Blue Valley Valley 4_2012.pdfBelinda Pauley Administrator Main Gate O˜ ce Tel: 011 512 0487 Fax: 086 676 2543 / 011 512 0055 Email: [email protected] Anneline Moodley Operations Manager

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BLUE VALLEY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

ISSUE 4 2012

newsBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue ValleyBlue Valley

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 4 2012 • 01

contentscontentscontentscontents02 Chairman’s Report

06 HOA News

08 Estate Manager

11 Clubhouse General Manager

12 Men’s Captain

13 Ladies’ Captain

14 Blue Valley Estate Agents

17 Blue Valley Attractions

22 Blue Valley Health & Beauty Spa

25 Motoring: Kia

29 Photography Tips

30 Shopping in Dubai

34 Canine Resort

38 Book Reviews

41 James Clarke

42 Important Numbers

Blue Valley News focuses on the Blue Valley Golf & Country Estate. This magazine is co-ordinated and published by EIA Publishing (Pty) Ltd on behalf of the Blue Valley Golf & Country Estate. The opinions of workers and personnel of EIA Publishing (Pty) Ltd do not necessarily

refl ect those of the HOA and Management of the Blue Valley Golf & Country Estate.

Publisher: Nico Maritz • E-mail: [email protected]: Kathy Thersby • E-mail: [email protected]

Marketing & Sales Manager: Martin Fourie - Cell: 072 835 8405 • E-mail: [email protected]: Marié-Louise Kirsten - Cell: 081 2511 381 • E-mail: [email protected]

Design: Karien van Wyk • E-mail: [email protected] Johannesburg Offi ce

Tel: 011 327 4062 , Fax: 011 327 4094,Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Road • Illovo • Johannesburg

www.eiapublishing.co.za

The deadline for advertisements and editorial contributions is 25 January for issue 1 of 2013.

2 • Issue 4 2012 • BLUE VALLEY NEWS2 • Issue 4 2012 • BLUE VALLEY NEWS

Chairman’s Report

Major AminBVHOA Update

A Special General Meeting (SGM) was held on 15 August 2012 for a Special Resolution to adopt the new Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) for BVHOA. Due to lack of quorum, the meeting was subsequently adjourned to 22 August 2012, when the new MOI was unanimously approved.

On behalf of home owners, a special word of thanks and appreciation to all BVHOA Trustees and members of the MOI Sub-Committee, for their valuable contribution in the fi nalization of the draft MOI, prior to the SGM.

Budget 2013 was prepared and presented by the Chairman of the Finance Sub-Commit-tee to the Board of Trustees for approval on 26 October 2012. Thanks to the wisdom and competency of the Finance Sub-Committee, the levy increase for 2013 has been limited to only 6% of the current rate.

Golf Course Update

The “Blue Valley Attractions” page will feature mainly photos of the restoration and remedial works carried out at Hole no. 11. It will also give an overview of the massive 1:100 fl ooding of the Rietspruit River on 21 February 2012, which runs through Hole no. 11 fairway, resulting in extensive damages to both the river embankment and fairway slopes, including an existing concrete bridge.

A lot of money and resources have been allocated for these remedial and restoration works, which have transformed this signature Hole no. 11 into an eco environmentally friendly landscape.

Golf Estate Development

As at the date of this publication, the total number of stands proclaimed is 986, with a total of 595 houses completed and occupied. An additional 71 houses are currently under construction. So far this year, a total of 88 building plans have been submitted by home owners, out of which 39 applications have been approved for construction.

•Idyllic Countryside Setting •Championship 18 Hole Golf Course

•Chipping greens •Driving Range •Golf Academy

•Multi-facility Clubhouse • Restaurant •Spa & Wellness Centre

•Tennis & Squash Courts • 24 hour security •Convenient

positioning just off the N1 Freeway, between Sandton and Pretoria

6 • Issue 4 2012 • BLUE VALLEY NEWS

Blue Valley HOA

Contact details for the Offi ces

Adele OlivierTrafalgar PropertyManagement (Pty) Ltd

Branch Manager - Pretoria

Tel: 012 326 5963

Fax: 086 682 5646

Email: [email protected]

Belinda PauleyAdministratorMain Gate O� ce

Tel: 011 512 0487

Fax: 086 676 2543 / 011 512 0055


Anneline MoodleyOperations ManagerMain Gate O� ce

Tel: 011 318 1766

Fax: 086 743 5286 / 011 512 0055


Fritz PauleySecurity ManagerMain Gate O� ce

Tel: 011 512 0538 / 083 400 8706

Fax: 086 681 5068


Wilhard BohlmannEstate ManagerMain Gate O� ce

Tel: 011 318 1899 / 073 855 7176

Fax: 011 512 0055


BVHOA Aesthetics

• The Aesthetics consultant will be available on a weekly basis each Thursday between 10:00 – 12:00, by appointment only.

• Aesthetics consultant offi ce hours are Mon.-Thur. 8:30 – 16:30 and Fridays 8:30 – 16:00.

• Owners may contact the HOA Offi ce for any queries.• The scrutiny process takes 2 weeks with each submission.• You may obtain a copy of the design guideline from the HOA

website: www.BVHOA.co.za

Arbour Day – Four Season’s held a very successful Arbour day!

Pets – We would like to remind all pet owners to please ensure their pets are kept safe and healthy during the festive

season. Please contact a house/pet sitter in this regard.ensure their pets are kept safe and healthy during the festive

Arbour Day – Four Season’s held a


Estate Manager

Wilhard BohlmannWhat can we say – 2012 is passing us by and I am sure, as with so many other years, we are worried that

we won’t achieve all our goals for the year as anticipated. For our students and matric scholars, the next few weeks will also be nerve wrecking while waiting for their fi nal exam results.

