Tweni Talk: Dr Nell leaves a huge void

NEWS that Dr André Nell died on Monday night this week shocked and saddened the community. Dr Nell was a much-loved, respected doctor in Umtentweni and his patients travelled long distances to see him. He will be greatly missed by all. Sincerest condolences to his family, South Coast Hospice staff and colleagues and his many friends.

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Wedding bells

Beautiful Riverbend Chalets and Campsite on the banks of Mtentweni River, owned by Charlotte and Rory Whitaker, was transformed last Saturday for the wonderful wedding and reception of their son Richard to Monica Ortiz from Texas, USA.

Right Reverend Margie Wishart officiated – she also had the pleasure of confirming Richard a long time ago. The couple work together on cruise ships for Azamara Cruises – Monica as an executive chef and Richars as cruise sales manager. Their plan is to do one more cruise then settle in the United States, so Charlotte and Rory will have to settle for Skype communications.

New facilities

Work parties have been held and the community has rallied to help Umtentweni Conservancy build an ablution facility, braai, table and fire drum over the last few weekends. The toilet was partially completed, but still needed a water supply, a toilet, basin and door.

Blocks were generously donated by PS Precast, a septic tank by Rototank and a door by MacSharp Timbers.

The braai was built with blocks donated by PS Precast and the grid was custom made by Ashley from Allan & Sons. The table is an old cable drum donated by Bendigo Electrical that has been repurposed and painted and the fire drum was donated by Gary Gouws and crafted by Ralph from Gallagher Steel Art.

It’s really coming together and the community is encouraged to make use of these facilities whilst respecting it and keeping it clean and litter-free. It seems that whales are early this year, as many were sighted last Saturday morning, so it’s the perfect time to visit the whale deck.

Successful fund-raiser

Naomi Herbst from Venture Inn Bar and Restaurant in Umtentweni sincerely thanks all musicians and locals for their support at the fund-raising musical festival held for Dave and Fran Marks last Saturday. It was a fantastic day and evening. Well done to the Sanctuary of Love for all the superb organising.

Proactive consideration

Sharon Skene saw a man retrieve a black bag hidden in the bush near the whale deck before walking up old St Faith’s Road last Sunday. A post on the Tweni Patrol Group’s WhatsApp got a response from Lazer 911 and the chap was stopped, questioned and the SAPS was called. It turned out that the owner of the bag and its contents had thrown it out.

Please, if you do something similar or give something away, it could be construed as stolen, so don’t forget to attach a note with contact details, so the story can be verified by authorities if the bearer is questioned. It will save a lot of wasted time and effort.

Get well soon

Thoughts are with Doug Boy, who has been sick and had to be admitted to hospital. Tony Olivant recently gave family and friends a scare when he took a bad turn and was admitted to a Durban hospital. Thankfully after surgery to have a stent fitted, he is better than ever and back on the bowling greens.

Hip, hip, hooray

Welcome back to Ruth Prinsloo, who has been away working in England, but is back in time for her two sons’ birthdays – Jonathan Edwards on June 3 and Ethan’s sixth birthday, on June 12.

Congratulations to Matthew Hunt, who celebrated his 18th on June 1st. Birthday wishes go to Preston Nichols (celebrated his 12th birthday on June 1 with a birthday camp-out on the banks of a dam at one of the local farms, but his actual birthday is on the 5th), Helen de Jong and Carla Jooste (9th), Arthur Edwards, Heather Clark and Sibohn Muller (11th) and Rhona Botha (12th).

All news to Leila.

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