Issuu

Spring 2026

Benefits of Staying Active

Taste the

FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST A LIFETIME

sunshine Missed Our Last Edition?

French Connection FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

DEMAND IS HIGH.

OPPORTUNITY IS RARE

SOLD WE HAVE MANY PRE-QUALIFIED BUYERS URGENTLY SEEKING THEIR NEXT HOME.

Is your home the address everyone is looking for? Mandy Pannell Registered with the PPRA - Full Status FFC

082 323 1868

Margie Jones

Laura Rubenheimer

Registered with the PPRA - Full Status FFC Registered with the PPRA - Full Status FFC

084 587 0195

073 215 3604

Pam Golding Properties continues to lead as the top-selling real estate team within Le Domaine Estate, consistently achieving full asking price and securing 2 | FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE offers within one week on recent listings.

Contents

Le Domaine Snippets & Socials The residents of Le Domaine are always up to something! Catch up with all the latest events.

Staying Active with Arthritis

Juli-Ann Riley shares why even the gentlest movements make a difference for arthritis pain management.

Know Your Neighbours Meet David and Louise Gibbon; they share a bit about their journey and the role they play in Le Domaine.

Reconnected After 75 Years When Colin Paige received a surprise phone call, he didn’t expect to be reunited with a friend from his youth!

While every eﬀort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, FABMAGS cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise there from. FabMags is a privately owned and funded company and is not subsidised by Le Domaine.

Recipe This lemon-and-herb pasta salad is basically spring in a bowl, and so easy to make.

4 | FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Important

NUMBERS 100 Acutts Drive Hillcrest | 031 716 8000 www.ledom.co.za Reception Office Hours: Monday to Friday 08:15 to 16:00

Body Corporate Trustees

Chairman: Peter Dixon Vice Chairperson: Trish Brouwer Trustees: Kevin Allan, Jim Barrow, Dave Gibbon, Lesley Heger, Ellen Machanick, Claude Martin, David Martin, Neville Rudman & Grant Weston

Key People & Contacts

Estate Manager Frances Mans estatemanager@bcld.co.za PA to Estate Manager Jo La Réservée | ext 8025 emassist@bcld.co.za Financial Manager Lesley Clarke financemanager@bcld.co.za Finance Admin | Insurance Claims Jo-Anne Hounsom | ext 8022 accounts@bcld.co.za Zietske de Villiers | ext 8021 admin@bcld.co.za Maintenance | Gardens Call Centre Glenda Coetzee callcentre@bcld.co.za All maintenance, irrigation and gardening on common property requests to be logged on | ext 8017 For any after hours maintenance emergencies dial | ext 8998 After hours means: Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 08:00, as well as weekends and public holidays Lifestyle Manager Lydelle Goddard | ext 8018 lifestyle@bcld.co.za Residents Information Desk Laura van Lelyveld | ext 8000 reception@bcld.co.za

Services

Care Centre | ext 8450 wendy@ledomainecare.co.za Laundrette | ext 8699 Digital - supersonic Marc Chapman | ext 8005 supersonic@ledom.co.za Security Services, Excellerate & Main gate ext 8998 or 071 475 3664 Clinton Botha - clint@ledom.co.za Health Hydro | ext 8056 thehealthhydro@gmail.com Hairdressing Salon | ext 8054 talitha200@gmail.com Mode de Vie - Bar and Restaurant | ext 8089 catering@ledom.co.za Le Domaine Health | Ext 8099 Hello@ldhealth.co.za

Medical Emergency Assistance

Please call Security on | ext 8998 Or 071 475 3664 who will contact MEDITECH Emergency Services

BRETT SMITH ATTORNEYS

McGLASHAN McKEOWN INC ATTORNEYS٠ CONVEYANCERS ٠ NOTARIES AND ESTATES

Conveyancing Trusts Estates Wills

Company Restructuring Notarial Work Antenuptial Contracts Commercial Transactions

Once again thank you for your efforts and well appreciated results at the end… great news indeed!!! - Eugene and Khanyisile (Property Transfer)

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the assistance with this process. Kendall and I felt so supported each step of the way and we look forward to a long-standing relationship with BSA in the future.” - Matthew & Kendall (Property Transfer in Cape Town) “As first time homeowners, we didn’t know what to expect. But your team’s constant updates and quick work made us feel very comfortable. Thanks again for creating such a seamless transfer process.” - Matthew & Sandra (Property Transfer)

CONTACTUSFORAFREEWILL! (T’S&C’SAPPLY)

www.brettsmithattorneys.co.za

admin@brettsmithattorneys.co.za FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

What’s on your mind? What's on your mind? I’m a South African with assets overseas. What factors do ICould needyour to consider forinmy estate planning, and do I need kind gesture your Will leave your Spouse or Children with less than intended? more thanyou one Will?

