DECEMBER 2023 | NEWSLETTER
2024
EVENTS CALENDAR WELCOME TO OUR NEW HOMEOWNERS
FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER’S DESK
FROM THE HOA CHAIRPERSON & WINECO
DIRECTOR
COVER PHOTO
From the Estate Manager’s Desk
It’s December already! This year just seems to have flown by once again. We trust that 2023 has been a successful year for all our homeowners and residents. It’s almost time to take a welldeserved break and a relaxing holiday for those who may be going away over the festive season.
During his time with CVE, Trevor has consistently distinguished himself as one of the top-performing managers in the Western Cape region for Xone. Fortunately, his new responsibility will include CVE so we will still benefit from his wealth of experience and detailed knowledge of our estate.
SECURITY MANAGER UPDATE
We are delighted to announce that our Security Manager, Trevor Alexander, has been promoted. Trevor is employed by Xone and has been with us at CVE for the past eight years. Effective November 2023, he has been promoted to the position of Regional Operations Manager (ROM) for Xone.
In cooperation with the estate management, Xone sourced a suitably capable replacement who started his duties on 1 November 2023. His name is Lindelani Mbobo (we call him Linda per his request). He has 16 years of security management experience with Xone and joined us
from Harbour Bay Village in Simonstown.
Linda’s first two weeks consisted of orientation and detailed handover from Trevor on a one-on-one basis. He is now fully up to speed and has taken over the Security Manager’s responsibilities. We wish both Trevor and Linda everything of the best with their new roles.
PROPERTIES ON CVE
Once again, it has been a very active year for property transactions on Croydon
Vineyard Estate with multiple properties changing ownership.
Comparative sales are as follows.
• Full year 2021: 16 transfers registered
• Full year 2022: 30 transfers registered
• January to November 2023: 15 transfers registered so far
Property prices have continued to escalate during the year and demand remains strong, which bodes well for all our homeowners. There are only six unbuilt erven
remaining on the estate, including the double erf in Pisces Lane.
EVENTS
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new residents on the estate. With summer on our doorstep, we extend a friendly invite to get to know your fellow residents and become involved with the many community events planned for the coming months. Please see the upcoming events planned elsewhere in this newsletter. Below are some of our recent fun and exciting events where we met many new and longstanding residents:
• Heritage Day (September): Our Trustees
and Directors did a great job preparing steaks, chops and boerewors for our residents. Marilise and the team provided salads as accompaniments. There was also a spare fire for those who wanted to prepare their own. Topping off the day was a band to keep us all entertained.
• Fun Run and Oktoberfest (October): The day started off at 9 a.m. with three different fun runs/walks – 10kms for the serious runners, 5kms for the fit participants and 2.5kms for our juniors, mothers with prams and enthusiasts. Congratulations to all participants and the assistance of our neighbours at Olive Estate for helping on their estate. Stefan Blommaert won the
10km race with Jaco Spies in close second place. A commendable performance from Ashton Brand (Margie Brand’s son) is worthy of mention as he was the first junior to finish the 5km run. The Oktoberfest started around 11:00 - just in time for the thirsty runners and late starters to get some liquid relief. Food stalls, eisbein, bockwurst, pretzels, beer on tap and the wine lounge were all available along with a number of stallholders selling fresh fruits, sweets, clothing and various other interesting items. This was all accompanied by a DJ playing the requisite oompah music mixed in with more traditional fare to keep the energy levels going.
• Wine Safari (November): This is always a very popular event on our annual calendar. Despite a chilly breeze, there was a very good turnout at the tasting stations. After the walk, everyone congregated at the Lifestyle Centre for some community entertainment and the lucky draw. Clive Pienaar (Taurus), Francois Keuzenkamp (Gemini) and Belinda Welby-Cooke (Taurus) each won a case of Croydon wine. Congratulations!
Look out for our upcoming events in the new year. The list is published elsewhere in this newsletter.
KIDDIES’ PARK
In preparation for the festive season, the kiddies’ park will undergo its annual repaint, repair and maintenance. Our thanks to homeowners Geoff and Debbie
These events require an enormous amount of planning, input and organising, along with great support from the Trustees, Directors and our residents, to be successful. We thank everyone involved for their participation, and especially Marilise Summers, our Events Coordinator, for their dedication, time and effort. We encourage those residents who did not participate to take part next year. Events and functions are a great way to meet your fellow residents, make new friends, and support your estate.