Then there are the fi nal arrangements and planning for the December holidays, so many things still to be fi nalized, and you wonder if you will be able to complete all the outstand-ing issues in such a short period of time.

At the same time we are already think-ing ahead and wondering what 2013 has in store for us. No wonder we are totally exhausted when we depart on what is sup-posed to be a relaxing holiday and even more stressed on our arrival back home as we are in our minds already taking on our challenges of 2013.

The following African proverb might help you to realise that you are not alone on this roller coaster journey. Let this proverb be our motto for 2013, not just in our personal lives but also within the community we live in:

An old African once told the story about ancestral transmission. He called the story “one stick, two stick”.

“This is the way of the Old African Kings,” he whispered. In the story, an old man is dying and calls his people to his side. He gives a short sturdy stick to each of his community, offspring, wives and relatives.

“Break the stick,” he instructed them.

With some effort, they all snap their sticks in half.

“This is how it is when a person is alone and without anyone’s support. They can easily be broken.”

The old man then gives another stick to them and says:

“This is how I would like you to live after I pass. Put your sticks together in bun-dles in twos or threes. Now break these bundles in half.”

No one could break the sticks when there were two or three or more in a bundle.

The old man smiled.

“We are strong when we stand together. When we are with one another and work together we cannot be broken.”

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Blue Valley Golf and Country Estate and HOA management I wish you a blessed festive season and a prosperous 2013. For those who will be on the roads, please drive safely and always think for the other road users as well.

See you all in 2013.

PS: For all the Western Province supporters

– we did it after 11 years. Moral of the story: never give up. Soos hulle in

Afrikaans sal se “probeer is die beste geweer” – well done, Province!!!!


Residents who envisage to move in over the holiday period need to ensure compliance and occupation certifi cates are handed in at the HOA offi ce before authority will be granted for access to your new property. Please contact the HOA offi ces on 011 512 0538 for any enquiries.

Occupation:

15 December 2012 to 13 January 2013. During this period no construction work will be allowed on the estate. All contractors, in conjunction with the responsible owner, need to manage their projects to ensure they comply with time schedules. No relaxation in this regard will be authorized. All sites must be properly cleaned and nets erected as per contractors’ guidelines. If not, Blue Valley HOA will clean sites for your cost. By order, Blue Valley HOA.

For those who are away for the festive season, please ensure your property is secured and inform security accord-ingly so that they can patrol your area more regularly.

Security:

For those staying behind, a reasonable request – please consider other residents as well when you plan a social event. Remember the estate rules regarding nuisance and noise remain the same for the festive season. Familiarize yourself with the estate rules to avoid unnecessary confl ict.

Take note that Blue Valley offi ces will be closed over the period 24 December 2012 to 01 January 2013. For any emergency situations over this period please contact the following numbers for assistance:

a. Control Room: 011 512 0856b. Security Manager (Robert): 073 080 5786c. Shift Supervisor: 076 471 1660

Office hours:

Neighbourliness:

Even though dogs are sometimes a nuisance on the estate we cannot help but love them. Dogs are not re-garded as your best friend for noth-ing. Hope the following story will remind you how special your dog is and that you will take care of him over the festive season:

Now, this is for my dog friends and my friends to smile!

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of. He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked

down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

Occupation:

The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks.

Curious I pinned a note to his collar: ‘I would like to fi nd out who the owner of this won-derful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.’

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a diff erent note pinned to his collar: ‘He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3. He’s trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?’



STAFF:

We have a new mem-ber of staff , Xanthe Gibson, who joined the team this year and sadly we say a fond farewell to Stefan Rall (R) who left us at the end of November. Good luck in your new venture, Stefan.

Clubhouse General Manager

Good golfingPat Lowth

General Manager

Pat Lowth

Hello everyone and welcome to the fourth and fi nal edition of

our Blue Valley magazine for 2012. I sincerely hope 2012 was a

successful year for you all and that you achieved your goals.

GOLF:

The green side bunkers all had a facelift during winter and are now looking great and playing really well. Instead of a full hol-low tining taking place in early spring, the greens were scarifi ed and top dressed. The next scheduled hollow tining will take place from the 7th to 9th January 2013. During this time the course will be closed for play.

This year saw a vast improvement in the condition of the greens in particular but the course as a whole, and we thank Juan Burger and his team from Servest for their hard work.

New fl agsticks and fl ags have been put on the course and they are really nice and bright.

The river running through the 11th hole has been diverted back to its original channel. Thanks to all concerned for their hard work during the time of construction – it really looks fabulous. A survey was recently sent out to all mem-bers and the response has been great so far – thank you to all those who responded. At the time of going to press, the results of the survey were not fi nalised but once they are complete they will be sent to all members.

Christmas operating hours: As is customary, the course will be open or closed as follows:

Date Remarks

24 December 2012 Morning fi eld only

25 December 2012 Closed all day

31 December 2012 Morning fi eld only

01 January 2013 Closed all day

7-9 January 2013 Closed for hollow tining

For the Christmas holi-day opening and closing times, please contact the golf booking offi ce on 082 964 3267 or go to www.golftimesa.co.za

We would like to thank all our loyal members and guests for their continued support during 2012 and wish you and your families a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous 2013.

If you are travelling during the festive season, please be aware of other road users and be as safe as possible. Please don’t drink and drive – we want you back here alive.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is

to love their mother” – Henry Ward Beecher


Men’s Captain

Trevor Currie

Ian Poulter must be the best modern day matchplay player. Even Seve Ballesteros could not do what Poulter

did in the recent Ryder Cup at Medinah, Chicago. Poulter won all four matches he was involved in and his 5 birdies in a row on Saturday, set up an amazing Sunday of Individual matchplay. The Europeans had the slimmest chance of upsetting the Americans and they did it. Poulter now has a 12-3-0 record in Ryder Cup and that is amazing for a golfer that has yet to win a Major. Let’s not forget Justin Rose (born in Johannesburg) Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer and Rory McIllroy who all turned in stellar performances. In fact every member of the European team contrib-uted. The Americans were shell shocked and could not believe what happened to them.