eaving something special to Owning assets abroad adds a grandchild, nephew, complexity, but here’s niece, what you need to keep in mind: friend, or caregiver can be a meaningful way to show Should I Have More Than One Will? love and appreciation. But in estate

planning, even the kindest gesture If your foreign assets are limited to a if can have unintended consequences small bank account, one South the Will is not carefully drafted. African Will may be enough, as many banks recognise it for A specific bequest is a gift of a worldwide assets. But if you own particularassets asset or of money substantial or amount own foreign to a named person. For example, property, separate Wills can help by a Will may leave to each aligning each withR100,000 local laws, which grandchild, jewellery to a niece, or a may speed things up for vehicle to a nephew. These bequests beneficiaries. are usually paid or transferred before Understanding Abroad the residue ofProbate the estate is divided among the heirs. The residue is what Foreign assets local remains afteroften debts,require estate a expenses, probate process (similar to South taxes and all specific bequests have Africa’s executorship). If this is the been dealt with. In many cases, needed, the South African estate spouse or children are named as can’t be finalised until it’s residual heirs, and receive what completed abroad, potentially remains once the estate has been causing delays. settled.

This is where problems often arise. Having a foreign executor familiar Many people assume thatcan a few with local probate rules make the process smoother, especially “small” bequests will not materiallyif you have assets affect theirmultiple spouse’sororvaluable children’s overseas. inheritance. However, if the estate is not sufficiently liquid, the executor Additional Costs and Feescash or may need to use available even sell assets to honour those You need to make provisions for bequests. additional costs as other countries don’t always cap executor fees like For example, a second property or an South Africa does (3.5% plus VAT). In investment account that was intended some places, probate fees are much to form part of the residue may higher. have to be liquidated to meet those obligations. The result is Property that the Forced Heirship, Marital Rules and trusts spouse or children, who were meant to receive the balance of the estate, Some like Italy, Portugal, could countries, inherit far less than intended; and France, have “forced heirship” or, in the worst case, be left to cover laws that dictate how assets are any shortfall. distributed, regardless of what your Will says. Additionally, marital Your Will does more than record property regimes may impact wishes. It tests whether those wishes distribution, and testamentary trusts cannot work in practice. It considers are always recognised. liquidity, the order in which

benefi ciaries inherit, the wording Inheritance Taxes and Duties of each bequest, and the effect on those Your foreign might who are meantassets to receive thebe balance to foreign inheritance taxes ofsubject the estate. on top of South African estate duties. taxes canwhat addyou up Your WillThese may say exactly and reduce the total inheritance wanted when it was signed, but does itfor stillbeneficiaries. achieve what you intend today?

People’s financial circumstances can Preventing Conflicts Between Wills change quickly, and what once seemed possible, such ason leaving special If you decide multiple Wills, bequests to individuals, may no longer make sure each one applies only betorealistic. We invite you to contact assets in that specific country to our office to review your current Will, avoid accidental revocation. This is identify pitfallsestate and help why anpotential experienced planner is your invaluable—they ensure ensure that legacy is passed on intentions arepractically honored without asyour clearly, fairly and as any legal conflicts across our borders. possible. When you become client, Working with a specialist familiar we will review your Will annually to with international laws can help see whether your circumstances have lower these taxes as well foreign changed. By maintaining thisasongoing probate fees through strategic relationship, we can help ensure your planning. If you would like a ‘Health Will continues to reflect your wishes Check’ carried out on your Will at and the risk no minimise cost, contact us.of not achieving what you intended.

Let’s Talk 083 384 4873 nikki@mellafiduciary.co.za 6 | FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE

www.mellafiduciary.co.za

Editor From The

The Gift of Spring

here is something quite inspiring about spring. After the cooler, quieter months, the world seems to wake up around us. The gardens begin to burst into colour; the trees fill with fresh green leaves, and suddenly there are flowers everywhere you look. Nature has decided to gift us with its finest outfit! Spring isn’t only something we see; we smell it in the fresh morning air, hear it in the birdsong that seems to start a little earlier each day, and feel it in the warmth of the sun on our skin, but perhaps one of the greatest gifts of spring is the fact that it reminds us to notice. To stop for a moment and really look at the flowers we pass every day. To breathe in the clean morning air. To listen to the birds. To feel the warmth of the sun. To appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Nature doesn’t hurry. It simply does what it has always done: A seed grows, a bud opens, a flower blooms, and suddenly something beautiful is there for us to enjoy. We can learn something from that. Life, too, is made up of seasons. There are busy seasons, quiet seasons, seasons of change and seasons of discovery. And each one brings something different. At this stage of our lives, perhaps spring is an invitation to embrace the joy of being fully present. To try something new, revisit something we once loved, spend more time outdoors, eat that slice of cake, take the longer walk, or simply bask in the sunshine with a cup of tea. We don’t always need to be doing something extraordinary. Sometimes, it is simply about noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary. A beautiful sunset, a garden in bloom, the sound of laughter, a familiar face, a good conversation, and

Nature has decided to gift us with its finest outfit! the feeling of sunshine on your shoulders. These are the little moments that make up a life. As spring unfolds around us, let’s allow ourselves to be awakened by it. Let’s open our eyes to the colour, our hearts to the joy and our minds to the possibilities. And so, the greatest lesson spring gives us is that there is always something beautiful waiting to emerge. Happy spring!

