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Magazine of the FHA ● Issue 11 2014
www.featherbrooke-estate.co.za
Election of New Directors at AGM • Christmas Carols at the Lapa • Recycling Campaign
www.featherbrooke-estate.co.za • Magazine of the FHA • Issue 11 2014
FEATHERBROOKE
NEWS
ON THE COVER
The very abstract close-up image of a
Dandelion on our cover this month was taken
by Chantel Bester.
I love this story, adapted from "The Star
Thrower" by Loren Eiseley:
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
An old man had a habit of early morning
walks on the beach. One day, as he
looked along the shore, and saw a
young woman reaching down to the
sand, picking up starfish and very gently
throwing them into the ocean.
Directors for 2014
Francois Froneman (chairman)
- francoisf@middel.co.za
Mike Pinnock (compliance)
- mikep@tonkinclacey.co.za
Johan Britz (finance)
- britzjohan02@gmail.com
Piet Coetzer (strategic planning)
- coetzerw3@telkomsa.net
Roelof Crous (aesthetics)
- roelofcr@telkomsa.net
Ian Davidson (parks)
- bird2afr@global.co.za
Michelle Neill (social)
- thedragon@polka.co.za
Peet Coertzen - Estate Manager
(w) 011 662 2308 / (c) 082 412 1286 / (f) 011 662 1809
(e) fha@featherbrooke-estate.co.za
Aletta Slot - Admin / FHA
(w) 011 662 1426 / (f) 011 662 1809 or 086 508 6089
Lynn Pinnock - Communications
(e) milypin@telkomsa.net
Jacques Mostert
(w) 011 662 1426
(e) fha.secops@featherbrooke-estate.co.za
Security Manager
(w) 011 662 9100-9110 / (f) 011 662 2855
(e) securitymanagerfb@fidelitysecurity.co.za
Shona Jönsson - Editor: Featherbrooke News
(c) 082 332 7900 / (e) FB News: editor@mweb.co.za
Classifieds: featherbrookenews@wol.co.za
Levies - Charmaine de Villiers (w) 011 662 2644 /
(e) Fha.levies@featherbrooke-estate.co.za
NB! For electronic transfers
Featherbrooke Home Owners Association Bank acc:
ABSA acc no. 407 716 6904 / Branch code: 632005
Reference: Stand number
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
(t) 086 100 1278
Zoé Advertising - Publisher
082 455 9380 / pinnacle1@vodamail.co.za
Jaco van Deventer - Advertising Sales
082 455 9380 / pinnacle1@vodamail.co.za
LilyHouse Design Studio CC - Design & Layout
Tessa Dreyer 083 456 7204 / tdreyer@global.co.za
The opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the
publisher or of the FHA. No responsibility will be taken for any
decision made by the reader as a result of such opinions.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear Residents,
While in my household, we are avid recyclers of
paper, metal, plastic and glass, I realise more and
more how we need to also be taking responsibility
for our food wastes - see the worthwhile read about
the Bokashi bucket. If each household recycled
their own food waste, it would make a significant
difference to our community, and environment.
Now that’s green peace!
In the craziness of this busy life, there is still
an opportunity for you to get involved in the
community. We have made every effort to feature
in the pages of this issue, some significant ways
of giving to others in various capacities. Lynn
Pinnock gives a call to those who can positively
contribute to this estate to nominating yourself to
serve on the FHA Board of Directors. You can also
enrich other’s lives by donating an unwanted item
to various causes, wrapping an exciting shoebox
gift for a child who would otherwise receive nothing
for Christmas, or simply collecting a few plastic
bread tags for the sake of someone who needs a
wheelchair but can’t afford one.
Emergency only: 011 662 2030
Security: 011 662 9100/9110
"Young lady," he asked, "Why are you
throwing starfish into the ocean?"
"The sun is up, and the tide is going
out, and if I do not throw them in they
will die."
"But young lady, do you not realise that
there are miles and miles of beach and
starfish all along it? You cannot possibly
make a difference."
The young woman listened politely,
paused and then bent down, picked
up another starfish and threw it into the
sea, past the breaking waves, saying: "It
made a big difference to that one."
I love seeing the heart of this amazing
Featherbrooke community, and I can’t
wait to see what a difference we can all
make together.
