Dunkirk Estate Newsletter June 2023

meet our new beach clubhouse manager

the leopard of the bird world

meander wine & ray’s kitchen proud sponsor

on behalf of the Dunkirk Estate. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Dunkirk Estate

and/or

cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.

On the COver: A Dunkirk Mom Meet Michaela Steyn

Being born and raised in British Columbia on Canada's rugged west coast, I never dreamed I would ever visit let alone live in South Africa. I arrived in July 2021 at 30 weeks pregnant in a COVID stage 4 KZN complete with riots and looting. The introduction was exciting, to say the least. However, I quickly realised, amidst the chaos, that I was in the right place. You don't have to spend much time in Dunkirk to gather that it's a young mother's paradise, with other moms around willing to lend a hand, offer advice, or come to the rescue after the

shops have closed. Ray’s Kitchen is on your doorstep to save the day when it comes to delicious meals, and the wonderful ladies at Laura Channing Spa & Skin are always there to pamper you and make you feel like you've slept through the night (even though you haven't!). There is a community here and it's something to really value.

On 26 April, I gave birth to my second son and I'm so happy to be in this season of life in this beautiful part of the world.

From the estate Manager

What’s Happening @ Dunkirk: Grounds & Gardens

Hello again, Residents!

Well, this e-magazine issue has come around quickly, and so much has been going on. I’m sure you have noticed little projects going on around the Estate. Some have taken a longer time to complete than anticipated, as other things jumped up in the queue.

The “unsightly pile of soil” near the office has now finally been shaped into a small berm, to deter cars parking there, and grassed. The little pathway below the swimming pool and Clubhouse, which was awkward and difficult to traverse, is being redone with cobbles.

The steps have made it safer to traverse, for both our staff and the residents who use it.

The Forest Clubhouse has had some replanting done along the pathway and near the pumphouse. The bank has been cleared and cleaned, and a lot of dead branches that were hanging dangerously over the pathway have been cut and removed. The gate to the walkway at the bottom has been fixed and the boardwalk and pathway have been extended over the wet, muddy area to the grass. We look forward to having our musician there for a

wonderful, chilled afternoon picnic in June where you can relax over a drink (please bring your drink of choice) and chat with your neighbours. There are large patches of verges where the grass planting has been unsuccessful, and we are looking at changing our approach and rather extend some of the plantings. We are aiming for more biodiversity, as well as looking at planting a greater variety of food plants for the wildlife that we are so privileged to have to share our Estate. There are some areas we have already started on.

Having reached a mature age of 15 to 20 years, our trees require careful management and plenty of attention. Trees are constantly being evaluated and maintained. Now, we are concentrating on evaluating those that are over or across all our roads and HOA buildings, steadily taking off branches that look to be weak or a potential hazard. Where we have lost large trees, we are looking at replanting smaller tree varieties and a greater diversity of species.

had become old and tired. We have a lovely plan that has been produced for us, and the work for that will be carried out in this next financial year.

The playground at the main Clubhouse is due for an upgrade as the equipment

We have another area at the end of Forest Lane that we are currently working on as a very relaxed, low-key green area for sitting. There has been an ongoing concern for the number of domestic child-minders and their small charges that congregate in Forest Lane in the mornings. They are on the road (which is very dangerous, even though this is a very slow traffic zone) and too close to the water.

The playground at Ray’s Kitchen is very busy and often overcrowded, so another area was needed to accommodate the growing needs of the Estate. From what I understand, this has been over a year in the planning, as both the Landscape and Environmental Committees carefully considered all the options and the placement of this area. The area that has been chosen is close to the area that is already being used. With no hard landscaping and no fences, it should have little impact on the wildlife that is in that vicinity and they will still be able to use the pathways that they do currently (the number of tracks in the soil since the area has been cleared already indicates that the decrease in vegetation has done little to deter their travels).

A reminder that any trees or vegetation on HOA land requires engagement with the HOA and permission to cut. NO branches or cuttings may be dumped in the forest or on HOA land. They must be removed by your contractor if it is a large amount or put out on Thursdays for the garden refuse collection, if it is a few bags from regular maintenance.

vegetative matter, and not plastics, etc., should be put out with the garden refuse, as this is the unfortunate result when it is not kept separate. Our woodchipper is also operational again, so we will be using the chips to mulch beds and spread on some of the pathways.

It is that time of year for composting. Having spent some hours sorting out our compost area, we are also busy steadily spreading it around the Estate. Sadly, although it is lovely rich compost, it is full of rubbish that is time-consuming to clean out. Please remind gardeners and staff that ONLY

So, there is lots on the go! Many new and exciting projects and upgrades are underway to further enhance our gorgeous Estate.

