On the whole, things have been very quiet in Bushman’s and Riversbend these last few weeks. Several of the committee members have been away, thus there was no newsletter in May, nor was there a committee meeting, as there was not a quorum available.
TIDES AND WEATHER
We are always on edge around the solstice and equinox times, and this June has been no exception. Should there be gale force winds and spring tides near a solstice we can guarantee very high seas and river flooding, and this has happened not once but twice this month. First we had the dreadful winds and weather the day before full moon on the 8th, having anticipated this we had had the municipality empty the sewage tank at the slipway, and thank heavens we did, as the river came up very high, flooding the slipway and car park. The next day the jetty was in danger of being washed away, so Bill obtained two posts, and with the help of Gerald, John, and Nollie sunk them next to the jetty to hold it in place temporarily. Subsequently Chester removed the jetty completely, and Estuary Care is repairing it. Hopefully it won’t be too long before it is put back insitu.
Our next spring tide was the 24th June, but the 22nd we again had very strong winds and another flooding, a couple of boats were reported to have been found floating loose, but the owners have been found, thanks to those who went to the rescue. The sea car park has been flooded again, with the sea reaching far up the beach road, a thick layer of sand covers the parking area at present, and the surrounding dunes have been washed back.
At the “Dune” ablution block there has been more damage, with the tide passing the building and travelling along the path from the picnic area. SANParks had, in response to our appeal, come and undertaken repairs on the foundation of the ablution block, and had also put in a small ramp to help people coming from the beach. This has already had some of its footings partially exposed. Due to the erosion, the Dune ablution block is now right next to the beach, no more trekking up dunes, but any more erosion and it will be no more ablution block, it will have been washed away!
Some photos of the damage have been posted onto our website, if you have others you wish to add to them, please send them to bushmansratepayers@gmail.com.
RIVERSBEND – Dalien’s Portfolio
Work is going on with the area, many thanks to Kevin.
FUNDRAISING – Jack’s Portfolio
Our Father’s Day lunch at the Tennis Club was once again a great success, and those who attended were treated to a variety of freshly made salads, scrumptious desserts, and a glass or two of vino as well as tea or coffee. The braais were lit, and the arrival of Bushman’s residents began, as we also welcomed our regulars from Rivers Bend, with new families and their children, also from Rivers bend. The weather was perfect as was the company of those that graced our event. Many thanks to those ladies who provided the wonderful food and drink for us all to enjoy. Through their effort time and generosity we raised over R1,250.
As you may well know, the Ratepayers Association looks after the upkeep and maintenance of Bushman’s River Mouth and Bushman’s Rivers Bend. And for the past three years, I myself and my colleagues have been raising funds in addition to the annual ratepayer’s contributions. We raise these funds in various ways, one of which is our Christmas, Easter, and winter Craft Markets. You may also have seen our White Elephant Stall, which has raised much needed funds. This stall relies on the generosity of residents who donate their unwanted items which we sell on at our White Elephant Stall.
We are now looking for any donations for our next Craft Market which is being held on Saturday the 30th September. We will accept any items large or small, and will pick them up from you at your convenience. Just call me on 079 829 2698. Thank you in anticipation, Jack .
ESTUARY CARE, RIVER, SAN-PARKS AND BEACHES – Bill’s Portfolio
Seven new channel markers have been put up on the Kariega River using one of the Sibuya boats, many thanks to Sibuya for their help, it is much appreciated.
Twenty one new markers have been budgeted for the next annual period. We will look at having large floating buoys in the lower reaches of the rivers, as channels continually change position within a year and the buoys are easier to shift.
Please donate any large buoys you might find abandoned on the beach for this purpose as there is no budget to purchase them, you can contact Annabelle or Bill if you have one that you wish to donate.
We will need the use of a fairly large cruise boat to install the markers on the Bushmans before Christmas, any offers?
FIRE FIGHTING – Bill’s Portfolio
Everyone has been on the alert following the dreadful fires at Knysna and Port Elizabeth, and we have put at the end of this newsletter fire hints that have been given to us. In Australia a lot of people keep a packed go-bag, a bag containing a couple of changes of clothes, toiletries, and important documents, so should one need to escape urgently it is immediately on hand. For those of us living in a fire hazard area, this could be a good idea.
