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august 2016

WHY HERITAGE MATTERS Two recent heritage related matters have highlighted the need for residents of Arcadia to be vigilant and report dubious acts as soon as possible to preserve the heritage of our suburb. In March ARRA reported that structures of heritage significance, namely 1920’s glass and iron hot houses in the grounds of the were demolished to make way for the building of car ports. Then in May, the perimeter wall of the Indian High Commission was demolished. The preamble to the National Heritage Act states “…. Our heritage is unique and precious and it cannot be renewed.” In terms of the Act “No person may alter or demolish and structure or part of the structure which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority.” The Glasshouses on the Union Buildings Estate Tucked away out of general reach to the public In this issue on the western edge of the Union Buildings Estate, two glasshouses were erected Why Heritage matter to serve as nursery for the grounds. It is Heritage Battles believed that the larger one was ordered ARRA meets with and manufactured from a Macfarlane Tshwane on building & Co Foundry catalogue pattern. The regulations components were manufactured in Biodiversity in gardens Glasgow. Scotland and shipped to South Cold weather pet safety Africa for assembly. These ±100-year- Finding Zara old glasshouses are rated as highly Health matters significant in terms of the historic Moms & Tots roll they played in establishing the Know your suburb Gardens, their age, the uniqueness Scout hall gets a face-lift and they are irreplaceable. The 10th Arcadian Indeed, a great loss! Scout Troop Professor von Vollenhoven, who sits The Scout Hall Community on the PHRAG (Provincial Heritage garden & playground Resources Authority – Gauteng) The Food & Craft Fair committee, issued a stop order pending an investigation into the matter. We await further news. ...continued on page 2... Why heritage matters...continued... Arkleton Mansion iron railings cut off with an acetylene torch? (Indian High Commission) How do you replace the railings? Welding As soon as the corrugated iron fence was is out of the question, it is just not allowed erected around the site, ARRA approached on a restoration project. them to ascertain what work was being In a recent letter to PHRAG Jansen states: done. ARRA was informed that a large “With great concern we noticed that portion of the boundary wall had collapsed neither the Provincial Heritage Resource and the work being carried out was only Authority - Gauteng nor the heritage the re-construction of the collapsed consultant have taken adequate action boundary wall and that the work was being to safeguard building elements of the done with the approval of PHRAG. historic boundary wall at the Indian High However, the wall which is older than Commission in Frances Baard Street 60 years was demolished. Anton Jansen, Arcadia. head of the Tshwane Building Heritage Large sandstone blocks from the pedestrian Association, was irate. “You can’t restore a entrance have been demolished and left for wall by first demolishing it.” scrap on the pavement. During erection The association sent a strongly worded in 1905, with great ability a steel box was letter to PHRAG highlighting that inserted into the sandstone for a bell push. demolition continued despite numerous Now vandals, in search for scrap metal, phone calls and e-mails. It contested the hacked this box out of the sandstone, worth heritage consultant’s view that the wall was one rand thereby destroying the blocks dangerous so had to be demolished. The worth about R 10 000 but irreplaceable as 5 association also highlighted that there was this is rare and scarce red sandstone from no heritage consultant on site to supervise Buyskop near Bela Bela and not available the work being done. anymore. To our knowledge this stone was Some important questions raised only used in the court yard of the Union by Tshwane Building Heritage are: Buildings, the staircase of the UP’s Old Art 1. How do you demolish a wall and then building and Public Works Department’s restore it after the bricks were dumped at foyer in Madiba Street, due to its unique a dumping site? and scarcity.” 2. Where will the contactor obtain Two buildings of heritage value have been Kirkness face bricks and Kirkness Header destroyed. Whether or not they can be re- Plinth K25? constructed remains to be seen. 3. Does the demolition contractor know Perhaps the words of Alan Munro on the how to construct a Flemish Garden Wall Heritage Portal will hit home. Bond, also called a Sussex Bond? “Unless one is prepared to accept that the 6 4. Who issues demolition permits or are bricks and palisade iron work have been they restoration permits (?) as they have removed for off-site cleaning etc and not no knowledge of our building heritage for dumping, which appears highly unlikely, otherwise you would never granted THIS IS A TRAVESTY. demolition/restoration permit? My grandfather’s brother, John Munro, built 5. Do PHRAG staff, external advisors, this house for himself and lived in it until consultants know how to form a Bead his death. It is therefore of very special joint? ancestral interest to me. 6. Why has the carved head stone been ‘Sterkte’ to all of those who do something seriously damaged and dumped on the about such travesties.” pavement by the heritage demolition/ We all need to be “those who do something 7 restoration specialist? about such travesties”. 7. Why were the anchors of the wrought

MYSTERY HOLES – ARRA INVESTIGATES! I am sure residents are aware of the Service Delivery Sub-Committee, holes on the corner of Eastwood and investigated and established that fibre Government Avenue and Eastwood and optic cables are being laid by Dark Fibre George Avenue. They have been lying Africa. He contacted the company and open for the past three months. Not only they undertook to investigate. It appears are these holes unsightly, but they also that action is being taken and work will pose a danger to pedestrians and animals. resume soon. Peter Blersch, the chair of the ARRA