The Sunshine Tour got a welcome boost with a number of new tournaments scheduled for later this year and early next year. In fact South Africa will now host more European Tour events than any other country! The nearby Els Club at Cop-perleaf (formerly Gardener Ross) will host the inaugural Tshwane Open in 2013 and it will be fantastic to have a European Tour event on our doorstep. I am sure it will be well supported. Also, the big news for South African golf is that the Tournament of Hope will be coming to our shores for the next 10 years. This tournament is for the 70 top ranked players in the world and will carry an annual prize fund of $10m. Will the tournament replace the Million Dollar at Sun City? I believe it should as this tournament will truly become Africa’s Major.

A worrying statistic was recently released by the SAGA. The average age of a South

African golfer is now 59. The advent of golf carts has ensured that golfers can play golf well into their seventies and beyond. However, the worrying trend is that there are less and less juniors coming through. There are around 160 000 regis-tered golfers in South Africa with around 20 000 single fi gure male golfers and only 700 female golfers. As a matter of priority, the golf industry needs to attract juniors. How do we attract juniors? You target their moms. Without mom’s taxi, the kids cannot get to the golf course so our focus should lie in getting more moms into the game. Whilst the kids are doing their clinic, the moms can be getting golf les-sons at the same time.

Blue Valley is looking fantastic and we have had compliments from many visiting golfers. Remember, it is up to all of us to ensure that visiting golfers return. Make them feel at home and they will be back. From the security access, to the registra-tion, to their playing partners, the mar-shalling, the halfway house, let us all make an eff ort to ensure they have a great day’s golf at Blue Valley. Kudos go to Pat Lowth, Juan Burger and their teams for ensuring that the golfi ng experience at Blue Valley remains a memorable one.

Finally, as we all head off on our annual holidays to various destinations, stay alert, take regular breaks and drive safely. A large percentage of accidents happen af-ter dark so plan your trip accordingly. For those staying at home this festive season, the golf course will be in great condition. I, for one will be looking forward to play-ing golf with a number of you.

Have a great festive season and may 2013 bring you all you wish for.

have had compliments from many visiting


Ladies’ Captain

Bev Meerholz

Christmas Greetings from your lady captain

Well, the ladies’ league has come to an end and that’s it for the year. I cannot believe we are in November already.

Blue Valley came 2nd in our pool, losing 3-0 to PCC on spring day. We needed a win to go through to the semi-fi nals. Pretoria CC’s golf course was very tough and I think a little unfair to the better golfer, as most of the bunkers were free drops, which made it a lot easier for the higher handicapper. Nevertheless, it was lots of fun and a great experience for all. Thank you to everyone who played league in 2012. Spring day was also played on the 1st September, hence the league ladies were a bit upset that they could not take part in the fun day. I believe it was an awesome day and well done to all the winners, especially to the only matching best-dressed four ball.

Cheryl Pepper - Carina Fenenga - Iain Pepper - John Fenenga

Johan and Anita Gouws

Medal results: May Medal 2012: Petro Meyer (12) 71 NetJune Medal 2012: Carina Marais (28) 81 Net July Medal 2012: Mercedes Kreissel (18) 72 NetAugust Medal 2012: Barbara Ixkes (26) 78 Net September Medal 2012: Winda Austin-Loeve (18) 72 Net October Medal 2012: Lyn Kreissel (23) 74 Net November Medal 2012: Michelle Van de Venter (34) 68 Net

Medal is played the fi rst Saturday of every month.

Ladies, don’t forget every Tuesday afternoon at 3.00pm, 9 holes if you can make it, just pop down to the clubhouse.

That’s it for now. I wish you all Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I hope to see all of you ladies on the golf course in 2013.

Till next time, Bev Meerholz

082 443 2952, [email protected]

Well done to

everyone who

made an e� ort

with their golf

carts – they

looked really

festive!

To Butlers and all his staff : Thank you for all your support throughout the year


Estate Agents Accreditation has been completed. Below is the list of

Blue Valley HOA accredited agents. The HOA kindly requests that you make

use of the agents listed only, as they are aware of our security measures and

will not put yours or fellow residents’ safety at risk.

Agent: Elbie FrauensteinCell: 082 901 3170Email: [email protected]: www.aida.co.za

Agent: Bev MeerholzCell: 082 443 2952Email: [email protected]: www.engelvoelkers.co.za/centurion

Agent: Andre van RensburgCell: 082 941 8447Email: andrevr@fi neandcountry.comWebsite: www.fi neandcountry.com

Agent: Skoko SebolaCell: 082 682 9242Email:Website: www.leapfrog.co.za

Agent: Liesl MaddockCell: 082 411 9888Email: [email protected]: www.pamgolding.co.za

Agent: Aneta de FreitasCell: 082 673 2300Email: [email protected]: www.remax-central.co.za

Agent: Tuula LaycockCell: 082 859 7819Email: tuula@seeff .comWebsite: www.seeff .com

Agent: Mary MakushaCell: 082 464 7725Email: [email protected]: www.siriusproperties.co.za

Agent: Jermaine DickCell: 072 408 6436Email: [email protected]: www.sothebysrealty.co.za

Agent: Lizinda de BeerCell: 082 903 8843Email: [email protected]: www.remax.co.za

Estate Agents




Blue Valley AttractionsHole no. 11



Beauty By Kathy Thersby

Being greeted by a broad smile from Natasha Frank, owner of the Blue Valley Health & Beauty Spa, I was

immediately aware of the intensely tranquil atmosphere pervading the spa – the sooth-ing background music and the dimly lit treatment rooms – and I already began to relax.