Lifestyle Co-ordinator lifestyle@bcld.co.za

FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

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Management

from the desk of the

Estate

Manager Hello Le Domaine Family, As I sit at my desk writing this letter, I find myself reflecting on the past 17 years and, if my calculations are correct, around 32 editions of the French Connection. It is quite something to think about how much has changed during that time, and yet how many of the things that make Le Domaine special have remained the same. As I look around our Estate today, I am continually reminded that Le Domaine doesn’t simply grow and flourish with the seasons; it continues to evolve and develop in so many ways. It is an absolute pleasure to share some of the latest news with you! There is a lovely feeling of energy around the Estate. We have taken another step forward with our security measures, with a new facial recognition reader installed at the Contractors’ Gate. This forms part of our ongoing efforts to improve the way access to the Estate is managed. Our energy-efficiency initiatives are also gathering pace. The Technical Workshops and Smart Meter Portal Training Sessions have given residents a practical

opportunity to learn more about their own energy consumption and how they can manage it more effectively. It is encouraging to see residents taking an interest in understanding their usage. The more informed we all become, the easier it is to make small, sensible changes that can collectively make a meaningful difference to the Estate. Thank you to everyone who has participated so enthusiastically in these sessions. And, of course, what better time than spring to talk about our gardens? Our Gardens Department has had a particularly busy first half of the year. Waterways have been revitalised, pathways manicured, trees carefully tended, and our landscaped areas given plenty of attention. A great deal of work happens that most of us never see, and I would like to acknowledge the team for the care they put into keeping Le Domaine looking so beautiful. As the days become warmer and the gardens respond with new growth and colour, it is the perfect time to get out and enjoy them. So, as we welcome another spring, I hope you will take the time to enjoy it; perhaps with a walk through the gardens, a coffee at the Clubhouse,

a new activity or simply a friendly chat with a neighbour. Spring also brings with it a wonderfully busy social calendar, and there is plenty to look forward to over the coming months. Our annual Le Domaine Spring Walk is scheduled for Thursday, 1 October 2026. While you are booking your place at Reception, why not pick up a calendar of events and see what else is coming up? For example, our annual Wellness Market in October, followed by the wonderful South African tenor Chris Coetzer in November. And, before we know it, we will be enjoying our traditional Staff Christmas Show and Christmas Market and much more. I look forward to seeing you out and about on the Estate as we enjoy another beautiful KwaZulu-Natal spring. With warmest regards,

Estate Manager

FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

R AT E D

SOU T H AFRI C A’S

SECU RI T Y C OM PAN Y

Rated South Africa’s #1 Security Company

DIAMOND ARROW AWARD WINNER

We put your safety first. Make sure the control room number is always handy. 031 716 8998 10 | FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Le Domaine

Snippets & Socials

Snippets

Women’s Day on the Green

Sports Club Music Quiz

Sunday, 9 August, all the ladies “on the pink” celebrated Women’s Day with a ‘Bring ‘n Braai’. Even the men communicated with their feminine side and wore pink! Prizes were sponsored by Hyundai; the ladies received a pretty cupcake for tea, and only the ladies were selected for the lucky draw.

Friday, 14 August, a 60s / 70s Music Quiz, hosted by Lesley Heger, was thoroughly enjoyed by both Bowls and Tennis players. Groups of four competed for a maximum score of 90, with Allan Lee, Lyn Lee, Phil Clouston and Nicole Latimer winning with a score of 69. Attendees were spoilt with a complimentary Glühwein to warm up the vibe on a cold evening.

Creating Together In the December 2025 issue, we featured a remarkable group of ladies, affectionately known as the “Happy Hookers”. The feature highlighted the many organisations and individuals these ladies support each year with countless hours of knitting, sewing and gathering. Pictured above is yet another stocktake of the work they have been busy with thus far this year. If you would like to assist in any way, please contact Alecia Du Toit on Ext 8301.

FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 11

Snippets & Socials

Continued...

Here Comes the Sun

Bridge Club Committee

The Cottons enjoying a great game of Scrabble in the sun near the wetlands.

The dedicated committee members of the Le Domaine Bridge club.

Sharp Minds & Eyes Mandy Pillay, an Audiologist and Speech Therapist, gave residents an informative presentation on hearing and cognitive decline.

Show Some Love A beautiful moment of friendship captured between friends Louise and Lynsay.

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Socials & Snippets

Thank you Le Domaine

A Winning Bet

A beautiful thank you message received from the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust:

Durban July “Guess the Winner” competition winner, Shane Beattie. What a stroke of luck!