2 Why heritage matters...continued... HERITAGE BATTLES IN TSHWANE: 2016 BECOMES A YEAR OF TRENCH, WALL AND FENCE WARFARE

by Graham Dominy The Old central area of Tshwane is home to some of there for long. It did not give sufficient the most important architectural heritage in . The weight to his intellectual and political most visible of the buildings are the Union Buildings, set in Sir stature nor to the fact that he died there. Herbert Baker’s beautifully terraced gardens. However, there Alan Paton, Hofmeyr’s biographer, stressed are other important public buildings including the City Hall (also how much he and his mother cherished designed by Baker); there are churches (designed by both Baker their sanctuary in peaceful William Street. and Gerard Moerdijk); schools, university buildings and ordinary This was not mentioned in the heritage homes. Sometimes it seems that they are all under attack, by impact assessment. There could have been developers, politicians, careless officials and planners who see a win-win situation here with the student the preservation of heritage as an obstacle to their grandiose accommodation being built around the old visions. The developers mantra is that they are implementing the house which could have been preserved government’s densification policy which they like because it helps as a communal recreational area, such as them turn a quick profit. Very little effort is made to relate this a coffee shop. Now this last link with an policy to the urban context in which it must be implemented alternative history of South Africa has gone. unless there is public pressure. Also in Brooklyn residents are appealing The Old Pretoria East areas of Arcadia, Brooklyn, Clydesdale and against a decision allowing the construction Sunnyside East are under unremitting pressure from developers. of a seven storey building for student The densification policy and the need for student accommodation accommodation in Brook Street. The at the University of Pretoria are used as excuses to destroy University of Pretoria has associated itself homes and dwellings with heritage value and to replace them with the objectors because such an out of with blocks and blocks of near-dormitory style dwellings for scale monstrosity will pose a threat to an students. Even the university has woken up to the problem and entire area and undermine the principles is developing the UP3 plan – the University of Pretoria Precinct of the precinct project. Project which is based on research done in American cities such In Sunnyside East, developers are as Detroit and Philadelphia. closing in a property in Company Street It would require a separate article to do justice to UP3, but briefly where the original 1930s house is a the university wants to ensure that its contiguous areas do not fall landmark in the area. The property is victim to urban decay and they have identified the mono-focused intended to be redeveloped for student development of student accommodation as a factor contributing accommodation. In this case discussions to urban decay. Instead the university would prefer to encourage have been held with the developer and balanced development that provides affordable homes for young a compromise may be found. academics, families, professionals and students around its campus. Also in Sunnyside East, there are plans UP3 has also identified the protection of heritage buildings as to redevelop the former Peace Corps an integral part of the plan so that the character of the area is property on the corner of Reitz and protected and even enhanced to the benefit of the university. Verdoorn Streets into a complex of It is within this context that the residents associations in the area, flats and apartments. What is significant supported by their umbrella body, OPERRA, have been fighting in this case is that the same enterprise rezonings, demolitions and applications for changes of use that demolished the perimeter (which are the first step in a process leading to demolition and wall and railings at the Indian High rezoning). Let us look at some recent cases, beginning with the Commission on the corner of Francis great Union Buildings themselves, recently proclaimed a National Baard and Eastwood Streets seems to Heritage site. Here the threat has been at the edges: the old iron be developing the Sunnyside site! glass houses/green houses in which plants for the gardens were ...continued on page 4... nutured for nearly a century was abruptly demolished to make a parking lot despite the national heritage status for the buildings. The vociferous protests have been met with a stony silence, not only from the Public Works Department but from SAHRA who proclaimed the buildings as a national heritage site! In Brooklyn, Cllr Kate Prinsloo obtained a temporary halt to the demolition of a Moerdijk-style home at 191 William Street, Brooklyn. The house had been the home of Jan Hofmeyr, the first Vice Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, Administrator of the Transvaal and Minister of Finance during World War II. A liberal and a foe of emerging apartheid, Hofmeyr died at 191 William Street before he could succeed Smuts. The Heritage Impact Assessment found that the building had not been designed by Gerard Moerdijk and Hofmeyr did not live

3 The work at the Indian Clydesdale, but the damage has already been consultation as irksome High Commission was done. One of the problems is that PHRA-G and do not grasp that there authorised by a permit is under-staffed and under-resourced while is a wealth of specialised given by the PHRA-G, but heritage areas are favourite targets for knowledge, expertise and the contractor does not developers. experience in community appear to have adhered to Another matter that hit the headlines is organisations which, if the conditions of the permit. the painting of the tiles on the old Pretoria tapped, could lead to win-win Maybe everything was done City Hall roof with red roof paint, in situations. in haste because of the visit contravention of a PHRA-G permit which There is no quick-fix solution by the Indian Prime Minister, had specified what should have been done. and residents associations but it seems that the South This is an almost irretrievable blunder as need to work closely with African heritage consultant the Kirkness tiles are irreplaceable and the heritage organisations in order had little influence over the paint has destroyed their patina and natural to keep the matter in the public South African contractor. weathering. eye and to keep politicians and In Clydesdale and Arcadia In some cases heritage is destroyed planners on their toes. It does protests against illegal deliberately, in other cases it is done through not make us popular in certain demolitions continue and the haste or ignorance. What is common in quarters, but it can make a PHRA-G completed a site both instances is that the developers and difference. inspection very recently in contractors appear to regard community

