Proudly South African

Dalene du Preez from Proudly SA and Hannelie Theron from dti (Dept of Trade & Industries) attended an award ceremony and overnighted at my establishment. They had this to say, "A sincere thank you for the great time spent at your B&B. It will only be a pleasure to recommend your facility to other guests. I have already mentioned our stay to my Mom and Dad and they will contact you in due course should they be in the vicinity!" I was interested to learn about some of the projects i.e. wind farms - we've got plenty of that here! Keep me informed and thanks for the chats at breakfast and, yes, I realise only too well what a special corner of paradise I live in and thanks for enjoying it with me.

The Buzz about Birding

WEST COAST BIRD CLUB INTO ITS NINTH YEAR

The West Coast Bird Club (of which I am a founder member) held its ninth annual general meeting on November 24th. Jan Kotzé was voted in as chairman, Jenny Edmond secretary and Anna Dernier the treasurer, all for a second year. Club member Keith Harrison manages the conservation portfolio, acting as watchdog on behalf of the Club on matters developmental. Some of the areas that are being closely monitored are at Trekoskraal en route to Paternoster from Vredenburg and it is disturbing to learn that the numbers of African Black Oystercatcher have declined by 63% since the start of the survey while nationally there has been a 24% increase; also Baja Sardinia, the Saldanha Ore Handling Facility Expansion, Vlaminkevlei “A” (where it is proposed to build a boutique hotel and residences), St Helena Hills, home of 2X 18-hole golf courses and St Helena Heights. In all cases the Club has registered as an Interested and Affected Party. So you can see that our little club is involved in much more than ticking up ‘lifers’ – although that’s important too! – so why not join today? Contact Jan Kotzé, chairman at 022-7830808 email him at kuifkop@telkomsa.net or call secretary Jenny Edmond at 022-7720623 or email her at royce@yebo.co.za

Cornwallians come visiting

Charlie and Cindy have bought property in Britannia Bay and begin building soon. He and lifetime friend, Perry, spent seven nights here during which time Charlie fine-tuned the strings wot pulls the plumbers and builders into his web. What did Perry do during this time? As little as possible - that's what life on the waterfront is all about. Great meeting you guys. Thanks for the dinner at Sunfish and for the message in the visitor's book, Charlie, which read, "The point of this email is to thank you for all you did for us to make it such a memorable time. You went well beyond they call of duty and I just want you to know how very much both Perry and I appreciated it. All the very best, Charlie….and Perry too, of course." I reciprocate the good wishes and look forward to April 21 next year when you return and I get to meet your better half.