Mayoral Visit
Just to advise that Carina from the Municipality contacted me yesterday. She advised that Robbie Dennis and a deputation from the twinning town in Brazil would like to visit the Park tomorrow (Friday) afternoon and that I am to brief them as to the work that we do and show them the Rescue Centre etc. If I get a gap I will point out to Mr Dennis the gate that was destroyed by a municipal contractor over a year ago that is still awaiting repair. It is an eyesore and affects the upkeep and maintenance of the Park. I will take the board of photos from the Hooked on Jbay display so that the “before” and “after” photos can be shown plus completed and on-going projects.

Hooked on JBay
Hooked on Jbay will remain in operation for the next six months and I will keep the Foundation display and combi there as well as the visibility has been very good and many people asked questions, took business cards etc. I will pay the R200 odd per month for the rental out of the money paid to me by the Foundation. I hope to update photos etc as the months go by: i.e. plants flowering now (have you noticed how beautiful the beds in Da Gama are at the moment?), visit by Mayor, animals in the Park, shell midden etc. Left over Aloe seed packets also went down a treat. Attached copies of projects in the pipeline and Foundation details to each packet.

Point
Spent morning at Point yesterday. Although another hard morning will be required, reckon that, thereafter, one morning every two weeks should keep it in good nick. Very exciting to see that two shrubs that self propagated from seed are flowering magnificently - covered in purple (Polygala). Wish that people with dogs would use doggie scoops (whatever they are called) – it is horrible trying to weed at Point!

Supers
Will be spending some time at Supers – just trimming along the boardwalks. Don’t know what you all feel regarding the loss of dunes at Supers. I believe that it’s part of a cycle and that we shouldn’t rush to try to “fix” it. But if “fixing” it is on the cards, that the Municipality and marine experts should be part of the solution. Definitely not planting anything on the lower regions although the dunes are taking a hammering from people insisting on climbing up the now very sensitive dunes. Suggestions please. Supers remains the dirtiest spot of all and a concerted effort should be made to educate by possibly more signage and vigilance to clean the place up. The bins are very effective but there is a crowd out there that just don’t get the picture yet.
We clean there every Monday and Friday but it may be necessary to do so on a daily basis. Zack also cleans the beach from Supers to Point every Monday and Friday.

Lower Point
Lower Point needs attention but again we need an on-site meeting to discuss what can be done. Am not going to plant anything on the sea side at this stage, as it will definitely be swept away.

Park
Veggie seedlings are almost ready for transplanting into beds. (Tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, peppers and bean plants are growing along the fence). Compost heap is thriving.

Haven’t done much about alphabetical garden or educational tours but the infra structure of the Rescue Centre is not in place yet – fence around veggie area etc.

Koffie spoke to Anthony re fencing around Park (seaside and elsewhere) and he says any moment now. The bushsleepers have been a bit quieter – maybe the police dog unit made a difference – although they are still living in the Park. At next meeting should discuss the shell midden and possible boardwalk from Rescue Centre to the midden.

There are 5 buck that come into the Rescue Centre at the moment and the bird life is incredible. They love the birdbaths and we have spent many intriguing moments watching them. Our concrete birdbath was stolen but we have replaced with plastic. The buck seems to stay in the Rescue Centre area possibly because the bushsleepers haven’t yet moved in there and they feel safe. The Park is a wonderful photo-taking venue at present – flowers, animals, birds. Can be promoted as such.

The recycling drums are working fantastically and more and more people are making use of them. Enviroman is incredibly reliable with their collection every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. One spin-off business is already happening – any plastic bags are collected (someone called Lauren comes and raids the bins early on collection days and retrieves all the bags) and they then rework them into handbags. She wants to talk to me today, as they will be opening a restaurant soon and has some ideas such as giving all their kitchen veggie scraps to us for compost. Will revert.

Will be giving more plants to Andrew Moon for planting at Shell Museum. He and the Municipality are maintaining these beds.

Other
Haven’t come up with any plans for Magnas (again need Municipal input re outlet pipe) yet but haven’t forgotten!