CK Document/Company document reflecting Members/Directors shareholding. 9. Bullion Bond Brokers application form, and personal assets and liabilities (your Bullion Bond Brokers Consultant will provide you with this). 10. Consent form for banks (your Bullion Bond Brokers Consultant will provide you with this). PURCHASING THE PROPERTY IN A COMPANY OR CLOSE CORPORATION 1. A copy of all members/Directors ID’s. 2. Last 2 years signed business financials. 3. Up to date Management Accounts – should your financials be older than 6 months. 4. A letter from the Accountant confirming all Members/Directors income. 5. 3 Months stamped business bank statements. 6. 3 Months stamped personal bank statements. 7. A copy of the company document/CK document reflecting Directors/Members shareholding. 8. Bullion Bond Brokers application form, and personal assets and liabilities required from each Director/ Member (your Bullion Bond Brokers Consultant will provide you with this). 9. Consent form for banks required from each Director/ Member (your Bullion Bond Brokers Consultant will provide you with this).

FOOD | WH

e m e k y Ba

ett r P

(Pty) Ltd

Gest IN K s t A i t b B a e m ho Reg

30 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

15 No 20

/25

WH | FOOD

BAKE me pretty

ave you ever looked at that gorgeous cake creation demanding attention at a wedding, birthday party, christening or any other occasion? Most moms will know the blood, sweat and tears that goes into a) trying to bake the perfect cake and b) decorating it, only to have it look like a smash cake without your one-year old going anywhere near it!

always loved a good challenge. What do you love most about making cakes? A combination of being able to be creative and the absolute pleasure when a client is overjoyed with their order. Can you recreate a cake from any pic? Yes, we can recreate from any picture given or as close as possible to it. I’m often surprised when we get it right! It’s not easy to remake someone else’s creation to perfection, but we give it our all. What’s been your most favourite cake to date? I love every cake we deliver. Each one is made with so much love and care. And I love all the different requests that allow us to stretch our creativity to the limits.

Yes, baking is a serious skill of which most of us are not worthy!

Most popular cake? Unicorns are all the rage!

We caught up with mom of two, perfectionist, creator and all round super baker… Monique Goddard (cake queen of the East).

Do you do any flavours? We have a large list of flavours to choose from but if the client can’t find their favourite, all they need to do is ask and we will make it happen.

How did you get into baking cakes and realising your talent? Having run a flower company, Monique’s Flower Creations, for 8 years specialising in weddings, I was always intrigued in the wedding cakes I saw. That’s when my dreams of maybe being able to offer both flower and cake services began. And so I started to bake a little here and there, watched loads of youtube tutorials and made my family eat my creations.

What makes your cakes unique? Bake me Pretty is ‘Home baking at its best!’ Not only do we deliver the most beautiful cakes but we feel very strongly about how they are made. We bake recipes from scratch and use only real butter in all our buttercreams and fillings.

Then my life changed when my first born, Quinn, came along. I really wanted to keep him at home with me for his first two years but I soon realised the challenges of not only continuing with the flower arrangements but baking as well with a stay at home baby. As I let the flower business quieten down I started experimenting more with baking and decorating – I had found a new love. I was soon running both businesses and then my second blessing was born, Scarlett. It was time to make a choice between the two… and the cakes won. It’s been a long, hard road learning all there is to know about the cake industry but I’ve

You mention ‘we’, who is in your team? I have the most fantastic artistic assistant, Ian. He does most of the fondant artwork and the baking. Without Ian I would be lost!

Bake me Pretty is the best! But don’t take our word for it – order your next celebration cake from Monique and you won’t be disappointed. Oh, and if you need something specific, Bake me Pretty also offers banting, sugar, gluten, egg and/or dairy free cakes as well. Bake me Pretty Monique Goddard 082 301 1533 FB: Bake me Pretty home baking at its BEST

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 31

32 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | HOA

CONTRACTORS GATE –

PLEASE NOTE

Packed up and ready for the holidays? This is just a reminder regarding the Contractors Gate on Woodhill. The Contactors Gate will be closed on 15 December 2017. It will reopen on 4 January 2018 for registrations and the re-opening of sites for active building work will happen on 8 January 2018. No building contractors will be granted access to the Estate during this period. This includes paving contractors, painters, etc. Any special arrangements must be submitted in writing to the Woodhill HOA for consideration on or before the end of business on 14 December 2017.

FESTIVE SEASON SAFETY This year has come to a speedy end and everyone is considering their long-deserved holiday. For those who will be travelling during the festive season, we would like to assist with some safety tips.

•

When leaving your residence, ensure that nonessential electrical equipment is switched off.

•

Inform your security company of your absence and contact details in case of an emergency.

•

Should you be leaving your 4-legged friends behind, please ensure they are adequately cared for by the house sitter.

•

At the airport •

As most residents will be away on a deserved break over the holidays we foresee a lot of pets being left behind.

•

Please ensure that all pets are properly looked after. Keep in mind that they will be alone this is usually when dogs start barking or tend to find a way out of the property. The Woodhill HOA has a very limited area within which to keep pets found roaming on the Estate.

•

Please ensure that your pets are clearly identifiable with a tag and that there is an address or contact number on it.

