Umtamvuna Views: Winter walkers tackle icy CHOC challenge

In spite of ‘Siberian conditions’, the turnout was good.

August 16, 2018

PHILIPPA MAKEPEACE 2 minutes read

Enthusiastic adventurers (from left) Theresa Brereton, Beryl Brereton, Jenny and Roger Grant and Stuart, Sally and Reece Harrison braved the cold to get to the top of snowy Sani Pass. ABSENT FROM PHOTO: Peter Brereton

Winter wonderland

A group of adventurous locals decided to brave the ice and snow and walk up the treacherous Sani Pass last Saturday for the ninth annual CHOC Walk (Childhood Cancer Foundation) fund-raiser in Durban.

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In excess of 600 people entered the event, but freezing conditions persuaded many to stay home near their heaters. In spite of ‘Siberian conditions’, the turnout was good. Jenny Grant from the Port Edward group commented “It was an amazing experience with the most perfect day and clear skies. The snow made it that much better.

The last 2km were thick with snow up the switchbacks to the highest pub in Africa at the top.” Tekweni Toyota provided vehicles to ferry walkers when they needed a ride.

Wedding bells

Brittany, youngest daughter of Dave and Nan Watson of Port Edward, recently got engaged to Clarke Bishop, son of Lauren and Tommy Bishop of the North Coast. Brittany teaches in the English and history department at St Henry’s College in Durban. The wedding is being planned for mid-2019.

Sad tidings

David Pratten (76) of Banners Rest Village died peacefully last Sunday evening (12th). David and life-partner Liz moved to Port Edward four years ago.

David was always actively involved in athletics and boasts eight Comrades Marathons, as well as a number of Argus cycling races and Two Oceans.

He was a keen hiker and bowler at Banners Rest – a wonderful father and grandfather who will be sorely missed.

Show your support

The SPCA has had a crisis on its hands with an outbreak of distemper. Nineteen illegal hunting dogs that were recently confiscated carried the lethal virus into the facility.

The 73 animals that tested positive had to be humanely euthanised and remaining dogs all had to be vaccinated. The whole facility and grounds must be chemically treated and every dog that comes in over the next few months will need to be vaccinated.

There are huge costs involved. To urgently raise funds for this, there will be a golf day at San Lameer this Friday, the 17th. Anyone who would like to play or contribute, please contact Dalene Erasmus at 072 8785721 or email marketing@spcalsc.org.za.

‘Elvis’ appears

Last Friday night the strains of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ emanated from Spuds Pub and Grill in Port Edward. Elvis was in the house! Talented Margate Elvis impersonator ‘Charl’ entertained the crowd late into the night and the event was thoroughly enjoyed.

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Happy reunion

Long term Port Edward residents, Henry and Marion McGladdery relocated to Notting Hill in the UK a few months ago. Although they miss all their friends, they are enjoying their new surroundings and a fantastically hot summer. They recently met up with their friend and former neighbour Carol van der Merwe who is visiting her daughter in Cambridge.

Some relief

Months of drought have taken a toll on shrivelled lawns and flower beds, but last Thursday night brought heaven-sent drenching rain of more than 50mm to some parts of the lower South Coast. More rain is expected this week.

Your scribe received marvellous photos of the annual wild flowers which arrived early in spectacular fashion on the West Coast. The area received good rains in June and July, so this year is a bumper crop. Annual flower displays on the West Coast have been very disappointing over the past few years.

All news to Philippa.