“On behalf of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, we sincerely thank you for your generous in-kind donation of books. Your support enables us to continue providing essential services to vulnerable individuals and families experiencing health, social, and economic vulnerability. This contribution directly strengthens our programmes and helps ensure people receive the care, support and resources they need to live with dignity. At HACT, our work is rooted in compassion, sustainability and community empowerment. Donations like yours allow us to respond meaningfully to growing needs and extend our impact where it matters most. We truly value your support and partnership. Thank you for investing in hope and positive change.” – Candace Moolman, CEO

The beauty of it is that it has no age restriction and you don’t have to play an instrument or sing. The music therapy training helps support medical practitioners, teachers, parents and managers in the workplace in understanding and managing neurodiversity.

Healing Melodies “I attended Jessica’s first talk at Le Domaine on music therapy and found it fascinating, and I would definitely attend another if she were to visit us again.

It shows up in so many aspects of daily life such as autism, brain injuries, addiction, mental health, dementia care, general behavioural health such as ADHD and many more. In fact, I think we’re all neurodiverse in some way or the other.” – Bev Fink, Alsace

FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

French Connection

Fab Finds

SAFEWAY HEATING PAD This 40x30cm heating pad has three heat settings, an illuminated display, and an auto-off safety setting. Perfect for chilly mornings or to warm sore bones. Our fur babies love them, too!

THE SEEKER EFFECT BY ANNE SCHLEBUSCH This South African author brings a story set in a dystopian future in which the drowning earth’s orbit has shifted and times are out of joint; five citizens have been temporarily let out of their isolation pods and are ready to do anything to avoid returning to the pointlessness of that incarceration.

www.modjajibooks.co.za

BIOSENSE CREATE MOUSSE Looking for volume without the crunch? Biosense Create Mousse delivers a soft, flexible, medium hold and a lightweight lift that works on every hair type. It helps condition and soften the hair while building naturallooking body and movement. The result is effortless fullness that lasts, with no stiffness or stickiness of heavier styling products. Shake, apply, and style. Lightweight salon volume with a soft, conditioned finish, every day. Pop into the Salon, lower-level Club de Vie, to pick up a bottle, or call Talitha on Ext 8054. YAGA APP It’s like Shein/Temu but for good quality second-hand items. Yaga is a safe online marketplace for buying and selling new and pre-owned fashion, shoes, and books in South Africa. It acts as a trusted middleman. It holds the buyer’s payment in a secure account until the package arrives safely. This protects both parties from scams.

Habibee Honey

Sourced from a growing network of trained beekeepers, every jar and sachet contains 100% raw, unprocessed African honey, rich in flavour and natural goodness. From hive to home, Habibee preserves the honey exactly as the bees created it, while empowering rural communities through sustainable beekeeping and meaningful opportunity. www.habibeehoney.co.za 14 | FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Please send us your Fab Finds to share with your fellow residents. Email Lydelle on lifestyle@bcld.co.za

HEalth

The Power of Staying Active with Arthritis

WORDS JULI-ANN RILEY

iving with arthritis can feel like a constant battle. Stiffness, pain, fatigue, and reduced mobility can make daily tasks overwhelming. While rest is tempting, one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis is to keep moving. When joints aren’t used, muscles weaken, joints stiffen and function declines. Inactivity also raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Movement is essential. It can reduce pain, improve mobility and enhance quality of life. HOW STAYING ACTIVE HELPS • Improves joint lubrication: movement boosts synovial fluid. “Motion is Lotion.” • Strengthens muscles: stronger muscles support and protect joints, reducing load and deterioration. • Improves circulation and reduces inﬂammation: this brings nutrients to joints and helps clear waste. • Aids weight management: less body inflammation and strain on hips, knees, and spine can reduce pain. • Supports mental health: exercise releases endorphins and restores a sense of control. • Enhances sleep quality: better sleep supports pain management!

• Increases independence: strength, balance and function help with daily tasks and prevent falls. • Reduces pain over time: regular movement can desensitise the nervous system and reduce pain. A common fear is that exercise will “wear out” one’s arthritic joints. In reality, low-impact, well-executed activities – walking, swimming, cycling and tailored strengthening and stretching – are safe, joint-protective and effective for pain management. Start small.

Even 10–15 minutes daily of gentle, consistent movement like morning stretches, short walks, or a swim can make a meaningful difference. A physiotherapist can tailor a programme to your goals, advise on joint protection and guide painmanagement strategies. Arthritis may change how you move, but it shouldn’t stop you. Keep moving – your joints will thank you!