ARRA MEETS WITH CITY OF TSHWANE RE LAND USE AND BUILDING REGULATION CONTRAVENTIONS by Ina Roos the CBD of Tshwane, the Brooklyn and confirmed by CoT. This follows The ARRA members of the Sub- Hatfield metropolitan nodes as well as much lobbying by ARRA to have committee on Urban Planning and the western area of Tshwane (commonly the existing by-law enforced and Rezoning met with Chris de Lange, known as Pretoria West). To the south for illegal property use to be Regional Director of Regulatory west, the region borders on the jurisdiction identified, levied with ‘differential Compliance and Performance of Mogale City and to the west is Madibeng rates’ and revenue generated Management of Region 3 and in North West Province. from this enforcement to be Inspectors Gilbert Rapakatani and There are only three inspectors for this used to proactively fund property Bernard Masipa on 30 June2016. whole area. One of them is almost always inspections and other zoning Discussions centred on a list of in court. The municipality currently has no and heritage protection activities. 28 serious illegal land use and non- funds available to improve this situation. The ARRA intends to follow-up on this enforcement problems in our area. two remaining inspectors are overworked important matter immediately after Mr De Lange sketched his office’s and cannot attend to all complaints. the Municipal Elections on August situation, where his department Certain areas in the region are extremely 3rd. serves Region 3, which is bordered by problematic, such as Pretoria West and the • Region 3 will probably be divided the Magaliesberg Mountain range to inner city. into two regions. One region will the north and the N4 freeway to the Some positive news: then concentrate on the inner city east, including a small part of East Lynne • The instruction to enforce differential and the ‘Presidential Precinct’, which and Silverton. The region includes rates was made recently, but needs to be includes our area.

E-WASTE COLLECTION DAY DATES TO DIARISE Saturday 17 September 2016 13 August 9h00 to 14h00 Art on Government

ARCADIA PRIMARY SCHOOL 24 September (Use the Frances Baard Entrance, Heritage Day Fun walk and between Beckett and Farenden Street) Market This is a perfect opportunity to safely dispose of cellphones, 28 October batteries, irons, toasters, kettles, computer equipment, scan- Halloween Trick or Treat ners, printers, power cables, electric toys, washing machines and any other electrical appliance. 2 December Items will be dismantled, refurbished or recycled. Community Party

4 BIODIVERSITY IN YOUR GARDEN attractive ornamental species. Furthermore, that kill everything that crawls. if you choose local species there is no need Compost and mulch to water them profusely or use so many Biodiversity does not only occur in places fertilizers. where we can see it. There is a whole An added advantage to using indigenous world of diversity of which few people are plant species is that they are more attractive aware - the community of organisms that to local animal species, as the latter have co- live in the soil. Healthy soils are brimming evolved with them. Many insect species, in with life. There are earthworms, millipedes, particular butterflies, are highly specialised centipedes, woodlice, crickets, scorpions in the food plants they select. To an extent, and pseudo-scorpions, slugs and snails, gardeners can determine which species beetle larvae and spiders. frequent their garden by choosing plants Many of these organisms fulfil important that attract them. This applies to insects as functions in the soil. Earthworms, well as birds. millipedes and woodlice, for instance The importance of insects stimulate decomposition by fragmenting Insects are often associated with pests, organic matter into small particles, making Many people would probably associate but only a small proportion of insects are it more accessible to micro-organisms. the word ‘biodiversity’ with National pest species. Others fulfil important roles Furthermore, earthworms improve the Parks, the tropics, the Great Barrier in the garden, such as pollinating flowers, structure of your soil by digging tunnels and Reef, the Fynbos and other well-known decomposing leaf litter and… controlling mixing the organic matter with sand and biodiversity hotspots. These places pest insects (e.g. ladybird beetles feed on clay particles, giving it a granular aspect. This are famous for their large numbers aphids). enhances both drainage and aeration of the of species (i.e. high biodiversity), and Insects form by far the most diverse group soil, which in turn stimulates root growth. protecting them surely contributes of animals, which means that making your The way to enhance the diversity of soil largely to biodiversity conservation. garden “insect friendly” is in itself the most organisms is by mixing a lot of compost However, this does not mean that the efficient way to enhance biodiversity in into the soil and covering it with mulch. By Earth’s biodiversity is well protected. your backyard. In addition, insects are food mulch we mean any kind of organic matter Currently, protected areas cover for other animals such as spiders, frogs and that comes down from the trees, be it leaf about 12% of Earth’s land surface toads, lizards, skinks and geckos, insect- litter, flowers, fruits, seedpods, bark, twigs which is a relatively small proportion eating birds and small mammals such as or even rotting logs. A thick layer of mulch of the total. This means that many shrews and hedgehogs. (± 5 cm) provides a good habitat for the species do not occur in protected Lastly, apart from the roles they fulfil, many many soil organisms mentioned above. areas or are much more abundant insects are simply breathtakingly beautiful Moreover, it dampens fluctuations in soil outside of those areas. and fascinating and can add a splash of colour temperature and moisture content and Biodiversity in the suburb to your garden. Butterflies are the obvious prevents ‘crusting’ of the soil. A nice thick Even if you live in a suburb you example, but there are other insects that litter layer is also irresistible to thrushes can do your bit to contribute warrant a closer look, such as dragon- and and Cape robins, who love to turn the to biodiversity conservation, damselflies, lacewings, fruit beetles, dung leaves in search for tasty morsels. especially if you have a garden. beetles, parasitic wasps, grasshoppers and One of the major threats to praying mantises, to mention a few. biodiversity everywhere is Butterflies in particular are very choosy invasive alien organisms. You can about where they lay their eggs. Most start making a contribution by species will only use a few, or only one, removing invasive alien weeds ‘host plant’ species. This makes butterflies from your garden, such as very vulnerable to extinction. By gardening Jacaranda and Syringa trees, with locally indigenous plants we can help Poplars, Lantana, Queen of the protect them. Night, Prickly Pears, Morning Given the riches that butterflies and other Glory and Cat’s claw creeper. insects can bring to your garden, it pays to A step further would be to tolerate some insect damage to your plants garden with indigenous plant rather than to use insecticides to prevent species only. South Africa is insect damage. Indigenous plants have blessed with an enormous evolved their own defence mechanisms diversity of plants and trees, against local species of insects and they do many of which are highly not need us to assist them with chemicals

