PRINGLE BAY HACK REPORT N0 125

– Chris Geldenhuys, Convenor

After the storm in early June (the 6th and 7th), the general opinion was that Pringle Bay would not be the same again: the sea level was the highest in the last 30 years, resulting in kelp washing up into Ann Road and a great deal of sand disappearing from the Pringle Bay beach. Once we had gathered our wits again, we came to realise that our “enemy” – invasive vegetation – was still with us. So the Pringle Bay Hack Group gathered at Droster’s Centre on a crisp winter’s morning on 25 June 2017.

The hackers moved to the piece of municipal property at the intersection of Bobby and Buffels roads. Municipal workers have cleared the area on a number of occasions before, but had not poisoned before, so the regrowth of Port Jackson and Rooikrantz trees was prolific. But the hack group stood up to the challenge and cleared the whole piece of municipal property from these invasive species! Great job hackers!

We are still waiting for someone to identify the chameleons that we encountered during last month’s hack in the bush – see the June newsletter to refresh your memory.

Today was the first time the First Aid bag came in handy and nurse Grobbelaar could easily address Bernard’s wound. Bernard, we are sorry that you got injured on your first day with the Pringle Bay Hack Group and hope there will not be any complications with the wound on your finger.

In last month’s report Sue Folb’s name was unfortunately omitted. Sorry for that slip Sue! The following 18 members performed the hack today: John Whitehead, Ed Silberbauer, Rienie Schenk, Sue Folb, Louw and Karen Toerien, Marita Grobbelaar, Tom Dreyer, Richard Smeda, Willem Stigling, Mike and Ilse Meyer, Natalie van Wulven, Jeannie Harning, Mike Begley, together with Chris Geldenhuys. We were joined for the first time by Bernard van Wulven and Robyn Lawson and we hope that it will become a habit joining us in our fight against the invasive species in the Pringle Bay area! Thank you for everyone’s valuable contribution today!

A special word of thanks for the contribution and support provided by the members of the Betty’s Bay Hack to the Pringle Bay Hack. Your efforts and encouragement are, as always, greatly appreciated.

Dave and Helena Muirhead are currently on an overseas visit and we hope that you are enjoying your trip! In the meantime Karen Toerien took the trouble of organising the refreshments and provided some fresh and healthy mid-morning snacks! Thank you Karen for all the trouble and arrangements! Again a special word of thanks go to Peter and Joyce of the Mini Mark for the generous donation of tea and sandwiches for the Hack Group, it was as always greatly appreciated by all. It would be appreciated if all hackers express their thanks, when you meet Peter and Joyce at the Mini Mark.

The next monthly hack will be on Sunday 30 July 2017. As usual we will meet on the pavement opposite Droster’s Centre, in Central Avenue, Pringle Bay, at 08:30 whereafter we will proceed to the hack site. The hack ends at 11:30. Everyone who would like to help rid Pringle Bay of alien vegetation is welcome. Hacking tools are provided.

Contact Chris on (028) 273 8588, or just turn up at the meeting point.

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