Els and other volunteers for your continued interest and efforts which are always very much appreciated.
WINE SALES DURING CLOSURE PERIOD
As it is the season to be merry, we will open the Wine Lounge for “top up” wine sales from 12:00 to 14:00 on the following days during the office closure period:
• 27 and 29 December 2023: 12:00 - 14:00
• 2 and 4 January 2024: 12:00 - 14:00
REQUEST TO RESIDENTS AND VISITORS
The end-of-year holiday period is often a difficult time on the estate with many children around who have “nothing to do” and additional visitors to the estate
who are unaware of policies and procedures. We sincerely request the cooperation of all parents and residents to assist with ensuring harmonious living on the estate, particularly during this time. The incidents of vandalism by children on the estate are alarming and we will not hesitate to take severe action where evidence is produced.
• Vehicles are parked all over the estate. Every home is designed to accommodate four vehicles (two in the garage and two in the driveway). Should visitors create excess vehicles to your home, please make use of the designated parking bays around the Lifestyle Centre.
The following are some (but certainly not all) areas of regular concern :
• Removal and contractor vehicles are not permitted once the contractors’ gate is closed from 15 December 2023. Special permission may be requested from the office with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice. Please note office closure dates.
• Trailers, boats and caravans are not permitted to be on the estate for longer than 48 hours without written permission from the office. Again, these must be accommodated within your property or in the Lifestyle Centre car park.
DOGS
• Dogs must have a collar tag with the dog’s name and owner(s) contact number(s).
• Dogs must always be on a leash, except in the leash-free dog run area.
• When walking your dog(s), you must have a dog poo bag (or two) with you.
• Please use the dog poo bag. I cannot believe we even have to mention this.
CATS
• All cats must have a collar with a bell that works.
On behalf of the Trustees, Directors and the HOA Management team, we would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2024.
Chris Liddicoat Estate Manager
An Update from the HOA Chairperson & WineCo Director
Croydon Vineyard Estate
is a serene, picturesque housing estate set on a working wine farm comprising nine hectares under vine. We are proud to say that we are all shareholders of a fantastic wine farm that produces awardwinning wines.
Chenin Blanc. We have some hidden gems also – our Cabernet Franc is superb and Platters has rated our 2022 Pinotage and 2022 Chenin four stars.
Our farm is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and is fast gaining a reputation for producing excellent
However, behind the wonderful wine and the beauty of the estate lies significant effort to maintain the health and vitality of the vines. Vine care is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of a vineyard.
Vines are susceptible to various environmental factors and diseases that can compromise their growth and yield. Challenges face the Croydon Wine Company team in the regular monitoring, maintenance and timely interventions to ensure the longevity and productivity of the vines. The vineyards are divided into manageable blocks, with specific cultivars planted within those blocks. Over the last few years, the yield in tonnes per hectare in some of the blocks has steadily been declining. This decline is
related specifically to diseased and dying vines caused by two primary factors – the type of soil our vines are planted in, being mostly clay, and the consequence thereof being poor drainage. An additional challenge the farm faces is the consistent supply of water.
asset value the vines represent to the homeowners is not put at risk.
Croydon Wine Company has engaged with Vinpro and the University of Stellenbosch
Viticultural Department, with the assistance of Professor Albert Strever. We have initiated a Phased Vine Maintenance and Replacement Strategy.
where vine productivity has declined or vines have died. In addition, the issues surrounding rootstock selection, soil type and drainage are also being investigated.
Having a well-thought-out plan for the replacement of dying vines is critical. A proactive approach to vine replacement ensures sustainable, continued grape production while maintaining the overall health of the vineyard and ensuring the
The first step currently underway is a comprehensive assessment of the vineyards. This includes evaluating the age of the vines and their overall condition and identifying any specific areas
Focus for the first replanting will be the lowest performing block, namely C1 – the Cabernet Sauvignon located between Sagittarius Street and Scorpio Lane. The strategy will see the integration of new vines while gradually removing the nonproductive or diseased vines. This approach
minimises disruptions to the vineyard’s overall productivity. Contrary to speculation, there is no need to replace all nine hectares, and most definitely not all at once. What is abundantly clear, is that, like any asset, the vineyards need continued maintenance and management. Phasing the replacement of deceased and poorly performing vines over a 15year period eliminates the need for significant and immediate capital investment and ensures uninterrupted production.