• •

•

• • •

Make sure your bags and luggage have locks and name tags. Do not allow people to tamper with your bags. When seeking directions, proceed to marked information counters only. At the hotel, guesthouse, other accommodation Report any suspicious, unattended luggage or parcels to the personnel at reception. Never leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked away in your room. Store valuables in the safety deposit box. Keep your room locked. If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door. Contact reception if you have any reason for concern. Hand your keys in whenever you leave. Make sure that luggage is only given to the bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage.º

On the street •

Have a safe trip and God Bless

Operations Manager

•

Werner Pretorius

•

As always, personal safety is a matter of shared responsibility between authorities and the individual.

However, garden services, emergency contractors, i.e. plumbers, roof leaks, broken window repairs etc. will be granted access during this period.

People that are looking after your property and pets can be registered for certain days and time periods.

•

Avoid an ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras, mobile phones and other valuables. Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped and do not leave it unattended.

•

Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended. Do not carry large sums of money with you. Exchange your currency at a bank or at the hotel – never exchange it on the street. Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers. Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence. At night stay away from dark, isolated areas. It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets. Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers. Avoid beggars as far as possible, as they become the ‘eyes’ of smash and grab as well as pickpocket criminals. Educate your children on safety with electronic devices. Walking whilst playing on cellular phones makes you an easy target for criminals as you are not observant.

In your vehicle • • • • •

• • • • •

Do not drink and drive. Plan your route in advance. Ensure you have an emergency car kit/ first aid kit available. Keep the doors locked and wind the windows up always. Do not leave your mobile phone or other valuables where they are visible from outside the vehicle. Lock valuable items in the boot before your departure. At night, park in well-lit areas. Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers. If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice and help. Make sure you have the number of the car rental company on hand in case you get stranded.

Always remember that your life and those of your loved one’s, are worth more than the possessions you own.

Think safety Act safely Be safe

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 33

FOOD | WH

34 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | FOOD

G&T

- It’s a classic!

Enjoying its recent revival as a ‘craft’ version, gin is quite possibly going to be the next big thing!

econd to craft beer, craft gin is gaining momentum as small time distilleries are making their mark on the industry and gin drinkers are loving it.

Firstly produced as a medicine and sold in Holland chemists in the early 17th century, gin was used to treat stomach aches, gout and gallstones. It was made more palatable with the addition of flavours such as juniper. Nicknamed ‘Dutch Courage’, it was giving to British troops during the Thirty Years’ War because of its warming properties in the damp weather. Soldiers started bringing it back home and it soon became a firm favourite amongst the poor – as a recreational drink as opposed to a medicine! Soon the English were distilling their own version of gin much improving its quality and image as well as assisting English agriculture by using surplus corn and barley. As distilling licences became more readily available, so did gin. At one point in time it surpassed the sales of beer as it was a much cheaper option for a social drink. But soon, excessive drinking became a problem amongst the working class and The Gin Act was introduced at midnight on 29 September 1736. This new Act made gin an expensive habit as the licence to retail became more costly and the duty was

raised fivefold. Naturally, the common people were outraged and riots broke out where the law was widely and openly broken. But The Gin Act remained and within six years of it being introduced, production rose by almost fifty per cent (although only two distillers had taken out licences!). Finally recognised as unenforceable in 1742, The Gin Act was repealed and a new policy introduced where reason reigned and is still in existence today. In the 1800’s ‘Dutch Courage’ was now often referred to as ‘Mother’s Milk’. The beer and gin trade battle was heating up and in an effort to compete, ‘gin palaces’ started appearing in the 1830s. Designed to be an escape from home, gin palaces were large, imposing and luxuriously furnished abodes. Over the years gin production has become more refined, allowing gin to evolve into a delicate balance of flavours – catapulting it into a drink for high society. It would seem that the popularity of craft gin is in a sense, history repeating itself! Only this time society is far more demanding on good quality and taste giving gin distillers a run for their money…

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 35

BIRDING | WH

EASY BIRD IDENTIFICATION According to Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa, there are six simple rules with regards to bird identification… What is the bird’s relative size? Compare the bird with common ones that you know well. Is it larger or smaller than a sparrow, a city pigeon or a guineafowl? What is the bird’s beak shape and colour? The shape of a bird’s beak is a guide as to what it eats and this can help identify it. Is it short, stout and conical like a sparrow or is it small and slender or long and curved, powerful and hooked, etc? What colour is its beak? – many birds have blackish beaks but some have brightly coloured ones. What length and colour are its legs? Unusually long legs are normally found on birds that wade in water or walk in long grass whilst short legs identify other habitats. Some birds have legs with distinctive colour. What plumage colours or markings strike you? Bold markings such as those on the birds head, wings, body or tail should be noted as should any bright colours. Many birds have white wing-bars or tail-bars, others have distinct eyebrows, breast-bands, etc. In what habitat do you see the bird? Is the bird in a garden, in water, in grassland, bushveld or forest?

