Umtamvuna Views: Terence talks about snakes

The public is urged not to kill snakes indiscriminately, but to call a snake catcher to relocate the reptile.

October 31, 2019

PHILIPPA MAKEPEACE 2 minutes read

Brave Pat Foutie of Mbabala Lodge in Munster takes a closer look at the South African milk snake at last Saturday's talk by Pure Venom.

At last we have been blessed with a reasonably decent amount of rain and frogs are singing happily in the garden pond. And yet many parts of Port Edward are still without Ugu water due to major pipe breaks.

Trafalgar Conservation group invited Pure Venom to bring some snakes along to educate interested locals at last Saturday’s gathering. Terence Whittle wowed the small group with his vast experience and knowledge of these scaly reptiles that have a scary, negative reputation.

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Most snakes are harmless and will slink away when disturbed. They play an important role in keeping rodent populations down and the public is urged not to kill snakes indiscriminately, but to call a snake catcher to relocate the reptile. Pure Venom can be contacted at 082 4928256 or Sarel van der Merwe at 082 6831604.

Special events

The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) hosts a breakfast gathering every year for local SAPS personnel. Last week saw the eighth annual breakfast in the Methodist Church hall.

Pastor Willie Henning spearheads this outreach and meets with police every week to chat about the state the town and to support hardworking police members in the often thankless job they do. The breakfast treat is to honour these men and women on behalf of our community.

Trafalgar Garden Club members (from left) Jenni Els, Cilla Peel and Margaret Disney from Port Edward enjoyed a delicious spring lunch at Café Munro last Tuesday.

Trafalgar Garden Club members thoroughly enjoyed a spring luncheon at Café Munro, Margate Retirement Village last Tuesday. Almost 40 members and guests tucked into a delicious three-course meal and enjoyed the lighthearted social occasion.

About 40 picnickers headed down to the Trafalgar main beach last Friday evening. Chairs, tables and baskets were set out on the lawn near the lifesavers’ hut and under a clear dusk sky, well-known saxophonist Jerry Kunene played his special kind of music to the appreciative audience.

It was a magical evening that inspired the small gathering to sing and dance along. The SPCA received gifts of cash, pet food and blankets. Well done to Trafalgar Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (TRRA) for organising the fund-raiser for a very worthy cause.

Plan ahead

There will be the usual monthly morning market at the Methodist Church this Saturday from 8am until 12 noon. Come along and enjoy the casual hospitality of many local stallholders and have a cup of tea, breakfast or a samoosa.

And if there is anyone interested in a planned boot sale, please contact Anna Bezuidenhout at 072 7315654.

Ramsay Gardens in Port Edward will celebrate Halloween on ‘Fright Night’. Come and enjoy the fun from 4 to 8pm. and listen to the ‘Spook-tacular’ music of ‘The Mothership’ and enjoy themed refreshments and meals. On Sunday the celebrations will continue with ‘Scary Sunday’ family market with live music, stalls and competitions.

All news to Philippa.