Natasha led me to the change rooms, where I donned a freshly laundered gown and soft slippers, locked up my possessions and padded back to the massage room, where a blissfully warm and soft massage bed waited for me.

Beneath Natasha’s expert fi ngers, all my aches and pains were kneaded and smoothed away, leaving me feeling supple and wonderfully relaxed. The massage was topped off with a refreshing menthol and

camphor gel that increases circulation to draw out toxins and relaxes the muscles even further.

As I sat sipping my iced tea after my treat-ment, feeling exceedingly well in body and mind, I wondered what trick of fate decided that I was not to be as fortunate as the Blue Vally Estate residents, who are so spoilt as to have such a pampering sanctuary right on their doorstep! Yes, I began to feel a little bit peeved not to be a stone’s throw from this Shrangri-La.

is the Spa’s catchphrase, and it could not be more appropriate. The pressures of the modern, fast-paced world are left at the door and you emerge again renewed and invigorated.

Another boon for BV residents is the Spa’s Gifting Room, where you can pick up a gift for a friend quickly and conveniently (or spoil yourself with something nice!).

Blue Valley Health & Beauty Spa

o� ers a wide range of treatments,

including chemical peels, body treat-

ments (exfoliation and body wraps),

a spa jet capsule (water therapy),

facials, massages, waxing, a sun bed,

manicures and pedicures, Botox,

� llers, Mesotherapy and lots more.


A perfect Christmas present!

Looking for that perfect gift to spoil someone special or a token of appreciation?

Purchase a Gift Voucher to be pampered at Blue Valley Health & Beauty Spa

Please give us a call for more information on how we are giving back to our clients for their loyal support (011) 512-0210


A PLEASANT SURPRISE

The new Kia Optima certainly has the power and looks to impress. It has arrived to take its place amongst the luxury cars that are a no-brainer for

those who expect nothing but the best. The Optima’s smooth fl owing lines speak of grace and style, hinting strongly at European-style luxury.

Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Offi cer explains: “The Optima is a new strand in Kia’s evolving design DNA. Its blend of simple and fl uid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapes draw the eye, in much the same fashion as a perfectly-tailored fi ne Italian suit would. Our design has produced a car that radiates self-assurance and confi dence from every angle.”

Talking about surprises, it was indeed a revela-tion to discover that the Kia Motor Corpora-tion is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles and that the brand is no small fry in the global arena. Over 2,5-million Kia vehicles are produced every year in 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in 10 countries. Cur-rently, Kia has over 47 000 employees world-wide and the corporation clocks up revenues of over US $ 39-billion annually.

The Kia Fourways dealership, conveniently located opposite Fourways Crossing, is ef-fi ciently run by dealer principal, Wainwright Wilson. Collectively, the Kia Fourways manage-ment team has over 60 years’ experience in the motor industry, ensuring that the Kia brand promise delivers.

All Inclusive Optima –

There’s no doubt about it. This is a driver’s car.

Compiled by Ann ArnottPhotography by George Proxenos and

Bev Hermanson


Motoring

GOOD VALUE FOR MONEYOverall, Kia appeals to a wide customer base. Starting with the awesome Kia Picanto that sells for under R105 000 and is excellent as a run-around and as a fi rst time car for college students, the models progress up the ranks to the Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, Kia Sedona – and now the new Kia Optima, the ultimate ride for the connoisseur.

Comments Ray Levin, CEO of Kia Motors South Africa, “The all new Optima moves our mid-size sedan products up to the next level of Kia’s design revolution.”

The Optima’s 2,4 litre Theta II petrol engine has a six-speed automatic transmission. The innovative layout makes this transmission the most compact six-speed unit currently available anywhere in the world. It has 62 fewer parts than a fi ve-speed unit, is 54 mm shorter, weighs 12 kg less and boosts fuel economy by up to 12%. The automatic transmission is a ‘fi lled for life’ maintenance-free unit requiring no servicing during its lifetime.

The engine features numerous design enhancements, such as a two-stage variable induction system (VIS) and Dual

LOTS OF PERKS

The Optima has two operating modes – fully automatic (ideal for city driving) and ‘Sport’ which allows clutch-less manual sequential gear changes for greater driver involvement. To operate the Sport mode, you can either use the centre console se-lector lever or the shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

Fully automatic, dual temperature control is standard. The Optima further features twin adjustable air vents in the back of the centre console, providing ventilation to rear seat occupants. There is an Auto Defogging system which monitors hu-midity and the opacity of the windscreen, triggering the air-conditioning system to remove condensation and ‘de-fog’ the screen whenever necessary. Solar glass further helps to reduce cabin tempera-tures and protects the interior from harm-ful UV rays.

The thick-rimmed, leather-trimmed, four-spoke steering wheel, which is adjustable for both height and reach, is equipped with a Bluetooth hands-free system and remote controls for the audio system, cruise control, ECO mode and trip computer.

‘Active’ safety technologies to help Optima drivers avoid potential accident situations include: ESC (Electronic Stabil-ity Control), TCS (Traction Control), BAS (Brake Assist) and HAC (Hillstart Assist Control).

To assist drivers during reversing manoeu-vres, two active systems are available. A back-warning sensor helps the driver to avoid contact with pedestrians and other vehicles by triggering an audible warning whenever the Optima is approaching an obstruction. Then there is the rear-view camera, which is fi tted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens that transmits images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror. Simultaneously, it enables the driver to check the rear view and the blind spot immediately behind the car.

Some of the Optima’s other features in-clude an all new 8-speaker Infi nity Sound System, heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats, Xenon HID headlamps with built-in Daytime Running Lights, keyless entry with Stop/Start button, sporty 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as an optional, full panoramic sunroof.