5 Biodiversity...continued... lysistemon), tree fuchsia (Halleria lucida), of flowers to get to the nectar. Good weeping boerbean (Schotia brachypetala), nectar-producing species are the coral tree buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata), (Erythrina lysistemon), Cape honeysuckle wild pear (Dombeya rotundifolia), Cape (Tecoma capensis), red-hot pokers honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) and wild (Kniphofia praecox), proteas, pincushions honeysuckle (Turraea floribunda). Other and all aloes. excellent flowering plants are the Aloes, Mixed feeders Many of the birds which especially as they flower in winter when are placed in one of the aforementioned there are few other resources for insects. categories actually belong to this group. For Some trees are yearly defoliated by hordes instance, sunbirds eat insects too, hornbills of caterpillars, which in turn are feasted eat fruits and the seeds of acacias, pigeons on by cuckoos. Examples are the rock eat insects, worms and fruits, and sparrows alder (Canthium mundianum) and the wild and starlings are born opportunists. peach (Kiggelaria africana), the host plant of The placement in these categories is Acraea caterpillars. not absolute; it rather serves to provide We already mentioned the importance of a guideline for gardeners who want to mulch as a rich resource for insect-eating attract a variety of birds to the garden. If birds. Another tip worth considering is to all of the above-mentioned resources are leave some dead branches on your trees to present, you will obviously also get the attract woodpeckers, woodhoopoes and mixed feeders. barbets. Predatory birds One group of Seed eaters Examples are the beautiful predatory birds that live in close How to lure waxbills, finches, firefinches, canaries and association with humans is the owls, in birds to your bronze manikins. These are best attracted particular barn owls and spotted eagle garden by leaving some tufts of grass to grow owls. It is possible to attract owls to your We can roughly tall enough to set seed. Seed-eating birds garden by hanging up owl nest boxes. divide the common frequent most grass species. Attractive Apart from being fascinating creatures, garden birds into seven grasses for the garden are Melinis owls are extremely efficient controllers functional groups, nerviglumis, Panicum ecklonii, Panicum of rats and mice. The Endangered Wildlife which all have different maximum, and Phragmitis australis. Ideal Trust (EWT) has published a brochure requirements. These would be to have several species that flower on how to build owl nest boxes which is are insect eaters, seed in different seasons, so that there is seed freely available. eaters, fruit-eating birds, available throughout the year. Alternatively, water birds, nectar General tips you can also attract seed eaters to your Apart from food and water resources, feeders, mixed feeders garden by offering bird seed on a feeding vegetation structure is also an important and predatory birds. platform. factor in bird diversity. Some species Obviously, you will get Mousebirds, prefer the tree tops, while others like the highest diversity of Fruit-eating birds turacos, parrots, barbets, bulbuls, hornbills to roam around in the undergrowth. birds in your garden if you and pigeons form part of this group. They Some like dense thickets, while others can provide for all of these are obviously attracted by fruiting trees, of prefer more open vegetation. groups. We will discuss each which there is a wide variety. To mention Another point to consider is the of the groups one by one. a few - all indigenous fig trees, the tree nesting habitats that different bird Insect eaters fuchsia (Halleria lucida), Transvaal red species prefer. There is no space for an Insect-eating birds form milkwood (moepel, Mimusops zeyheri), extensive discussion of this, but worth a large group which sourplum (Harpephylum caffrum) and mentioning is that many bird species includes thrushes, robins, white stinkwood (Celtis africana) all like to nest in acacias, probably warblers, shrikes, flycatchers, produce highly attractive fruits and berries because the thorns provide them white-eyes, chats, barbets, in abundance. with some protection. The author woodpecker, hoopoes, To attract some of the has a large fever tree in the garden woodhoopoes and more. Your Water birds larger water birds you would need a large which is very well liked by the local garden will attract more of pond which, in turn, requires a large garden. Southern masked weavers. these birds the more insects However, the hugely attractive kingfishers there are. How to attract insects Conclusion are also attracted by small to tiny ponds. Biodiversity conservation is not to your garden has already been Even if there is no fish in it they will still limited to erecting fences around discussed above. perch near it for a while to check it out. protected areas. Everybody can It helps to have many flowers Best known in this contribute to the protection of local that attract bees and other Nectar feeders category are, of course, sunbirds and sugar species albeit on a smaller scale. pollinators. Some of the trees and birds. However, they are not the only Source: National Zoological Gardens shrubs that fit this purpose are all birds that like nectar. Cape white-eyes, for of South Africa Acacias, the coral tree (Erythrina instance, make small holes at the bottom