36 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

What is the bird doing? Is it walking, hopping, wading or swimming? Does it peck at the ground, probe in mud or feed in a tree? Once you’ve successfully identified a bird you’ve spotted, you might come across some terms indicating this bird’s status and abundance. The explanations below might help you to understand a these terms a little more: • Vagrant: a species not normally seen in Southern Africa • Rare : a species recorded 10 times or less in any year in suitable habitat • Very rare: a species recorded five times or less in any five year period • Uncommon: a species recorded 30 or less times a month in suitable habitat • Fairly common: a species recorded 1 – 10 times a day in suitable habitat • Common: a species recorded 10 – 50 times a day in suitable habitat • Very common: a species recorded 50 – 100 times a day in suitable habitat • Abundant: a species recorded 100 or more times a day in suitable habitat • Seasonal: a species seen at certain times of the year only • Winter: April – August • Summer: September – March • Localised: a species seen only in restricted areas of suitable habitat • Resident: a species which breeds in Southern Africa • Visitor: a non-breeding species Taken from Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa, 1991 update

WH | BIRDING

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 37

ENTERTAINMENT | WH

NU METRO MOVIES to look forward to these holidays

Barbie™ Dolphin Magic Adventure, Children's, Fantasy 63 min | A While visiting Ken and exploring a coral reef, Barbie and her sisters make an amazing discovery and meet a mysterious new friend. Cast: Erica Lindbeck, Shannon Chan-Kent, Kazumi Evans, Claire Corlett, Ciana Swales

Vuil wasgoed Comedy 100 min | 16 L V Dankie dat jy hier was! Wim en Kevin werk by ’n wassery. Dinge is vervelig deur die dag, totdat die son sak en hulle partytjie hou in hulle kliënte se klere. Tydens so ŉ geleentheid ontdek hulle ŉ afgesnyde vinger in ŉ aandpak se baadjie. Die onderduimse eienaar van die vinger, sy seuns en ŉ ongenaakbare verraaier is op Wim en Kevin se spoor en nie besorg oor hul welsyn nie.

Music: Rebecca Kneubuhl

Cast: Bennie Fourie, Bouwer Bosch, Tim Theron, Stiaan Smith, Nico Panagio, Charlie Bouguenon, Simoné Nortmann, Leandie du Randt Bosch, Louis Minnaar

Screenplay: Jennifer Skelly

Directed by: Morné du Toit

Produced by: Sarah Serata, Rachael Datello

Music: Benjamin Willem

Directed by: Conrad Helten

Screenplay: Bennie Fourie Produced by: Danie Bester, Bouwer Bosch, Bennie Fourie

38 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-fi Rey continues her epic journey with Finn, Poe, and Luke Skywalker. Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Tom Hardy, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern, Kelly Marie Tran Directed by: Rian Johnson Music: John Williams Screenplay: Rian Johnson Produced by: Ram Bergman, Kathleen Kennedy

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 39

TRAVEL | WH

PACK YOUR BAGS

The prospect of travel is always an exciting one. As we bid farewell to 2017 we thought it would be fun to find out the expert opinion on the top 10 travel destinations for 2018… and we were pleasantly surprised to discover South Africa on the list…

Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2018 Top Countries: Ten countries you need to visit next year:

CHILE Chile is a sinewy sliver of a nation, isolated from the rest of South America (and indeed the world) by the soaring Andes to the east, the vast Pacific Ocean to the west, the bone-dry Atacama Desert up north and the impenetrable wilds of Patagonia down south. From its disparate extremes to the ever-trendier capital of Santiago at its heart, the country’s citizens will unite in 2018 to mark 200 years of independence.

SOUTH KOREA South Korea is a compact playground of Asian modernity. High-rises soar in the futuristic capital city, Seoul, which in 2017 received a huge facelift with the opening of its new Seoul-lo 7017, a high-line park with cafes, bars and libraries along a disused elevated highway. South Korea has embraced its hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, and a new high-speed railway line will whisk travelers across the country to the Games. So don your hats and gloves to cheer on the best and brightest as they

40 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

swoosh their way to glory. Or wait until it warms up and experience mountainous delights followed by steamy urban nightlife.

PORTUGAL Portugal has emerged from the long shadow cast by neighbouring Spain, seizing the spotlight as a dynamic centre for art, culture and cuisine. A spate of artfully designed museums have opened in the past two years, there’s now a celebrated microbrewery scene, and rock-star Portuguese chefs are creating culinary buzz from Lisbon to the glittering beaches of the Algarve (seven new restaurants received Michelin stars in 2017). Heightening Portugal’s appeal are its incredible affordability and its natural wonders: in 2016, more than 300 beaches earned the coveted Blue Flag rating and two new biosphere reserves were named. It’s no surprise everyone is talking about this small, seafaring nation.

DJIBOUTI Positioned for dramatic effect, the petite nation of Djibouti is in the process of being ripped in three by diverging tectonic plates. Magma seethes beneath ever-thinning

crust; Martian-like deserts spew steam from fumaroles; and sunken lake shores glisten with huge salt crystals. In geological terms, this is a sprint finish. But in human terms, this is spectacularly slow motion – a reason to make travel plans, not cancel them! Add intoxicating culture, beckoning beaches and incredible whale shark diving, and you have even more reasons to hop on a plane, or ride the brand new train, to witness Mother Nature at her brutal best in 2018.

NEW ZEALAND Twenty-five years ago, long before it was retrofitted to resemble Middle-earth, New Zealand began actively attracting adventure-seekers. A sweet suite of trails, the Great Walks, encouraged exploration of the country’s exquisite topography, taking tramping travelers through some of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness. Now, for the first time since the nine-track network was launched, a new Great Walk is under construction. The Paparoa Track and Pike29 Memorial Track, which commemorates the 29 miners killed in 2010, will form a magnificent multi-day trail through the South Island’s wild and wonderful west coast. Hikers can get a taster of the walk’s dramatic scenery on four existing trails.