Natasha Estate Manager

CluBhOuse Manager

Wade Brownlie Meet Our New BeaCh

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was raised in the small neighbourhood of San Michel, which overlooks Noordhoek in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. Our playground was vast - Kommetjie and its famous surf breaks always provided enjoyment.

When we were not playing rugby or down at the Fish Hoek Lifesaving Club, Boulders Beach in the iconic Simon’s Town was our territory on the weekends. We would

constantly play “cat and mouse” with the guards, avoiding paying the gate fees at all costs. We would hide our towels and bags in the rocks outside, then jump in and swim around, enjoying all that was on offer. When the guards caught up with us, we’d swim to the boulders and have a jolly time knowing that they could not reach us. Then, life happened… I enrolled myself on an ROV pilot’s course in 2009, which saw me travelling offshore, up and down

the African West Coast, for three years before returning home for the birth of my son, Luca. The attempt to settle down had us move to KZN where I found work at Thonga Beach Lodge in remote Zululand.

What’s your favourite adrenaline-filled activity?

I don’t do adrenaline-filled activities anymore.

Six years later, it was time for a change (a very cold change): Nottingham Road in the Midlands! Wow! I was not prepared. Moving in June with snow in the first week, I nearly died! The weekend adventures of fishing and exploring the Berg kept me around for six more icy winters. Coming from the Midlands, how do you feel about the move to the North Coast?

I feel warm. A breath of fresh, salty air makes me feel right at home.

I’ve had my fair share of lessons. Sliding down a gravel road on my knees and elbows at 100 kilometres per hour after coming off a motorbike is not something I’m fond of anymore.

What is the best way to start your day?

Early, get up and go! Walking on the beach with a cup of coffee gives me time to ponder and plan for whatever the new day might throw at me.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I’m mad about fishing but sometimes I get torn between that and golf, which I took

“I feel warm. A breath of fresh, salty air makes me feel right at home.”

up about three years ago. We like to explore our surroundings but when the weather does not allow it, I spend quality time at home with the animals and occasionally do some DIY.

What do you like the most about the North Coast?

My office! Not that it’s stress-free, but it’s easier to alleviate the stress when you have an office like mine.

With that said, I really dislike cities. Dolphin Coast is perfectly suited to my personality.

The LeopArD of The Bird World

For many, the spotted ground thrush is one of those highly sought-after species. They are extremely rangerestricted and tough to see in their preferred habitat, where they can be found flicking up leaves in leaf litter for tasty morsels. The spotted ground thrush Geokichla guttata is an uncommon, ground-dwelling thrush. They inhabit coastal dune forests, coastal scarp, and lowland forests.

They spend most of their time foraging in leaf litter on the forest floor, only flying up into the trees when disturbed or in danger.

Listed as endangered globally, this species’ population and range are highly fragmented and restricted, with isolated populations in South Sudan, the South-East Democratic Republic of Congo, South-East Tanzania, South Malawi, and South Africa. The largest and most stable population is in SA, with approximately 400 to 800 pairs. One of their strongholds in Eshowe, KZN, is Dlinza Forest.

In South Africa, they undertake seasonal movements which, until recently, were poorly understood. The population in the Eastern Cape moves up to the KZN

coastal forests in winter and the birds in the Northern KZN forests, such as Dlinza and Ongoye, move eastwards from May to August. Here in Dunkirk, we are extremely lucky to have two or three individuals that return to our forest each winter. For many birders such as myself, the beginning of winter can be quite exciting as these birds return once more. So far, only one thrush has returned, and we expect the others to arrive shortly.

practised such as keeping dogs on leads, keeping noise to a minimum, and keeping to the paths whilst in the forest.

Last year, one of the thrushes even spent a couple of days in a resident’s garden, so leaving the leaf litter can also be a great help!

On a conservation note, it is imperative that we do everything in our power to protect them whilst they are here in our forests. Even just the loss of a few birds is a significant percentage of their population in SA. Simple strategies can be

If you would like to join the Dunkirk Bird & Wildlife WhatsApp group, please contact me at 079 434 0208. You can also follow me on Instagram (@luke_bird_whisperer) if you would like to see more of my bird photography from within KZN and other surrounding areas in SA.

Easter Egg Hunt

We had the honour and privilege of holding our first Easter Egg Hunt for our Dunkirk kids. It was so delightful to see all those happy faces smudged with chocolate and full of joy and excitement. You can never go wrong with treats for the little ones, even though it gives them that sugar rush. Excitement was had by all with the hunting, and some were so willing to share with other kids, which is a big symbol of caring and loving one another. This is what we pride ourselves on at Dunkirk Estate - being a friendly and family-orientated

Insta Fun

Dunkirk residents are always having fun. Take a look for yourself.

