by SFT | Jul 29, 2024 | St Francis
The FOSTER Reserve Management team has quietly continued their essential work in the FOSTER-managed reserves, focusing on eradicating invasive species, maintaining the many paths and trails, and keeping the reserves pristine. Whenever possible, they are also repairing storm-damaged trails.
Currently, the team is deployed at the lighthouse, clearing invasive bitou. As hoped, this has exposed numerous bulbs and other plants that will soon thrive and showcase our rich biodiversity in the Seal Point Nature Reserve. An aerial photo of the reserve around the lighthouse, taken by Jal Rigard, illustrates the recovery of the wetlands, demonstrating that due to our alien clearing efforts, the stream has begun to flow again.
Nevermind
Many visitors to Nevermind or the lighthouse may not realize they are within the Seal Point Nature Reserve. I often wonder if they consider how the paths remain well-maintained and repaired after damage. Perhaps if they did, they would be more inclined to become members of FOSTER at foster.org.za for just R350 per year—certainly less than the cost of the breakfast they just enjoyed.
Trying to solicit new members at The Backyard 67 charity trail run last Sunday felt akin to pulling teeth despite the run traversing many of the FOSTER trails. We encourage you to join us and contribute to conservation efforts; we won’t ask for anything more unless you want to assist.
On a positive note, it’s wonderful to see dedicated community members wanting to contribute, such as committee members Malcolm Devine and Antoinette Grundlingh, who braved the elements at the FOSTER gazebo for exposure at the Pig and Rooster at the trail run. Additionally, Anita Lennox from the CSF Resort and her team have always been eager to help.
Wild Flower Chase
They suggested that this year’s “Wild Flower Chase” be integrated into the larger Calamari Festival, resulting in the inception of the “Wild Flower and Shipwreck Experience,” set to take place from September 23 to 25. We are grateful to Terri Hutchins from Ocean Peak Design for quickly creating a fantastic poster for this event.
Many others selflessly contribute to making the “Wild Flower and Shipwreck Experience“ memorable, including Margie Middelton, Caryl Logie, Colleen Smith, Malcolm Turner, and, of course, Dave Bowmer, as well as Malcolm and Antoinette from FOSTER.
FOSTER Update July 2024
I would also like to extend a huge thank you to Cath and Clint Hempel for their outstanding work repairing the severely damaged section of the path from Queen of the West to Sunset Rocks. FOSTER had decided that we could no longer afford to keep repairing this path and would declare it a wild path, allowing visitors to navigate the damaged section as best as possible. They have graciously agreed to continue maintaining the trail and the sections closer to Sunset Rocks—thank you!
There is always a lot happening with FOSTER as we strive to conserve, maintain, protect, and provide access to the biodiversity of the FOSTER-managed reserves, all while promoting active stewardship of the environment and our heritage.
see also: FOSTER to clear invasive Bitou in the Seal Point Nature Reserve around the lighthouse to reestablish the natural habitat.
see
by SFT | Jul 29, 2024 | Seal Point Boardriders club
Chantel Shooter (left) in her new Seal Point Boardriders Club hoodie and cap, accepts the Ventria Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid Kit, funded by Billy’s Beach, from Rotary’s Lyn Aitken © Gail Petrie
Friday, we saw a well-attended Seal Point Boardriders GromComp take place at the beachie in fun waves. Shane Thorne was once again the contest director, and our groms had a lot of fun. The waves were fun, with a left-hander throwing some good waves down the beach towards Lookout.
Beachstarts are the norm for Seal Point Boardriders Club contests
Doughnuts, Hamburgers
Barry Killian from The Bakery kindly donated doughnuts for the surfers, and Wes Randles kindly donated hamburger voucher prizes from Pig and Rooster. Our groms don’t go hungry, thanks to people like Barry and Wes.
Recently, the club was lucky enough to purchase an AED (automated external defibrillator) thanks to a donation from Billy Beach and Rotary St Francis. Billy’s Beach made a substantial donation to Rotary St Francis, who then decided how to use the funds for the best of the community, and the Seal Point Boardriders Club was lucky enough to receive R25k toward the purchase of the EAD.