6 DOG TAILS Finding Zara Cold Weather Pet Safety You are probably bred for colder climates, are more tolerant already aware of the of cold weather; but no pet should be left risks posed by warm outside for long periods of time in below- weather and leaving freezing weather. pets in hot cars, but Play dress-up: If your dog has a short did you know that cold coat or seems bothered by the cold On Thursday evening, 30 June, Zara (my weather also poses weather, consider a jersey or dog coat. German Shepherd of 15 months) managed serious threats to your Provide shelter: If you are unable to to get out of our gate and disappeared pets’ health? Although keep your dog inside during cold weather, into the darkness of Arcadia. My husband South Africa doesn’t provide him/her with a warm, solid shelter ran after her but she kept running and have regular snow and icy against wind. Make sure that they have he lost sight of her. From a neighbour’s conditions, it can get very unlimited access to fresh water. The floor account, Zara was knocked down by a car cold, particularly at night. of the shelter should be off of the ground in Eastwood Street. Apparently she got up Here are some tips to (to minimize heat loss into the ground) after the bump, and kept running. A couple keep your pets safe during and the bedding should be thick, dry and followed her in a car to see whether she cold weather: changed regularly to provide a warm, dry was alright, but she kept running. Winter wellness: environment. The door to the shelter There were later sightings of her in Has your pet had his/ should be positioned away from prevailing Clydesdale on Thursday evening, but her preventive care exam winds. according to Susan Grobler (a physio in (wellness exam) yet? Cold Feed well: Keep your pet at a healthy that area) she was too frightened to go weather may worsen some weight throughout the winter. Some pet to anyone. I contacted the Chair of ARRA, medical conditions such as owners feel that a little extra weight gives Linda, and she put me in touch with Susan. arthritis. Your pet should be their pet some extra protection from cold, The latter said that there was a group of examined by a veterinarian but the health risks associated with that runners (I think) who were in touch on an at least once a year, and it’s as extra weight don’t make it worth doing. App and she said that Zara’s information good a time as any to get him/ Watch your pet’s body condition and keep could be circulated on that App. her checked out to make sure them in the healthy range. Outdoor pets On Saturday evening, I received a call from (s)he is ready and as healthy as will require more calories in the winter to someone called Dominique. She saw Zara possible for cold weather. generate enough body heat and energy to on Saturday morning near Francis Baard Know the limits: Just like keep them warm – talk to your veterinarian and gave chase. A homeless man assisted people, pets’ cold tolerance can about your pet’s nutritional needs during Dominique in chasing after Zara. They vary from pet to pet based on cold weather. eventually caught her. I was close to tears their coat, body fat stores, activity after that phone call from Dominique. level, and health. Be aware of your Zara must have been terrified, exhausted pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and hungry after two nights of being on and adjust accordingly. You will the run. Dominique’s sister, Claudia, is a vet probably need to shorten your and checked Zara for bruises, but declared dog’s walks in very cold weather that she was fine. Dominique reassuringly especially arthritic and elderly pets. said that Zara was at the Lyttleton SPCA Long-haired or thick-coated dogs and was warm and had been fed. But I tend to be more cold-tolerant, but had to wait until Monday morning to get are still at risk in cold weather her since the SPCA was closed for the Provide choices: Just like you, weekend. Happily I was reunited with pets prefer comfortable sleeping Zara on Monday, 4 July. I don’t know who places and may change their location was more excited – Zara or I? based on their need for more or less I am extremely grateful to all the warmth. Give them some safe options concerned people who tried to assist – to allow them to vary their sleeping the network of concerned citizens and place to adjust to their needs. dog lovers amazed me. My appreciation Stay inside. Cats and dogs should be kept is extended in particular to Dominique inside during cold weather. It’s a common (from Clydesdale); her sister, Claudia; belief that dogs and cats are more the homeless man in the park; Linda, our resistant than people to cold weather Chair from ARRA; and Susan Grobler because of their fur, but it’s untrue. Like for caring. Zara is doing well but she people, cats and dogs are susceptible to obviously needs reassurance and much frostbite and hypothermia and should be attention. Whenever I go outside, I have to kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated pat her and rub her tummy. All’s well that dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs ends well! Jean Triegaardt