Be inspired,
Shona
Mogale City 086 166 4253 for
water leaks, sewerage blockages, tax & acc enquiries etc.
ON THE INSIDE
Important Notice:
Socialising ......................................................... 6
Featherbook ................................................. 8/10
Featherbrooke Communication.........................14
Bulletin Board: Recycling Initiative.....................18
Bulletin Board: Bokashi Recycling.....................16
Bulletin Board: Indigenious Bird Series.............20
Featherbrooke Parks..........................................22
Bulletin Board: Gardening / Charity project.......26
Resident Competition ........................................28
FB Kitchen / Suduko��28
Bulletin Board: The Black Eagles
of Roodekrans ...................................................30
Please see RULES for the Classifieds
on our new seperate insert. All
editorial and classifieds for the next
issue of Featherbrooke News to be
submitted by 10th November 2014:
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  3
• Email articles letters and
photographs to the Editor on
editor@mweb.co.za.
• Email Classifieds to
featherbrookenews@wol.co.za
Note:
The Classifieds & Accredited Agents are
now on a seperate insert.
FB Socialising
Brought to you by the
Featherbrooke Social Committee.
Michelle Neill - Social Director • (c) 082 678 0037
(e) thedragon@polka.co.za • (w) www.featherbrooke-estate.co.za
Michelle Neill
Facebook:
Featherbrooke Estate Social
Blood Drive:
Dates to Diarise:
Contributions for our
Staff Christmas Party
If you would like to show your appreciation to the staff who work
so hard on our estate, please consider making a donation to this
cause. They greatly appreciate their Christmas party and we would
love to spoil them again this year. Time is of the essence - before
15 November 2014 please.
This is the last drive for the year.
Please make every effort to participate
in this event. This is the time of the
year when you are really needed to
boost stocks
Upcoming Blood Drive Date:
20.11.2014
16:30 to 19:30 @ Club House
Contributions can be made in the following ways:
1. EFT: FHA, ABSA, Branch 632005,
Account no: 407 716 6904, Ref: Xmas
2. Cash to Aletta,
3. Cash in envelope in box in front of Admin Office or in the post box
at the Security Gate situated under the security window.
SARDA are having their annual
OPEN DAY on 1 November, and
everyone is invited to join them from
9am till 3pm. There will be lots of
stalls and activity throughout the day.
Christmas Carols at the Lapa. Saturday, 29 November. By Origins Church.
You are welcome to bring your own picnic baskets on this evening, or you may prefer to use the
facility of our new restaurant, Dulce. Either way, we look forward to a spectacular evening!
Chris Chameleon
28th November 2014
With a style all of his own, irresistible stage personality
and a reputation for mesmerizing audiences with his
four-octave voice and vocal acrobatics, this exceptionally
talented singer is set to bring the stage on fire.
The show starts at 20:00 and tickets cost R130.00pp.
To book your ticket visit: www.silverstarcasino.co.za
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  6
Also, if you think you could make a
significant difference in the lives of
some differently abled children, and
would be able to volunteer a portion
of your time, please be in touch with
Petra at the Earth Centre.
The EARTH Centre, Peter Rd,
Ruimsig • Tel: 011 958 5044
Fax; 086 631 7999
sarda@eathcentre.org.za
www.sarda.co.za
If you have unwanted items, toys,
clothes, books or odds and ends that
you would like to donate to FOR A
(Friends of Rescued Animals) then
please contact Heather Clough in
Featherbrooke on (011) 662 2345 or
083 416 8248 for collections and
drop offs. She will gladly pick up your
goods and deliver them to FOR A for
you.
Please send your letters, notes and photographs to the Editor, Shona Jönsson
(anonymously or not) to editor@mweb.co.za. Letters will however be published
and answered at the discretion of the Editor.
Your photos
& stories ...
Living close to
nature ...
Collage by resident Shane Wilken
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  8
FB | Featherbook (continued)
Your photos
& stories ...
Living close to
nature ...
Collage by resident Chantel Bester
Note from a resident:
Whenever praise is due, I believe it should most certainly be given.
Unfortunately, more often than not, it is complaints that get voiced
instead.
