DECEMBER 2023 | NEWSLETTER
2024 EVENTS CALENDAR
WELCOME TO OUR NEW HOMEOWNERS
FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER’S DESK
FROM THE HOA CHAIRPERSON & WINECO DIRECTOR
COVER PHOTO
Contents From the Estate Manager’s Desk An Update from the HOA Chairperson & WineCo Director
This magazine is designed & published in partnership by :
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A division of GLOVent Solutions www.glovent.co.za | chandi@glovent.co.za
A division of Fabmags
Events on the Estate
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2024 Events Calendar
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ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Welcome to Our New Homeowners 17
Contact the Digi Sales Team Amy Meyer
Office Hours and Updates
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From the Winemaker…
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Recipe
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E-mail: amy@fabmags.co.za
Community Initiative
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Next issue: March 2024
Cell: 082 777 5541 Tel: 032 946 0357
DISCLAIMER: This Digimag is produced especially for residents of Croydon Vineyard Estate to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by GLOVent Media & Fab Creative, on behalf of Croydon Vineyard Estate. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Croydon Vineyard Estate HOA and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.
From the Estate Manager’s Desk
I
t’s December already! This year just seems to have flown by once again. We trust that 2023 has been a successful year for all our homeowners and residents. It’s almost time to take a welldeserved break and a relaxing holiday for those who may be going away over the festive season. SECURITY MANAGER UPDATE We are delighted to announce that our Security Manager, Trevor Alexander, has been promoted. Trevor is employed by Xone and has been with us at CVE for the past eight years. Effective November 2023, he has been promoted to the position of Regional Operations Manager (ROM) for Xone.
During his time with CVE, Trevor has consistently distinguished himself as one of the top-performing managers in the Western Cape region for Xone. Fortunately, his new responsibility will include CVE so we will still benefit from his wealth of experience and detailed knowledge of our estate. In cooperation with the estate management, Xone sourced a suitably capable replacement who started his duties on 1 November 2023. His name is Lindelani Mbobo (we call him Linda per his request). He has 16 years of security management experience with Xone and joined us
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from Harbour Bay Village in Simonstown.
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Linda’s first two weeks consisted of orientation and detailed handover from Trevor on a one-on-one basis. He is now fully up to speed and has taken over the Security Manager’s responsibilities. We wish both Trevor and Linda everything of the best with their new roles. PROPERTIES ON CVE Once again, it has been a very active year for property transactions on Croydon
Vineyard Estate with multiple properties changing ownership. Comparative sales are as follows. • Full year 2021: 16 transfers registered • Full year 2022: 30 transfers registered • January to November 2023: 15 transfers registered so far Property prices have continued to escalate during the year and demand remains strong, which bodes well for all our homeowners. There are 6 only six unbuilt erven
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remaining on the estate, including the double erf in Pisces Lane. EVENTS We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new residents on the estate. With summer on our doorstep, we extend a friendly invite to get to know your fellow residents and become involved with the many community events planned for the coming months. Please see the upcoming events planned elsewhere in this newsletter. Below are some of our recent fun and exciting events where we met many new and longstanding residents: • Heritage Day (September): Our Trustees
and Directors did a great job preparing steaks, chops and boerewors for our residents. Marilise and the team provided salads as accompaniments. There was also a spare fire for those who wanted to prepare their own. Topping off the day was a band to keep us all entertained. • Fun Run and Oktoberfest (October): The day started off at 9 a.m. with three different fun runs/walks – 10kms for the serious runners, 5kms for the fit participants and 2.5kms for our juniors, mothers with prams and enthusiasts. Congratulations to all participants and the assistance of our neighbours at Olive Estate for helping on their estate. Stefan Blommaert won the
10km race with Jaco Spies in close second place. A commendable performance from Ashton Brand (Margie Brand’s son) is worthy of mention as he was the first junior to finish the 5km run. The Oktoberfest started around 11:00 - just in time for the thirsty runners and late starters to get some liquid relief. Food stalls, eisbein, bockwurst, pretzels, beer on tap and the wine lounge were all available along with a number of stallholders selling fresh fruits, sweets, clothing and various other interesting items. This was all accompanied by a DJ playing the requisite oompah music mixed in with more traditional fare to keep the energy levels going. 7
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• Wine Safari (November): This is always a very popular event on our annual calendar. Despite a chilly breeze, there was a very good turnout at the tasting stations. After the walk, everyone congregated at the Lifestyle Centre for some community entertainment and the lucky draw. Clive Pienaar (Taurus), Francois Keuzenkamp (Gemini) and Belinda Welby-Cooke (Taurus) each won a case of Croydon wine. Congratulations!
their participation, and especially Marilise Summers, our Events Coordinator, for their dedication, time and effort. We encourage those residents who did not participate to take part next year. Events and functions are a great way to meet your fellow residents, make new friends, and support your estate. Look out for our upcoming events in the new year. The list is published elsewhere in this newsletter.
