TEA MORNINGS REPORT

Notice 2016 No 22.

REPORT ON THE COMPLEX TEA/COFFEE MORNINGS FOR 2016

To enlighten new residents in our village regarding these teas; we hold a tea morning on the 3rd Wednesday of each month hosted by a different hostess every time. We endeavour to obtain a speaker of interest to the majority of our residents. These mornings are open to anyone male or female, English or Afrikaans speaking, who is interested in sharing a morning with old acquaintances or in discovering new ones. It is a time of happy friendship and new residents are so very welcome. This is an opportunity to mix with others especially those who might be alone or lonely. Please glance on the notice board or browse the Web page one week prior, for the information regarding the next gathering.

NOW TO THE REPORTS ON THIS YEARS’ TALKS:
Feb. 17th Annetjie Engelbrecht, a resident, brought her tiny charge a wee babe born out of wedlock and unwanted. Annetjie told of the ‘red tape’ connected with her work and how she tends these little babies for a period of up to 3 months or until such time as an adoption can be arranged. One can only imagine how attached she becomes to them and how hard it is to give them up. And then she does it all over again! Her husband Jan is equally committed to this amazing service. We wish them every success and enough strength for this daunting, loving task.

Mar.16th Elana Koch, also a resident hosted the group and we were bowled over by the amazing display of period miniature rooms so tiny yet such perfect replicas of actual people, furniture, detailed light fittings displays of foodstuffs and kitchen utensils, a music room with every little detail, so correctly proportioned. Truly worth a visit and Elana is only too willing to show anyone interested, just phone her on her intercom for an appointment to view.

Apr.20th I gave a short overview of the history of the Hospice movement worldwide and its emergence in South Africa.

May 18th Fay who is from Graanendal told us of her interesting hobby tracing her ancestry. She showed us the beautiful quilt of her own family tree which will become a family heirloom.

Jun. 15th Isaac, a trained nurse and caregiver in our village gave an interesting talk and demonstration on first aid and what to do in a medical emergency.

Jul. 20th Leigh de Wet, a resident gave an extremely interesting talk on Pet Sitters, its function as a service to the pet loving community and its needs. Anyone interested in offering their services could contact him on his intercom for more information.

Aug.17th Marie Burger also a resident hosted a tea to enthuse over her wonderful experience at the live André Rieu concert in Maastricht (Netherlands) in July.

Sep. 21st Linette Teepe a Real Estate agent specialising in Retirement villages explained to a captive audience, the advantages and pitfalls of the differing schemes available.

Oct.19th Paul a representative from SAARP/SAVA gave an interesting talk on the advantages available to retired persons’ who join the scheme.

Nov. 16th Those of us who attended the tea, hosted by the speaker prof. Kate Wells the renowned initiator of the Siyazama project and author of several books on the subject of, amongst other topics, the Zulu culture, were privileged to hear, first hand, the birth and story of this amazing project. The project and its producers communicate and spread awareness on HIV/AIDS through creative workshops, local and international exhibitions, museum collections and research activities This project enables rural traditional craftswomen from KwaZulu-Natal to express their concerns about AIDS and all of its complexities through their beautiful beaded cloth dolls. Prof. Wells has a personal collection of these amazing dolls at her home and each one depicts some aspect of the Zulu culture according to the style of dress all created by the use of hundreds perhaps thousands of these miniscule, coloured beads, an amazing morning.

This was to have been the last tea for the year but at the last gathering on 16thNovember we announced that we would like to come together again on Wednesday 30th November just to greet one another before we all disperse for the long Summer vacation so please feel free to attend, all welcome please read the notice board and look on our website for details. Our teas will commence again in February 2017.

And on a final note may I once again say a huge THANK YOU to SARI & MARLENE REAL ESTATE AGENTS for their so generous monthly donation of beautiful flowers to beautify the host home and which we donate to a resident in need of cheer or to congratulate, whichever is applicable at the time. We are indeed truly grateful to both dear ladies. We trust you have had a good business year and wish you the very best in the year to come.
As a final note may we request suggestions for speakers in the coming year, and may I take this opportunity to wish each and every one in this special village of ours, A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS, may it be a time of rest, renewal and joy.

With my very best wishes

Mary Stassen