FRENCH CONNECTION

News from Le Domaine... where Life begins at fifty APRIL 2015

HAVE ANY OF THESE

ALIENS

INVADED YOUR GARDEN

INSIDE: NEWS, VIEWS, HEALTH & WELLNESS, RECIPES

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100 Acutts Drive, Hillcrest Tel: 031 716 8000 Fax: 031 716 8060 www.ledom.co.za

News from Le Domaine... where Life begins at fifty

CONTENTS

Office Hours Monday - Friday: 8:30 - 16:00

BODY CORPORATE TRUSTEES Duncan Ross (Chairman) Dave Abbott (Vice Chairman) Tony Bush Peter Dupen Andy Hayward Hillary Johnson Ron McMartin Di Wayne Clive Wilson

KEY PEOPLE & CONTACTS Estate Manager: Frances Mans - ext 8010 Estate Manager Assistant: Sue Diamond - ext 8025 Financial Manager: Sheri Ebsworth - ext 8003 Levy Account and Insurance: Charmaine Angus - ext 8022 Maintenance Call Centre: Dee Venter (all maintenance and gardening requests to be logged) - ext 8017 Reception: Maria van der Heever - ext 8000 PRO/Events Manager: Di Ward - ext 8018 Utilities: Glenda Coetzee - ext 8021 Services: Health Hydro - ext 8056 Hairdressing Salon - ext 8054 Restaurant - ext 8089 Soins de Vie: Care Centre Admin: Trish von Nibel - ext 8450 Nightingale services provided as a part of your levy – services provided by the care centre: Ext 8450 or 8457 or Tel: 076 819 8817 Digital Services: Smart Village - ex 8057 or 031 716 8057 Security: ext 8998 or 071 475 3664

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Estate Editor's Note

18 22

Good Reads

Planning a trip to the Holy Land Estate Manager’s Note Has an Alien Landed in your Garden?

Have a Healthy Heart Do you Enjoy Golf?

Cat Sings Judy Garland Bits & Bobs

Cover image and information courtesy Di Wayne Trustee.

Index to pictures of Aliens on front cover starting at “12 o’clock” on the page

Category Bug weed – Solanum mauritianum 1 Invading ageratum – Ageratum conyzoides 1 Balloon Vine – Cardiospermum grandiflorum 1 Sword fern – Nephrolepis exaltata- 3 Coral creeper – Antigonon leptopus 1 Indian shot – Canna indica 1 Chandelier plant – Bryophyllum delagoense 1 Guava – Psidium guajava 2 Centre: Ipomea Morning glory – Ipomoea indica 1

Emergency Numbers General Emergencies: dial 111 when calling from home (don’t dial 0 first, just the number) Maintenance Issues For any maintenance emergency after hours 072 753 4543 After hours means: Monday to Friday from 16:30 to 08:00 as well as weekends and public holidays.

The French Connection is published on behalf of the Le Domaine Estate by Kaleidiscope Media. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the French Connection content, neither the Le Domaine Estate, the editor, nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors: or for any misfortune, injury or damages which may arise therefrom. Any views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the Le Domaine Estate.

Copyright Kaleidiscope Media 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior consent from the publisher.

The information in this publication is correct at the time of going to press and will be subject to any changes that may occur. E&OE.

Published by Kaleidiscope Media For advertising queries please contact: Pat Franken: 082 552 3027 John Ward: 072 035 9404 pat@kal-media.co.za Design & Layout: Apple Pie Graphics 079 885 4494 3

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Estate Editor’s Note Just this morning I was chatting to my husband saying how suddenly the solstice of the season was changing and leaning towards Autumn. Despite the season changing, no matter what, there are also seasons in our lives that we need to make changes to, as it does not happen automatically, and this is why we need to focus on what really matters.

Life happens and forever rushes forward. But in saying so, the present moment is what we have, so it is up to us to choose, and not to wait until the future, to be happy, because it’s not a destination. Happiness starts right now by making a decision to change, regardless of our situation, and fully embrace life to the fullest.

As tough as it sometimes feels, change and loss are woven into life. We cannot live a full life without them.

Although both can be painful, they push us to a greater understanding of what matters in life.

When we have too much to do or too many ideas to choose from, it’s hard to determine what comes first. We will find focus when we can discern what demands our attention, and what deserves our attention. The demands can wait, the deserves cannot. Understand that better by simply asking the question. When something distracts you or pulls you away, ask yourself, “demand or deserve?”

And then act accordingly.

Haste makes waste. Most of us are constantly in a rush which brings frustrations about little things. Don’t waste your time being impatient when you can accomplish so much more if you just let things progress naturally.

Learn to not be in such a hurry all the time. If you’re really feeling stressed out, just slow your day down a little bit...

A diversion could be just what you need.

Just recently four ladies came to see me and they had decided that they were wanting to start exercising in the gym. Having never done this before and having met at Le Domaine they decided that they needed a “diversion” from their everyday being. They decided to slow down a

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bit and enjoy the facilities that were available to them.

At the time of writing this article, I had heard that a resident, Mike Turner-Douglas, had passed away. Mike was an active member of Le Domaine, being a trustee in the early years, involved with bowls and he taught my husband, John, to play. This reminded me again that we only walk this road called life once and why not make the best of it whilst on the journey.

