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From the Driving Seat
27 October, 2011
My fellow members,
My gosh this year has flown by, have you all been so busy? Talking of busy; Base 4 was a hive of activity last weekend with about 15 members digging, cutting, pruning etc. and I think the day was worth it as we got rid of loads of alien vegetation, pruned the trees that needed and removed dead branches etc.; so if we have another good season of rain the trees will be fantastic. Base 4 is a real gem and needs loads of on-going TLC so if anyone wants to offer Anton some help then please contact him directly; every little bit helps.
On the subject of Base 4, on Tuesday night of this week we had a most unfortunate incident where some guests who were camping overnight had their cars broken into and were robbed of laptops, cell phones etc.; no firearms were used and nobody was physically hurt but the mental trauma was felt by all. Whilst we have had the odd burglary or attempted one at the Club House this is our first on campers and is very alarming. We are members of the Doornrantjes Crime community and have reported this to them; if there is an increase of criminal activity in the area we don't know but we are awaiting feedback. The big question is what to do - improve our fence is an option but it will be very expensive to electrify or razor wire our 16ha; and will it be the solution? Just fence around the lower section may be an option. Having a security guard on duty when we have members camping may be an option but any suggestions will be welcome but in the meantime I urge you all to take care when camping.
We are busy planning the 2012 Outings calendar and if you have any suggestions as to where you would like us to plan to visit; trails you have heard of / been on etc. please drop Elmarie a mail.
Alan Gatley, I am very pleased to tell you, re-joined the club so was very quickly co-opted onto the committee in the Conservation portfolio and Alan has some great ideas and plans for 2012; but again suggestions are welcome.
The annual subject of subscription increases is once again upon us and as some of you will know our founding fathers set the subs at the same as "the price of a tank of fuel", but with the current fuel costs that philosophy sadly can't be kept. However we have real costs to cover with the running of the Club and Base 4 but despite all efforts to keep this down and reduce where possible we have no option but to increase our subs for 2012 from R750 to R800. However if members pay (or allow a change of their debit order date) before December 15th we will give a R50 discount so keeping the fee at R750. Please advise Elmarie if you wish to change your debit order date, send her your cheque or make a deposit into the clubs bank account.
Just a reminder that due to the planned Christmas parties (tickets are still available), Open Day will be on the 13th November and not the 6th as usual; see you there.
Kind regards
Alan Reid
Chairman
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