Aszalos family

Bonita Cherry

Chantel Graham

Lauren Dickerson

Lishani Naran

NikkiTyack

EVERY THURSDAY

Breakfast & Pedi

Enjoy your Pedi while choosing between 3 breakfast options from Ray’s Kitchen

• Stonelodge gluten-free granola with greek yogurt & berries

• Avo, cream cheese & chives bagel

• Halloumi, onion marmalade, cream cheese, rocket & sun blushed tomato bagel

{Including a cappuccino}

R380 p.p

Thursdays only 8:30am - 11:00am

Bookings Essential 073 090 9954

info@laurachanning.co.za

www.laurachanning.co.za

11 June 2023

MeeT your neighbours (MusiciAn)

24 June 2023

Movie nighT

28th June 2023

WiLDLife TALk WiTh Dinner AT rAys- DATe Tbc

13 august 2023

Music AT The bch- Tbc

Meander Wine &

Ray’s Kitchen grape expectations

On Tuesday, 23 May, we had the great pleasure of hosting some of South Africa’s best winemakers as well as some of Salt Rock’s most jovial wine lovers. Ray’s Kitchen served wine-friendly finger food such as salami and Gorgonzola bruschetta with praline pecans, delicately spiced lamb burgers, and asparagus arancini with sour cream and crispy capers.

night are as follows:

• Thelema Rabelais: A true classic in the making to rival South Africa’s best cabernet. It has amazing concentration and power but is still poised and balanced. This is one for the cellar indeed. It made a lasting impression.

I had the chance to catch up with some old friends from the Cape and try a few new vintages of old favourites and exciting new wines. The wine from the

• Kaapzicht The 1947 Chenin: Some of the oldest Chenin vines in the country create a wine that can’t be replicated and delivers incredible fruit, acidity, and depth. A must-have for lovers of benchmark South African white wines

• Waterford Rosemary: This wine has long been one of my favourite rosés. Once again, I was reminded

of how well-suited, well-made rosé is for food - especially the Mediterranean varieties used in Rosemary. Savoury and dry with flashes of red fruit, it’s perfect for Saturday afternoon braaied fish and gorgeous with well-dressed salads. • Ataraxia cinsault: Kevin is already one of our most cherished pinot noir and chardonnay producers, but his latest cinsault release shows just how finessed this old workhorse of a grape can be when given a deft touch.

Groendruif: I have a growing appreciation for Semillon and this is one of the best I’ve had in a while. Fun and approachable in style, it would be a suitable partner for so many plates of food and good times.

Other winemakers to mention

are Trizanne Barnard and her incredible range of wines from some of our most interesting wards in the Cape. She really is dynamite and makes some incredible wines at staggering value. Look out for her various labels.

The Beach Café’s New Trading Hours

Moving into winter months, The Beach Café will see adjusted trading hours. They will be open every day from 6:30 a.m. for those early risers to enjoy their usual Tiki Tonga coffee, closing at 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 3 p.m. on weekends. Evening trading at the café will only take place for special events and good-weather holidays. However, do stay tuned for home-style resident specials that will be available for order and delivery to Dunkirk.

Staff Corner

This is Xoliswa Kwini. She lives in Ntshawini in the Dube area.

Xoliswa started working for Dunkirk Estate in 2012. She lives with her husband and four kids. Everyone calls her by the name “Kwini”, her surname. She is a delightful, bubbly person who is always eager and willing to help. If you see her, don’t hesitate to say hello and you will get that marvelous smile.

FAMiLy-FOCuSeD FuN

As we get further into the year and busier, we tend to have less time for some of the things that are actually the most important, such as fun family time! It is so important to make time to spend with your family and do the things you all enjoy. I know it isn’t always easy, but once you do, you will all reap the benefits. My focus in this article will be on a few fun activities that the whole family can enjoy together.

Auria Senior Living’s latest development, Coral Cove, is a 21-hectare continuing-care retirement community, situated on the magnificent KZN North Coast within the safety, security and serenity of Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate.

OF YOUR LIFE

BOOK A TOUR OF OUR SHOW

2 & 3 BEDROOM GARDEN VILLAS FROM R3,6m

1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS FROM R1,69m

SALES ENQUIRIES: 087 537 0539 | coralcove@auria.co.za | www.auria.co.za

Internationally Awarded

iMpOrtant nuMBers