We cannot depend on our eyes when our mind is out of focus. So don’t look back as we are not going in that direction.

Think of your favourite memories, people and events from your past and you’ll see things that have shaped you into the person you are today. Similarly, looking ten years down the road and imagining what you want. This helps one to focus on today and make it happen tomorrow.

What can I let slide? There are never enough hours in the day to do everything, absolutely everything, that I have some interest in doing. There is, however, enough time in the day to do everything that I am truly interested in, and that truly matters. Find what you can let slide - and then let it.

So often little things niggle us. Things like having to stop while pedestrians make their way through the estate using the roads, which we, as motorists, feel have the right of way. Yet have we walked on the single paths to find how difficult it is to give way when a fellow resident needs to use the same path as us, and to feel the unevenness of the camber? To be upset when we hear voices of people who are up and about while we are still trying to enjoy the last few minutes in bed in the mornings. Those very people have had to leave their homes earlier and do not have the opportunity to snuggle up and sleep in for those last few minutes. As our Chairman, Duncan Ross, encouraged in a meeting recently, people seem to have lost their tolerance, let us put this into being. Contentment is by no means easy to achieve. It requires understanding yourself, understanding what’s within your power and recognizing what’s out of your control.

It was Anne Frank who said... “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve their world.”

Di Ward

PR & Events Manager Body Corporate Le Domaine

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PLANNING A TRIP TO THE

HOLY LAND

Israel trip planning is the start of an unforgettable trip to the Holy Land. This tiny country is one of the world’s most exciting and varied destinations. Before you go, you’ll want to take a run through of some useful resources and reminders, especially if you are a first-time traveller to Israel and the Middle East.

When is the best time to visit Israel? For visitors making the journey chiefly for religious interest, virtually any time of year is a good time to visit the country. Most visitors will want to take two things into consideration when planning their visit: the weather and holidays. Summers, generally considered to extend from April to October, can be very hot with humid conditions along the coast, whereas winter (November-March) brings cooler temperatures but also the possibility of rainy days.

Because Israel is the Jewish State, expect busy travel times around major Jewish holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah. The busiest months tend to be October and August, so if you’re going to visit at either of these times make sure to start the planning and hotel reservation process well ahead of time.

In the Jewish religion Shabbat, or Saturday, is the holy day of the week and you can expect travel to be impacted by country-wide observance of Shabbat. All public offices and most businesses are closed on Shabbat, which begins Friday afternoon and ends on Saturday evening.

In Tel Aviv, most restaurants remain open, trains and buses just about everywhere do not run - or if they do, it’s on a very restricted schedule. This can complicate plans for day trips on Saturdays unless you have a car. By contrast, Sunday is the start of the work week in Israel.

While most of the larger hotels in Israel serve kosher food, there is no binding law and most restaurants in cities like Tel Aviv are not kosher. That said, kosher restaurants, which display a kashrut certificate granted to them by the local rabbinate, are generally easy to find.

The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). 1 Shekel = 100 Agorot (singular: agora) and bank notes are in denominations of NIS 200, 100, 50 and 20 shekels. Coins are in denominations of 10 shekels, 5 shekels, 2 shekels, 1 shekel, 50 agorot and 10 agorot.

The most common ways of paying are by cash and credit card.

There are ATMs all over in cities and some even give the option of dispensing cash in dollars and euros.

Most Israelis speak English, so you probably won’t have any difficulties getting around. That said, knowing a little Hebrew can definitely be helpful Pack light for Israel, and don’t forget the shades: from April through October it’s going to be warm and bright, and even in the winter, about the only extra layer you’ll need is a light sweater and a windbreaker. Israelis dress very casually.

As always when travelling, it’s a good idea to stay informed. A quality newspaper such as The New York Times or the English editions of popular Israeli dailies Ha’aretz and The Jerusalem Post are all good places to start in terms of timely and reliable information, both before and during your trip.

Travel News

South African tourists who wish to visit the Kingdom of Thailand, and are planning on staying no longer than 30 days, may now do so without a visa. On arrival, they will need to produce a confirmed onward air ticket and/or confirmed travel arrangements proving that their visit will last no longer than 30 days.

Tourists holding South African passports who wish to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for more than 30 days and not exceeding 60 days can apply for a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria.

The new cost of a British Visa now is R2100 and R1950 for a Schengen Visa. (Subject to currency fluctuation) 5

A note from the desk of the Dear Le Domaine family We are well into the New Year already and 2015 is already “keeping the Body Corporate team on our toes”. Before we know it the 2015 AGM will be upon us; this is scheduled for 16 April 2015 at 13:00 and as we speak we have already printed and distributed the Special Resolutions to be considered to be passed by owners at the AGM. Our financial position at the end of December 2014 remains sound, the management accounts for the year 2014 have been successfully audited. We have to offer our sincere thanks to the financial committee and our accounts team for keeping strict controls of our finances. Sheri Ebsworth has settled well into the position of Financial Manager. Although the 5.95% levy increase implemented from 1 January 2015 is still to be ratified by the owners at the AGM, overall the increase has been well received by the owners. The Levy Stabilisation Fund once again has assisted with reducing the levy increase that would otherwise be payable by owners if there wasn’t such a fund in place. It adequately allows for the required maintenance and special projects to maintain the high standards of our Estate. It is pleasing to report that the Infrastructure Reserve established in 2012 has significantly assisted with projects designed to look after the infrastructure of the Estate.