In conclusion, the care of our vines is a multi-faceted endeavour that requires attention to detail, proactive planning and continuous monitoring. Emphasising the need for a well-structured plan for the replacement of dying vines is essential for ensuring the sustained productivity and vitality of our vineyard.
Craig Hart
HOA Chairperson & WineCo Director
ON THE ESTATE
Croydonites have been busy enjoying fantastic events on the estate.
Take a look at these pictures!
2024 EVENTS CALENDAR
Welcome to Our NEW HOMEOWNERS
Transfers registered since June 2023:
- Chantel & Ian Holm: 12 Gemini Lane
- Mark & Chantell Sturrock: 16 Taurus Lane
- Martinus & Lounize Nel: 6 Sagittarius Lane
- Angela & Aubrey van Wijk: tenants
- Marnes & Bianca van der Walt: 9 Cancer Close
- Genaro & Joan Scala: 3 Scorpio Lane
- Bruce & Hanlè Thompson: 12 Taurus Lane
- Danie Hanekom & Cathy Foster: 26 Gemini Lane
- Johannes & Ammi Human: 7 Virgo Lane
- Annemarie Emslie 25 Scorpio Lane
- Calvin & Lauren Bacon 39 Sagittarius Lane
There are a further four transfers currently pending.
Office Hours and Updates for December and January
Please note that the office will be closed from Monday, 25 December 2023 through to Friday, 5 January 2024. There will be a reduced maintenance staff on duty during this period and either Oom Ben or Charl will be available for emergencies.
• The last date for contractors to enter the estate will be Thursday, 14 December 2023.
• The contractors’ gate will reopen on Monday, 8 January 2024.
• The office will be closed from 25 December 2023 to 5 January 2024 (inclusive).
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to report a leak or incident, please use Security as your first point of contact. They will then contact me and the relevant responsible party. As a reminder, the contact numbers for Security are as follows:
• Main Gate Security (direct landline): 021 843 3610 Ext 3
• Main Gate Security (mobile number): 072 349 8002
• All estate staff will work until 13:00 from 18 to 22 December 2023.
The estate usually runs a little differently during December, so please note the following:
Below are the Glovent client care details in case of issues with your app:
• Email: clientcare@glovent.co.za
• Contact number: 011 568 0132
• Levy statements will be posted out on 14 December 2023.
• Debit orders will be run on Friday, 5 January 2024.
FROM THE WINEMAKER
It’s nearing the end of another busy year in the cellar, which also brings a close to the annual wine allocation distribution to homeowners. This is always a highlight on the Croydonite calendar!
Cabernet Sauvignon is available in SAA Airport Lounges and served on first or business class flights.
I am proud of the quality of the wines and the great value of the Title Deed range. The Covenant Range sees the return of Shiraz, which was out of stock for a while.
The 2023 harvest is ageing beautifully in the cellar and we can all look forward to some excellent wines again next year!
The annual Platter’s guide results have been released and I’m pleased to advise that the Covenant Chenin Blanc and the Covenant Pinotage both received four stars. The Covenant
In the vineyards, you will see the 2024 harvest loading, and there are some encouraging signs.
I don’t want to tempt fate, but we are currently looking at a good harvest on the horizon.
WATERPURIFICATION|H2OSTELLENBOSCH
OurMunicipalitiesdoagreatjobtreatingourwatersothat wedonotsufferfromwaterborndiseases.Ourwateris therefore‘safe’todrink.Howeverchemicalslikechlorine andaluminumsulfateareleftinthewateraftertreatingit. Verynecessaryinthetreatmentprocessbutharmfulinthe longterm.Thereisalsotheriskofleakageintothealready treatedwaterinthesystem.Municipalitiesalsodon’t removepesticidesandherbicidesandotherindustrial pollutants.