WINE SALES DURING CLOSURE PERIOD As it is the season to be merry, we will open the Wine Lounge for “top up” wine sales from 12:00 to 14:00 on the following days during the office closure period: • 27 and 29 December 2023: 12:00 - 14:00 • 2 and 4 January 2024: 12:00 - 14:00
These events require an enormous amount of planning, input and organising, along with great support from the Trustees, Directors and our residents, to be successful. We thank everyone involved for
KIDDIES’ PARK In preparation for the festive season, the kiddies’ park will undergo its annual repaint, repair and maintenance. Our thanks to homeowners Geoff and Debbie
REQUEST TO RESIDENTS AND VISITORS The end-of-year holiday period is often a difficult time on the estate with many children around who have “nothing to do” 8 and additional visitors to the estate
Els and other volunteers for your continued interest and efforts which are always very much appreciated.
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who are unaware of policies and procedures. We sincerely request the cooperation of all parents and residents to assist with ensuring harmonious living on the estate, particularly during this time. The incidents of vandalism by children on the estate are alarming and we will not hesitate to take severe action where evidence is produced. The following are some (but certainly not all) areas of regular concern : • Removal and contractor vehicles are not permitted once the contractors’ gate is closed from 15 December 2023. Special permission may be requested from the office with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice. Please note office closure dates.
• Vehicles are parked all over the estate. Every home is designed to accommodate four vehicles (two in the garage and two in the driveway). Should visitors create excess vehicles to your home, please make use of the designated parking bays around the Lifestyle Centre. • Trailers, boats and caravans are not permitted to be on the estate for longer than 48 hours without written permission from the office. Again, these must be accommodated within your property or in the Lifestyle Centre car park. DOGS • Dogs must have a collar tag with the dog’s name and owner(s) contact number(s). • Dogs must always be on a leash, except in
the leash-free dog run area. • When walking your dog(s), you must have a dog poo bag (or two) with you. • Please use the dog poo bag. I cannot believe we even have to mention this. CATS • All cats must have a collar with a bell that works. On behalf of the Trustees, Directors and the HOA Management team, we would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2024.
Chris Liddicoat Estate Manager
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An Update
from the HOA Chairperson & WineCo Director
C
Chenin Blanc. We have some hidden gems also – our Cabernet Franc is superb and Platters has rated our 2022 Pinotage and 2022 Chenin four stars.
Our farm is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and is fast gaining a reputation for producing excellent
However, behind the wonderful wine and the beauty of the estate lies significant effort to maintain the health and vitality of the vines. Vine care is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of a vineyard. 10
roydon Vineyard Estate is a serene, picturesque housing estate set on a working wine farm comprising nine hectares under vine. We are proud to say that we are all shareholders of a fantastic wine farm that produces awardwinning wines.
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Vines are susceptible to various environmental factors and diseases that can compromise their growth and yield. Challenges face the Croydon Wine Company team in the regular monitoring, maintenance and timely interventions to ensure the longevity and productivity of the vines.
related specifically to diseased and dying vines caused by two primary factors – the type of soil our vines are planted in, being mostly clay, and the consequence thereof being poor drainage. An additional challenge the farm faces is the consistent supply of water.
The vineyards are divided into manageable blocks, with specific cultivars planted within those blocks. Over the last few years, the yield in tonnes per hectare in some of the blocks has steadily been declining. This decline is
Having a well-thought-out plan for the replacement of dying vines is critical. A proactive approach to vine replacement ensures sustainable, continued grape production while maintaining the overall health of the vineyard and ensuring the
asset value the vines represent to the homeowners is not put at risk. Croydon Wine Company has engaged with Vinpro and the University of Stellenbosch Viticultural Department, with the assistance of Professor Albert Strever. We have initiated a Phased Vine Maintenance and Replacement Strategy. The first step currently underway is a comprehensive assessment of the vineyards. This includes evaluating the age of the vines and their overall condition and identifying any specific areas
where vine productivity has declined or vines have died. In addition, the issues surrounding rootstock selection, soil type and drainage are also being investigated. Focus for the first replanting will be the lowest performing block, namely C1 – the Cabernet Sauvignon located between Sagittarius Street and Scorpio Lane. The strategy will see the integration of new vines while gradually removing the nonproductive or diseased 11 vines. This approach
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minimises disruptions to the vineyard’s overall productivity. Contrary to speculation, there is no need to replace all nine hectares, and most definitely not all at once. What is abundantly clear, is that, like any asset, the vineyards need continued maintenance and management. Phasing the replacement of deceased and poorly performing vines over a 15year period eliminates the need for significant and immediate capital investment and ensures uninterrupted production.