We had our 2014 annual Staff Awards recently and I would like to share the award winners’ names with you – well done again to all those who received an award: • Security: Exceptional Performance Awards - Enforce employees Bongani Shozi - Most Enthusiastic Lungile Ladyfair Hadebe - Team Leadership Award Hemilton Gasa - Showing Commitment • Gardens: Exceptional Performance Awards - Servest Landscapes’ Employees Zanele Mabhida - Best Employee France Mhlongo - Tenacity Award Nokuthula Mthimkhulu - Passion Award • Cleaning: Exceptional Performance Awards - Super Clean Goodness Dladla - Best Employee • Digital: Exceptional Performance Awards - Smart Village Sihle Bhengu - Best Employee • Body Corporate Awards – Maintenance & Admin Employees Estate Manager’s Award - Bugs Palmer Employee of the Year Admin - Sue Diamond Employee of the year maintenance - Thomas Zulu Trustee/Chairman award - Frances Mans Most Improved Employee (maint) - Zeph Maphumulo Neatest working employee (maint) - Ntombentle Gcwane Hardest Working employee (maint) - Owen Ngcongo Enthusiasm Award - Barry Zondi Customer Service Award - Maria van der Heever Positive Stirrer award - Peter Dzuro Tenacity Award - Nicholas Mahachi Team Player of the Year - Wiseman Maphumulo • Other awards Orchid award - Servest Landscapes; Sister Teresa award - Sister Anne

(our very own Mother Teresa) Wise spender award - Neil Arpin 6

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5 year service awards: Bugs Palmer, Misheck Banda, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, Trueman Mkhize, Peter Dzuro, Mlungisi Ngubane, Martin Hadebe, Thomas Zulu, Francoise Mans

Our focus for 2015 is to ensure the preventive maintenance programme is on-going and, as you are all aware, as the Estate gets older (we are now moving into its 12th year) maintenance becomes more important each year. Security of the Estate is also a high priority and we are committed to making sure our residents are always safe.

As at end 2014 we have a total of 37 cameras watching over the Estate. These are located at the gates and at strategic positions which are considered the most vulnerable areas around the perimeter wall of the Estate.

Your gardening committee, as a part of the gardening policy is in the process of implementing strict controls with regards to Alien invasive plants on the Estate as per the Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act. Please refer to more information in the article placed in this edition of the French Connection.

An appeal from the compliance committee, that any changes to common property (that is anything outside of your section / unit), requires a written application to be sent to the Estate Manager for consideration by the Trustees, as set out in the Conduct Rules of Le Domaine. Some of which include; garden upgrades, installation of air conditioners, patio enclosures, invertors (in the case that there is a change to the wiring in your section), skylights, etc. To those residents who do comply, we thank you very much. If you are uncertain, please email the Estate Manager’s assistant and she will gladly give you the necessary advice (emassist@ledom.co.za).

Smart village have advised that the Explora decoders which have been on test in a number of households have been well received and arrangements are in hand to start the rollout of these decoders throughout the estate with effect from 07 April 2015. The necessary equipment is on order and some already in stock at Le Domaine. In due course a detailed schedule will be issued and residents advised when their unit will be installed. Once the Explora roll out is complete those households which have “extra view” will be dealt with.

As the current Trustees term draws to a close, we would like to thank them for their valuable input, contribution and unfailing commitment to look after the Estate affairs. I would also like to thank each and every member of the Body Corporate Team, our service providers and our residents for all your support in making this Estate a wonderful place to live in.

As winter approaches please remember to save electricity during the peak times (these are: 07:00 to 10:00 and 18:00 to 20:00) when our tariff is the most expensive.

See you out and about on the Estate.

With warmest regards

Frances Mans

Estate Manager - Le Domaine Body Corporate

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Has an Alien landed

ALIEN GUARD

Your gardening committee, as a part of the gardening policy are in the process of implementing strict controls with regards to Alien invasive plants on the Estate as per the Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act. Please refer below information regarding this Act.

Our service provider has been instructed to remove all sightings of the invasive aliens whether it is in a pot plant or in the garden without consultation to the residents.

in your garden?

Do you have “aliens” in your garden that you don’t know about? No, not the space variety but the plant and tree varieties, quietly propagating and guzzling precious water supplies, and invading and replacing our indigenous flora.

An Alien Plant is a plant species that is nonindigenous to an area, which has been introduced from other countries, either intentionally, for their beauty, economic value or ecological purposes and in some cases unintentionally on people’s shoes, by mail order, on ships or in horse feed etc. The problem is that they are brought here without their natural enemies, insects, parasites, birds, or animals which would have kept their rapid growth in check, resulting in plants reproducing unhindered.

They grow prolifically utilizing more resources than their indigenous counterparts, particularly water, and produce a large number of viable seeds.

Approximately 10 million hectares of South Africa are invaded by alien plants and trees.