After our river boundary fence was very badly damaged during a flash flood at the end of
last year (2013), its sturdy reconstruction along a new route, has been completed. Hooray!
What a major project this was, but all details big and small were so well planned and
executed. I for one have watched the progress over the months with great interest, and
wondered what the end result would eventually look like. Now we know and I feel certain
that all of us residing on the estate are impressed with it. I venture to say that as fences
go, the new fence has even enhanced the river area and given us a better view of the river.
So, on behalf of the residents on our beautiful Featherbrooke Estate, may I say a very
big thank you to our Estate Manager, Peet Coertzen and the team who made this project
happen. Here I include all the security guards who patrolled 24 hour days for our safety,
through some bitterly cold winter spells too. All your efforts are much appreciated.
Mary Webb
Top: Before / Above: After
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  10
Featherbrooke Estate
Featherbrooke
Communications
By Lynn Pinnock
Rock Agama Lizard photographed
by Shane Wilken.
This 'n That
By Lynn Pinnock, Communications
It is that time of the year again....no, not Christmas,
though that is a blink of an eye away! No, it is time
to elect Directors to the Board.
I am quite sure that I have already lost your interest, but this
matter is so critical to the values of our properties, good
governance of our financial affairs, and the well-being of our
community that I have concerned myself with the mechanics
of the Board and the impact the Board has on our lives.
There are 7 characteristics of good corporate governance
as it applies to a Board of Directors in a Residential Estate,
and in themselves are quite obvious. The information
comes from the ARC newsletter, issue 44. (Association
of Residential Communities) and is therefore particularly
relevant to ourselves in Featherbrooke.
Quite frankly, discipline, transparency, independence,
accountability,
responsibility,
fairness
and
social
responsibility might in themselves not mean much, but taken
one at a time, they become more meaningful. I really don’t
want to bore you with all of them, but the following stand out
for me, particularly in light of my having been on the Board
previously:
Of course, this is not general behaviour, but it leads me to think a little further into
our own community and our Social Responsibility, which is the last point I would
like to deal with.
"A well-managed Board will be aware of, and respond to, social issues, placing a
high priority on ethical standards”. Board members come from our community,
along with the ethos of responding to social issues and high priority on ethical
standards.
It is here in this discussion with myself that I question the good mental health of our
community, and our responses to either being called to act on the Board, or support
our Board in their continued efforts of managing our Estate for our benefit, and for
the increased value of our properties.
Listening to Redi Tlavi on the radio recently, I found my thoughts reinforced as to
how ethical we ourselves are within our Estate. We don’t stop at stop streets; we
allow our animals off their leashes (a friend once walked his dog on the beach. No
dogs were allowed on the beach. He said the sign said only green dogs weren’t
allowed on the beach, and his was brown so it was ok!), we park in the parklands,
because we have an important function, or there is shade, or it is simply convenient,
we own more than the two regulation dogs permitted per property, we access
parkland property for the benefit of increasing the size of our own property, or we
confront Board members in a completely unacceptable and rude manner, without
thought as to the fact that resignation of the Board member is a loss to the good
governance of our Estate!
And the consequence is an ongoing search for residents who are prepared to
commit their time and efforts to our Estate.
"Transparency, is the ease with which a member is able to
make meaningful analysis of a Board’s actions, its economic
fundamentals and the non-financial aspects pertinent to that
business”.
We need a good Board, the Board needs our support, and we need to
give some thought to our own good mental health in our community.
My three years on the Board taught me the value of time committed by
willing and able members, and the vital importance of involvement of
the community in supporting all members in their commitment to us, to
our well-being, and to the good reputation of our Estate.
Our Board invites members to meetings, documentation is
available at all times, there is ongoing communication by
way of sms’s, mails, and our Featherbrooke News.
Fairness. “The systems that exist within the Board must be
balanced in taking into account all those that have an interest
in the Board and its future”. The community generally I think,
is only too grateful to leave the management of the Estate
to the Board Members, trusting in this fairness, and it is
only when it appears that decision-making isn’t fair that we
as a community get involved, sadly sometimes critically,
without being fully informed. In my own experience, wanting
‘fairness’ can lead to a somewhat aggressive approach,
bearing in mind Board members are not remunerated for
their time.