Lyn Aitken handed this over from Rotary to Chantel Shooter, a Seal Point Boardriders Club committee member.
Automated External Defibrillator
Dr Malan kindly led a CPR and AED talk and walk-through with paramedic Johan Loubser from Ubabalo Medical
Johan Loubser and Dr Malan, with Dr Malan giving us tips on what to do and what not to do when phoning in with a possible emergency.
This presentation was well attended by club parents, committee members, and other interested club members. Charles Black, a trauma therapist at the Ocean Bay Recovery Centre, was also in attendance,
An AED is a simple, ‘ idiot-proof’ defib that can be used in emergencies at the beach.
Ventria supplied the AED and donated a highly sophisticated first aid kit and a heavy-duty backpack for the kit and the AED. Thanks to Maria, this kit and AED will be stored at the Pound / Liquid Lines and available for anyone who needs them in emergencies.
This first aid kit and AED, along with our shark attack kit at the beach, means that the SPBRC is one of the country’s most equipped and prepared surf clubs in case of emergencies.
Chantel Shooter (left), accepts the Ventria Automated External Defibrillator (AED), funded by Billy’s Beach, from Rotary’s Lyn Aitken © Gail Petrie
CPR/First Aid Courses
The club will also be offering CPR / First Aid courses with Ubabalo Medical with Johan sometime in the future. You can contact the club if you have any inquiries or are interested in attending a course.
Johan and Dr Malan gave an informative talk on up-to-date CPR methods and how to use the AED. Johan’s use of a dummy for CPR exercises was much appreciated, and several club members got involved, including Brin Jarvis, Flo Chretien, and Shirly Cowling.
Brin Jarvis working on the CPR dummy with the supervision of Johan Loubser.
Seal Point Boardriders Club GromComp
The surf competition winners were Brin Jarvis for best Wave, Jesse Moulang for best combo, Leo McLeod for most Committed, Livvy Shooter for most improved, and Rylan Jarvis for best variety.
The groms are always keen on getting to the beach and surfing a few heats under the coaching and supervision of Shane Thorne.
There was also the handing out of all the club merch for those members who ordered the tees, hoodies, beanies and caps are all pretty sick. Thank you to everyone who came down and assisted us with the AED / CPR demonstration and to those who helped run the contest and judge the lighties.
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see also: Seal Point Boardriders Club GromComp This Friday – And Our Club Merch Has Arrived.
by SFT | Jul 29, 2024 | Notes From The Editor
As we endure another cold snap, it’s almost surreal to think that the warm embrace of summer is just around the corner. In about eight weeks, we’ll wake up to that first day of summer, filled with the promise of outdoor adventures and lazy beach days. The next two months may seem daunting, but come October, the southern hemisphere will be basking in the sun once more.
Before you know it, we will be on a race for the summer holidays, all the tradespeople will be booked up for a month or two in advance, and it will be a challenge to get hold of an electrician or a plumber as everyone wants their summer holiday homes in tip-top shape. The wood we buy will be for braais rather than our fireplaces, and our winter attire will be replaced by board shorts and tee shirts again.
Evening drinks
It’ll be time for watermelon at the beach, sunsets on the wild side and evening drinks on the decks at all the outdoor venue options.
There will be some changes to the annual visitors this year, with new shops and new developments everywhere, but it will be the same old village we live in and love. There will be construction going on along St Francis Bay Beach as the groyne project kicks in, and there will be a renewed vibe of optimism that has been somewhat elusive as the winter storms continuously bash what’s left of the beaches.
Eight weeks until vibes
Eight more weeks and the moods change; more people spend their time outdoors, jolling on the beach, surfing, and enjoying the summer sports that residents love so much.
While the next few days may still be chilly, it’s important to remember that summer is just around the corner. It’s time to start preparing for the shift in mood, the increased outdoor activities, and the return of beloved summer sports.
Take a look at what’s happening in August and September. It’s a great way to pass the time and build excitement for the summer season.
What’s Happening
See also: What;s Hot and What’s Not
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