The Optima is available in 8 exterior colours – Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Ebony Black, Light Graphite, Platinum Graphite, Satin Metal, Santorini Blue, and Metal Bronze.

Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCV-VT). The VIS improves engine ‘breathing’ by automatically adjusting the volume of the air sucked into the combustion chamber to create the optimal air-to-fuel mix under diff erent conditions, while the DCVVT im-proves engine breathing on the intake and the exhaust sides for better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Other Theta II features include: a steel timing chain (with an innovative roller and tooth designed for ‘silent’ operation and maximum durability); a single ‘serpentine’ rubber belt to run the ancillaries; a cata-lytic converter integrated into the exhaust system to release more power; DLC-coated mechanical lash adjusters; redesigned exhaust ports that reduce the exhaust gas temperature and improve fuel effi ciency at high-speeds; and a vibration damping balancer shaft.

In its latest form, the 2,4 Theta II MPI gener-ates a maximum power output of 132 kW at 6,000 rpm, with 231 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Fitted with this engine, the Optima accelerates to 100 km/h in 9,5 seconds and attains a top speed of 210 km/h. The fuel economy can be as good as 8,7 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions as low as 207 g/km.

www.kia.co.za


Motoring


10 REASONSTO SHOOT PORTRAITS DURING

THE GOLDEN HOUR

By George Proxenos

George Proxenos is a professional freelance photographer based in Dainfern. He specialises in a wide range of photography, from events and corporate golf days, to food, product photography and family portraits. For more information, please contact George at [email protected]

The hour or so before the sun goes down is a wonderful time to shoot portraits – this ‘Golden Hour’ is popular among photographers for the qualities of its light and creative possibilities.

1. Gorgeous warm lightThe colour of light at this time of day can make your subjects glow.

2. Light picking up anything in the airAny particles in the air get picked up and highlighted in the light shining in from just above the horizon.

3. SilhouettesShoot into the sun and the possibilities for full or partial silhouettes are endless.

4. Lens FlareWhile sometimes seen as something to be avoided – another possibility with shooting into the sun is lens fl are which can add atmosphere to your shots when used in moderation.

5. Take it IndoorsGolden Hour need not be only an outdoor thing. If you have a window or open doorway where the light streams in, you can get some beautiful indoor Golden Hour shots too!

6. Moody cloudsIt’s not just about the light and colour hitting your subject – but also how it hits the sky and landscape around them and how they create mood and atmosphere in your shot.

7. Monochromatic possibilitiesThis time of the day isn’t just about the colours – it’s also about the angle of light which lends itself to black and white photography too.

8. Rims of lightShoot with the sun behind your subjects and you create rims of light around them which accentuate features and create magic! It’s particularly good through hair!

9. Shadows, shadows, shadowsThe angle that light hits your subject at this time of day is like any other time – creating striking shadow that can really make a portrait.

10. Just Because


Photography Tips


Lifestyle

annual shopping extravaganza

Dubai’s annual shopping festival is set to take the world by storm in early 2013. Now in its 17th year, it is seen as the shopping festival to end all shopping festivals as Dubai comes alive in a blaze of colour, entertainment and sales sec-ond to none! Be there or miss out

One of seven Emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai has risen from the ashes like a phoenix taking fl ight,

building a reputation as a fun, safe and relaxing holiday destination off ering everything from snow skiing to 7 star hotels built on manmade islands! Yet for many, it isn’t the amazing development and growth of this fi shing village that has people talking and becoming increasingly more excited as January nears…. but rather a festival which has become quite an institution within shopping circles, namely the Dubai Shopping Festival.

The Dubai Shopping Festival was started in 1996 as an initiative by the Dubai government to promote trade, continuing to grow year on year as it has be-come a world renowned event in the diaries of shop-pers everywhere. Not only is it a huge retail festival, but also a family festival with a large focus on mall-based entertainment and early evening shows. It has amazed and delighted locals and visitors alike, living up to Dubai’s name of the ‘City of Gold’ with jaw dropping prices off ered on a variety of items, from


electronic goods and clothing to carpets, gold and so much more! In a nutshell, Dubai is on sale and if you miss this, you miss out on the shopping experience of a lifetime!

The longest running festival of its kind in the region, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a month long shopping extravaganza, dazzling young and old as the entire city goes on sale. From Jimmy Choos and Gucci to Levi or Dolce & Gabbana, DSF gives shop-pers the chance to pick up international brands and the latest designer wear at a fraction of their usual price.

Under the famous slogan of ‘One Family, One World, One Festival’ DSF off ers spec-tacular discounts on goods, daily car raffl es are held and the celebratory atmosphere is further instilled with the major fi reworks displays that are held each night during the festival. In addition to the excellent prices, tourists are also drawn by the range of activities and events that are held during the shopping extravaganza, from in-mall fashion shows to musicians, street perform-ers, children’s entertainers,jugglers and more.

Dubai off ers visitors a wide range of Western and authentic Arabian shopping experiences, with more than 60 high rise malls in opera-tion and more currently under construction. The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall in total area, houses over 1200 retail outlets as well as numerous entertainment options to keep the entire family entertained, including SEGA Republic and the Dubai Aquarium, Underwater Zoo and Kidzania.

But nothing beats the feeling of a tradi-tional shopping experience in Dubai’s many markets or souks. From spices and textiles to trinkets and carpets, the name of the game is shop, shop and then shop some more! The souks also off er travellers the opportunity to purchase traditional and authentic souvenirs, in the form of preserved dates, Arabic coff ee pots (dal-lah), traditional daggers (khan jar), prayer beads, trinket boxes, antique silver jewel-lery, brass items and marble goblets.