In conclusion, the care of our vines is a multi-faceted endeavour that requires attention to detail, proactive planning and continuous monitoring. Emphasising the need for a well-structured plan for the replacement of dying vines is essential for ensuring the sustained productivity and vitality of our vineyard.
Craig Hart HOA Chairperson & WineCo Director
ON THE ESTATE
Croydonites have been busy enjoying fantastic events on the estate. Take a look at these pictures!
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2024 EVENTS CALENDAR 2 February: Potjiekos Competition 16 February: Grape Stomping 10 May: Mother’s Day Lunch 12 July: Father’s Day Lunch 26 July: Christmas in July Dinner 9 August: Women’s Day Event 24 September: Heritage Day 25 October: Oktoberfest 29 November: Wine Safari 12 December: Christmas Tree Evening
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Welcome to Our
NEW HOMEOWNERS Transfers registered since June 2023: Chantel & Ian Holm: 12 Gemini Lane Mark & Chantell Sturrock: 16 Taurus Lane Martinus & Lounize Nel: 6 Sagittarius Lane Angela & Aubrey van Wijk: tenants Marnes & Bianca van der Walt: 9 Cancer Close Genaro & Joan Scala: 3 Scorpio Lane Bruce & Hanlè Thompson: 12 Taurus Lane Danie Hanekom & Cathy Foster: 26 Gemini Lane Johannes & Ammi Human: 7 Virgo Lane Annemarie Emslie 25 Scorpio Lane Calvin & Lauren Bacon 39 Sagittarius Lane There are a further four transfers currently pending.
Office Hours and Updates for December and January Please note that the office will be closed from Monday, 25 December 2023 through to Friday, 5 January 2024. There will be a reduced maintenance staff on duty during this period and either Oom Ben or Charl will be available for emergencies.
• The last date for contractors to enter the estate will be Thursday, 14 December 2023. • The contractors’ gate will reopen on Monday, 8 January 2024. • The office will be closed from 25 December 2023 to 5 January 2024 (inclusive).
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to report a leak or incident, please use Security as your first
• All estate staff will work until 13:00 from 18 to 22 December 2023.
point of contact. They will then contact me and the relevant responsible party. As a reminder, the contact
Below are the Glovent client care details in case of
numbers for Security are as follows:
issues with your app:
• Main Gate Security (direct landline): 021 843 3610 Ext 3
• Email: clientcare@glovent.co.za
• Main Gate Security (mobile number): 072 349 8002
• Contact number: 011 568 0132 • Levy statements will be posted out on 14
The estate usually runs a little differently during December, so please note the following:
December 2023. • Debit orders will be run on Friday, 5 January 2024.
FROM THE WINEMAKER
I
t’s nearing the end of another busy year in the cellar, which also brings a close to the annual wine allocation distribution to homeowners. This is always a highlight on the Croydonite calendar! I am proud of the quality of the wines and the great value of the Title Deed range. The Covenant Range sees the return of Shiraz, which was out of stock for a while. The annual Platter’s guide results have been released and I’m pleased to advise that the Covenant Chenin Blanc and the Covenant Pinotage both received four stars. The Covenant
Cabernet Sauvignon is available in SAA Airport Lounges and served on first or business class flights. The 2023 harvest is ageing beautifully in the cellar and we can all look forward to some excellent wines again next year! In the vineyards, you will see the 2024 harvest loading, and there are some encouraging signs. I don’t want to tempt fate, but we are currently looking at a good harvest on the horizon.
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WATER PURIFICATION | H2O STELLENBOSCH
WHAT IS WATER PURIFICATION?
Water purification involves removing unwanted chemical compounds, organics and in-organics from your water supply to provide you with clean drinking water. Through purification, contaminants such as suspended particles, parasites, bacteria, algae, viruses and fungi are reduced which makes water odourless, clear and improves taste. Water purification can cover an entire city or simply your household, leaving your water contaminant free, clear and odourless - giving you better tasting, healthy water.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN H2O|BWT PURIFICATION SYSTEM TODAY! Our Municipalities do a great job treating our water so that we do not suffer from water born diseases. Our water is therefore ‘safe’ to drink. However chemicals like chlorine and aluminum sulfate are left in the water after treating it. Very necessary in the treatment process but harmful in the long term. There is also the risk of leakage into the already treated water in the system. Municipalities also don’t remove pesticides and herbicides and other industrial pollutants.
