Captain Oates Memorial Day - Scott 100 centenary: celebrating 100 years since Terra Nova

http://www.scott100.org/events/5151/

SPEECH BY EASTERN CAPE PREMIER

 

Last Friday the hall at the Aberdeen Showgrounds was packed with residents interested to see the Premier of the Eastern Cape’s address to the province on the big screen. About 500 people gathered in the hall for the occasion, and were treated to well-rehearsed items from Luxolo Intermediate School’s traditional dancers and choir, as well as a choir from Aberdeen Secondary School.

A full bus came with representatives from Nieu Bethesda, and another from Graaff-Reinet – these busses were later used to transport some of the elderly residents from Lotusville and Thembalesizwe to the gathering.

The programme director was Deon de Vos, from Cacadu district, who introduced representatives from the different departments of local government. Each representative then outlined the responsibilities of his or her department, which was of great interest to those present.

The main thrust of the Premier’s address was greening, and this gave much food for thought.

Grace Godlo, an elderly resident of Aberdeen who has assisted with new developments in heritage matters, with some of the Luxolo girls.

General crowd scenes

 

GARDEN CLUB MEETING AT PAGEL HOUSE

 

After several damp days, it was with great relief that the Aberdeen Garden Club members were able to sit out in the lush garden of Pagel House for their first meeting of the new year.  Secretary Jadré welcomed the group of nearly thirty people, including several new members. Special thanks were given to those who had made donations to the club, either cash or gifts, all of which will be put to good use. A comments book was circulated, for members to add any ideas of places they would like to visit, and general suggestions, which was very well received.

Denise Weldon read a thought for the day, stressing the importance of a positive outlook. Daniela Hamblin then read a summary from a gardening magazine about what should be done in the garden during the current month –this will be a regular feature of meetings in future. There were many helpful comments from members as to which of the plants mentioned will thrive in the Karoo, and the general agreement was that we are a little “behind” the dates given, and these activities were more for March.

Some of the recommended jobs in the garden are to stake chrysanthemums firmly, behead agapanthus, pull out old canna shoots and fertilise and mulch perennials.In response to a question about red spider mite, a helpful suggestion was given to spray ice-cold water onto the bug, which will cause them to pop, but not harm the plant.

Anna Featherstone then gave out a carob seed pod to each person, with strict instructions to plant the seeds in a tin, ready to plant trees in the town in two or three years time!

The guest speaker was Joos Engelbrecht from Efekto, who had travelled up from Mossel Bay for the day. The Garden Club is very grateful to Greenfingers in Mossel Bay and Tuin Roete Agri in Aberdeen for sponsoring this. Engelbrecht introduced three new products, which attracted much interest. The first, a sort of mini greenhouse, is the Jiffy range, a tray with a clear lid which comes with pellets of compressed fertilizer for starting off seeds. Sockosorb granules are wonderful for using on houseplants if a person is going away, as these absorb water and swell up like a gel. It was noted by some of the younger members that this is the same component as found in disposable nappies! The third new product is Seamungus, pleasant-smelling pellets of fertilizer made from seaweed. This product was given a very enthusiastic endorsement by one member who had used it successfully on an area of new grass.

Engelbrecht went on to explain about the different components in fertilizers, and how each component is needed for a particular area of plant growth. Nitrogen is important for leaf growth, phosphate for roots, and potassium for the flower or fruit, thus the raio of each substance should be determined according to whether the plant is grown for its flowers or its roots.

Much merriment ensued after a question about the use of grey water – for example, that from a bath. Many people have outlets to pipe the used bath and kitchen water directly onto their gardens, but according to Engelbrecht, in the long term this is not good for the garden. Ideally the grey water should be collected into a tank, with soda ash, and filtered before use.

After the talk a lucky draw was held, and several members were lucky enough to win samples of products. Each person was also given a goodie-bag to take home, containing useful literature and a pack of Seamungus. Tea was then served, and many took the opportunity to explore the wonderful garden. Those who had not been before were fascinated by the succulent kaleidoscope which Lynn Dugmore has set up. This consists of a large pipe, with mirrors, above a small tray of succulents. By turning a handle  the tray revolves, and some spectacular images can be seen by peering into the tube.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 8^th March, and more details will be published in the week prior to this. Any prospective new members are welcome to contact Padgie Pienaar on 049 846 0191

Committee members Daniela Hamblin, Jadré Lategan and padgie pinaar with guest speaker Joos Engelbrecht

At the kaleidoscope Meredith kraut, Nicola Woods, Rozanne Gouws, Joan Tinker and Wendy Kritzinger

 

BUSINESS RIGHTS

 

Many residents in Aberdeen have recently expressed concern at receiving notices from the municipality demanding that they change the zoning on their properties. These are mostly residents who the municipality deems to be running businesses from their homes, thus needing to rezone the property to business, or to apply for departure use.

Some of the people concerned do indeed run very profitable businesses from their homes, but the vast majority consists of pensioners who supplement their income by for example baking, sewing, typing, and craft work. A very small percentage of their home is used for business purposes, and thus it seems unnecessarily harsh to compare them with regular businesses. The rezoning impacts on the rates payable, and the water and electricity tariffs charged – business premises pay at a higher rate for all theses services.

When approached for comment by The Advertiser, town planner Oko Mpekula was prepared to look again at this matter, as the impact on other services had not been considered. She is keen to have a public meeting in Aberdeen, to explain all the relevant regulations to those affected, but in the meantime has assured those who are only operating “pocket-money” businesses that they are not the intended target of this crack-down.  However those businesses such as illegal abattoirs, corner shops and scrap metal dealers, which are operating in residential areas, are warned that they must comply with the municipal regulations. It is hoped that this will in fact be enforced, as many of these illegal operations cause considerable inconvenience and disturbance to residents. Many complaints have been laid in this regard to the municipal manager over a long period, but as yet the illegal businesses seem to be able to carry on without any penalty.

 

SINGERS AND MUSICIANS NEEDED

 

Sheila Petersen, who recently returned to live in Aberdeen, is very keen to establish a Village Choir in Aberdeen. Any resident who is interested in joining the group would be most welcome. Petersen is also looking for sheet music of popular and traditional choral works, and anyone who can assist with this is asked to contact her. More information can be obtained from Petersen on 076 725 8027