7 Why good sleep is important!

A good night’s sleep is just as important shown to impair brain function to a similar 7. Poor Sleeping Patterns are as regular exercise and healthy eating. degree as alcohol intoxication. Linked to Depression Mental health Unfortunately, the Western environment 4. Good Sleep Can Maximize issues, such as depression, are strongly is interfering with natural sleep patterns. Athletic Performance Quality as linked to poor sleep quality and sleeping Sleep quality has decreased and people are well as longer sleep has been shown disorders, such as insomnia or obstructive sleeping less than they did in the past. to improve many aspects of athletic sleep apnea. We simply cannot achieve optimal health and physical performance. In a study on 8. Sleep Improves Your Immune without taking care of our sleep; one of basketball players, longer sleep was shown Function Even a small loss of sleep has the pillars of health. to significantly improve speed, accuracy, been shown to impair immune function. Here are ten reasons why good sleep is reaction times, and mental wellbeing. Getting at least eight hours of sleep can crucial for our health: 5. Poor Sleepers Have a Greater improve immune function and even help 1. Poor Sleep Can Cause Weight Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke to fight the common cold. Gain Children and adults who do not We know that sleep quality and duration 9. Poor Sleep is Linked to sleep enough tend to weigh significantly can have a major effect on many health risk Increased Inflammation Sleep can more than those who get adequate sleep. factors. Sleeping less than 7-8 hours per have a major effect on inflammation in So, if you are trying to lose weight, getting night is linked to an increased risk of high the body. Sleep loss is strongly linked enough quality sleep is absolutely crucial. blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. to inflammatory bowel diseases and 2. Good Sleepers Tend to Eat 6. Sleep Affects Glucose can increase the risk of cell damage and Fewer Calories Studies have shown Metabolism and Type 2 Diabetes disease recurrence. that sleep deprived individuals have a bigger Risk Sleep deprivation can cause 10. Sleep Affects Emotions and appetite and tend to eat more calories, symptoms of pre-diabetes in healthy Social Interactions Sleep loss can because poor sleep affects hormones that adults, in as little as 6 days. Many studies reduce our ability to interact socially. regulate appetite. show a strong link between short sleep Researchers believe that poor sleep 3. Good Sleep Can Improve Brain duration and the risk for type 2 diabetes, affects our ability to process emotional Function Good sleep can maximize because it affects blood glucose levels and information and recognize important problem solving skills and enhance work reduces insulin sensitivity. social cues e.g. expressions of anger and performance. This includes cognition, happiness. concentration and productivity of both Martie Hofmeyr : Dietician children and adults. Poor sleep has been 0823261505

Easy DIY Recipe... strength in all the tiny hand 1 cup flour & 1/2 cup salt muscles, making them ready for MOMS & 2 teaspoons cream of tartar pencil and scissor control later. 1 cup water • Imagination and creativity: TOTS Food colouring as required adding other items, scents and 1 tablespoon cooking oil textures to the dough create Put all ingredients in a pot over moderate open ended imaginative play. heat and stir thoroughly with a wooden • Calming and soothing: the spoon until the mixture forms a ball. squeezing and pummelling Remove from heat, upturn on a clean can feel therapeutic and allow surface and let it cool. Knead thoroughly expression of emotions. and place in an airtight container. • Maths and literacy: practise PLAY DOUGH - letter and numbers, forming Fun and Learning! Play dough is popular hands-on fun, the alphabet, comparing size, By Ute Weinert and besides the wonderful mess, there counting and sorting. are some great learning opportunities • Science and discovery: that happen along the way, according to making the dough leads to theimaginationtree.com questioning and predicting, • Gross motor development: poking, adding solids to liquids, seeing pulling, squeezing need many large muscles a transformation, following and hand-eye coordination. a recipe, collaborating on a • Fine motor development: the malleable project. dough aids exploration and building

8 KNOW YOUR SUBURB The Anton van Councillor E. Smith. The building of Wouw and concrete and glass was completed over Irma Stern. As 18 months. The design in the distinctly South African modern International Style was considered museums in to be very much ahead of its time. The Cape Town and museum was officially inaugurated on 20 Johannesburg May 1964 by the new mayor of Pretoria, already Dr PJ van der Walt. The first curator of had good the new Pretoria Art Museum, Dr Albert collections of Werth, was appointed early in 1963 and 17th, 18th and until his retirement in 1991, was director 19th century of the Art Museum. European art, Numerous upgrades and renovations it was decided have been undertaken over the years and to focus on the building now presents world-class compiling a exhibition halls. As well as the permanent representative collection, the museum also houses The Pretoria Art Museum, located collection of South African art. Most of the a reference library and hosts regular in Arcadia Park between Wessels Art Museum’s collection therefore consists temporary art exhibitions by local and and Johan Streets, was established to of South African artists, concentrating on international artists. house the City Council of Pretoria’s both traditional and contemporary art Guided tours of the museum collection art collection, which was originally forms and techniques. The Pretoria Art are available and the museum specialises housed in the Pretoria City Hall. The Museum’s collection includes works of in art tours aimed at school children. collection had grown dramatically painting, sculpture, textiles, photographic A children’s gallery provides a fun and after a bequest by Lady Michaelis in art and many others. interactive learning area which introduces 1932, which included many paintings Building began on 26 January 1962 and children to the basic concepts of art. by 17th century Dutch artists. South the cornerstone was laid on 19 October The Pretoria Art Museum visiting hours: African works included pieces by Henk 1962 by the then Prime Minister Dr HF Tuesday to Sunday 10h00 to17h00. Pierneef, Pieter Wenning, Frans Oerder, Verwoerd and the mayor of Pretoria, There is a nominal entrance fee.