Tell: +27 21 883 2057 Whatsapp: +27 72 327 0059 admin@h2ostellenbosch.co.za
Quote this code for 10% off:
DZ
with Smokey Apricot Jam in a Puff Pastry Shell
Creamy, buttery, crispy and sticky, this is as decadent as it comes - a gorgeous starter or a great finish to any meal. Serves 2
INGREDIENTS 125g wheel camembert 1 sheet ready-made frozen puff pastry 2 tbsp apricot jam ½ tsp smoked paprika
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Sprinkle of chill fakes 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Pinch of salt 1 egg, beaten 21
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METHOD 1. Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and allow it to thaw. Set the oven to 220°C. 2. Place a sheet of baking parchment onto a baking tray. Cut out a meat-plate-sized circle from the puff pastry and place it on the baking parchment. 3. Position the camembert in the centre of the pastry. Combine the apricot jam, smoked paprika, chill flakes, lemon juice and salt and spoon it onto the camembert. 4. Make six cuts, equally distributed, into the pastry from the outer edge to 2cm away from the camembert. You now have petals or flaps of pastry. Fold these up, one at a time, around the camembert, overlapping each flap a little over the previous one. 5. Once completed, pinch the pantry together and give it a little twist. Brush with the beaten egg. With a sharp knife, make three or four little slits in the pastry around the base of the topknot so air can escape. 6. Bake for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme and microgreens.
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Community Initiative
To CVE residents,
We wanted to take a moment to update you on an exciting development regarding our upcoming Christmas Tree Evening happening on 14 December. As you may recall, we recently sent out an email requesting parents to prepare and wrap a special gift for their child, creating a heartwarming moment during the handout. However, I am thrilled to share an inspiring
suggestion that has come from our thoughtful residents – the idea of incorporating a charitable component to spread joy within our community. We believe this is a wonderful concept that aligns perfectly with our commitment to community welfare. To put this idea into action, I propose that our children contribute to the spirit of giving by wrapping up toiletries or stationery items. This approach eliminates gender and age ratios, ensuring
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a thoughtful and inclusive gift for underprivileged children in our community. Before moving forward, I value your input and support for this initiative. Your suggestions and adjustments are highly encouraged, as we aim to make this experience memorable for everyone involved. The suggested budget for each gift is between R100 and R150, and we also welcome any donations of unwanted toys that can bring joy to those in need. To facilitate the collection of these heartwarming gifts, we will have a designated crate available at the Lifestyle Centre. This will provide a convenient and central location for all donations. Let’s join hands in making this Christmas Tree Evening not only a special event for our own families but also a time to spread joy and warmth to those less fortunate within 24 our community.
Important Announcement Regarding
Please note that the water pump broke down on Friday, 1 December. It is currently being repaired and we hope to have it returned A.S.A.P. Generally, water becomes scarce during the hot summer months. Please bear in mind that, in this instance, the vineyards will always take precedence over the communal gardens. The Maintenance team will endeavour to do their best to maintain the gardens with the resources at hand.
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Amy Meyer amy@fabmags.co.za amy@fabmags.co.za 082 082777 7775541 5541
Security 072 349 8002 Security Supervisor Linda Mbobo 081 262 0301 security@croydon-estate.co.za SecureRite Armed Response 021 851 3374 0860 103 099 All hours Xone Command Centre 021 816 1234 Office hours only
HOA office 021 843 3610 Office hours only COCT Water & Sanitation 086 010 3089 WhatsApp 0634073699 Cape Town Municipality 021 467 1614 Eskom 0860 037 566 Account Number 9230515300 Metro Police & Traffic Services 086 076 5424 Macassar Police 021 857 1000
Macassar Fire Brigade 021 444 6790
072 293 4797 Emergency number
Cape Town Fire Control 021 590 1900
PlumbStar Plumbing 071 196 4911 Mark Wainwright
Ambulance 10177 Western Cape Government 084 124 ER24 082 911 Netcare
Electrician 072 512 9237 Willie Goosen
Vergelegen Medi Clinic 021 850 9000 021 851 3399
Snake Catcher 079 189 3807 Justin Collocot
Hottentots Holland Hospital 021 850 4700 Helderberg Home Nursing Services 021 852 6290
067 244 6972 Jozaa van Niekerk 27
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