WH | TRAVEL

Article sourced from www.lonelyplanet.com.

MALTA The long history of this Mediterranean archipelago is vividly evident. Prehistoric temples crown hills, 17th-century fortifications stalk the coast, and a warren of tunnels – from catacombs to air-raid shelters – dig deep underground. Its riches have been here for centuries, if not millennia, but Malta is experiencing a moment. This tiny nation’s buzz has been building to a crescendo in preparation for Valletta’s stint as European Capital of Culture for 2018. Expect baroque, pop and international film festivals, plus a contemporary art biennial. Not to mention a laid-back lifestyle born out of proximity to warm sea, beaches and more than 300 annual days of sunshine.

GEORGIA At this crossroads of the South Caucasus, history is not a thing of the past but informs every complex chess move Georgia makes in the present. Forward-thinking but proud of tradition, this is a country of ancient recipes cooked up in tucked-away taverns where toastmasters raise glasses of spirits to honour heroes old and new. It’s so proud of its wine region that airport immigration officials often welcome travelers with a

bottle of red along with their stamped passports. One hundred years ago, Georgia was declared an independent state in the wake of the Russian Revolution: just one of many reasons to raise a glass to toast 2018.

MAURITIUS This brochure-perfect island idyll is justly famous for its dazzling sapphire seas and luxurious beach resorts, where the watery fun includes coral reef dives, kitesurfing, sea kayaking and lagoon cruises. During the colonial days, Mauritius was known as the ‘Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’ for its strategic position. These days there’s much afoot in the deep blue sky, with the government establishing the island as a hub for flights to mainland Africa. New connections to Mauritius include Air Mauritius and KLM’s service from Amsterdam. Past glories are also getting a spotlight in 2018, when the island celebrates 50 years of independence.

CHINA The world’s most populous country is big, beautiful and full of mystery and adventure. Since 2016, China has opened extensive new high-speed rail tracks, creating the largest HSR

network on Earth. Běijīng’s imperial palace – the Forbidden City – has been upgraded in the past few years, and four previously restricted halls are now open to the public. Gargantuan Shanghai Tower welcomes visitors to the world’s highest observation deck, and in late 2017, cultural hub Design Society opened in the cosmopolitan city of Shenzhen, featuring a partnership gallery with London’s V&A Museum. Twenty-first century China is here to stay, so hop on board a bullet train and explore this modern Middle Kingdom.

SOUTH AFRICA Beaches and mountains, wildlife and wine, and let’s not forget vibrant culture and cosmopolitan Cape Town – South Africa has long been one of the world’s most alluring countries. This year the country’s many attractions will be bolstered by ‘Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018: Be the Legacy’, an official programme of events – some sporting, some educational, others devoted to the arts – aimed at honouring the legendary leader. The theme is to inspire values-based societies, with exhibitions related to transparency, service, respect, passion and integrity. So with more to see than ever, and favourable exchange rates offering great value, 2018 is a phenomenal year to visit South Africa.

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 41

42 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | GOLF

NICE TO MEET YOU!

The latest addition of meeting/board rooms to Woodhill Country Club are proving popular. Not only are our corporate visitors enjoying the accessibility to tastefully decorated surrounds within which to impress their clients, but our visitors are loving it too. If you would like to book either of the rooms, please contact Onica at wccreception@woodhill.co.za or on 012Â 998 0011.

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 43

FAMILY | WH

The pressure of ‘the

PERFECT GIFT’! By Russell Bennett

44 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | FAMILY

Our daughter, Emma, turned three earlier this month. Obviously there were presents, parties and pampering, up-anddown for a couple of days with everything centred around the ‘Princess’ and no-one else – and for the first time, she absolutely lapped it up. When your kids are two, it all sort of just ‘happens around them’. At three, they know it’s happening entirely for them and no-one else.

hile she was undoubtedly the centre of attention for this period, and as any of you with two closely-aged kids will know, a birthday for one kid means at least one little present for the other in order to avoid the inevitable jealous rages and superficial, but nevertheless intense, resentment on the sibling’s special day. This year I’d been so busy for the period, that my wife Lisa bought all the necessary offerings on a single outing. That was our big mistake. Now sure, it may seem as though John our eldest (just two months into his fourth year), was being ungrateful when he ran wailing from the lounge upon being presented with his placatory gift. Some may even suggest that we should have left him to ‘cry it out’ and deal with the disappointment. There was only one problem and that was on this occasion... damn it, I agreed with him! It really comes down to the fact that girl’s gifts and boy’s gifts are just such very separate concepts. When I looked at what Lisa had bought him, I had the same reaction he did: “A bag? A bag? Sure it may have Spiderman printed on its side, but for goodness sake, what good is a bag with