The MOI (Memorandum of Incorporation) requires a minimum of
6 Directors to be elected to the FHA, and this will take place at the
AGM on 18 November in the Lapa at 19:00. If you feel that you can
positively contribute by serving on our Board, may I strongly encourage
you to nominate yourself. Your community needs you.
Sign in Las Vegas: “You have to be present to win!”
Lynn
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  14
FB | On the Bulletin Board
Living responsibly
Recycling Initiative
HOW CAN YOU RECYCLE at your home in Featherbrooke?
Each and every household can make a significant difference in an effort to be a community that supports
“green peace”. Recycling should be an ingrained habit, one that you must teach your children for the sake
of their children.
What is RECYCLING?
Recycling involves separating and/or reusable waste products and then putting them into different
recycling bags and bins provided at the recycle station. These recovered materials are then used
to make new products that can be used again. This stops usable waste ending up in landfill sites. It
also helps reduce the use of raw materials, reduce energy usage and reduce air and water pollution.
• All paper & cardboard boxes (flattened) are collected by Mondi on a Thursday. Use a black bag for the
first time and thereafter Mondi will supply an orange or green canvas bag to be used thereafter.
• Tin, glass and hard plastics are collected on a Friday. Mix items together in a plastic garbage bag and it
will be collected from your sidewalk.
As an added bonus, if all residents participate in our recycling initiative, the refuse to be collected by Rassies
waste removal can be kept to the minimum which will help to keep our expense within budget.
DID YOU KNOW?
•
If you recycle your daily newspaper every day for one year, you will save 7 trees?
•
Recycling saves enough energy to give electricity to 18 million homes for a year.
FACTS about Recycling in South Africa:
Ref: Consolidated Waste (Pty) Ltd t/a SKIPWASTE
1. In Johannesburg 1.8 million tonnes of waste per year end up in landfills (250,000 tonnes of this
is illegal dumping)
2. Our landfills have an expected remaining life span of 7 years.
3. In South Africa 9.4 million tonnes of food is wasted every year. 22% of our population are
classified as poor and 48% are malnourished. Some of those who are malnourished go without
food on an average of 3 days in every month.
4. We now recycle one million tonnes of glass per annum in South Africa. 40% of all bottles come
from recycled glass, which is diverting 2.4 million tones from landfill sites per annum.
The Bread Tag Initiative
The bread tag initiative was started by Mary Honeybun. She founded the organization in 2006 in Cape
Town and they provide 2 to 3 wheelchairs, to South African adults and children who cannot otherwise
afford one, every month. They now manage to donate nearly 75 wheelchairs annually. Having a wheelchair
gives the recipient independence and mobility and this makes a big difference to their families as well.
Collecting plastic bread tags, even broken ones, also helps our environment as they are recycled into
seedling trays, picture frames, coat hangers and other items.
Bread tags (the little plastic bit on the end of a packet of bread, rolls, tomatoes etc.) are collected and are
then sold to a recycler. The money from that is used to purchase wheelchairs for the needy. She needs
200kg or 10 Black Bags full of tags for each wheelchair. That’s a lot of tags, but every single one counts!
We have started 2 convenient collection points in Featherbrooke Estate for this purpose. You can place
your tags into an envelope or ziplock and slot them into the Estate manager’s post box outside the admin
office or at the exit security gate under the window.
Ed’s note: I have a drawer in my kitchen with a small Ziploc packet that we seamlessly pop each tag into.
My children enjoy taking responsibility for making sure all our tags get into the bag. They watch the packet
filling up like it’s a piggy bank. It’s so easy to make a difference in someone’s life. I just love this initiative
and I can’t wait to see what Featherbrooke residents can do with this.
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  16
FB | On the Bulletin Board
Living responsibly
Recycling Initiative
(continued)
Bokashi recycling
By Bronwyn Jones • 082 456 9225 • Email: info@bokashibran.co.za
In excess of 9 million tons of food waste was disposed of in South Africa in 2013 –
and all this waste went to landfill sites.
The food waste, when not treated, generates methane and leachate in landfills.
Leachates contaminate the ground water, while methane is a greenhouse gas
which is 21 times more harmful than carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to
global warming.
But there is a solution to this food waste dumping dilemma – a solution that is
growing in popularity due to its effectiveness in disposing of food waste.