In KZN these aliens use approximately 576 million more cubic metres of water per annum than the natural vegetation they have invaded and/or replaced. This can seriously deplete soil moisture, reducing groundwater recharge, the base-flow of springs and ultimately the flow in rivers and streams. In catchment areas, which are infested with such plants, the eradication of invasive alien plants can often lead to significant increases in water available for other uses.

The fight against invasive alien plants is spearheaded by the Working for Water (WfW) programme, launched in 1995 and administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs. Since its inception, the programme has cleared more than one million hectares of invasive alien plants, providing jobs and training to approximately 20 000 people from among the most marginalized sectors of society per annum. Of these, 52% are women.

The first invasive alien to be eradicated will be the Sword Fern which falls in category 1 – see details below:

In KZN, trees that have been cut down and unwanted cut alien plants are collected and processed to be transformed into desks, eco-coffins, church pews and boardroom tables on request.

Alien invasive plants are a problem because they: • waste a large proportion of national water resources (7% estimated in South Africa); • lead to the loss of potentially productive land, and the loss of grazing and livestock production; • reduce the ability to harvest indigenous natural resources; • increase the problems associated with flooding and fires; • cause erosion, destruction of rivers, siltation of dams and estuaries, and poor water quality; • can cause a mass extinction of indigenous plants and animals.

In 2001 the Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act, CARA, introduced steps to combat the threat of these invasive plants and lists 198 legally declared invasive alien plants which are classified into 3 different categories. The category classification may differ province to province for the different plants, as some thrive better in the different climate zones.

DANGER: Approximately 80% of the invasive plants that have already spread into our environment were originally introduced in SA as ornamental garden plants. There is an urgent need to stop the spread of these emerging, potential invaders that are presently flourishing in our gardens.

Category 1 in KZN: Spreads by spores and stolons (plant shoots). Problem - it competes with and replaces indigenous species when forming thick infestations. It was used as a popular ornamental fern. Alternatively plant Nephrolepis biserrata instead.

Remember all ornamental ferns need to be kept in check and not allowed to spread too far.

Please report any sightings of these to the call centre (ext: 8017/callcentre@ledom.co.za) 8

As from April 2015, our gardening service provider will be instructed to remove one invasive alien plant per month and residents informed accordingly via the residents’ email.

Sword Fern – Nephrolepis exaltata

Also known as Boston fern, is native to North and Central America. It is a tufted evergreen fern growing up to 1m high which forms extensive colonies by means of stolons. The bright green leaves are approximately 1m long by 60mm wide.

It has arching to erect, linear fronds with shallowly toothed, sickle-shaped pinnae.

Category 1 – plants may not be grown under any circumstances and must be removed and destroyed immediately. These include Ageratum, Mexican Sunflower, Lantana, Indian Shot Canna, Ginger family, Morning Glory.

USEFUL BOOKS:

Category 3 – Invader plants which have amenity value and need not be taken out but may no longer be planted, propagated, imported or traded. Among them, Sword fern and Jacaranda (enjoy the purple display in Pretoria while you can).

Invasive Alien Plants in KwaZulu-Natal: covers the 40 most widespread invasive alien plants in the province. Each double page spread is dedicated to one species with full colour photographs to assist in easy identification. For the benefit of lay people, the common English name is given first, followed by the scientific, Afrikaans and Zulu names. Detailed information is provided on the clearing and control of IAPs, their economic, environmental and social impacts, our legal obligations to remove them, and what can be done to combat them.

ALL WILDLIFE HANDBOOKS R60.00 each (RSP inclusive VAT).

To order, contact WESSA: KZN Region 100 Brand Road, Durban Tel: 031 201 3126 E-Mail: research@wessakzn.org.za

Residents can contribute to the efforts to eliminate these plants by becoming aware of what is growing in their own gardens, and systemically destroying them.

Further information on Alien plants visit www. invasives.org.za and www.thewaterpage.com

Category 2 – Invader plants with commercial or utility value may only be grown with a permit, under controlled circumstances in a demarcated area. Examples are Sisal (Agave sisalana), Black Wattle, Castor-Oil Plant, Guava.

Submitted on behalf of the gardening committee

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HAVE A

HEART

healthy

Information supplied by The Heart & Stroke Foundation

South Africa has one of the highest rates of hypertension worldwide.

ADD A SQUEEZE OF CITRUS It is estimated that up to 1 in 3 adults have raised blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a key risk factor for heart disease and the most important risk factor for stroke. Furthermore, a high salt intake is an established risk factor for increased blood pressure. South Africans consume too much salt, 6 – 11 g per day, which is more than double the recommended amount.

Fortunately, in 2013 the Minister of Health signed legislation to make salt reduction in the food industry mandatory, helping to achieve the government’s target to reduce salt intake to less than 5 g a day by 2020. This makes South Africa the first country globally to legislate salt levels and help reduce the amount of salt that the public takes in from processed foods.

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Add grapefruit or orange to salads.

Add orange slices to casseroles.

Squeeze a dash of lemon or lime juice over your food instead of salt.

Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice and black pepper over salads or boiled potatoes.

Add grated zest of lemon or lime to curries.

Add a dash of lemon juice and some chopped mint to peas and green beans.

Squeeze lime juice over stir fries, curries and lamb dishes.

SWEETEN WITH SPICES AND FRUIT

• Try using the sweeter flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice, and sultanas, raisins, chopped dried apricots or prunes.