Following the announcement of the ARRA-Scout Group joint venture in October last year, a sub-committee was Scout hall gets a face-lift formed to spearhead the renovations and ran smoothly. All this was done with a Odoko Construction: Soil and grader to running of the Scout Hall. The committee newborn baby in tow! Her right-hand man, level it prioritised three areas that required Matthews, also needs to be recognised for John Rutland: Tyres urgent attention: the amazing work he did, and continues to City Wheels and Tyre: Tyres 1. Waterproofing and fixing of the roof do, in the garden and grounds. The next Irene Dairy Farms: Tree stumps 2. Removal of the boards over the priority will be to sort out the electrical Francois Burger: Hosepipe and plants windows issues, upgrade the kitchen and eventually Andrew and Gustav: 3. Painting of the interior and exterior the floor but we need to raise more funds. Transportation of the tyres The roof was waterproofed and repaired If you are interested in making use of the Monetary donations were received towards the end of last year. Then Scout Hall, please contact Linda Tyrrell on from: Willem van Bergen and Harrie this year Mr Rashid Aboobaker very 082 6535 191 0r e-mail [email protected] Siebert-Siertsema, Axel Lexmand generously donated scaffolding and the ARRA would like to thank the following and Carlijn Nowen, Horst and Ute services of painters which meant that the people for their donations towards the Weinert, Susan Kriegler, Judge Preller, renovations could start in earnest. It was renovation of the Scout Hall and the Erik and Christel Andersen, Jean also decided to install another toilet in the establishment of the community garden. Triegaardt, Konstantin and Laura ladies’ cloakroom. Christel Andersen was Rashid Aboobaker: von Vieregge, Helena McLeod, Erin appointed project manager. Painting and scaffolding, transport Tansey, Lydia Engelbrecht After a great deal of hard work the hall Charl Yazbek: Paint, transport, labour Plants were donated by: Helen, was revealed to the community at the Peter Blersch: Linda, Martie, Penny, Christel, end of May at the Food and Craft Fair. New toilet in ladies’ cloakroom Aurelie, Jean. We would also like The transformation is amazing and ARRA Schalk Vorster: to thank the following people is extremely grateful to all those who Tyres for vegetables and playground who sponsored their gardeners contributed. Christel, in particular needs Rina Yonk: Mosaic mirrors in the toilets to help at the hall in various special mention. She spent many hours a Kathrin Hamel-Louw: Plan of the garden ways: Aurelie, Helena, Erin, Toni, day at the hall ensuring that everything Andrew, Peter, Helen, Erik, Rina

9 THE 10th ARCADIA SCOUT TROOP 10th Arcadia has been a very busy troop of the Scouters, especially Chris and Jac, for this past year, not only participating in, having to deal with the monumental task but often spearheading events. From the of planning, discussing and other dangerous massive success of the BP Weekend to the adult-life words. Well done guys! thrilling movie night, 10th Arcadia has had Another amazing success for the troop was a lot of fun these past two terms. the Movie Night held on the 24th of June, Perhaps the highlight of this year, certainly where the North-East Scouting district up until now, was the annual Kontiki event. was invited to attend the spectacular Kontiki is an event which takes place at Arcadia movie theatre! Three movies a dam in the East Rand and requires all were shown, 1 for the Cubs and 2 for the participating troops to build and live on a Scouts, and popcorn and hot chocolate raft for 24 hours, while maintaining perfect were up for purchase. True to Scout form, campsites on the shore. Braving the icy cold even the projector was made of wood. The of the east, 10th Arcadia persevered and movie night was an overwhelming success! we came 1st in the A soccer tournament was also held at raft competition the German School where we came 2nd and 2nd overall overall and 1st in the Junior Scouts section out of 65 troops! with both our junior teams coming1st and This is a massive 2nd respectively. The soccer tournament success for our was a real treat for the Scouts and we troop, now held in definitely look forward to participating in great esteem by such events very soon! the whole of the Having said all of that, I would like to thank Gauteng Scouting the ARRA community for everything they movement. This is have done for us the past year. From the only the 4th time bottom of the collective soul of 10th in the past 10 years that 10th Arcadia has Arcadia you, ARRA, has our eternal attended this event, and I can honestly say gratitude. that I’m extremely proud of our Scouts, Yours in Scouting who had to brave the dangers boldly, and Adam Louw: (TROOP LEADER)