Waterpurificationinvolvesremovingunwantedchemicalcompounds,organicsandin-organicsfrom yourwatersupplytoprovideyouwithcleandrinkingwater.Throughpurification,contaminantssuchas suspendedparticles,parasites,bacteria,algae,virusesandfungiarereducedwhichmakeswater odourless,clearandimprovestaste.Waterpurificationcancoveranentirecityorsimplyyourhousehold, leavingyourwatercontaminantfree,clearandodourless-givingyoubettertasting,healthywater.
with Smokey Apricot Jam in
a Puff Pastry Shell
Creamy, buttery, crispy and sticky, this is as decadent as it comes - a gorgeous starter or a great finish to any meal.
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
- 125g wheel camembert
- 1 sheet ready-made frozen puff pastry
- 2 tbsp apricot jam
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Sprinkle of chill fakes
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg, beaten
METHOD
1. Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and allow it to thaw. Set the oven to 220°C.
2. Place a sheet of baking parchment onto a baking tray. Cut out a meat-plate-sized circle from the puff pastry and place it on the baking parchment.
3. Position the camembert in the centre of the pastry. Combine the apricot jam, smoked paprika, chill flakes, lemon juice and salt and spoon it onto the camembert.
4. Make six cuts, equally distributed, into the pastry from the outer edge to 2cm away from the camembert. You now have petals or flaps of pastry. Fold these up, one at a time, around the camembert, overlapping each flap a little over the previous one.
5. Once completed, pinch the pantry together and give it a little twist. Brush with the beaten egg. With a sharp knife, make three or four little slits in the pastry around the base of the topknot so air can escape.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme and microgreens. RECIPE CONTINUED
Community Initiative
To CVE residents,
We wanted to take a moment to update you on an exciting development regarding our upcoming Christmas Tree Evening happening on 14 December.
As you may recall, we recently sent out an email requesting parents to prepare and wrap a special gift for their child, creating a heartwarming moment during the handout. However, I am thrilled to share an inspiring suggestion that has come from our thoughtful residents – the idea of incorporating a charitable component to spread joy within our community.
We believe this is a wonderful concept that aligns perfectly with our commitment to community welfare. To put this idea into action, I propose that our children contribute to the spirit of giving by wrapping up toiletries or stationery items. This approach eliminates gender and age ratios, ensuring
a thoughtful and inclusive gift for underprivileged children in our community.
Before moving forward, I value your input and support for this initiative. Your suggestions and adjustments are highly encouraged, as we aim to make this experience memorable for everyone involved. The suggested budget for each gift is between R100 and R150, and we also welcome any donations of unwanted toys that can bring joy to those in need.
To facilitate the collection of these heartwarming gifts, we will have a designated crate available at the Lifestyle Centre. This will provide a convenient and central location for all donations.
Let’s join hands in making this Christmas Tree Evening not only a special event for our own families but also a time to spread joy and warmth to those less fortunate within our community.
Important Announcement Regarding
Please note that the water pump broke down on Friday, 1 December. It is currently being repaired and we hope to have it returned A.S.A.P. Generally, water becomes scarce during the hot summer months.
Please bear in mind that, in this instance, the vineyards will always take precedence over the communal gardens.
The Maintenance team will endeavour to do their best to maintain the gardens with the resources at hand.
Security
072 349 8002
Security Supervisor
Linda Mbobo
081 262 0301
security@croydon-estate.co.za
SecureRite Armed Response
021 851 3374
0860 103 099
All hours
Xone Command Centre
021 816 1234
Office hours only
HOA office
021 843 3610
Office hours only
COCT Water & Sanitation
086 010 3089
WhatsApp 0634073699
Cape Town Municipality
021 467 1614
Eskom 0860 037 566
Account Number 9230515300
Metro Police & Traffic Services
086 076 5424
Macassar Police
021 857 1000
Macassar Fire Brigade
021 444 6790
Cape Town Fire Control
021 590 1900
Ambulance 10177
Western Cape Government
084 124 ER24
082 911 Netcare
Vergelegen Medi Clinic
021 850 9000
021 851 3399
Hottentots Holland Hospital
021 850 4700
Helderberg Home Nursing
Services 021 852 6290
072 293 4797
Emergency number
PlumbStar Plumbing
071 196 4911
Mark Wainwright Electrician
072 512 9237
Willie Goosen
Snake Catcher
079 189 3807
Justin Collocot
067 244 6972
Jozaa van Niekerk