• Roast carrots and butternut with cinnamon or mixed spice and a drizzle of honey.

• Add cinnamon to savoury pork dishes or porridge.

• Sultanas and cinnamon work well in hot pilaf or cold rice salad.

• Chopped dried apricots, mixed spice and toasted almonds work well added to couscous.

• Apricots or prunes added to meat casseroles will naturally sweeten and enhance the flavour.

IDEAS FOR ADDING FLAVOUR IN PLACE OF SALT • Use a mix of herbs and spices to add to the complexity of flavour of your foods.

• Make your own salad dressing based on balsamic, cider or rice vinegars.

• Frozen, dried or fresh herbs will add and enhance flavour e.g. basil, oregano, tarragon, parsley, coriander, mint.

• Use lemongrass, fresh coriander and a small amount of sesame oil to flavour stir fries instead of soy sauce.

• Spice things up – black pepper, curry powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, chilli powder, ginger and coriander are just some of the wonderful spices you can use to add flavour.

• Marinade fish or meat prior to cooking (ideas below).

• Watch out for the ready mixed herbs and spices in the super market e.g. barbeque mix, as these can be high in salt.

• Steam vegetables lightly to retain the colour and flavour and add a dash of lemon juice or vinegar.

MOUTH-WATERING

MARINADES 10

Chicken or pork: honey, ginger, garlic & olive oil

• Add red wine when cooking stews or casseroles to enhance the flavour.

• Make your own gravy, or go for red wine sauce instead.

• Use an infused olive oil, e.g. garlic, basil, chilli or rosemary, to sauté vegetables or as part of a salad dressing.

Lamb or fish: Beef: black Fish: chopped ginger, coriander, pepper, chilli and fresh dill, olive oil lime zest & juice vegetable oil and lemon juice

Chicken kebabs: paprika, garlic, lemon juice & vegetable oil 10

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VESTIBULAR DISORDERS Dizziness is the most common complaint that people take to doctors. Dizziness is a broad term used to describe a variety of sensations such as vertigo, unsteadiness, light-headedness and similar related symptoms. Older individuals who suffer from dizziness are at a significantly higher risk of accidental falls and consequent injuries.

The most common underlying cause of dizziness is vestibular disorders - problems in the inner ear, particularly in the vestibular system which controls our sense of balance. Other causes of dizziness include, problems associated with the central nervous system (the brain), side effects of medication and bacterial or viral infections.

Diagnosing dizziness is a complex process requiring several tests of the auditory mechanism and eye movements. Because the balance system is located primarily in the inner ear, a hearing test is a common diagnostic procedure. A measurable sign of the balance system is a rapid, involuntary eye movement called Nystagmus.

By stimulating the nervous system in various ways, and carefully measuring eye movements, the Audiologist can learn about abnormalities affecting the vestibular system. This procedure is called videonystagmography (VNG), which tracks eye movements using video recording techniques. VNG is a group of tests that contributes to the information needed to diagnose dizziness.

Once a diagnosis is determined, a range of safe and effective treatments are available to control most of the conditions underlying dizziness. Whatever the cause of dizziness is, the key to its solution most often lies in a timely and accurate diagnosis by your Audiologist and Physician.

For more information regarding balance assessments contact Mandy on 031 7018429 or alternatively on 031 7688386.

LAMY

UP AND COMING EVENT

For more than three decades Fernando Lamy has kept South Africa in stitches with his amazing sense of humour.

Nominated in two categories at The Comic’s Choice Awards prove that he knows the funny side very well. Lamy commented as follows … “I’ve always said to people that I’m not a comedian, I am an entertainer and I wanted to do comedy with a difference. Comedy is what I love doing most.

It doesn’t matter how my days go, when I am on stage, I am in control. I love bringing peace and laughter to people,” This funny man doesn’t only crack jokes, but enjoys singing and miming as well.

Lamy and his son, Paul, will entertain the audience with “Tribute to the Legends” Music from the era of Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Chris Rea, Smokey and many more will be familiar to those in attendance.

For a jam packed fun evening of comedy, dancing and song... BOOK EARLY!

TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDS

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still controls THE STAGE

8 May 2015 | 20:00 | Club de Vie R75.00 per person

Bookings essential please contact Maria at reception on ext 8000

DO YOU ENJOY GOLF? Have you played at

COTSWOLD DOWNS GOLF COURSE?

Cotswold Downs is a magnificent 18-hole Championship signature golf course, designed by South Africa’s renowned golf course designer, Peter Matkovich. The golf course is built to USGA specifications, and as such boasts world class putting surfaces and is maintained all round to international standards.

The course is a model of excellent design in which golf and nature go hand in hand. The topography provides for some spectacular views from tee boxes, fairways and greens while the wetlands, ponds and dams create outstanding natural water features. As a finishing touch, bent grass greens create a superior putting surface.

Cotswold Golf Course offers fantastic prices for Seniors (over 60) on membership, entitling you to preferential senior playing fees:

Senior R3750.00 | Senior Week Day R2390.00

If you are new to golf, there is a resident pro who can get your swing off to a great start!

Cotswold Golf Course will soon boast their new golf club house, with magnificent views.