But believe it or not, this Arabian paradise off ers more than simply shopping, with en-tertainment options to be enjoyed by the entire family! Dubai is the place to stay and play, off ering families a variety of fun fi lled activities which they can enjoy together, in a city that is ever evolving and progressing.

Dubai, seen as one of the safest cities worldwide, off ers traditional Arabian hos-

pitality coupled with a large assortment of activities sure to enthrall the young and the young at heart. With its year round sunshine, powder white soft sands and tranquil turquoise waters, it allows fami-lies to enjoy time on the beach to soak up some sun, relax and plan their Dubai adventure! Kids will be overjoyed with the options available – from an indoor ski resort and ice rink to hairraising water slides in various water parks and swim-ming with dolphins. You can also go on desert safaris, take a ride in a dune buggy or on a camel, or go sand skiing. There’s golf, horse racing, sailing in the bay and hot air ballooning.

As the city gears up for the biggest and best Dubai Shopping Festival to date, families around the world prepare to head to Dubai to be a part of the magic. Dubai Shopping Festival…One Family, One World, One Festival…

The Dubai Shopping Festival kicks o� with a huge opening night that features light shows and � reworks across the Dubai Creek.

in the Country Nestling in the Magaliesberg mountains, Denise Roets’ exclusive canineholiday home gives its visitors lots of pampering.

By Eleanor Hamilton-Brown

While you enjoy your holidays, why not let your dogs enjoy theirs at the Magaliesburg Country Kennels? There’s even a collection and drop-off

service for some areas, so amongst all your last minute or-ganising, checking your dogs in at the kennels should be the least of your worries. For those who prefer to take the drive, it’s a pleasant route, but you have to give yourself a few hours for the round trip. The air is fresh and there’s a lot to see and do as Denise actually runs a farm, too.

The kennels have spacious sleeping quarters and large, securely fenced play areas so that the dogs get plenty of exercise and have the opportunity to socialise with the other dogs that are there. They are fed twice a day – feed-ing is followed by a quiet time before they are allowed out to romp again.

“I only accept sociable dogs because this is meant to be their holiday time and they should have the opportunity to interact and enjoy themselves,” Denise says. “The dogs need to have had all their vaccinations and it’s a good idea to send along their usual food and their favourite play toys and blankets so that they have things that re-mind them of home.”

The length of stay can vary, depending on the owner’s requirements – at present, Denise has two dogs that are on their way to New Zealand. They have been with her for a few months as they wait for clearance to begin their journey.

Nestling in the Magaliesberg mountains, Denise Roets’ exclusive canineholiday home gives its visitors lots of pampering.

By Eleanor Hamilton-BrownCANINE RESORT

Lifestyle


OBEDIENCE SCHOOLTwice a week, Denise travels to Crowthorne in Kyalami, where she holds her dog training school. Her training services include: puppy socialising, obedi-ence, agility, manwork (for protection) and training for the movies.

With more than 30 years’ experience in dog training and dog socialising, Denise says that there isn’t a dog that can’t be taught. For more difficult dogs or dogs with behavioural problems, she will visit their home and do 1-on-1 training along with the owners.

“Dogs who do not regularly play with other dogs have poor social skills,” Denise explains. “That makes them tense and at a much higher risk of experiencing dog-on-dog aggression. Regular play with other dogs builds a dog’s self confidence and improves its social skills, so that the dog learns to read other dogs more easily. Often, sociable dogs are able to coax

antisocial, nervous dogs to play, diffusing potential fight situations.”

Socialisation should start at puppy stage and should be continued throughout the dog’s life. Before and after her classes, dogs are allowed ‘off lead’ time so that they can run free and have the opportu-nity to interact with each other.

AGILITY TRAININGSome breeds are actually ‘working dogs’ and eagerly want to work and please. Typically, these dogs become ‘problem children’ if left confined in a small space all day without any stimulation. Give them something to do regularly and they begin to blossom.

Dog agility is performed over a course of obstacles – hurdles, tunnels, weave poles, see-saws, dog walks etc. You teach the dog to tackle the course, while you direct it. This reinforces the bond be-tween the two of you and gives the dog

a sense of purpose.

“The act of running flat out and jumping over things is natural for most dogs. You can see the thrill on their faces when they get to do it,” Denise adds.

MANWORKThe manwork lessons held on Saturdays encourage dogs to become more confi -dent. Under the specialised instruction of Ron Gigg, an experienced manwork trainer, dogs are taught when they can bite in or-der to protect their owner. Properly trained dogs are invaluable in warding off perpe-trators on the property and even ‘smash-and-grab’ situations while in the car.

Whether you aim to train your dog for competitions, instil good manners, train your dog to protect you or simply want to enjoy the pleasure of doing something fun with your dog, Denise’s dog training will guide you in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

For more information, visit www.countrykennels.co.za

and www.denisesdogtraining.co.za

Alternatively, call Denise Roets on

0834455151.



TRUSTS – A TAX EFFICIENT WAY TO PRESERVE YOUR LEGACYThe assets that you accumulate throughout your working years are a product of your hard work. Understandably, you’d like to protect your assets, not only during your life-time, but after your death so your loved ones can continue to bene� t from them.

Today, a trust is one of the most valuable estate planning structures that ensures your assets are managed according to your wishes – even if you become unable to manage them yourself.

There are several reasons why people set up a trust, such as:

1.To peg the value of your estateThe higher the value of your estate, the more estate duty it will attract when you die. There are two ways in which to peg your estate - you can donate cash or assets to your trust every year or you can transfer growth assets to your trust. This type of trust is called an inter vivos trust, which is set up during your lifetime. A testamentary trust comes into being only after your death, and is therefore not suitable for estate planning.