Juli-Ann Riley,

Riley Physiotherapists Le Domaine Health on 031 716 8099

FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

Know Your

NEIGHBOURS DAVID & LOUISE GIBBON

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residents

ouise and I grew up in Port Elizabeth and met at a church youth camp. She was 15, and I was 18. After five years of courtship and friendship, we married in 1966. In February this year, we celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by our three children, their spouses, 10 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren – all the delight of our lives. After 65 years together, we believe our strong friendship, shared interests and deep love have enriched our marriage, while our faith has been our anchor through challenging times. My kindness and selflessness complement Louise’s fun-loving, adventurous nature. I provide stability while Louise is the impulsive planner who occasionally needs reining in! We both love the outdoors and wildlife, enjoying holidays in the Kruger and other game parks, as well as years of caravanning along the coast. Family holidays remain a priority. We also enjoy walking, coffee shops, bridge – which we both started playing as teenagers – and jigsaw puzzles. We moved to Johannesburg in 1969 with our baby daughter and had two more children, a son and daughter, during our three years there. In 1972, we moved to Empangeni for

12 years, watching it grow from a village into a town and making many lifelong friends. Raising our family in the rural environment was a blessing, with family life centred around Round Table 61 and the few distractions for our teenage children.

decision that we could have made. We have loved every minute of living on this wonderful estate where we have met so many lovely new friends. We just don’t have enough hours in the day to participate in all the activities that are available to us.

We then spent 12 years in Cowies Hill, where our children grew up and then left home. We subsequently bought property in Westville North and, with friends, developed eight homes, living there for the next 20 years. It was a wonderful and rewarding chapter of our lives.

Our main involvement is the Le Domaine Bridge Club, where I am currently the chairman, and Louise is a very active committee member. Two years ago, Louise introduced a cellphone-based scoring system to the bridge club, and she currently also runs an online bridge club with around 50 participants who play online every Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon, with players from around the country and even from overseas.

Those years brought the joy of 10 grandchildren, all living nearby and allowing us to be closely involved in their lives. We fondly call this our “golden years”, filled with babysitting, family celebrations and Monday-night dinners. As the grandchildren grew, partners joined the gatherings, followed by weddings and three greatgrandchildren. Our lively family gatherings created many happy memories. I spent my working life with Deloitte, retiring as a Durban partner in 2003, then spent 20 years as a non-executive director of several companies and also as a partner in a securitisation trustee business. Louise ran a catering business for many years. We moved to Le Domaine in 2014, and it was the best

A few years ago, I initiated playing croquet at Le Domaine. A small group plays on Tuesday afternoons, and we are always on the lookout for anyone who would like to join us. I was elected as a trustee of Le Domaine in 2019, and I currently serve as the chairman of the finance committee. Despite the challenges that come with being a trustee, I enjoy being involved and interacting with the rest of the team. God has blessed us with a very rich and satisfying life, and we can truly say, at this stage of our lives, as we continue to enjoy life, that “it is well with our souls”.

FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

Meet the Team

Meet the

TEAM

We sat down with Lesley Clarke, our financial manager. She shares some insight into her family life and a little about her career. 1. You have three children. Who are they and what makes each one uniquely “them”? • Rachel is a helicopter pilot and works in Johannesburg. She loves triathlons and has done a full Ironman and two 70.3 Ironman races. • Heidi is at university studying occupational therapy. She is a talented ballet dancer. • James is in matric. He enjoys hockey, the gym and running.

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2. Family day out: beach, mountains, shopping or staying home in your pyjamas? Mountains – you can’t beat the scenery. 3. Who is the better cook – you or your husband? And be honest! Me, but to be honest, it is not my passion. We go to restaurants for fancy food! 4. How did you meet your husband? At a young adults’ church group.

5. What is your guilty pleasure? Woolworths café’s caramel cheesecake. 6. If you had a completely free Saturday with no responsibilities, how would you spend it? Spa treatment followed by a coffee date with my family, then pottering at home, reading and walking my doggo. 7. Coffee, tea or something a little stronger? I’m a tea girlie. 8. What is one place you’ve visited that you would happily return to tomorrow? Mauritius, yes please! 9. You’ve built a career in finance – was this always the path you imagined for yourself? Yes, and I still love it. 10. What do you enjoy most about what you do? The variety of the job. There is always something new to navigate, from projects to processes and people. 11. What’s one thing about your job that residents might not realise happens behind the scenes? The level of detail behind reports and the extensive research undertaken to introduce best practices for Le Domaine. 12. After a long day of numbers and spreadsheets, what’s your favourite way to switch off? Catching up on my family’s day and playing with my Labrador. 13. What’s on your bucket list? To tour Canada and visit the national parks. 14. And finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self? Enjoy each stage of life; they pass so quickly.

DON’T LET AN OUTDATED WILL DECIDE YOUR LEGACY

will is your final set of instructions. However, life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or the passing of a loved one can affect how you would like your estate to be handled. If your will is not updated to reflect these changes. Your estate may be administered or distributed in a way that no longer aligns with your wishes. In South Africa, this is particularly important. Divorce does not automatically revoke or update your will. Specific rules and timeframes may affect an ex-spouse’s inheritance rights. Review your will after divorce or remarriage. This is especially important if you do not want an exspouse to inherit. Failing to update your will can have unintended consequences. In some cases, the outcome may be worse than having no will at all. A REAL-LIFE REMINDER TO KEEP YOUR WILL UP TO DATE We recently administered an estate