For more information contact Denny Hunt 0317623655 or denny.lc@cotwolddowns.co.za.

The Le Dom Coffin Dodgers is a group of golfers who came together in 2007, a few months after the Cotswold Downs Golf Course opened. At that time we were a group of approximately 12 in number, both male and female, who enjoy playing this wonderful game.

As the name implies, most of the members were from Le Domaine. Peter (Jock) Miller of Monaco was, at that time, the General Manager at Cotswold Downs. As we were all pensioners and wanted to play once a week, on a week day (Tuesdays), he kindly gave us a preferred rate.

Over the last few years the membership has grown to approximately 38. At present the majority of the membership is from outside of the estate.

When Peter Miller retired in 2008, Wayne Krambeck replaced him as the Man in Charge at Cotswold Downs. He has ensured the Coffin Dodgers have been well cared for. We owe both Peter and Wayne a big thank you in making the Coffin Dodgers the successful golf society that it is.

The golf course has gone from strength to strength and has been rated as the best conditioned golf course in KwaZulu Natal; it is a privilege to play there.

The requirement for membership for the Coffin Dodgers is as follows.

• Members belong to a recognized golf club and have an official handicap, knowledge of the rules and etiquette.

•

They will be required to play 4 games within a period of three months prior to being considered for membership to the Coffin Dodgers, after which they will need to be proposed and seconded by existing members. At least two of these games will be played with a committee member.

If any golfer is interested in playing a round of golf contact myself Laurie Merchant on 8319 or Bill Duncan on 8168.

Submitted by Laurie Merchant

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GAVIN MINTER TO GRACE THE STAGE AT LE DOMAINE Saturday 16 May 2015 19:00 at Club de Vie R80.00 per person

Being no small fry in the musical world, Gavin has performed at many prestigious functions which include the official Tuynhuis retirement function for Nelson Mandela, Cape Times Personality of the Year Awards, The Mayor’s Banquet, Nelson Mandela Challenge, Eat Out Awards, SA Wine Awards, Sunday Times Literary Awards, International Advisory Board, Rothmans July, J&B Met, Cape Times Whisky Festival are but a few.

Accompanied by Mark Fransman, on piano, as he sings The American Songbook; both have toured the world extensively and are SAMA award nominees and winners. Gracing the stage with Gavin and Mark will be, Bruce Baker on drums, Ildo Nandja on double bass and special guest Bobby Minter on vocals. As many of the residents know, Bobby is no stranger to the music world and is known as the Lady of Jazz .

What can be expected on the evening is some gentle folk sounds and some will be more swinging, with a few beautiful ballads thrown in. It will be a musical show of the highest standard - featuring a top notch quintet of vocals, saxophone, piano, double bass and drums.

WORK RITE DOORS KZN Automation • Installation • Repairs • Services to domestic garage doors and gates

Tel: 031 767 5548 Cell: 083 658 3955 Email: hennie@sosnet.co.za

CRUMPETS

All natural... No Processed ANYTHING If you are following the Banting Diet, or you cannot eat any gluten products, then try out this quick and easy crumpet recipe INGREDIENTS: 1 ripe banana, 2 whole eggs .... That’s it. Just mix the ingredients together in a bowl and make sure the banana is well mashed. Lightly oil pan. Cook crumpets on a low to medium heat. Scoop some batter into the pan and cook for about 20-30 sec, flip, and done! Serve and eat!

HANDY HINT: Make crumpets small so they are easier to flip.

Under 250 calories, nearly 14g of protein! No processed anything!

These pancakes are gluten free, low in calories.

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NERVE ROOT PAIN & SURGERY

There are many misconceptions about nerve root pain (commonly called sciatica) and its treatment. Most nerve root pain is treated conservatively (without surgery) and physiotherapists have an important role to play in its treatment. You may have heard many stories about nerve root pain. I have put together some of the facts.

The following information about nerve root comes from the BASS – British Association of Spine Surgeons.

• Nerve root pain usually settles over time (75% of people with nerve root pain are better within 28 days).

• Most common age for nerve root pain is 35 – 40 years.

• If the pain settles, 90% of the time it does not recur over the next 10 years.

• It is advisable to get on with your life, even if you need to take pain killers.

• The best way to deal with the problem is to exercise sensibly, stay active, avoid being over-protective, and lead a normal life.

• X-rays provide limited information for nerve root pain and are not routinely requested.

• If the pain centralises (moves higher up the leg or closer to the back), it is a good sign.

• Numbness and weakness may take longer to resolve.

• Risk factors include genetic predisposition, driving long distances and being very over-weight.

Physiotherapists monitor and treat nerve root pain. If your physiotherapist is concerned with any of your clinical signs (after doing special tests) or is not happy with your progress she/he will refer you to the appropriate specialist and possibly from there for an MRI scan.

Information on scans and surgery for the BASS: • Early use of MRI scans are not required.

• MRI scans are helpful if the pain is not settling.

• Surgery can be helpful if the pain does not settle with simpler measures.

• Surgery is the most reliable way to reduce leg pain quickly, but it has associated risks.

• Surgery is helpful for leg pain, but not always for numbness or weakness.

• Surgery does not alter the chance for future attacks of sciatica.

• After surgery 75% of people are much better, 20% are better but have persisting symptoms, 5% may not be helped and 1% may be worse off.

