Spring 2020 (Edition 88)

Dear Members,

We are pleased to announce that we have ventured into the realm of virtual events, to ensure that we continuously keep our Members inspired and involved during these unprecedented times.

Please note, as and when Covid-19 restrictions are updated or changed by the Government, the Club’s calendar of events may also change. Where and when possible, some of the virtual events may be converted back into our normal Club Events at the Club, and Gourmet Dinner will be held in the Terrace once more.

Please continue to read the weekly mailer or view “News” on our website for updates and more information to all our Club events, as well as adhoc events that will be added to the current calendar. View events on our Events page.

We look forward to having you join us at these events. Please continue to support your club during these challenging times.

Kind regards,
Kelvin Grove Functions Team

In this edition we are focusing on ‘Open & Honest Communication’ and its values and importance.
We have regular, open, honest, timeous communication leading to understanding and alignment. Together we treat information responsibly.

OPEN & HONEST COMMUNICATION

In our behaviour we:

• do not gossip
• address all issues directly with the person concerned
• are proactive in supplying information

Kelvin Grove bowlers are back on the greens after four months on the sidelines. “However, bowls is not as we know it,” says Elaine Anderson, KG Bowls chairperson. “We have a comprehensive schedule of regulations to ensure as safe an environment as possible.”

Members are only allowed to come to play if advance booking has been made and confirmed. No walk-in for any form of play is allowed – no bounce groups, coaching, practicing and casual play.
“This will obviously be up for review as and when the restrictions are reduced,” says Elaine.
“Weekend sessions for our working members are under discussion and will be introduced once we have bedded down the weekly slots.”

The changes in effect now are:

• Booked session days have been extended by one day a week and are now on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the afternoons at 13h30 for 14h00.
• There will be no more than four players per rink.
• There will be a gap between each rink, i.e. we play on rinks 1, 3 and 5 or 2, 4 and 6.
• This caters for a maximum of 24 players per afternoon.
• Dress code is casual, but flat shoes remain mandatory.
• We will play 18 ends per session.

Elaine says members have been cautioned that any violation of protocols will be in contravention of regulations as set out by the Sports Ministry and they will have to bear the consequences of their actions.

Players who are 70 years of age and over have been urged to follow international guidelines to make their own decision about returning to bowls. These guidelines emphasize that people at a higher risk of severe illness (those aged over 70 and/ or those with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems) are encouraged to remain at home wherever possible.

Any member displaying flu-like symptoms is urged, out of respect, and concern for their fellow members to refrain from coming to bowls.

The bridge players are a garrulous, happy lot and it is sometimes difficult to decide whether one is at Kelvin Grove bridge or at a rugby match!

Despite the fun and noise, the standard of bridge is on the high side. Much to the delight of most of the bridge players, boxes are now being used.

As one does not play with a regular partner at Kelvin, advanced or difficult conventions are discouraged. However, if you would like to play bridge, but have not played for a while, you are more than welcome to join the club for a trial run. The very pleasant players will nudge you along gently. Unfortunately, beginners are not catered for.

Bridge is played on Monday and Friday afternoons from 13h30-17h00. If these times do not suit you, you may come later or leave earlier.

Everyone is welcome except, firstly, those who criticize their partners and, secondly, those who have colds or coughs.

If you find yourself at a loose end on a Monday or Friday afternoon, think about spending an hour or two at bridge. There is no commitment, nor do you have to come on both days. There are several players who come once a week. For more information please contact Daphne Hawkins on 072 358 4280 or Dee Krauss 0721947007.

In March our season and indeed all sport in South Africa came to an abrupt end due to the coronavirus pandemic. As at the end of June 2020 we have not been able to play any croquet at our club, or elsewhere, at all.

However, in June, as per our constitution, we held our Annual General Meeting. Not at the Kelvin Grove Club but by using “Zoom”. With twenty participants, all visual on everyone’s computer screen, we were able to complete a full meeting with plenty of dialogue. The process which was new to almost all us was a success and concluded with the new Committee being duly elected.

