Full Steam Ahead in 2008!
On 19 December 2007, the ORPA wrapped up the year with an extremely successful annual meeting. Compliments were given where it was due and constructive criticism was heard.
The faith everyone has in the ORPA Committee was also confirmed by the re-election of all its members – an accolade that will inspire us to try even harder to turn Onrus into an even nicer, cleaner and more beautiful small town than it already is for everyone. Yes, we as the ORPA Committee are inspired!
We want to be the eyes and ears of Onrus residents, monitoring needs and opportunities and, in this regard, serve as a communications channel between our community and the Overstrand Municipality.
We also want to assist our Municipal Councillor, Ben Solomon, in his efforts to make great things happen for all of us. A big thank you to him for the great job he is doing!
Of course, the ability to continue our work at full steam and capacity requires sufficient fuel.
That fuel comes in the form of the irreplaceable membership fees and donations to pay for necessities and services. In case you are uncertain about the status of your membership fees for 2008, feel free to contact our treasurer, Anne du Toit, at 028-316-1584, or send an e-mail to onrusbbv@webmail.co.za .
The membership form printed on the back of this newsletter will also ease the process of joining and making payments/donations.
Thank you in advance! You can rest assured that your membership fees/donations are well spent on the maintenance and upkeep of areas such as the beach, the estuary, open spaces, the Bond Street playground, the cemetery and De Wet Hall. To all our regular supporters – motivationally and financially – thank you so much for inspiring us to remain on the go!
Elzette Nell, Voorsitter/Chairperson
Hot list!
The following projects in Onrus, most of which have already materialised, were earmarked for 2008:
- Onrus town plan erected on Rheezicht common
- Tarring of Berg Street (West)
- Van Blommestein Street resealed
- Stormwater pipeline at Molteno and Jacobus Geldenhuys Streets
- Timber fence at Wiley Park
- Street lights in identified areas
- Spray irrigation system at the beach lawn area
- Widening of Main Road, with sidewalk and cycle path
Ward Committee Projects
- Upgrading of parking lot at Wiley Park
- Spotlights at Onrus beach
- Repairing the walkway and hand railing at Davies’ Pool
- Improvements at Onrus Caravan Park
- Upgrading the walkway next to De Villiers Street
First Things First
Onrus forms part of the seventh Ward of the Overstrand Municipality which includes Onrus, Vermont and Sandbaai. The Ward Committee is chaired by Councilman Ben Solomon.
Committee members are appointed by means of a general election and serve five year terms.
The Ward Committee and Municipality award funds to be used for capital projects within the ward. The application of funding is prioritised in such a way that the most pressing needs are addressed and met first.
Onrus market remains tops!
Our little mixed market is one of the most sociable and homely gatherings on the Onrus calendar. Apart from the biscuits, pies, cakes and quiches, barbecued chicken and bottled jam, the market also offers countless artistic creations that would be ideal for gifts or useful at home. The fact that a great chunk of the income derived from the market is ploughed straight back into Onrus is just additional icing on the cake!
We realise that there are a number of other markets in the area, but would like to call on Onrus residents to support our own market as a communal project The Onrus market takes place on the first Saturday of every month, from 09:00 – 12:00 in De Wet Hall.
There is room for extra stalls. They are available for R30.00 per market day. Feel free to contact Ina van Rooyen at 083 451 6238.
Balancing the pros and cons
Since the Overstrand Municipality has erected a security fence around the Onrus Caravan Park, some residents have expressed their disappointment that they can no longer stroll through. There is great sympathy, but the safety of park tenants has become a crucial issue, and Onrus Caravan Park had to be made a more secure haven, in the same way as many other caravan parks throughout the country.
There is, of course, a safe and scenic alternative route – the VOS pathway, winding between the caravan park and the sea, which is strictly reserved for pedestrians.
This 'n That
NUMBER, PLEASE! Please take steps to ensure that your house number is visible and clearly legible. Amongst other things, it will make it easier for security personnel to locate your house in the event of an emergency, especially in the dark.
ARE YOU LISTED? We are currently compiling a database of all property owners in Onrus in order to ease the distribution of news and information. We need your name, surname, your street/physical address in Onrus, your residential address (in case you reside elsewhere), your telephone/cell phone number(s) and especially your e-mail address. Kindly get in touch with us at 028-316-1584 or via e-mail at onrusbbv@webmail.co.za
NO DUMPING! It is a violation to dump garden refuse at vacant lots or at municipal property. Kindly ask the Municipality to remove larger loads. Phone 028-313-8135. It is also your duty to have your vacant lot tidied up annually And… please be considerate towards the neighbours.
ADOPT A BEACH The Overstrand Learning Academy has joined the Adopt a Beach Programme hosted by Sheraine van Wyk, creating awareness of the preservation of beach areas. Gatherings on Onrus beach will be from 08:00 - 10:00 on 6, 13, 20 en 27 May.
POTHOLES IN THE STREETS! At one stage, the Municipality temporarily filled the potholes in our streets with gravel. However, the Municipality heeded the requests from the ORPA and, in a massive undertaking, the holes were covered up with expensive tar. Our thanks to the Municipality.
UNLEASHED DOGS ON THE VOS TRAIL Apparently the lone (prohibited) cyclist on the VOS trail is regularly scolded. But for every lone cyclist, there are several (prohibited) unleashed dogs. Please remember that, when on the street and on the Vos trail, all dogs absolutely have to be leashed – no matter HOW well trained they are.
DOGGY BAGS FOR PATTIES! The Overstrand Municipality recently announced that dog owners taking their dogs for walkies in public are obliged to adopt the Doggy Bag system for managing the ever-embarrassing pavement patties. So, ORPA's installation of doggy bag receptors along major walkies routes has come just in time ... to the relief of dog-owners and non-owners alike. Please look out for special marked receptors to be installed in due time.
CALLING ALL GREEN THUMBS! We are going to have another gardening contest this year. So gather all your compost, fertiliser, plants, pots, spades and sprays to create a gorgeous garden. Participating gardens will be judged in October. Enquiries can be directed towards Irma Herbst at 028-316-1205.
SAFETY PLAN Onrus, Vermont and Sandbaai, in conjunction with Councilman Solomon and the Overstrand Municipal Manager, are in the process of creating and implementing a safety plan – similar to the HPP in Hermanus – for the three towns. The interest of residents will be polled during
ENJOY, DON’T DESTROY !
Thank you for everybody's encouragement, assistance and financial support, helping to create 'Onrus magic', for everyone to enjoy!
ONRUS RIVER RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE
| Elzette Nell | Chairperson | 028 316 3091 |
| Flick du Toit | De Wet Hall: Bookings | 028 316 3390 |
| Elaine du Plessis | Conservation: Lagoon | 028 316 3865 |
| Irma Herbst | Beautifying | 028 316 1205 |
| Anne du Toit | Finances | 028 316 1584 |
| Leatitia van Niekerk | Secretary | 028 316 3010 |
| Bok du Toit | Worker Manager | 028 316 1584 |
| Stuart Cowie | Maintenance | 028 316 2996 |
| Myrna McFarlane | Chanteclair representative | 028 316 1582 |
| Ina van Rooyen | De Wet Hall: Maintenance | 028 316 4547 |
| Etienne von Wielligh | Media | 028 316 3145 |