that highlighted the risks of an outdated will. We were informed that the deceased had divorced many years ago, subsequently remarried, and remained married for over a decade. His surviving spouse was unaware of any will, and she engaged us to assist with the estate administration. Accordingly, the estate was initially reported to us as intestate. During the administration process, we wrote to the banks, and they advised that they held the deceased’s original will. The will named the deceased’s former spouse as the sole heir. As a result, we were required to trace the former spouse and advise her of her inheritance. When asked whether she would consider renouncing her benefit in favour of the surviving spouse, she declined. Fortunately, the deceased had been married in a community of property. This meant that the surviving spouse was still entitled

to her half share of the joint estate, despite the terms of the will. Had the deceased been unmarried, or married out of community of property, the surviving spouse may have received little or no benefit from the estate, despite having relied heavily on the deceased for financial support. A SIMPLE REVIEW CAN MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE Updating your will is important to protect your legacy, provide certainty, and reduce disputes. It gives your loved ones clarity during a difficult time. Review your will to ensure it remains accurate, practical, and suited to your family’s needs. Legal or tax changes may also affect your estate structure, estate duty, and beneficiary outcomes. We recommend reviewing your will annually. Our team at Marsh Fidelity is here to assist. Reach out to us at 031 880 1413 or info@ marshfidelity.co.za for assistance. FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

Reconnected After 75 Years

A friendship spanning decades is renewed

arlier this week, Colin Paige received an unexpected phone call.

“Is that Colin Paige?” “Yes,” he replied. “The same Colin Paige who lived in Durban North many years ago?” “It is indeed. And who am I now speaking to?” “I’m Dianne. Do you remember Derek Milne, who lived in Durban North at that time?” “Very much so,” Colin replied. “He was one of my best pals.” “Well, I’m his sister.” “I remember you well!” And so began a wonderful conversation that neither Colin

20 | FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE

nor Dianne could have expected when they first picked up the phone. Naturally, Colin wanted to know how Dianne had found him after all these years.

Halliday, had managed to get hold of his number. The coincidence became even more remarkable when they discovered that they were practically neighbours.

She explained that she had seen his name and photograph in the French Connection and thought: “There can surely be only one Colin Paige!” She too is a resident of Le Domaine and, after contacting her friend Maureen

Dianne lives in Brittany Village, close to the top swimming pool, while Colin and his wife, Merle, live nearby in Champagne Village. Then the conversation turned to Derek. For Colin, Derek was not simply a name from the past.

Residents

Their friendship stretched back more than 70 years, to their school days in Durban. During those years, he and Derek became close friends, sharing a friendship that lasted for around a decade. Sadly, Colin learned that Derek had passed away about four years ago. He was also surprised to discover that Dianne herself had been widowed for many years, having lost her husband in 2003. Yet despite the passage of time, the memories of those earlier years remained remarkably

vivid. What makes this story so special is the extraordinary thread that has connected two people who knew each other as children and young adults, separated by decades, and then unexpectedly brought together again as residents of Le Domaine Estate. Colin had mentioned that it would be lovely to meet Dianne again, and now that he knows exactly where she lives, in Brittany Village, he and Merle intend to make a plan to do just that. After all, this is more than simply a chance meeting between two neighbours. It is the reopening of

• • • •

a story that began some 75 years ago, a story of friendship, family, memories and the remarkable way life sometimes brings people full circle. And perhaps, after all these years, there are still a few chapters left to write. Do you have a remarkable story of your own? Perhaps it’s an unexpected reunion, a lifelong friendship, a chance encounter, or a story that has been part of your life for many years. We’d love to hear it and perhaps share it with our Le Domaine family. Send your story to Lydelle at lifestyle@bcld.co.za

We assist individuals experiencing reduced mobility, strength, balance and walking ability, and who find everyday physical activities increasingly challenging. We help you to: Walk faster and with greater ease Improve balance and feel steadier Enquire about our 12-week on your feet Functional Performance Build strength and confidence in programme. your body Enhance your overall functional ability & performance in daily life Comprehensive assessments using research-supported objective outcome measures Evidence-based rehabilitation, personalised to you Ongoing progress tracking and re-assessment

MEDICAL AIDS ACCEPTED LE DOMAINE HEALTH MEDICAL CENTRE 8099/ 031 355 0030 HOME VISITS: 031 764 2750

www.rileyphysios.co.za FRENCH CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

Fur, Feathers & Family

Five Animal Parents Who Could Really Use a Day Off WORDS ELIZABETH PRESTON

Meerkat

For meerkats, raising pups is a group effort. Their colonies are so cooperative that even the animals who aren’t parents work hard at child care. Male and female helpers babysit pups, playing with them, protecting them from predators, and bringing them savoury snacks like scorpions with their stingers tenderly removed. Some female helpers even lactate so they can nurse the youngest pups, without being mothers themselves.

PHOTO HUGO BRIGHTLING

Human

Anthropologists think we humans evolved to share the work of caregiving with extended family or other community. We aren’t meant to go it alone in isolated units. If parenting ever feels lonely or relentless, maybe it’s because so many of us are living contrary to our true nature.

