Thirty volunteers met on a heavily overcast, cool morning, protected from a brisk south easterly wind at the bottom of Luckhoff Rd, Sunny Seas. The primary focus was to clear New Zealand Christmas Trees (NZXT) of all sizes from the public open space between De Wet’s Bay and Luckhoff Rd.
Large Bottlebrush bushes and NZXT were also removed from the south western verge of Luckhoff Rd. During the latter part of the hack, Australian Tea bushes were discovered amongst the NZXT and removed from the public open space.
Prior to work commencing, an update was given on Dave Mourant. His neck brace has to be worn continually for another two months as a CT scan showed a detached fragment of the C2 vertebrae. It is hoped that the prolonged immobility will allow the fragment to reunite. Despite his huge frustration, he and Anne are determined to contribute towards the success of the hacks. A huge thank you for providing the flasks of boiling water and all that is required for the tea and coffee break, and the indispensable blue.
The Luckhoff verge and the south western side of the open space was cleared by the mid-morning break. The hackers were spoilt with delicious, wholesome sarmies. A special thank you to Nicky and Josh Mitchell for the four loaves of homemade oats and honey bread and to Anne Mourant for her amazing tomato & onion and egg mayo fillings.
Following their early morning Park Run, Jessica and Anton Mauve were welcomed back to the hack after a six month stay in England. We hope they enjoyed the morning and will be back for more.
After the break, hacking resumed on the central and northern side of the open space. Compliments to all the tireless draggers who literally went the extra mile to bring all the branches to a single point at the bottom of Luckhoff Rd. Thanks to our branch manager, Megs, with the able assistance of Ruargh, for creating a compact and well constructed heap. This will make removal by the Overstrand Municipality as convenient as possible.
It was a pleasure to meet Pierre Joubert who came with Jan to the hack. A special 80th birthday wish to Betsey Joubert. We wish you lots of love, good health and loads of happiness in the years ahead. Betsey and Jan, apart from being the oldest active hackers, must also be be amongst the longest serving members. You are an inspiration to us all. A heartfelt thank you for your incredible contribution to the “Battle for Betty’s Bay”.
Our best wishes to John and Sue Weaver during the coming months whilst John undergoes his chemo treatment. You are both amazing, despite your respective health issues you have continued to hack and contribute as much as you possibly can. Thank you!!
Many thanks to our neighbours for their ongoing, invaluable support: Anne Woods and Chris Geldenhuys from Pringle Bay and Megs Tweedie from Rooiels.
As ever, on behalf of the Betty’s Bay Fynbos, thank you all for your efforts.
Rob Boyd
Convener Betty’s Bay Hack Group