We said a farewell from the Committee to Marilyn Bailey and thanked her for her six years outstanding contributions to the  Croquet Section.
– Marilyn Bailey.

This may be a good opportunity to inform you of our Committee.

There is no doubt about it, the Croquet Section has a brilliant and hard working Committee with plenty of fun participation. The above photographs taken from our Christmas party.

Kelvin Grove Croquet Section forms a vital part of the Kelvin Grove Club. It has been known as a retirement sport which to a large extent it is. But for those members who have spent years at Kelvin Grove playing sport, what better way to continue in the latter years of life playing croquet and of course bowls.

The Croquet Section offers social play on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm onwards and Saturday mornings from 9.30am onwards. Teas, coffees etc. are part of the socialisation during those days. For those members who are slightly competitive and wish to play in the Western Cape league or Robinson Cup, there is always opportunity to do so. Match practice is on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm onwards. In house competitions are held throughout the year as well. League entails meeting up with clubs like Somerset West, Helderberg Village, Rondebosch, Fish Hoek, False Bay and as far away as Greyton. These matches create many lasting new friends. We also hold social evenings, quiz nights and even challenge the Bowls section to the odd game!

Our courts (by the way not lawns!) are utilised most of the available time. Chris Lombard keeps our courts in tip top condition by watering and mowing usually on Mondays and Fridays.

Over the last few years, croquet has become very popular with large Corporations. Several Corporate days have been held which benefit financially both the club and the section.

Croquet is a game that does become addictive. Watch out for our open invitation day once the club re-opens for sport. In the meantime, give Di Schuurman a call on 083 287 4415 for some coaching or Richard Prosser 082 805 2825 or Jean Farrell 082 856 5010 for more details.

The year started A-OK – but then Whooaaa – Wuhan !!!

How crazy has it all gone???  Life as we know it – is currently a bit upside down – but the good news is this won’t last forever.

If you thought the smokers and drinkers are unhappy with the lockdown restrictions – wait until you chat with some of the KG golfers!!!!
We are a social lot and will not have our Constitutional Right to Fun interfered with.

But the good news is that since the last newsletter we have been partially let out of jail and are attempting to get back into the swing of things.
Golfers are arranging their own four balls and enjoying the fairways and greens which are in pretty good shape.  Thank you KDM management and all the ground staff.

But what the lockdown has taught us – is to cherish the privileges we are blessed with – and which we often take for granted………… The fun, the camaraderie, the friendship, the warmth …………the Abuse 😊

The activity and banter on the course and in the 19th were forced to move to digital – with the airways alive with WhatsApp’s and other suitable tech communication.  It added another dimension and another string to the bow – but it will never replace the real thing.

During early lockdown various challenges were put out there including shaving – which in some cases ended up like this……….

And there was the time honoured “Tequila Omelette” challenge which – as most people know – involves a raw egg and various liquor………

Our golfing stalwarts soldiered up and showed that the KG Golf teams were up to the challenge.

Notwithstanding the lockdown the spirit remained steadfast – and we have been rewarded with slightly limited playing concessions for which we are grateful.

The stalwarts are making full use of this and Four balls are being arranged independently and fun is being had.
And given our golfing prowess – social distancing is generally not an issue!! 😊

We all seem to be coping – but are chomping at the bit……………

Keith is in touch with KDM and awaiting news for approval of our regular Kelvin Group monthly bookings.
We will inform our fellow golfers & members as Keith hears.

Looking forward:
The future of Kelvin Grove golf is in good hands.
We had a productive meeting with the KG chairman and GM prior to the lockdown and they have both committed their full support to the golf society.
Unfortunately, the lockdown has put a hold on our planned follow up meetings – but these will be resurrected and communicated to all.

Take care, be safe and as always……………………… MAYPD

Best to you all
– Geoff Clark & Keith Sabatta

There was great excitement for the squash section when South African Squash announced that our league players would be able to resume playing squash from the 1st August. Albeit subject to some stringent conditions, e.g. when booking courts, one will have to sign an indemnity form. Good news also for our social members who will be able to return to the courts on the 15th August.