According to Bronwyn Jones, a spokesperson for Bokashi Bran, food waste can
be reduced “significantly” by using the Bokashi system.
Bokashi is a Japanese term that means “fermented organic matter”.
Jones said Bokashi is a pleasant smelling product made using bran that has been
infused with effective micro-organisms. The Bokashi Bran digester bucket is a
practical and convenient way to collect kitchen food waste and ferment it before
transforming it into nutrient rich compost. This composting system uses Bokashi
to create the ideal conditions for airtight (anaerobic) composting. The ecofriendly digester, made from recycled plastic, and Bokashi, eliminates the odours
and unpleasantness associated with putrefaction and decay as with traditional
composting.
Easy Steps:
• Keep a vegetable bowl on your counter when
preparing your meals to collect all the peels and
left over plate scrapings. You want to open your
bin as few times as possible.
• After the meal, place your waste into the bin and
push it down with a potato masher.
• Sprinkle about half a cup of Bokashi Bran over
the waste.
• Repeat this layering process until the bin is full.
• Drain off liquid (Bokashi juice) as necessary. This
will only occur after a few weeks.
You can compost all kitchen food waste in your bucket including fruit and
vegetables, cooked foods, fish and chicken bones, cheese, egg shells, bread,
coffee grinds and peels.
No excessive oil or liquids should go in the bucket.
We all know that recycling helps with the challenge we face to save our natural
environment by reducing the amount of waste that gets dumped in landfills - and
reusing what we can in order to save resources.
“Imagine how efficient recycling would be if the food waste was removed from all
garbage bins? It’s the food waste that causes all the environmental damage,” said
Jones
When food rots, it smells bad, attracts diseases and vermin- and nobody
particularly wants to handle it. It’s just easier to dump it in landfills. But, naturally,
that’s very bad for the environment.
But Bokashi gets rid of all food waste, including cooked food, protein, egg shells;
in fact, anything organic. With the food waste out of the bins, recycling is easy.
Tins, glass, plastic, paper etc. can be separated and recycled with great financial
benefits.
Featherbrooke Estate already has such an efficient recycling programme where
different recyclables are collected on different days. The Bokashi system will
reduce our “landfill” waste even more and our gardens will benefit from the added
nutrients of the bokashi. The system is available for both domestic and commercial
kitchens. For more information see www.bokashibran.co.za
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  18
RESIDENT SPECIAL
For the month of November
– Special to Featherbrooke Residents
Starter Kit – 2 buckets + 2 x 1kg bags of Bokashi
Normal price: R460
Special price: R370
FB | On the Bulletin Board
Our Indigenous Birds
Red-Chested Cuckoo
Cuculus solitaries / Piet-my-vrou
By Shane Wilken
Distribution and habitat
 Cape rock-thrush
Occurs throughout Africa south of the Sahara, but avoids
arid regions. It is common in eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique, Swaziland and eastern and southern South
Africa. It generally prefers forest, woodland and open
savanna thickets as well as stands of trees in human
settlements, mature gardens and parks.
 Boulder chat
 Kurrichane thrush
 White-browed robin-chat, Heuglins robin
 White-browed scrub-robin
 Olive thrush
Food
Feeds mainly on invertebrates, especially hairy caterpillars,
doing most of its foraging in the tree canopy. It occasionally
goes down to the lower branches to pick up a scrap of
food. The following food items have also been recorded
in its diet:
 Invertebrates such as: beetles, grasshoppers, termite,
spiders, centipedes, millipedes, snails and slugs in
addition to this list the cuckoo also eats small frogs,
lizards, eggs of host, berries on plants
Breeding
 It is a brood parasite, meaning that it lays its eggs in
other bird nests. The host, thinking that the egg is its
own, incubates the egg and cares for the chick. The
following bird species have been recorded as host of
the Red-chested cuckoo:
 Cape robin-chat, Cape robin (most common host)
 White-throated robin-chat, Whitethroated robin (3rd
most common host)
 Bearded scrub-robin
 African dusky flycatcher
 Red-capped robin-chat, Natal robin
 Chorister robin-chat, Chorister robin
 African stonechat
 Cape wagtail (2nd most common host)
 Egg-laying season is from October-January
 The female often has a hard time getting into the host's nest, as
it is constantly mobbed and attacked. Amazingly, once it has
got into the nest it can remove the host's egg and lay one of its
own in less than 5 seconds! In one observation, the female laid
20 eggs in one breeding season.