2.A trust allows many people to use the same assetIf you own a holiday home, which is used by di� erent family members, or own a boat or an asset that is di� cult to divide up, it is ideal to hold these assets in a trust.

3.A trust protects against mental or physical incapacitationIf you grant a power of attorney to a family member to manage your a� airs and you become mentally inca-pacitated, the power of attorney is no longer valid. The appropriate legal route is for a relative to apply to court to appoint a curator, which is a costly process. But if you have a trust, the trustees will be able to use trust funds to pay your expenses.

4.Con� dentialityThe � nancial records of a trust are con� dential and not open to public scrutiny, unlike wills and records of the deceased.

5.Trusts can reduce the costs of winding up a deceased estateExecutor’s fees and other winding up costs can eat into the limited pool of available cash in an estate. Since trusts do not die, these costs simply do not arise.

6. Immediate access to cashA trust can minimise the emotional stress on your family when you die. After your death and before your estate has been wound up, the trust can provide a source of income for your dependants.

7.Management By choosing your trustees wisely, you can ensure profes-sional asset and investment management.

8.Protection on divorce or insolvencyUntil you retire from a retirement fund, your bene� t (pension interest) could, in terms of the Divorce Act, be regarded as part of your assets and therefore subject to division on divorce.

Trust assets do not form part of either party’s estate in the event of divorce – provided that the trust is correctly set up and managed.

Like retirement fund bene� ts, trust assets cannot be at-tached by creditors should you be declared insolvent.

“A trust is a contract between the founder and the trustees for the bene� t of bene� ciaries and should be structured in line with your � nancial and domestic circumstances,” says Bheki Khenisa, CEO of Sanlam Trust.

Professional consultation, says Khenisa, is not a luxury, but a necessity to ensure that your a� airs are properly structured to avoid any attacks by creditors or others – a small price to pay to have peace of mind that you can leave a legacy for which future generations will thank you!


Book ReviewsCompiled by Bev Hermanson

Cook with JoshJosh Thirion

Cook with Josh is the brainchild of nine-year-old Josh Thirion. An enthusiastic cook with a passion for drawing, Josh compiled this unique cookbook of 48 recipes in the hopes of inspir-ing other kids to don their chefs’ hats and get into the kitchen.

Not only does Cook with Josh contain easy step-by-step recipes that all kids love to make, it also features lots of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Using his talent for drawing, Josh has created activities such as colouring-in, mazes, word games, crossword puzzles, spot-the-diff erence and connect-the-dots.

Deciding what to cook has never been this easy as Josh off ers a comprehensive selection of delicious drinks, breezy breakfasts, luscious lunches, delightful dinners, divine desserts and tasty treats. Illustrated with mouthwatering food photography and Josh’s own hand-drawn cartoons and step-by-step comic strips, Cook with Josh is a sure way to encourage a future generation of master chefs.

For more information about these or any of Random House Struik’s other titles, visit www.randomstruik.co.za

Ivory, Apes & PeacocksAlan Root

Alan Root is one of Africa’s most bitten wild-life pioneers. In the course of his adventures he has been mauled by a leopard, a silver-back gorilla and a hippo, and he almost lost his life to a deadly puff adder, which claimed one of his fi ngers.

In Ivory, Apes & Peacocks, Alan tells the story of his life’s work, from his arrival in Kenya as a young boy (furious at having to leave behind Britain’s birds) to the making of his game changing fi lms. Instead of sticking to the Big Five animals, he looked up-close at whole ecosystems – baobab trees, termite mounds, natural springs – and undertook a number of’ fi rsts such as tracking the wildebeest migra-tion from a balloon, fl ying over Kilimanjaro, fi lming inside a hornbill’s nest and diving with hippos and crocodiles. In this extraor-dinary memoir we look at Africa’s wonders through the eyes of a visionary, live through hair-raising adventure and personal sorrow and also bear witness to a natural world now largely lost from view.

PriceR250

Joseph Anton a MemoirSalman Rushdie

On 14 February 1989, Valentine’s Day, Salman Rushdie was telephoned by a BBC journal-ist and told that he had been ‘sentenced to death’ by the Ayatollah Khomeini. For the fi rst time he heard the word ‘fatwa’. His crime? To have written a novel called The Satanic Verses, which was accused of being ‘against Islam, the Prophet and the Quran’.

So begins the extraordinary story of how a writer was forced underground, moving from house to house, with the constant presence of an armed police protection team. He was asked to choose an alias that the police could use for him. He thought of writers he loved and combinations of their names; then it came to him: Conrad and Chekhov – Joseph Anton.

How does a writer live under the threat of murder for over nine years? How does he go on working? How does he fall in and out of

love? How does despair shape his thoughts and actions, how and why does he stumble, how does he learn to fi ght back?

In this remarkable memoir Salman Rushdie tells that story for the fi rst time - the story of one of the crucial battles of our time, for freedom of speech. He talks about the some-times grim, sometimes comic realities of liv-ing with armed policemen, and of the close bonds he formed with his protectors; of his struggle for support and understanding from governments, intelligence chiefs, publishers, journalists, and fellow writers; and of how he regained his freedom.

It is a book of exceptional frankness and honesty, compelling, provocative, moving, and of vital importance – because what hap-pened to Salman Rushdie was the fi rst act of a drama that is still unfolding somewhere in the world every day.

PriceR295

PriceR100

BOOK OFFsome reading time


Save Me from the Lion’s MouthJames Clarke

A startling number of people in Africa are killed by wildlife each year. In many parts of Africa a ‘front line’ has developed between humans and wild animals. People are daily and stressfully aware of their vulnerability, whether from predators that eat their stock, or from marauders that trash their crops: elephants, hip-pos, bush pigs, baboons, cane rats, dense sun-blocking swarms of locusts and quelea fi nches that can wipe out an entire sea-son’s crop and leave a community starving.