Which is better, surgery or conservative care?

(Weinstein et al, 2006) • People with ruptured discs usually recover whether or not they have surgery.

• Surgery appeared to relieve the pain faster, but there was no harm in waiting.

• Neither waiting nor surgery was a clear winner – most patients could safely decide what to do based on personal preference and pain.

Your physiotherapist is fully qualified and skilled to assess, refer when appropriate and assist with the conservative management of nerve root pain.

Juli-Ann Riley, BSc Physio, Stellenbosch 15

Cat sings Judy Garland

CABARET SHOW WHO IS PAUL SPENCE?

Born in Durban, Paul went to Durban High School and Natal University, then studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London from 1980 to 1983.

He was invited to join the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1983 and stayed with the Company for seven years, acting in plays at Stratford-upon-Avon, in London and on tour throughout the U.K; performing leading juvenile roles like Fenton in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sebastian in Twelfth Night, Lorenzo in The Merchant of Venice and Lucentio in The Taming of the Shrew.

Paul has worked as an actor and director in theatres in England, Scotland and abroad; from Belfast to Vienna and Tokyo to Copenhagen. He currently runs Cat&Paul Entertainments with Cat Simoni, writing and directing

their unique cabaret shows and staging them in theatres, hotels and restaurants across South Africa; from The Oyster Box and The Grande Roche hotels to Sun City and Auto & General Theatre on the Square, Sandton.

Cat & Paul celebrate the music of the Great American composers, from Gershwin and Cole Porter to Burt Bacharach, legends of musical entertainment, from Noel Coward and Judy Garland to Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara Streisand, Francoise Hardy and The Carpenters – and the classic Pop hits from the rock & roll 50’s through the swinging 60’s and fantastic 70’s up to the ‘big hair’ 80’s!

Cat Simoni & Paul Spence return to Le Domaine on Friday 19th June with ‘In Love Again! The Best of Noel Coward & Gertrude Lawrence’

Just a short note to tell you how much I and my guests enjoyed the Amazing Cat Simone. What a talent she is. Not only a beautiful voice but she also compliments it on the keyboards with great rhythm and style. The show has real class and her “assistant” also had a very good voice. All in all 10 out of 10. I will definitely want to see the next 2 shows.

Geoff Kohlberg - Brittany Village Cathy Simoni’s show on Friday was superb. It would grace any stage in the world.

Derek Cooke - Champagne Village

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FIT&FAB

Want to feel better, have more energy, and perhaps, even live longer?

Look no further than exercise. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex or physical ability. On that note why not take advantage of using the gym and maybe trying out some basic exercises to tone

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Jelly belly Bonus lift: your thighs Lie face up, holding a 5lb dumbbell in each hand with palms up and legs wide.

Lift right hand up while raising left leg, bringing arm and leg toward each other.

Lower and repeat; this time lift left hand and right leg. Continue for 30 reps.

Do 2-3 sets.

Sagging inner thighs Bonus lift: Your belly Lie on your right side, legs stacked, right elbow under shoulder, fingers pointing forward, left hand on top hip. Lift hips into side plank; bring right knee toward chest. Extend right foot; tap it in front of left. Do 15 reps; switch sides and repeat.

Do 2-3 sets.

Jiggly arms Bonus lift: Your belly Lie face up with feet on floor, knees bent, a 5lb dumbbell in each hand. Keep them a few inches off floor. Keeping arms straight, raise left arm over chest while right arm stays over head. Lower to start and repeat. Do 15 reps with left arm, then switch sides. Do 2-3 sets.

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GOOD READS available at the Le Domaine Library - Club de Vie THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY

by Schaffer & Barrows In 1946 Juliet receives a letter from Guernsey. David has found a book that once belonged to Juliet and they begin a correspondence. More letters follow from other members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Intrigued by their stories of life in Guernsey under German occupation, Juliet decides to go and visit the island. She soon realises that the society is every bit as extraordinary as its name.

Definately a book to curl up with and simply enjoy...

I did!

(Reviewed by June Stovold)

THE CALL by Fleur Rorke (Find in the Biographies. 920 GER) This is a modern classic, real life Africana from the pen of a missionary of the Paris Evangelical Society at the end of the 19th Century. A Swiss family, Germond, becomes an extended family in Lesotho, preaching, teaching and becoming an integral part of the local Basotho. It describes their difficulties and triumphs and the true life of these dedicated pioneers seeking to spread The Word and learning to eager strangers in a new world. From Alpine mountain peaks to the Southern African ‘Mountain Kingdom’, it is an honest account which leaves the reader in awe of those hardy pioneers.

Direct descendant, Fleur Rorke, uses her grandmother’s precious diary to recall those remarkable days.

And although it may read like a novel, the truth of the tale shines through.

(Reviewed by Colleen Shearer)

Waiting for columbus by Thomas Frofimuk

ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS by Ronald Balson

An interesting mystery story involving a man affected by a tragedy in his life and the defense he adopted by claiming to be the legendary navigator, Christopher Columbus.

In an asylum in Madrid a kindly nurse records the story of the problems he had trying to get 3 sailing ships for his proposed voyage across the Western Seas. Historically his account is accurate except for anachronistic slips, ‘I said I would phone Queen Isabella’.

