Umtamvuna Views: Yvonne dies in horrific collision

YVONNE Fillis (83) of Port Edward died in a horrific collision at the Trafalgar entrance last Friday morning (22nd). Yvonne was driving out of Trafalgar when a southbound small tour bus collided with her VW Golf. Nine people in the bus sustained minor injuries.

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Yvonne was a tireless, energetic member of the community and an accomplished bowler who was very involved in all aspects of the Port Edward Bowling Club. She was a past president of the club and was in the process of writing a book on the history of the club. Although often outspoken, everyone loved Yvonne, who was definitely a ‘go-getter’! Her husband, Bob, died two years ago. Yvonne leaves two sons and many friends – she will be greatly missed. There will be a memorial service for Yvonne tomorrow (Thursday, 28th) at the Port Edward Methodist Church at 2pm. All bowlers are requested to wear white.

RIP Helen

Another sad death is that of Helen Hines (54) of Leisure Bay. Helen had been fighting cancer for many years and died unexpectedly during the night of Thursday, June 21, at the home she shared with her fiancé, Keith Nicholson.

Portable solution

Our two municipalities, as well as Eskom, seem intent on killing our floundering tourism industry. Our area has suffered water supply failure, on and off, for weeks. Some areas of Port Edward have not had water for 23 days and now also have enforced load-shedding which means JoJo tanks are unusable! The municipality has provided zero relief to struggling residents and visitors.. With no water, there have been no public toilets. At the taxi rank, garage and local shops, commuters and customers are resorting to relieving themselves in nearby bushes and corners. This is disgusting and a serious health hazard! What about portable toilets – as are provided for jazz festivals and shows?

Happy birthday

An amazing woman, Theresa MacPherson, turned 104 – yes! One hundred and four, on June 10th.

Theresa lives with her daughter Elaine Bauchop in Trafalgar and is still very spritely for her age, although her eyesight is no longer good. Theresa grew up in the Barberton area.

Annual festival

The Umtamvuna Sardine Festival will take place from July 6 to 8. The main festival will be at Mattison Square (Cowshed) with the trail run and MTB Classic taking place at the Port Edward Holiday Resort. For more info contact Mark at 082 9381025.

Clever invention

Judith Simpson of Port Edward is a celebrity ‘by association’! Her father and grandfather, Frank and Arthur Collins respectively, invented and patented an agricultural machine that milled mealies for farmers. It was called the ‘Hippo Hammer Mill’ (named after ‘Huberto the Hippo’ who walked through Pietermaritzburg in the early 1920s).

The Arthur Collins and Son (Pty) Ltd factory was in central Pietermaritzburg and the amazing machine has been displayed at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show every year for the past ninety years. Present owners of the business threw a gala evening party at the Royal Show on May 28th and Judith and her extended family were invited as honoured guests. Judith made a speech relating to her memories of her father and this amazing machine, only slightly modified, that is still in demand today … 90 years after invention.

Good luck

Erica Bruno of Port Edward is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to stones and crystals. It has been her passion and she achieved part of her dream when she opened her jewellery and crystal shop in Ramsay Corner five years ago.

Her dream expanded recently when she opened her second shop ‘Pearl Girl Wild’ at the Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino Resort last Friday. The talented Erica imports only genuine stones, fossils, coral and crystals and turns them into stunning, unique pieces. All news to Philippa.

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