 Once the chick is about two days old, it evicts the host's eggs
and nestlings. It stays in the nest for 17-21 days, becoming fully
independent 20-25 days later.
 The hatchling is adopted and taken care of by the bird that built
the nest.
• Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ and Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Roberts
- Birds of southern Africa, VIIth ed. The Trustees of the
John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.
• Compiled by S. Wilken
 White-starred robin, Starred robin
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  20
Featherbrooke Estate
Featherbrooke
Parks
Ian Davidson - Parks Director
(e) bird2afr@global.co.za
Well spotted! The Black Eagle photographed by Riaan van Ryssen
News
from the parks
Well, the first rains still have not come, so any
messages to Modjadji obviously did not get
through; and still the long-term forecast looks
a bit bleak, although as I write the skies look
vaguely promising.
We would like to thank Peter Burger at Stand 61 La Maison for
donation of aloes and succulents for our aloe and succulent
garden that is being developed in Park 4 (Gans se Nes).
We congratulate and look forward to a continued good
working relationship with Four Seasons. They were the
successful tenderer for the garden maintenance contract
beginning October 2014 for at least the next two years.
Our river pumps have been overhauled and our water
pressure is now substantially better than it was in certain
areas. As you know water is paramount to our existence and as our population
increases and our economy develops, so does our demand for water. Water will
become a limiting factor in our lives and we all need to look at how we can use
water more carefully. Our municipalities are already struggling with our demands,
coupled with a deteriorating infrastructure, contamination in our water catchment
areas; and we need to be prepared for future shortages. In the home, the largest
expenditure of water is used in the bathroom, primarily the toilet whereas outside
our gardens are the culprits. Most of us overwater our gardens; especially lawns
and quite often I see automated irrigation systems spraying valuable water during
a heavy thunderstorm – that is a waste of a valuable resource; another is washing
down ones pathways, driveways and even the streets with a hosepipe – use a
broom! We need to realise that water is a finite commodity and manage better how
we use this resource. Economically it makes sense to look at how you can use less
water as financially in years to come the cost of water will “make your eyes water”.
For our gardens at Featherbrooke, because we (FHA) have historical right of river
access we take water out of the Crocodile river and from five boreholes scattered
about the estate as well as some municipal water. We have also appointed an
irrigation specialist to help manage our garden water usage more effectively.
Lets hope that by the time it comes for me to write again we will have had some
worthwhile rains and that our lawns and beds will be beginning to look less sad than
they are today.
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  22
FB | On the Bulletin Board
Gardening:
The family that plays together stays together
Let’s go outside
Four Seasons Gardens • 011 763 2925 • admin@fourseasonsgroup.co.za
It’s time to put down the remote control, step away from the
touchscreens and swap the glare of technology for some good
‘ol fashioned fresh air and sunshine. Wondering why? Check your
weather app – summer is here.
Remember being told as a kid to ‘go play outside’? Well, it was good advice
then and it’s good advice now – not just for growing kids but for grown-ups
too. So, before you default to quality time with the family on the couch (with the
curtains closed and a movie on), consider giving quality time, and your family,
a healthy dose of Vitamin D with these top tips…
Don’t have a swimming pool? No problem. Get the lawn watered
and your heart rate up by using your hosepipe with a sprinkler
attachment to create an instant obstacle course. Whether the
challenge is to jump over the spray or to get from one end of the
garden to the other without getting wet, it’s good clean fun.
Take the family out to lunch
Packing a picnic and enjoying it in your garden is a great
alternative to Sunday lunch in another restaurant that overlooks
another parking lot. Plus, few things are as rewarding as picking
the ingredients for your salad from your own veggie garden. And
– bonus! – you never need to make a reservation.
Give everyone a pet project
Whether it’s making bird feeders from pinecones, digging for
earthworms, picking mulberry leaves for a silkworm’s supper or
teaching the new puppy to fetch a tennis ball, spending time with
creepy crawlies, feathered friends and domestic animals teaches
children all sorts of useful stuff and is a great way for parents to
engage and bond with their children.