All league matches have been cancelled as a result of a survey conducted among the various clubs, but Western Province squash are considering running tournaments towards the year end.

We look forward to seeing you all soon and hope this prolonged break has made you extra keen to get back onto the courts.

Enjoy your long-awaited return to squash!

– Margie Hunt-Kemp

Covid-19 certainly has thrown us all a curve ball but possibly also has made us appreciate being back on court more than ever before.

Thank you to all our tennis players who have abided by all the restrictions placed on us to ensure our safety and continued enjoyment of the sport.

Reminder to please wear your mask when leaving the court area. As government relaxes the protocol, we will ensure we keep you up to date on these.

With the above limitation our Wednesday social is on hold. For those who would like to continue this social we will offer this on Saturday afternoons from 1pm. Please email the tennis manager if you would like to attend. It will be on the same basis as before. Players must let the tennis manager know if they will be attending.

Saturday league has also been somewhat compromised as clubs try to feel their way back to league competition during these uncertain times. Kelvin has entered 3 men’s singles teams, 1 ladies’ singles team and an additional men’s doubles team and ladies’ doubles team. Saturday league will commence the last Saturday August and run for 8 weeks (dependent on the number of team entries).

League practice is Saturdays 1pm for all league teams. Kelvin is extremely excited to announce a new addition to the Kelvin league family. Gareth Igesund currently ranked in the top 6 U14 boys in South Africa in his first year in that age group, has already proved to be a top contender at Kelvin by taking out most of our men’s second team players during recent practice matches. A very talented all rounder sportsman who no doubt acquired some of his father’s athleticism Gordon Igesund, who was the Bafana Bafana coach in 2014. Welcome Gareth! I look forward to seeing you take on Jody Classen in the near future 😊

Morning ladies league also gets going end of August and Kelvin enters 3 teams! A lovely group of ladies who enjoy weekly practices followed by tea and cake at the coffee shop. A big thank you to Barbara Rose Innes who always puts up her hand to assist in booking courts and arranging the practice sessions!

Sunday social continues and a big thank you goes out to Craig Strang, tennis committee member who is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. Thank you for rallying the troops Craig!

Reminders:

• We have noticed an increase in “no shows”. If you have booked a court and will not be using it, please cancel your booking timeously so members may use the court.
• visitors are welcome but only once per month and must always remain with the member while on the premises. It is the members responsibility to ensure this rule is complied with.

Thank you to those members who provide feedback relating to our facilities as we strive to keep these in top notch condition. We are aware of mould growing on some of the courts as well as court 4 needing quite urgent attention and resurfacing needed on the back courts. We work closely with the estate manager and management and have submitted a daily, and monthly maintenance plan to ensure our facilities are up to the quality Kelvin members are used to.

A big thank you to all our members who have shown your support to Jody and I during these very tough times. I know it has been tough for everyone out there and we just want to say thank you for the enthusiasm you have shown to get back on court for coaching. We have even seen a few squash players on court during this lockdown hitting a good ball and some even taking a few lessons. How about hosting a squash/tennis event together soon?

Coming soon:

• Club Champs: Stay tuned for news regarding the start date
• Kelvin Tennis Database: This has taken a while and with assistance from the Tennis Committee we have a final draft. We will put this up and ask that players please update so that we can direct any tennis specific news directly to our tennis members.

Stay safe out there and enjoy every minute on court!

For Mandela Day 2020, we introduced a knitting and crochet initiative as part of KG Cares. We asked Members to knit or crochet squares that could be used to create blankets for Ubuntu House, our chosen charity for the year.

