Prime Timers visit Addo’s elephants

Left to Right: Alan Ryalls, Jenny Dale, Paulene Hardy, Colleen Mutch, Chrystal Collins, Corrie Strab.. Sandy Hansen – Kneeling: George Lubberson & Jan Gultcher

Well it seems the Prime Timers inaugural event was a huge success according to organiser Paulene Hardy. Paulene came up with the idea of a club, for lack of a better word, where retired and semi-retired St Francis residents could enjoy organised outings and events. With rising fuel costs Prime Timer members are encouraged to car pool which not only saves fuel but also makes for a far more social event and gives the group time to better know each other and share their experience.

Leaving Pedal & Spoke Café in the Tennant Centre on St Francis Drive the group set out for Addo at around 8:30 arriving at the park mid-morning for according to Paulene, some great game viewing with some a number of elephant sightings amongst other smaller game. Lunch was a casual picnic affair at one of the park’s picnic sites before the group set off for an afternoon of entertainment at nearby Hopefield Country House.

Situated close in the heart of the Sundays River Valley a stone throw from the Park and close to Port Elizabeth this four star country house is set in a beautiful garden home to a magnificent rose garden home to over 50 rose varieties providing wonderful splashes of colour throughout the year. Filled with a myriad of bird species, the property also has an extensive citrus orchard as it is also a working farm. Accommodation is provided in seven individually decorated spacious en-suite bedrooms each with a private entrance off the gardens and with all the facilities one would expect from a four star establishment.

Arriving at Hopefield the happy group were welcomed with pink champagne before being entertained to a piano and cello duet of classical music. After the private concert a short stroll around the garden was followed by tea served with canapes before the weary travellers took to the road for the return trip to St Francis.

Paulene puts together great discounted packages and the Addo trip cost each traveller just R148.00 all in.Now that’s a bargain for a day’s outing.

For more information on Prime Timers, how to join and other information call Paulene on 084 7897801 or 042 2940301.

Good morning Prime Timers, welcome to Addo