For a life lesson, just add dirt
Want to teach your children patience, responsibility and an
appreciation of nature? Gardening together as a family creates
an unexpected but effective classroom. “Children learn about
nurturing a life and what it takes to keep something alive,” says
Amy Gifford, an education associate for the National Gardening
Association. “And, families learn to work together and share.”
Before you get to work, do your homework
You need to figure out where and what your kids will be gardening
and then be prepared to tailor your garden, or at least a section
of it, to them. Think clear paths, narrow beds (that kids can reach
across) and edible plants.
This summer, water balloons trump wi-fi.
Christmas Shoebox Project
The aim of the project is to pack and wrap a shoebox of Christmas goodies for each of the little children at the Orient
Hills Day Care. This crèche is situated in an informal settlement near Magaliesburg, where the residents are very poor.
It is a wonderful opportunity to teach your children about sharing the Christmas cheer with those who would otherwise
receive nothing for Christmas.
If you wish to take part, we will assign you the name of a child and tell you their age
(2 to 6 years). Alternatively you can pack a box and label it with whatever age and
gender the contents are specific to.
Wrap a shoebox so that it looks exciting for a child to receive. These boxes are treasured
by the children, as much as the actual gift, so we ask that it is a sturdy box where the
lid can be lifted off.
We suggest the items to go inside the box so that each box is similar. Inside should go:
•
•
•
•
•
•
An age appropriate book
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap and face cloth
Wax crayons and paper/colouring book/notebook
A small toy
Something sweet to eat
Tie the box with a ribbon and a note with the name of the child to whom the box is for,
and who it is from.
For more info on Orient Hills Day Care visit www.orienthills.org
Contact Andrea Smith on 079 388 9507, stand 164 for more info.
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  26
In the Featherbrooke Kitchen
Our Resident
COMPETITION 2014
By the Chapat family
Quick and easy
Two Categories:
Your Story and Cover Photograph
Peaches Poached in
Sparkling Wine
We are calling for entries from residents for your
stories as well as photographs related to the
Estate.
,
First prize for the winner of best photo
and for the winner of best editorial is a R2500
Clearwater Mall voucher each.
This dessert is quick and easy combining
light beautiful flavours for summer.
For each of our second prize winners,
a R1500 voucher for a pair of sunglasses of
your choice from South African designer David
Green.
For the under 18 photo participants,
there are 3 X R500 Clearwater Mall vouchers.
This can be either a photo that a child has taken
themselves or with a bit of adult assistance, or it
can be a photo of your child/ren that you would
like to show off.
Stories or articles should not exceed 450 words. You
are welcome to submit 2-3 photographs with your
story. Entries for the Cover Photograph competition
should be unedited large format photographs saved
directly from a digital camera e.g. no photographs
from cellphones can be submitted because it won’t
be in print format. Emailed photographs should not be
compressed. T&Cs Apply.
Sponsored by:
Ingredients
Peaches ripe
(preferably white flesh)
4
Sparkling Wine Dry
500ml
(Drink the balance)
350ml
Vanilla Pod 1 pod
Strawberries (ripe and red) 250gr
Sugar150gr
Cream250ml
Lemon Juice from
½ a lemon
Mint for decoration
Place strawberries in a blender and add
sugar – Blend until a puree.
Method
In a separate bowl beat the cream until it
forms ribbons – add the strawberry puree
with lemon juice.
Cut very lightly through the skin of the
peaches all over the peach.
Plunge the peaches into boiling water for
just a minute and then directly
Pour some of the strawberry cream into
each of the beautiful individual dessert
bowls you have selected and place a
peach in each.
into ice cold water.
Garnish with a mint leaf.
Remove from the cold water and gently peel
off the skins.
Serve the chilled poaching liquid separately
and add as desired.
Place peaches into a shallow saucepan –
Pour over the sparkling wine, syrup and
Enjoy with ice cold Champagne of a good
Cap Classique
add the vanilla pod.
Syrup for poaching (Sorbet Syrup)
Very gently bring to a simmer until the
peaches are soft but not falling apart approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Sugar
Water
Set aside (don’t refrigerate)
Reduce the poaching liquid by half and chill
in the fridge in a sauce bowl.