THE SCOUT HALL COMMUNITY GARDEN & PLAYGROUND By Christel Andersen The opening times of the garden and The community garden and playground playground will be as follows from July at the Scout Hall premises, 185 Beckett onwards: Street, has become a lovely space where Mondays: 9h00 – 17h00 (Matthews our the Arcadia community members are gardener is working there on that day, so meeting regularly. On Thursday afternoons he can open up) from 14h30 – 17h30 the playground is a Thursdays: 14h30 – 17h30 colourful hive of activity as the kids enjoy Saturdays: 9h00 – 11h00 the jungle gym and swings, while the moms Or by arrangement – contact Christel on have time to chat and share stories. 082 3967806 / [email protected] WE would like to put a roof onto the Residents are also coming to buy our poles of the picnic area and place benches organic herbs and veggies on Thursday and a table underneath it. This space will afternoons and Saturday mornings from become a beautiful gathering space for 9h00 to 11h00. The Spinach is growing community members to share picnics and beautifully, and so are the herbs. We have meals. Donations for that are welcome. planted a variety of other vegetables from Please arrange with Christel. seed. We are also patiently waiting for our I am hoping to spend many pleasurable tomatoes to ripen. hours with you in our garden and play area in the coming months. 10 THE SCOUT HALL COMMUNITY GARDEN Growing organic fruit and vegetables in the city.

Join us for some gardening fun and/or come to buy fresh organic vegetables on 185 Beckett street Arcadia Vegetable for sale every Thursday afternoon 16h30 – 17h30 Community gardening 9-11 on Saturdays or by arrangement – please contact Christel Engelbrecht [email protected] / 082 3967806 City Community gardens have sprung up in many cities across South Africa – providing a wonderful platform for community members to get to know each other, learn together and to grow organic vegetables in the city. We would like to see this happening in Arcadia, and have made a great start at the Scout Hall in Beckett street. Our idea is to get all gardening enthusiasts together, on Saturdays for 2 • Access to toilets and hours. washbasins in the bathroom We are growing our own organic vegetables, and have planted is possible only during a number of fruit trees. We will be offering workshops about the opening times, or by permaculture, uses of plants and herbs, gardening for kids and arrangement much more. • No pets allowed on the Contact Christel (082 3967806) if you wish to become part of premises this initiative. • Facilities on the premises are to Please take note of the following: be treated with care and all litter • All persons using the facilities on 185 Beckett street do so at is to be placed in the bin. their own risk. • Users will be held liable for • No liability for accidents or damage will be accepted by damages to the facilities on the ARRA (Arcadia Ratepayers Association) or the 10th Arcadia premises Scout group. For further questions contact • Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Christel Andersen 082 3967806

Arcadia Scout Hall Playground Indemnity, Regulations and Access 185 Beckett Street, Arcadia 0083

We are proud to announce that the Arcadia Scout Hall playground is available exclusively to ARRA members from Monday, 30th May 2016 onward for usage.

Opening times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 08:00 – 13:00; Thursday 14:30 – 17:30 by arrangement – please contact Christel Engelbrecht at [email protected] or 082 3967806

Please take note of the following: All persons using this playground do so at their own risk No liability for accidents or damage will be accepted by ARRA or the 10th Arcadia Scout Group Children must be supervised by an adult at all times in the play area Access to toilets and washbasins is possible only during the opening times, or by arrangement No pets allowed on the premises Facilities on the premises are to be treated with care and all litter is to be placed in the bins Users will be held liable for damages to the facilities on the premises Visitors to the playground, and not ARRA members, need to accompanied by an ARRA member. For further questions or to report damages or concerns, please contact Christel on 0823967806

FUNDRAISING UPDATE: R3100 has been donated by community members to date. The money was used to pay for the deposit for the jungle gym. We still need to raise R5000 to pay for the jungle gym and the roof for the picnic area. Donations are welcome in cash or EFT. Christel Engelbrecht - FNB 50170066482 Mowbray Branch 200309

11 THE FOOD & LETTER CRAFT FAIR to the Chair The ARRA Food and Craft Dear Linda Fair held on Saturday 28 May at the Scout Hall was a great In March we had a burglary where the success. The morning started intruder stole my husband’s laptop with the lively UP Brass band during the night - the outside alarm marching through the streets of beams were on but he crawled under Arcadia. They were wonderful them. and certainly got residents The police took fingerprints and this out of their homes. There was week the police told my husband the something for everyone at thief has been apprehended with 15 the fair and the children really other similar cases against him. enjoyed the abseiling tower and I thought it is good to report back on other attractions. security matters like these to encourage I would like to thank all those other people in our area to always who contributed to the success report incidents and let the police of the day and especially take fingerprints no matter how small Christel Andersen and Rina the incident or damages might seem, Yonk who worked so hard to get because the more evidence against the Scout Hall ready for the fair. a thief the better the chances of a I think all will agree that this conviction! must be an annual event. You can also perhaps alert Quatro of Penny Blersch this arrest. Thank you so much! Regards Mandie Wentzel

ARRA is proud to present ART ON GOVERNMENT Saturday 13 August 18h00 - 21h00 Ca Ira Guesthouse,

The Arcadian is designed & produced by 791 Government Ave An auction of donated artworks will be held Design & layout, printing, websites, corporate gifts & clothing Entrance R20 per person Branding & marketing Snacks and drinks will be Contact Celéste Scheepers : 082 5511 266 [email protected] served throughout the evening Any artist who would like to exhibit, please contact Penny Blersch on 082 449 1192