This reality is rarely conveyed to investors in wildlife conserva-tion or to visitors to wildlife sanctuaries. But the battle lines are drawn between communities directly impacted by the remnant wildlife of an increasingly congested Africa, and the paymasters of a first-world population of voyeurs. Can all the players co-exist?

This controversial exposé of the conflict between humans and wildlife lifts the lid on the battle for turf: the future of conservation will depend on the relationship estab-lished between wildlife authorities and those bearing the brunt along the front line.

PriceR160



LifestyleBy James Clarke

http://stoeptalk.wordpress.com ww.jamesclarke.co.za

I was recently touring Northern and re-publican Ireland, dodging golf balls be-cause on this island there are more golf

courses than towns [about 500 courses] – and Ireland is only 50 percent bigger than Kruger National Park. But nobody received a postcard from me. This is because I no longer send them. I have quit sending them because on a trip to Petra, that ancient ‘lost city’ carved from a towering red rockface in Jordan, I sent two cards and both arrived long after I’d returned and the family was bored with my stories.

The second reason is because I realise that sending postcards is really an ego thing. Whatever you write on the back of, say, a Bali beach scene. . . what you are really saying is tantamount to, “Hi there! Here I am in glorious Bali cruising the beach in my Speedo and kicking sand into the faces of any male smaller and weaker than me and where are YOU (you poor sap)? You are in Sandton with its potholes and traffi c. Ha ha haaar!”

Sending postcards from overseas was, I think, part of my strategy to cast an image of being an intrepid explorer – the sort

who would have travelled with Scott of the Antarctic or maybe with Kate Turkington to Clarens.

In Canada many years ago I tried to fi nd a postcard showing a wolf so I could tell my friends that there were wolves outside my sleeping quarters. They didn’t have to know I was fi ve fl oors up in a Holiday Inn and 600km from where the last wolf was seen around 1921. Being a man of letters (well, OK, formerly a man of postcards and now a man of e-mails) I would rather dance with wolves (well, OK, with Maltese terriers) than bring myself to write those silly clichés that people put on postcards – “Wish you were here!”

I sent my last postcard from Israel six years ago. I was smart enough to stick on the stamps and the airmail sticker fi rst so I could see how much room there was left for the message. The Israelis, being frugal, make small postage stamps but because of infl ation you need so many of them.

I was able to write about 50 words: “Left at dawn Wednesday for camel journey into the Negev” (in reality 200 metres on a

camel led by an Arab lad from just behind McDonalds) “Very mountainous hereabouts and haunted by leopard (one was seen in 1930s) and wolf (1946). Friday pressed on north into Jordan (‘pressed on’ sounds so marvellously intrepid – no need to say it was in an air-conditioned bus) in search of Petra, the Lost City (no need to say it was found in 1816). Picked up interesting old coin there (a 1995 US dime) and after lunch of succulent camel eyes (actually ham-burger which, come to think of it, probably contained camel eyes and sheep’s whatsits) washed down with a memorable Ngab Ishkar (this is actually a small town) we retraced our steps south.”

Then I could not resist a PS in tiny writing down the side – “wish you were here”.


Important NumbersBV HOAManagement Office at main gate house. Office hours 08:00 to 16:00 unless otherwise indicated......................................................................................011 512 0487.....................................................................................011 512 0538Fax..............................................................................011 512 0055

ESTATE MANAGERWilhard Bohlmann ...................................................011 318 1809

ESTATE OPERATIONS MANAGERAnneline Moodley ................................................011 318 1766

SECURITYSecurity Manager Fritz Pauley .........................011 512 0487.....................................................................................083 400 8706Security Control Room .......................................011 5120856

CLICKON ACCESS SYSTEMMain Gatehouse ....................................................084 980 0011Gatehouse ...............................................................084 980 0142Ext38 Gatehouse...................................................084 980 0143

FIDELITY CONTRACTS MANAGER Robert Hlongwane ..............................................073 080 5786

FIDELITY HOUSE ALARM CONTROL ROOMMidrand Office.......................................................0861 212 999.....................................................................................011 318 0566

ESTATE MANAGING AGENTTrafalgar ..................................................................012 326 5963Adele Olivier (Portfolio Manager) ...................083 399 9398

GOLF/ CLUB HOUSEGolf Bookings ........................................................011 512 0204.....................................................................................011 318 1688.....................................................................................082 964 3267The Butler Caterers .............................................011 512 0204Pro Shop .................................................................011 512 0204Spa .............................................................................011 512 0210

BLUE VALLEY GYMMarco van Wyk ......................................................083 629 9350

AESTHETICS CONTROLLERMorne JV Rensburg .............................................082 320 2288John Liew ................................................................082 388 4928Incredible Spaces .................................................012 807 5221

GARDENING COMMITTEESheryl Crabb ...........................................................083 415 55854 Seasons, James ..................................................083 268 58574 Seasons, Brandon..............................................083 299 4444

SECURITY COMMITTEEJabu Radebe ...........................................................082 606 9118

EMERGENCY NUMBERSSAPS Wierdabrug ..................................................012 654 3131Ambulance .............................................................082 911 / 1017724-Hour Call Centre / Water Problems ..........012 358 2111Metro Police ...........................................................012 358 7095Street Lights ...........................................................012 358 6667Electricity .................................................................0801 111 556Electricity Cut-Offs ...............................................012 358 8514Noise Control - Contact the SAPS ...................10111

WASTE MANAGEMENTBins not lifted / emptied ....................................012 358 9461

Documents

Blue Valley Valley 4_2012.pdfBelinda Pauley Administrator Main Gate O˜ ce Tel: 011 512 0487 Fax: 086 676 2543 / 011 512 0055 Email: [email protected] Anneline Moodley Operations Manager