The clearing of vegetation threatening the fence on the Southern boundary with Addo is progressing well, and the two hundred and twelve meter stretch up to the Caravan Park and ten meters around the corner is now cleared to three meters wide as per standard. Overhangs at some points will be cut from ladders as arranged when the permission to make the fence was obtained. The remainder South of the caravan park and up the hill to the gate is only a meter wide and needs to be widened to three meters if we are to observe the standard. This standard has the added advantage that quick access by Quad bike is possible if a break-through is reported.
No further communication has been received on the equipping of the new Disaster Centre on the R72 although finishing touches appear to have been finalised, we now look at a vacant monument to an Emergency Centre!!!!!
SECURITY – John’s Portfolio
Gerald is representing BRRAG on the Camera Fund to look after our interests.
SNIPPETS
There is little to add to details on the cell towers, all correspondence has been sent to members as soon as it is received.
A group from Kenton held a meeting with regards to starting an anti-poaching team, as there are traps set in the bush. It was suggested that maybe Bushmans people would like to form a committee, and have them scour the bush in our area for traps. If a group is formed, we would certainly recommend at least two people check together, and they wear boots in case of snakes!
The Municipality has still not contacted us with regards to the mooring sites, should you wish to contact them, the Community Protection Services is the Directorate responsible for this initiative and Willem Nel at wnel@ndlambe.gov.za will be the first point of contact. Once approved and agreed a representative from this Directorate will ultimately be responsible for coordinating this initiative.
We are still appealing to everyone to ensure they put up visible street numbers; it is very difficult for the emergency services to find houses that are unmarked, and when standing outside our houses we are often asked by passing vehicles to help them find a house in the area.
To those that still are owing their 2017 subs of R300.00, can we please ask you to pay them now, the details are BRRAG, Standard Bank, Branch Code: 051117 Account: 281116393 with Reference: Mem/Your Name/address . e.g. Mem/AN Other/24 Main. You can also email the details of deposits to the email address in the letterhead – bushmansratepayers@gmail.com . Please be assured that all donations and subscriptions received from home owners and visitors to Bushmans are used exclusively for the maintenance and upgrade of the village AND Riversbend, whichever is relative.
The trailer can be hired by members at R50 a load or R150 per day, for green refuse to be taken to the chipping area only. Those without a suitable vehicle can, by prior arrangement, have a BRRAG member assist with the towing for an additional R20.00. For hire you can contact Annabelle on 082 552-3750.
We hope you find this interesting. If you have any comments or wish to contact us please do so through our email site, bushmansratepayers@gmail.com.
Regards – Annabelle, Sheila and all the BRRAG Team
FIRE SAFETY
If you become aware of a fire or hear a fire alarm, the first priority is getting out safely. Once clear of the building and in a safe location, call the fire, police or Hitec.
Keep a fire extinguisher easily available, ideally a 4.5kg cylinder, if two storeys have one on each level.
- Have a family meeting and plan the safest and quickest escape method. Here are some points to mention:
- Stay low to the ground when escaping.
- Feel all doors when trying to escape. If the door feels hot, DO NOT open it
- If you see smoke coming from underneath the door, DO NOT open it.
- Keep stairways and exits clear of clutter and storage.
- Agree on a meeting place outside of your home to make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.
- When escaping a fire, close all doors behind you. It keeps the fire from spreading.
- Prepare an emergency kit for your home.
- Do a home safety inspection. Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Also, remove and eliminate anything that can cause a fire hazard.
- Always sleep with your bedroom door closed, it keeps smoke out of your room and in case of a fire, you have more time to escape.
- Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. If the source of the fire is not electrical or chemical, water can also be used to extinguish it.
- Do not try to put out a fire that is getting out of control. If you’re not sure you can control it, get everyone out of the house and phone for help.
- Smother oil and grease fires by putting a lid over the flame if it is burning in a pan.
- If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll until the fire is extinguished. Running will only make the fire burn faster.
- If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting firefighters to your presence.
- If you’re cooking, keep paper towels and drying cloths far from the oven/ stove. And, don’t leave anything unattended.
- Cool a burn by running cold water on it for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor asap. Never use ice.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone including doctors and other family members you can go to in times of distress.
- Place matchboxes and lighters in a safe place away from children
- Place candles at least four feet away from curtains, drapes, and blinds. In case of a power outage, be very careful where and how you place candles. Use a flashlight instead if possible.
- When the holidays come around, watch out for plugging too many light cords into one extension cord.
- Lastly, don’t waste time getting dressed or collecting valuables. Your life is the most valuable thing. If there is ever a fire in your home—just get out as quickly and as safely as you can.
