Hibberdene Happenings: Drownings can be prevented
South Africa has recently been plagued by a spate of drownings in the ocean, rivers and public and private pools over the holiday season.
KwaZulu-Natal and indeed, the whole of South Africa, has recently been plagued by a spate of drownings, both in the ocean and in rivers and public and private pools over the holiday season. Many of these drownings could be prevented, had the victim just had the ability to swim.
ALSO READ : Hibberdene Happenings: Ethne will always be fondly remembered
It is imperative that everyone is able to help themselves in water and people are urged to learn the basics of swimming as early as possible. First-class swimmer Chad Gifford, who lives in Pumula, has also voiced his concerns. He encourages all parents to either teach their children to swim or to make use of the services of a professional coach to help all those ‘wannabe’ swimmers enter the water with confidence.
Chad is well-known for his swimming prowess and featured in an article entitled ‘Midmar’s 16-mile done and dusted for Chad’ (SCH February 15, 2019). Chad strongly advises parents to start swimming lessons for children as early as possible. He suggests that perhaps a group of parents could band together to organise regular lessons. It is an opportunity not to be missed.
Don’t forget
Anyone wanting to attend the Methodist men’s breakfast on Saturday, February 1, must contact Debbie at the church office at 039 6992948 before the end of the week. Food, fun and fellowship are the order of the day at these breakfasts and they are always enjoyable and uplifting. All are welcome – and take a friend along.
Thoughts and prayers
Many residents will remember Sarie and Cas Whiteman, who lived in the-then caravan park for some years. Both were excellent bowlers and stalwarts of the Hibberdene Bowling Club before their relocation to the Cape a few years ago. Sadly Cas died recently and deepest sympathy is extended to Sarie, his children and other family members. He will be fondly remembered by many, bowlers in particular.
Your scribe was saddened to hear of the death of Steve Fataar over the weekend. Roll back the years to the early 60s when the Fataar brothers and their band ‘The Flames’ played at the Glen Café (later known as Del Montes) in Pietermaritzburg every Friday or Saturday night. Those were the days!
Spare a thought for Dalane Goliath, who fractured her arm in a few places after a nasty fall at home recently. It is hoped she will soon be back to normal again. Basil Wahl has relocated from the Hibberdene River Resort to the Flower Foundation in Port Shepstone, where your scribe is sure he will be very happy. Basil will be missed at the resort.
Happy occasions
Thursday afternoon socials have resumed at the Blue Waters Pub and Grill and a good crowd attended last week’s gathering. Visitors contributed to the festive atmosphere and a good time was had by all. Again, there are no anniversaries this week, but birthdays will be celebrated by Marie Brooks and Yvonne van Heerden (22nd), Joan Lilje and Sandra Majali (23rd), Jane Massey (24th), Lee Ann Bransby (25th), Raymond Bransby (26th), Nancy Allan (27th) and Laetitia van Tonder and Maggie Grey on January 28.
Don’t forget to keep Lizzie busy with all news and snippets.
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