Tel: 011 288 5260
www.clearwatermall.co.za
Cnr. Hendrik Potgieter & Christiaan de
Wet, Strubens Valley, Johannesburg
Clean the strawberries. When cleaning
strawberries place in cold water to wash
and then take off the stalk with a sharp
knife. Do not place back in water as the
water will enter the strawberry and the berry
will have no taste.
750gr
650gr
Bring to the boil and boil gently for 5 minutes
This syrup can be used for the recipe above
and also for soaking sponge cakes and
biscuits for use in other desserts.
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  28
www.greeneyewear.co.za
Sudoku
1
8
Medium
5 8 3
2
4
6
5 8
2
9
6 4
6
5
1 2
6
8
3 9
3
1
9
8
9
1 7 2
3
5
Ref:www.brainbashers.com
Sorbet Syrup (see below)
FB | On the Bulletin Board
From above left: Adults & juvenile (M&S Junnah); Jono - Black Eagle juvenile (M&S Jinnah); Jono - Black Eagle juvenile
(M&S Jinnah). Below: Scruffy adult female Peregrine - Ernest Porter; Speedy sub-adult male Peregrine - Ernest Porter.
The Black Eagles
of Roodekrans
By Boudewijn van der Lecq • 079 505 6419
raptors@metroweb.co.za
Black Eagle photos by M & S Jinnah and Peregrine Falcon
photos by Ernest Porter
The Verreaux (Black) Eagle juvenile already
fledged a month ago...and during this first month
off the nest he will hone his flight, landing, perching
and take off skills. From what I have heard, he
has certainly found himself in some precarious
positions and on a number of occasions was
seen hanging upside down, which is typical in
youngsters that haven’t yet mastered the fine art
of landing on a branch perch while managing to
remain upright.
I can only imagine: “Oh my gosh...I am flying for the first
time and oh yeah...ma and pa never told me how I should
fly...let alone land...and I thought my feet were only used
to grapple with a prey carcass... and before I am able to
count to three...the densely treed forest below approaches
at break-neck speed and I crash into the branches and
foliage...holding on for dear life...I’m upside down looking
at the nest and waterfall from a ridiculous angle...and I don’t
know if this is supposed to be an upside down world??!”
One can relate to this as it sounds all too familiar and I
would guess that by now the juvenile is by far a more
“relaxed” eagle than what he was on the his maiden flightday on 10th September. By now he is able to fly...land...take
off with the greatest of ease and polished skills. A month
is all he requires to practice and get it right as during the
following two months there is a different set of skills that
await him. Everything is taught extremely rapidly and if the
juvenile is to survive his first year, he has to pass all his
subjects – cum laude – in other words, he has to have every
aspect of survival under control, however, the only aspect
he may not have any experience in is having to hunt his own
prey...this is his greatest test of all!
Reports have been received of the juvenile roosting
(sleeping) on the nest, which is deemed normal behaviour
during its first month after fledging. This has also been
observed at our Klipriviersberg Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle
project near Alberton where the fledged juvenile prefers to
roost and be fed on the nest...makes them feel secure. Not a scenario
that is practised by all juveniles as it varies from area to area and the
mood of the young eagle.
The sporadic nest refurbishment that was noted during the three-month
nesting period of the juvenile, has ceased and we are extremely grateful
for small mercies! Unlike 1996 when the eagle pair had two breeding
seasons in one year – both seasons failed dismally – nobody on the
BEPR was up for a repetitive and prolonged breeding season.
Of interest, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens have gained
another breeding pair of raptors in the form of Peregrine Falcons aptly
named Scruffy & Speedy by Ernest Porter and myself. Scruffy is currently
moulting and has a few primaries disarranged and Speedy is just
incredibly fast...too fast to get a decent photo!  Usually these little birds
of prey migrate before the onset of our winter to breed elsewhere, but for
some reason they have decided to remain within the garden. A number
of people have seen them mating, which is positive news, but also a
nuisance to the adult and juvenile eagles alike as they are continuously
harassed by the fastest flying birds in the world...they are capable of
achieving flight speeds in excess of 300km/h, which phenomenal and
indicative that the larger eagles will never be able to catch them.
Featherbrooke News  11 2014  30