Ubuntu House is a halfway house and safe care home for babies that been abandoned, orphaned, neglected or who was born out of an unplanned and crisis pregnancy. Since opening its doors to the first baby in 2003, the home has cared for more than 550 children, with the aim of either reuniting these children with their parents, or alternatively finding them forever homes through their adoption partners. The house parents, Naas and Miems Vermaak, have devoted their life to caring for these abandoned babies and offer their time and resources to these children, to give each and every one of them the best chance in life.

In a year that has proved that nothing is to be taken for granted, we were overwhelmed by the response we received for our Mandela Day initiative. We received over 450 squares, along with several completed blankets and donations of baby clothes.

On 16 July 2020, we had the opportunity to deliver the donations and a total of 18 blankets to Ubuntu House. They were eagerly received by Naas and Miems, and although we were not able to see their operation in action (due to strict Covid-19 restrictions), we were assured the donations would be well used.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone that participated and helps us make this initiative a success.

1. NEW APPOINTMENTS
   There have been no new appointments since we have last welcomed the April staff.
2. PROMOTIONS
   We are pleased to announce the promotion of Alroy Bailey, as the Assistant Restaurant Manager in the Terrace Kitchen. This promotion was awarded prior to the lockdown and takes effect 1 April 2020. We wish him everything of the best in his new role and look forward to his contribution to the Club.
3. STAFF ROTATION
   Due to COVID-19, the friendly faces you once saw around the club in other outlets, have been rotating between the Deli and the Barn. The staff of Kelvin Grove are committed and dedicated to giving our members the best enjoyable experience during these trying times.
4. RETIREMENT
   At the end of September, we will be saying goodbye to Ernest Mumba (Terrace chef) who served Kelvin since 1 July 2009 (11 years). Your commitment and loyalty to the Club is greatly appreciated. We wish him all the best with his retirement, may it be a very happy one.
5. CONGRATULATIONS
   Baby arrival: We would like to extend our congratulations to Kegan Lawrence, Senior Sous Chef in the Barn Kitchen, on the birth of his baby girl, Scarlett. Born at 3.3kg’s on the 7 July 2020. May she bring much love, joy, happiness, and laughter to you and your family.
6. Congratulations to Kayleigh Jones and hubby on the birth of their baby boy Jack, born on 7 August 2020 weighing 3.02kg.
7. STAFF AWARDS: BEST ACHIEVER FOR THE 2019/2020 FINANCIAL YEAR
   Due to the Government Regulations, gatherings are prohibited, so we cannot hold a Staff Ceremony to celebrate these staff. However, we would like to proceed by Acknowledging and extending our Thank You’s to them for their dedication, perseverance, and hard work throughout last year.• Andile Mkaza – Most Improved Employee of the year
   • Zelia Cyster Change – Employee of the year
   • Sandile Buso – Employee of the year (Runner Up)
   • Lyndon Williams – Manager of the year
   • Nomalizo Kutuka – Manager of the year (Runner Up)
   • Brian Lippert – General Manager’s Award
   • Functions Kitchen – General Manager’s Award
8. BEREAVEMENT
   It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our Gardeners, Zolani Liwani, also known to staff and members as Amos. He has served Kelvin for a period of 12 years. Our most sincere condolences are extended to his family during this difficult time.

1. Preheat oven to 150 degrees celcius
2. Line a loaf pan with spray and cook or margarine and dust with flour.
3. Mix flour, spice and bicarbonate of soda
4. Beat the oil and sugar together until the sugar has dissolved.
5. Beat in the eggs and stir into the flour mix
6. Add the peel, nuts, pears and carrots.
7. Spoon into the pan and bake for 90 to 120 minutes or until done, check with a skewer
8. Remove from the oven and keep in the pan for a few minutes before turning out.

Allow to cool before icing
To prepare the icing, pour the cream cheese into a bowl and mix till slightly softened. Sift over the icing sugar and gently mix. Add the vanilla essence and lemon juice.

We have created the perfect scenic walking route around Kelvin Grove. Enjoy the sunshine and green gardens as you sip your takeaway coffee from the Deli. Our route covers half a mile and is a great way to get the kids out of the house and out in the fresh air.