nothing inside it?” Oh so practical, yes; “You can put all the toys you want to take when you visit Granny in it,” my wife tried vainly to explain, succeeding only in raising the volume level of the intense wailing in the background. And so it came to be promised that I, Dad, would pick up an alternative ‘something’ for the lad on my way home from work that afternoon; something much more suitable. And with that the wailing boy was placated for the rest of what turned out to be a very Princess-heavy, Emma-oriented day. But when I found myself actually standing in the toy store buying the gift (or gifts, as it turned out), I had to feel a little bit sorry for her – my wife, that is. This is because when she shops for kiddies’ toys (and it’s a pretty regular at least weekly event) she’s self-restricted her budget to a reasonable several-times-a-month amount. Because I’m in toy stores so rarely – and let’s face it, as a man I am really just a big kid when near the inside of one of these dastardly fundungeons – I have no such limits. At least, none that I’m able to stick to... And with that, one extra toy for each child (since I was only going to be home late in the evening, therefore presenting these alternate gifts the next morning), I was able to reinforce my hero status with a potentially unwise early-December wallet depletion of some note. Fair? Perhaps not, but that’s how it works. Of course it helps that, being a man-boy myself, the toy choices are also inspired by a very similar purchasing credo: to be the most fun, they have to be the biggest, the flashiest, the noisiest and the sorts of toys that do the most things all in one package. Driving... tick, flying... got that too, shooting... oh yes, with full sound-effects and generouslyflashing LEDs. And, naturally, a deep-seated understanding of the fact that, the greater the price tag, the more fun the toy!

And so the ‘replacement’ toys duly became household favourites for the couple of weeks they lasted after the birthday, and mom’s carefully selected ‘Bags ‘o Fun’ were left to collect dust way down in the bottom of a cupboard. Not of course that, ahem, there’s any form of competition, let’s be clear on that. Generally, as we get older, we men get better at (and wiser to) the need to appreciate the gifts that our partners choose for us on such occasions such as birthdays. Quite often the disappointment when unwrapping the gift remains largely the same, but we don’t necessarily hurtle bawling from the room if it isn’t quite exactly what we wanted to unwrap. I clearly remember one Christmas/birthday (mine falls two days after the big day, so the memory tends to merge a bit), after having been not-so-subtle about The Perfect Present that year, I found myself unwrapping something else entirely – something useful, stylish, even vaguely related... but not what I had wanted at all. I’m sure most of us have been there: Instead of finding the petrol-powered remote-control car you were eyeing-out, you’ve started unwrapping and just spotted a Nike logo on the promisingly boxy cardboard container. New tools you wanted emerge from the wrapping paper as a ‘nice’ new set of tumblers; a new hard-drive for your PC emerges as an ‘interesting’ pen holder. For a grown man though, it’s really all a part of the birthday fun. For a four-year old, apparently, it’s a positively earthshattering turn of events, easily capable of wrecking your day, as well as anyone in your immediate vicinity – birthday or no birthday. So in spite of the bravado, we males are very fragile creatures after all... Especially when it involves presents.

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 45

PETS | WH

TAKING YOUR FURBABY FOR A WALKâ&#x20AC;¦ Many of us love our furry pets almost as much as we love other members of our family. Residing in Woodhill allows us the opportunity to spoil them with a daily walk in beautiful surrounds. We found 10 tips for safe walking your dog on www.animaltalk.co.za:

46 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | PETS

ow that the weather is warmer, you and your dog will certainly be in the mood for walking. Most dogs love it. Mention the word ‘walkies’ or reach for the lead, and watch your dog’s reaction. If he’s anything like mine, he’ll jump up and down, pant with excitement and have his eyes fixed on you. For a dog, going for a walk is like reading his email: messages are left at every post and corner. Here are 10 useful tips to make you and your dog’s walks even more pleasurable.

PUPPY SOCIALISATION Take your puppy to puppy classes when still young. Puppy trainers will help you set the right foundations to make any further training much easier. Well-socialised puppies will be more confident in public for the rest of their lives, and will be less prone to aggressive behaviour towards other dogs or people.

TRAINING Provide your puppy with a soft puppy collar and lead right from the start, so you can begin his training sessions as soon as possible. Fit the collar while he is eating, and let him wear it during mealtimes so he can make a positive connection with wearing a collar. Do not fit it too tightly – always allow space for two fingers to fit between the collar and the puppy’s neck. Once he is used to the collar, you can attach a light lead and let him drag the lead for a while before picking it up. Then walk alongside him and encourage him to follow you. If he does, give him a treat and lots of praise. You can even use a treat to make him go where you want – keep the treat in your left hand and let him follow your hand, while holding the lead in your other hand. If he starts pulling on the lead, stand still and keep quiet until he comes back to you, then praise and reward him. Be persistent and consistent.

PULLING Some dog owners complain about their dogs pulling on the lead. These dogs

often have tension in the shoulders, and the best advice is to walk them in a harness rather than a collar. There are several harnesses which are specially designed to resist pulling, and will help you to control your dog. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

dogs have been run over on walks or while jogging with their owners. Also, do not ignore sign boards. If it says dogs have to be on a leash, keep yours that way. You can always opt for a retractable leash, which will give your dog much more leeway.

COLLAR AND LEASH Use soft buckle collars for young puppies and training collars, chain slip collars or clip-on nylon slip collars for older puppies and adult dogs. When choosing a chain slip collar (a chain with a ring on each end), make sure it fits your dog’s neck with about 5cm of excess chain. Breeds with large heads (such as Labradors or Rottweilers) will need chains that are about 10cm longer than the width of their necks to make sure the collars fit over their heads. A large selection of different types of harnesses is available on the market in South Africa, but consult your vet before choosing one for your dog. Start your dog on a narrow leash of about 2m long, and keep the retractable or fancy wide leashes for later, when you are sure you can easily control him.