PHOTO ROBERT PITTMAN

Orca

PHOTO TÁ FOCANDO

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A mother orca’s calves never move out. Matriarchs live with their kids and eventually their grandkids, continuing to provide help and food until they die. In some pods, the most dependent offspring are adult sons over thirty; massive man-children who might not survive without their ageing mothers.

nature

Naked Mole Rat It may seem glamorous to be queen, but for a naked mole rat, the title comes with heavy responsibilities. This subterranean monarch must birth all of the colony’s young herself. She gets pregnant over and over and over again – five times a year when win captivity – pushing out a dozen or so pink pups each time. Did I mention she might live for more than thirty years?!

Plainﬁn Midshipman Among these big-lipped toadfish, a male can only keep a partner interested for as long as it takes her to lay eggs in his shoreline nest. When she flees for the open ocean, never to return, devoted Dad stays wedged beneath a rock, guarding his eggs for months until they hatch. Every time the tide goes out, he is a literal fish out of water.

The Story Behind Our Bright Yellow Aloes Many of you will have noticed the bold, bright-yellow aloes making quite a statement around the Estate. This is the rather lovely story of how it found its way to Le Domaine. Grant Weston, one of our Trustees and lead Trustee of the Gardens Committee, was gifted a small cutting from his son. His son had purchased one of these striking aloes from The Aloe Farm, nestled in the Hartbeespoortdam area near Pretoria. That little cutting was planted, nurtured and given a chance to grow. Today, the descendants of that original little cutting can be spotted in the open space between 13 Monaco and 1 Marseille, where there were three in bloom this last winter. The intention is to spread it around the Estate. Already, another has been planted in the garden at the bowling green, adding their unmistakable splash of sunny yellow to our gardens. It’s a lovely reminder that sometimes the smallest gifts can take root and become something beautiful, and, in this case, become part of the Le Domaine landscape for all of us to enjoy.

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AVAILABLE AT LEDOMAINE HEALTH

Does advertising work? Audiologist Mandy Pillay B. SP & H (UDW) Cert. Vest Disorders (UCT) • • • • • • • • •

Diagnostic audiology for Adults and Children New born hearing assessment in Nursery NICU and outpatient School hearing screenings Hearing Aid evaluations and ﬁttings (Signia, Oticon, Widex, Phonak) Vertigo/ Dizziness assessment and management Hearing implants (Cochlear Implants, Bone conduction implants, Middle ear implants) Auditory Processing Disorders - Assessment and management FM systems Swim Plugs, Earmolds, Ear Protection Busamed, Hillcrest Private Hospital, Suite 10 Kloof Allied Health, Kloof Life, The Crompton Hospital, Suite 53 Central bookings – 031 701 8429

JUST DID! 061 747 1093 natasha@fabmags.co.za

Leave a Legacy, Change a Life. Your Will has the power to bring hope to thousands. By leaving a charitable bequest to Community Chest, you help fund programs that care for children, protect the vulnerable, support the elderly, and uplift youth projects. Ways to Give:

Define your gift: leave a portion of your estate, property, shares, or money. Use a codicil: add Community Chest to your existing Will with a simple form. Inform us: your wishes remain confidential, and we honour them with care. Contact Rashilla Francis on 031 303 3890 or email: rashilla@communitychest.co.za

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SERVICES OFFERED • Diagnostic Hearing Assessments/Tests • Hearing Aid Trials • Hearing Aid Fittings • Auditory Implants • Speech Therapy

Unit 3 Burnside, 1 Builders Way, Hillcrest Tel: 031 765 5567 Email:juliecardona@telkomsa.net JULIE A CARDONA Audiologist & Speech Therapist (B.Speech & Hearing UDW) Additional training in Cochlear Implants (Stellenbosch)

HELPING YOU HEAR

Celebrating

Community

Le Domaine Care

Congratulations on First Place in the Best of Durban Readers’ Choice Awards!

(L-R) Nursing Manager Janet Steele. Carers: Promise Ngwane, Gloria Mngadi & Nondumiso Hlophe

e are delighted to share the wonderful news that Le Domaine Care has been awarded First Place in the Best of Durban Readers’ Choice Awards in the “Retirement / Frail / Old Age Home” category. This achievement is a tremendous honour for Le Domaine Care and is particularly meaningful because it reflects the recognition and support of the wider Durban community. The award is a wonderful acknowledgement of the care, compassion, dedication, and

commitment of our entire team, who work tirelessly every day to ensure that our residents are cared for in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. We are extremely proud of this recognition and grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for Le Domaine Care. Your support means a great deal to our staff and us, and we see this award as a reflection of the strong community we have built within Le Domaine Estate. Most importantly, we remain committed to providing our

residents with the highest standard of care and to continually improving the services and facilities we offer. We are proud to share this achievement with all the residents, families, and staff of Le Domaine Estate and thank you for being part of the Le Domaine Care community. Le Domaine Care is a privately owned and managed independent frail care and assisted living facility, situated within the Le Domaine estate. If you would like further information, go to www. ledomainecare.co.za or contact them on 031 716 8450

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FINDING MY FEET

Grasping the Bird’s Tail

joined the Le Domaine tai chi group a couple of months after it started, which meant everyone else already had the moves flowing while I was still working out which way was “grasp the bird’s tail” and which

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WORDS ALAN MCNAUGHTON

way was “just flapping”. It took a few sessions before my feet and my brain agreed to cooperate. But that’s half the joy of it. Nobody expects you to arrive knowing the form; you grow into it, one shift of weight at a time.

