Rob in the ‘Hood: Tree falls on hard times… and soft tarmac

Greetings. You can come out now. The perishing weather just might have passed and maybe we can put our winter woollies back in the wardrobe. Hope I’m not jumping the gun, but, slowly, things are returning to a semblance of normality. You can go out for a bite to eat, although somewhat restricted in the fine wines and cocktails for two department. But, we are getting there.

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The Rotary flea market in Uvongo has started up again, and signs are that we will complete our own personal Long Walk to Freedom any time soon. For those who may have been amused reading the saga of ‘our tree’, with good neighbor Adri Porter helping to clear away the debris, then read on. A weekend and a couple of days later the municipal tree-clearing team arrived to finish the job. The tranquility of the neighborhood was again shattered as the community services department demolished the infested tree once and for all.

I immediately phoned Councillor George, pointing my smart-phone in the direction of the wood-cutters and noise: “George, listen to this; the gang’s all here and the tree is being removed, at long last.” I could ‘see’ George’s triumphant, smiling face. “I told you they were coming; yesterday was a public holiday, so they came around first opportunity, today.” Well, how was I to know that Monday was a public holiday? All track of time has long gone, since packing it in, work-wise, more than a decade ago.

The CO and myself often ask each other what date and day is it? Actually, we like it that way. thanked George profusely, singing for he’s a jolly good fellow!”, then thanking him some more. George continued: “Now, Rob, I don’t want to hear you complaining any more, okay?” I was mortally wounded. “George: me complain? Never! I always stick up for our community; surely you know that? Maybe a bit of constructive criticism, but it’s all for a just cause (me!), but me moaning? Surely you jest, sir?”

Until maybe the next time, George, the grass verges need a bit of attention, but I won’t push my luck for now. And, no worries, I’ll repair the wall and wire fencing, which were partly damaged by the falling branches. Last but not least, a big thank you to Manheco Gcwensa, Cindy Mqadi, Msier Ngwekwesi and Brian Cele, woody woodcutters supreme. The team shifted the tree in next to no time, a laugh and a smile on their faces, and no problem, whatsoever. The local municipality, we all know, comes in for a lot of stick, but life is still full of nice surprises.

It was that time of the year when another dread had to be faced: the annual renewal of the motor vehicle licence. Not one of my favourite hardy perennials, but it had to be done. I looked at my tax disc. Uh, oh, done it again. It was due last month. A penalty for late payment was on the cards. Then I was told: “Rob, there’s a three-month moratorium if you have overlooked due payment. This coronavirus thing has gotten you off the hook.” The Margate licencing offices awaited our presence. First surprise, only a few people there. “This will take a jiffy,” I said to myself, second in the queue, ready with the ‘readies’ (cash only, friends). The pretty, smiling licencing officer checked my papers, and keyed me in on her computer. My number(s) came up.

The ‘lovely, smiling lady’ looked me straight in the face: “You are late with your annual payment, sir, there’s a penalty to be paid.” I was ready for her. “No, I think you are incorrect. There’s a three-month grace period because of Covid-19.I didn’t know what day it was, never mind the month.” She gave me a lovely smile again. “Maybe, but not for motor vehicle licence renewals. Sorry, that will be a few dollars more.” Who was I to argue? I coughed up the cash, although I have to say the ‘lovely smiling lady’ made it a pleasure to pay up! Who says our municipalities don’t work and that they don’t know what they are doing? Surprise! They can be very much on the ball when they have to be.

So, friends, check that tax disc; and here’s to the end of June 2021, and not August! It could only happen to me. For football friends (and foes), my beloved Manchester City broke my heart yet again, losing out to Lyon, a French team at that. Ami francaise Jean-Louis Blochet, of Shelly Beach, will no doubt be ‘tres jolie’ this week. The wounds run deep, Jean-Louis, but we will be back next season. The good news being that the new season starts in just three weeks’ time. See you. Rob.

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