IDENTIFICATION All dogs should wear some form of identification, especially when they’re taken on walks where they could disappear. It’s best to have a name tag with your contact details on your dog’s collar, as well as an embedded microchip under his skin. If one fails, the other could serve as a backup. Also carry a clear photo of your dog in your wallet in case you need to ask strangers if they’ve spotted him.

ON OR OFF THE LEASH? Keeping your dog on a leash is always the safest way to go for a walk, but some people (and dogs) prefer to run freely. Don’t walk your dog off the leash in a street or near traffic unless he is truly exceptionally obedient. Even trained

UNDER CONTROL Keep your dog calm and under control when you pass strangers. Obedience training will help you achieve this

POOP SCOOP Always take a poop scoop and some plastic bags along to clean up after your dog.

WATERING HOLES Take along fresh water from home – most dogs prefer the taste of the water they know at home. Make regular stops along the way, and give your dog water in a collapsible cup, inflatable water dish or zipclosure bag. Find a shady spot and use the time to rest for a while.

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR Not all dogs are well socialised, and innocent dogs (or people) are often attacked by other dogs in a public area. Keep your distance if a strange dog shows signs of aggression, but whatever you do, don’t run away! If your own dog is on the aggressive side, watch out. According to the South African Animal Matters Amendment Act no 42 of 1993, any person whose negligence of an animal causes injury to another person is guilty of an offence, and liable for a fine or imprisonment if found guilty. You’ll also be held responsible if your dog attacks another dog in a public area, especially if you can be proven to have been negligent. Best to go for some socialisation classes and obedience training.

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 47

HEALTH | WH

HEALTHY. HAPPY. HYDRATED. By Debbie Preston

emember that experiment in science class where you had to guess how long a tooth would last in a glass of cola? Not very long, in less than a day the tooth was gone and we were fascinated – and heartbroken – to discover our favourite tipple was very bad for our teeth indeed! But our pearly whites aren’t the only things taking strain from sugar-loaded soda; weight gain and behavioral effects such as hyperactivity can also be issues. So when are we going to stop giving into our kids demands for fizzy pop? There’s no denying it, sugar remains one of our greatest enemies. Whether sugar is natural or added artificially, teeth are at risk with every sip. Too much sugar can cause tantrums, sleep problems, meal time upsets and weight issues and whilst we routinely use sugar as a reward (“If you eat your greens you can have a biscuit”) we seem to be quite unaware of the amount in what we drink. Suddenly a glass of fresh milk or good old H2O can’t possibly be enough to quench Junior’s thirst so we pour out a veritable mini-bar worth of tasty tipples. News flash moms: a thirsty kid will not refuse a glass of water if that’s all that’s on offer! Sugar aside, these colourful treats contain a dangerous cocktail of chemical stimulants that will change your little angel into a hyperactive tantrum-throwing devil – and then there are the physical consequences to contend with such as eczema and headaches. Follow the sound of a screaming child and you will most likely observe a very harassed mother whose four-year-old is raising merry hell – whilst sipping on a blue energy drink! If you consider that these drinks promise to supplement a whole meal (in an adult) then trying to get

48 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | HEALTH

those greens eaten at dinner time should be more fun than usual! My advice: reserve energy drinks for your weary adult body, exhausted from running after your (stimulantfree) little monsters! Fresh fruit juice and smoothies are the way to go, but even these may require diluting as fructose (the natural sugar found in fruit) can be bad for teeth too. The general rule is to dilute fruit juice and by that I mean literally ‘colour’ the water to reduce the sugar content. Syrupy concentrated fruit juices are easy, affordable and popular, but by just looking at the colour you should realise that they contain artificial colourants and flavourants! Recently I came across a leading brand of concentrated fruit juice proudly advertising that their product contains 6% fruit juice – that’s all! You have to wonder what makes up the remaining 94%. Hesté Theron, a registered Dietician, recommends offering your child a glass of diluted fruit juice (containing 100% fruit juice) a day. Read the labels and get to know products; clever marketing and labelling may have you fooled into thinking you’re serving up something healthy when you are not. Many carbonated fruit drinks claim that their products are recommended, but sadly the 100% fruit juice they contain is concentrated. This means it has been treated to remove a lot of the water and is therefore no longer fresh. Add the fizz factor and it’s a veritable war on your child’s teeth. Carbonated drinks, be they flavoured waters or traditional lemonades, are also bad for teeth as the combination of acids and sugars work together to erode tooth enamel over time. Even the sugar and lactic acid in milk can be damaging in excess. To minimise the impact sugars can have on teeth, Hesté suggests rinsing with water after drinking, serving drinks with a meal so that food can assist in cleansing some of the sugar away and brushing teeth twice a day. Woolies’ range of diluted fruit juices is an easier option than squeezing your own; choose from a veritable zoo of flavours – Bongi Buffalo, Elsa Elephant, Lenny Lion, Rosie Rhino and Lucy Leopard. Clover’s