Who he really is and the events that led to his break with reality is revealed in sensitive characterisation and dialogue.

Watch out Dan Brown and David Baldacci, there’s a new player in the field. Ronald Balson makes his debut with this book. It spans world-shaking events from 1933 to 2005 and includes authentic details of the Holocaust in Poland during the Second World War to a thoroughly modern and detailed description of the American Judicial system.

(Reviewed by Monica Matthewson)

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It is well written and I predict we have another best seller candidate in the genre of Grisham.

(Reviewed by Colleen Shearer)

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Knit-a-Row-and-Go

Often residents come into the club, whether it is to go to the library, movies or just sit in the lounge, so why not do something for charity whilst about it.

A few baskets will be placed in Club de Vie and if you have a moment to spare, knit as much as you can, then leave the knitting in the basket for the next person to carry on.

As they say many hands make light work, which will mean, that soon we will have enough squares to sew some blankets to hand to a charity.

PLEASE do not take the knitting home, as this is an activity whilst visiting Club de Vie, when you have some time to spare.

RIGHT: Sheila and Anthony met as a blind date for Sheila’s matric dance, when she was 17 and he was 19. With both of them sharing the same sense of humour, they have had a life of lots of fun, which has made many a memory . Sheila and Anthony have a daughter who lives in Australia, and their son and wonderful daughter in law that lives in Westville, producing 5 beautiful grandsons between them. A quote from the couple on the anniversary being...

“We both think that our move to Le Domaine has been a wonderful decision, and feel that this is an amazing place to spend our future” .

LEFT: Noreen & Roger Broomhall celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in Club de Vie with their 3 children, spouses & 7 grandchildren . Family and friends from abroad as well as Le Domaine joined in, to make this a wonderful occasion .

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What is Marriott’s International Investment Portfolio?

Marriott’s International Investment Portfolio (IIP) is a unique but simple product aimed at investors seeking exposure to international investments. The IIP is a UK Sterling denominated personalised portfolio which enables investors to become the direct beneficial owners of international shares, bonds, real estate and deposits. The IIP offers a choice of discretionary and non-discretionary portfolios or a combination of both. The discretionary portfolio option allows investors a choice of three risk and outcome profiled portfolios which are managed by an investment manager in terms of a defined mandate.

WHY CHOOSE THE IIP

Our income focused investment style drives all investment decisions within the discretionary portfolios of the IIP. This style requires a selection of securities that produce reliable, ideally growing, income streams at appropriate prices. As the value of an investment tends to grow over time at the rate at which its income grows, an income focused investment style therefore produces reliable and consistent income and capital growth over the longer term.

The companies selected by Marriott therefore tend to focus on basic necessities, have strong brands and balance sheets, enjoy global or countrywide distribution, tend to fare well in both recessionary and growth phases of the economic cycle and are seldom at the mercy of a new idea, trend or fashion. By investing in a portfolio of these types of companies, one’s long term investment expectations can therefore be met with a high degree of certainty.

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OTHER KEY BENEFITS:

Other key benefits for investors include an investment planning tool to guide investment selection, improved tax efficiency when compared to foreign collective investment schemes, low costs, access to daily valuations of their portfolios through a secure online site and bi-annual reporting.

For more information on our IIP, please contact our Communication Centre on 0800 365 555

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Bits

Bobs LIBRARY REPORT Issues of books from the library reached an all-time high in the month of February when 900 were taken out by residents! In the previous 2 months 660 issues were recorded in December and 700 in January.

That the library is so well-used, is heartening news to the team of volunteers who put away the returned books and keep the shelves in good order. Other duties include sorting books that are donated to the library and preparing them for stock. Magazines and jigsaw puzzles are also given attention and the display boards kept tidy and of current interest.

Having the use of an

incredibly well-equipped gym

is just another reason for

enjoying life at Le Domaine !

Four of us ladies, all fairly

recently settled into our new

homes on the estate, gathered

to have a demonstration by Di

Ward of all the equipment in

the gym and shown how to put them to the best use.

Enthusiastically we climbed on to each apparatus to try them out and amidst much fun and laughter we were really encouraged and felt the benefits immediately. Hopefully a visit to the gym is going to become a new way of life for us.

Thank you Di for your time and for making us enthusiastic about a new form of exercise and for you willingness to show us around.

Louise Gibbon, Louise Smith, Lynsay Field, Carole Dommisse

NEW WEEKLY ACTIVITY

To take place in the Movie House at Club de Vie 22

It was necessary to put a ‘warning’ notice near the newspaper reading table and it seems to be having the desired effect. The newspapers are there to be read. Taking any out of the library, cutting out articles, etc. will not be tolerated. Regular and responsible readers will be watching out for this selfish behaviour!

Donated books and magazines continue to usefully augment the stock and the generosity of residents who bring them to the library is greatly appreciated. Without a regular injection of new stock the quality of reading material would deteriorate, so please keep them coming.

Thank you for supporting the library, Nikki, Colleen and the library team.

Start the journey to your goal weight.

Morning and evening classes are scheduled as follows: • Mondays from 08:30 - 09.30 • Thursdays from 17:00 - 18:00 For more information, please contact Juliette on 082 772 7891 22

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