A big part of that is down to our teacher, Brent. He is just amazing: patient, encouraging, and endlessly generous with his knowledge, happy to break a movement down as many times as it takes until it clicks. He has a way of making

Community

even the trickiest sequence feel achievable, and he never makes you feel behind, even when you very much are (ask me how I know). There’s something wonderful about the moment when the whole group moves as one – that slow, unhurried unison, like a flock turning together in the sky. You stop thinking about your grocery list or the email you forgot to send, and you’re just ... there. Present. Breathing.

And that’s really what tai chi gives you, beyond the obvious physical benefits. Yes, it strengthens your legs; that low, steady stance works muscles you didn’t know you had. Yes, it improves your balance and flexibility. But it’s the breathing and the focus that sneak up on you. Every movement is done with intention – nothing rushed, nothing wasted. You learn to move like you mean it, and

somehow that calm starts to follow you into the rest of your day. If you’ve been curious about our Tuesday and Thursday sessions but haven’t joined yet, don’t wait for the “right” time to start, because there isn’t one. Come as you are, learn at your own pace, and let Brent and the group carry you along. Grasping the bird’s tail badly is still better than not reaching for it at all. Come move with us. You’ll be glad you did.

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nature

Get to Know Your

BIRDS W

PHOTO CATHY DALE

Meet the Spotted Eagle-Owl

ith its striking bright yellow eyes, erect ear-tufts and finely barred belly and lower breast, the Spotted EagleOwl is a familiar and impressive sight across much of its range.

And if you’ve ever heard that unmistakable owl call at night, you may well have heard one of these characters. Its typical call is a soft, booming “whooo-whooo” or the rather curious-sounding “whooare-you?”

preference for cliffs and gullies. It has a heavily blotched upper breast and distinctive burnt orange eyes. • Greyish Eagle-Owl: More heavily barred overall and has dark-brown eyes.

Large and grey-brown in colour, it is the default large owl throughout its range and is remarkably adaptable, making its home in a wide variety of lightly wooded habitats, even in suburbia.

How to tell them apart The Spotted Eagle-Owl can be confused with a couple of similar species, but there are some useful clues: • Cape Eagle-Owl: Larger, with a

So, if you spot a large, grey-brown owl with those unmistakable yellow eyes, finely barred underparts and little ear-tufts, you may just have found one of our Spotted EagleOwls.

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Quality u family dentistry • Mobile services on the estate & in the Upper Highway area • Rooms based across the road from Le Domaine, at Clifton Hill Estate • Medical aid rates

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083 779 3103

MEDICAL AIDS ACCEPTED OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY SERVICES OFFERED CONSULTATION, CLEANINGS, DENTURES, CROWNS, X-RAYS, ROOT CANAL THERAPY, WHITENIN, FILLINGS & EXTRACTIONS crestdental01@gmail.com crestdental01@gmail. .c o m Contact Cont tact Now No ow

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recipe

Taste the

Sunshine

RECIPE SOURCE: BRITA COOKS

Say goodbye to heavy winter comfort foods and welcome the bright, crisp flavours of the new season. This vibrant lemon-andherb spring pasta salad brings the garden straight to your dinner plate. Packed with snappy green peas, tender asparagus, and a zesty citrus dressing, this dish is the ultimate quick weekday lunch or weekend picnic companion. Ready in just twenty minutes, it is spring in a bowl! Ingredients For the pasta • 1lb short pasta (shells, penne) • 1 bunch asparagus, chopped • 1–2 small cucumbers, chopped • 3 green onions, chopped • ¼ cup fresh herbs, chopped (I like Italian parsley and dill) • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (15 oz) • 1 cup green peas • 1 cup mozzarella pearls For the vinaigrette • 1 small shallot • 1 garlic clove • 1 lemon, zested and juiced • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1 tbsp honey • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • Salt and black pepper to taste

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Method 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the chopped asparagus until it turns a vibrant green, around 2–3 minutes, and then remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. 2. In that same pot of boiling water, add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions, or until al dente. Drain and then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Add to a large bowl and hit it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Make the dressing: Add the shallot, garlic clove, lemon zest and juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and extra virgin olive oil to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, and season to taste with salt and black pepper. 4. Add all the chopped veggies, fresh herbs, beans, and mozzarella pearls to the large bowl of pasta. 5. Pour the dressing over the salad, mix well to combine, and serve!

Mobile Services Available

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