range of Manhattan Iced Teas have decaffeinated flavours and kids love them too. Avoid sugar-free or diet products as these replace sugars with the artificial sweetener Aspartame, an ‘Excitotoxin’ which has been linked to Asthma and ADHD. Milk (forever a firm favourite with kids) is deliciously healthy, but topping up with milk throughout the day may fill Junior up to such an extent that he eats less food. Some children (especially under the age of one year) can be predisposed to lactose intolerance (the body’s inability to digest the lactose (sugar) found in milk products) and this can manifest itself in tummy aches, diarrhoea, vomiting and eczema. The good news is that 95% of children outgrow lactose intolerance by the age of two. Until then, and provided the allergy isn’t severe, Hesté recommends re-introducing lactose in small amounts in different forms such as yoghurt and cheese to test for a reaction. Nestlé has introduced Nutren Junior, a lactose and gluten-free milk powder that can be used from age one to 10 years. It’s packed with goodies to specifically meet the nutritional needs of growing children. Full cream milk products are recommended if you wish to bulk-up your under twoyear-old. Low fat milk products contain more bone-friendly calcium, but for very small children the fat in full cream is essential for growth. Should you wish to pep-up a glass of milk with a bit of flavour every now and then, then Nativa’s TurboKidz Smart Shakes with all the added vitamins and minerals are great milk shaker-uppers. If your child is ill, a poor or picky eater then this will sustain him, but a healthy child should not fill up on milk instead of eating a proper meal. As for tea, stick to Rooibos whenever possible as caffeine and kids are not the best combination, but don’t overdo the tea either. Over time tannins in tea will stain pearly whites too, but more of a worry is that tea can slow down the absorption of iron into the body which can lead to an iron deficiency.

Water remains the top tipple of choice for all of us. The water in South Africa is clean enough to drink from the tap, but if you are paranoid you can purchase a water filter. Buying the bottled stuff is expensive, but also an option as these contain more minerals than what you will get on tap. Flavoured water may seem like a healthy choice, but unfortunately it falls into the ‘cold drink’ category. Browsing the many products on the shelves of the local supermarket I found only one that wasn’t full of chemicals. As with eating, children need to learn the necessity of drinking regularly and staying hydrated, but try not to stress if your child is not a big drinker – just as a very hungry child will always eat, a very thirsty child will always drink. Dehydration is only really a concern if a child is unwell – diarrhoea, vomiting and fever will impact fluid levels, so water intake needs to be increased – the aim being 4 to 8 glasses of fluid daily while ill.

Be sure to offer a drink to children at regular intervals, as many children – especially toddlers – may not think to ask for it themselves. Signs of mild dehydration include decreased urine output, a 3 to 9% loss in weight, sunken eyes and a sunken fontanel in babies. Keep an eye out for sudden excessive thirst that isn’t related to increased physical activity as this could be an indication of health problems and will need to be checked out by your Paediatrician. Offering your child a truly healthy balanced diet means reviewing and managing both what they eat and drink. It makes no sense washing down a serving of spinach with a glass of fizzy, but a treat now and then, just like that packet of sweets once in a while, is okay. Reserve full fizz, full sugar, full fat, full colour for special occasions such as birthday parties – you don’t want to be the party-pooper!

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 49

KIDS | WH

KEEDZCO Holiday program for kids

50 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

Time

Mon: 18 Dec

Tue: 19 Dec

Wed: 20 Dec

Thu: 21 Dec

Fri: 22 Dec

08h00-08h30

Arrival & Breakfast

08h30-09h00

Muffins, Jam and cheese

Scrambled egg and mayo sandwiches’

Oats/Matabella/ Porridge

Fresh sandwiches

Rice crispies/ Frosties etc

09h00 -12h00

Build your own slingshot – Boys Make your own necklace – Girls and Pack Christmas Charity presents

Water sports: - Pass on the hula hoop - Pass the apples from water - Waterslide - Bag race - Hit goals with tennis balls

Make your own bird seed holder and Sport activities

Decorate your own Christmas sugar cookies and Pack Christmas (Toiletries) Charity presents

Make your own Christmas card and Sport activities

(*10h30 Snack time)

Yogurt & Fruit; Juice

12h00 – 13h00

Lunch (Hotdogs)

Lunch (Vetkoek & Mince, syrup)

Lunch (Pies & Cooldrink)

Lunch (Lasagne & Salad)

Lunch (Hamburgers & Chips)

13h00 – 16h00

Kids movie (Popcorn Slingshot target & Coldrink) shooting (use your slingshot that you just made to the test) and Games

Feed the birds with your seed holder and picnic

Water sports: - Waterslilde and goal kicking - Pass water with hardhat - Tug of war - Egg & spoon, race - Turn in circle and hit goals

Christmas Movie (Popcorn & Coldrink)

(*14h30 Snack time)

Cookies & Coldrinks

Ice-cream & Fruit Cocktail

16h00 – 17h00

Free play

Time

Mon: Public Holiday

Tue: 02 Jan

Wed: 03 Jan

Thu: 04 Jan

Fri: 05 Jan

08h00-08h30

Arrival & Breakfast

08h30-09h00

Scrambled egg and mayo sandwiches’

Muffins, Jam and cheese

Fresh sandwiches

Coco pops/ Frosties etc

09h00 -12h00

Decorate and make your own Cupcake

Arts & Craft/Make your own plaster image Decorate and paint and Sport activities

Water sports: - Shoot a goal from the hip - Shoot water balloons - Waterslide ski - One leg race - Through balls from one bucket into another bucket - Locomotive team walking

Games: - “Bok in die hok” - Turn in circle and hit ball - “Vrot eier” - Kings & Queens - Card games - Board games - Fire ball

(*10h30 Snack time)

Yogurt & Fruit; Juice

12h00 – 13h00

Lunch (Pies & Cooldrink)

Lunch (Macaroni & Cheese; salad)

Lunch (Fish fingers & Chips)

Lunch (Hotdogs)

13h00 – 16h00

Water sports: - Waterslide wrestle - Appels and syrup - Smarties & flour - Kick goals - Back to back balls carry and drop in basket

Kiddies movie Make your own mask (Popcorn & Cooldrink) and let’s have a parade and Sport activities

Fancy Dress & Picnic Face paint and Jumping Castle

(*14h30 Snack time)

Cookies & Coldrinks

16h00 – 17h00

Free play

WH | KIDS

18 - 22 December Venue: Club House @ Woodhill Golf Estate, Garsfontein • • • • • • •

Do it yourself crafts Fun filled, interactive activities Movies & Popcorn Creative arts & crafts for the Festive season Nutritionist lunches & snacks Water games & Much more...

Full day: R350 per kid Half day: R250 per kid Estine: 076 576 5909

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 51

anna: 082 456 2190 anna@patzwi.co.za 264 zambezi drive, sinoville, pretoria info@patzwi.co.za | www. patzwi.co.za

Woodhill Magazine is the only publication distributed within Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club. For more information on advertising in this elite publication please contact Tracey on 082 460 6007 or email editor@woodhillmag.co.za.

52 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

WH | ACCREDITED ESTATE AGENTS Woodhill Residential Estate and Country Club - Approved Estate Agents

Ansie Jacobs: 082 494 6677 ansie@appleproperty.co.za

Inge Nowitz: 083 380 6414 inge.now@hotmail.com

Elna Bouwer: 083 997 6430 elnabouwer@gmail.com

Vino Baum: 082 372 6030 vino@biancaproperties.co.za

Ana Scott: 083 501 4440 ana.scott@engelvoelkers.com

Bully Smit: 082 891 7126 bullysmit@mweb.co.za

Devon Hendey: 082 453 1076 devon@parrisinc.co.za

Ida Meintjes: 082 563 4489

ida.meintjes@pamgolding.co.za

Brenda-Lee Barnes: 061 234 5080 brenda-lee@myroof.co.za

Prescilla Rootman: 083 282 5386 prescilla.rootman@pamgolding.co.za

Sakkie Coetzee: 083 751 7861

Anthony Boshoff: 082 445 1178 anthony@propertyshop.co.za

sakkie.coetzee@pamgolding.co.za

Vanessa Sofianos: 082 412 6720

Johan Potgieter: 082 908 3423

Marinda van der Merwe: 082 703 1380

Narina Fisher: 082 456 6051

Roma NaudĂŠ: 082 600 8440

Ronelle Pienaar: 082 772 5158 ronelle@rootx.co.za

Rosa Willers: 082 962 7228

romanaude@telkomsa.net

Brogan Nowitz: 083 407 6412 brogann@just.property

Michael Cahill: 082 561 022 michael@thebulliongroup.co.za

Jan Badenhorst: 083 264 2452 jan@property-100.co.za

vanessa@realnet.co.za

johan@redtableproperties.co.za

Ivan Swart: 079 520 0195 ivan@remaxinfo.co.za

Marieth Kloppers: 082 820 5549 marieth@remaxinfo.co.za

Fiona Potgieter: 079 415 8528 rentals@remaxinfo.co.za

marinda.remax@outlook.com

narina@allestates.co.za

Leandi NaudĂŠ: 012 480 1752 leandinaude@gmail.com

rosa@seeff.com

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 53

The for the harmony of country ambience and state of the art living in a secure environment

Your Woodhill Resident Agent

082 703 1380

marinda.remax@outlook.com

Your Woodhill Resident Agent

082 703 1380

54 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017

marinda.remax@outlook.com

WH | HOA

IT’S A DATE!

Our golfing diary is filling up fast. Remember to book your round of golf timeously…

DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY NICS GOLFDAY

AM BB STAB

AM IPS

11 IGT

AM BB STAB

AM – ONLY IPS

AM – ONLY BB STAB

12 IGT

25 CLOSED

SUNDAY

BOXING DAY BB STABLEFORD

MONDAY

TUESDAY

AM IPS

AM BB STAB

WHOLE DAY 4 BALL ALL

WHOLE DAY BB BONUS BOGEY

PM MEAT COMP IPS PM MEAT COMP IPS PM MEAT COMP IPS PM MEAT COMP IPS

MONTHLY MEDAL

McCARTHY TOYOTA BB CHALLENGE MORELETA CELLARS BB CHALLENGE 4 BALL ALL 2 SCORES TO COUNT

30 IPS

JANUARY 2018 WEDNESDAY

CLOSED

AM BB STAB

7 PM OBSCURE TECHNOLOGIES

JANUARY 2018

AM IPS

AM – IGT

PM – COMP BB STABLEFORD

SCHOOL CLOSED WHOLE DAY IPS

SATURDAY

SCHOOL FESTIVAL

WHOLE DAY BB STABLEFORD

SCHOOL FESTIVAL

THURSDAY

FRIDAY 5PM MEAT COMP IPS PM MEAT COMP IPS PM MEAT COMP IPS PM MEAT COMP IPS

SATURDAY

MONTHLY MEDAL

McCARTHY TOYOTA BB CHALLENGE MORELETA CELLARS BB CHALLENGE 4 BALL ALL 2 SCORES TO COUNT

ISSUE 4 | 2017 | WH | 55

56 | WH | ISSUE 4 | 2017