April 2019 THOA Newsletter

APRIL 2019 [email protected] Guard House 011 608 4361
ISSUE 005 [email protected] Front Office 011 608 0835
thoa.co.za

Contents

Restoring History 4
Cr Thornhill Rd & Namur Rd

Pine Cones 6

Explore & WIN 8
Social Committee

Easter in Thornhill 9

Our Parks 10

Pool Fence Upgrade 12

Community Centre Renovations 13

Modderfontein 14

In & Around 15

CLASSIFIEDS 22

Calendar 2019, Q1 April 20th, 2019

Easter

PHOTO CREDIT / COVER: Ashleigh Greenley

Reminders

• Please ensure your contact details are up to date with THOA.
• All pet owners are to ensure that their pets have a tag with pet’s name and owners

contact details.
• Tree Trimming/Removal – permission must be obtained from the office/gardens

committee to trim or remove any tree/s on properties. Tree trimming form can be
obtained from the office or via our website. Form to be submitted to the office with
photos of the tree/s in question.

Some 280 species have been recorded here. Birds such as the African Fish-Eagle, Long-
Crested Eagle and Crimson-breasted Shrike are regular sightings. In addition, a pair of

breeding Blue Cranes has nested here since 1981.
3

History Restored
Attention to Detail

THE GARDEN & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

The Garden & Environmental Committee The renovated bracket now needed a
recently completed a project incorporating home, so it was decided to renovate the
a little history from our area. You may old and very rusted unused electricity/
have noticed the restored pole at the 4-way telephone pole on the corner of Thornhill
stop between Thornhill Road and Provan. If Road and Provan Road and pair the bracket
you haven’t, take a moment to look up the to the pole. This was also a good excuse to
next time you pause at the stop street. renovate the pole, which for many years
has needed a purpose and a coat of paint.
The scroll-work bracket that is attached
to the pole was part of a streetlight at As it was not practical to use the bracket
the Springkell Sanatorium (Tuberculosis as a street light any more, it was decided
hospital started in 1911) about 300 meters that something like a weather vane, which
south west of Oaktree Village. requires no electricity, would at least be a
feature which could give the bracket some
Unfortunately when work commenced on usefulness into the future. This weather
the new retirement village that is being vane is unique in that it hangs below
developed on that land, the developers just its mounting point as opposed to other
came in with bulldozers and demolished a weather vanes that are mounted above.
lot of the heritage from that site.
Unfortunately Thornhill Estate lost an
This particular streetlight was one of ornate telephone pole from 1912 about 4
the heritage items that landed up in a years ago, as it was turning 100 years old
mangled condition in the bulldozed rubble. when contractors laying cables behind the
Keith Martin from the Modderfontein villas dug trenches and removed the pole,
Conservation Society and resident of which was never recovered even after many
Thornhill Estate found the bracket in the phone calls to locate it. At least this street
rubble and together with another resident light bracket has been preserved as some
and Garden Committee member, Dennis small part of our heritage.
Goodchild, went to salvage the bracket
off the destroyed pole that it had been
mounted on. Unfortunately the bracket
was also badly bent, but Dennis managed
to restore the bracket back to its original
shape.

4

This project would not have been possible and Junior who did all the sanding, painting
without the generous contributions of our and fitting of the bracket. None of this
residents: would have been possible, however, had it
not been for the cherry picker sponsored by
Keith Martin, who found and helped salvage Danny Talhami from Faradays Electrical,
the bracket, Dennis Goodchild for restoring which enabled us to get to the top of the
it and preserving it and eventually mounting pole.
the bracket with the weather vane on the
pole. Also to Archie Kemp from Signco who Thank you to each of you for helping us
donated the letters for the weather vane preserve a little history.
and of course our very own Kevin Fisher

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Plenty to do
with Pine Cones...

THORNHILL ESTATE

Driving through Modderfontein, one could Our wonderful garden service do a
be forgiven for imagining they were driving wonderful job of clearing our roads and
through an alpine village in Europe or the parks of the carpet of cones - however a
Americas.... sunrise or sunset stroll will be fruitful if
you’re out to collect.
Rows of statuesque conifers - originally
planted as a blast curtain for the Dynamite Use pine cones for:
factory in the early 20th century - line
our streets and at the change of seasons • Fire starter / kindling / bon-fires
deliver earthward a shower of cones.
• Kids crafts
These cones are hungrily collected in
Thornhill estate by our residents for a • Decorative displays
number of reasons from decorations to
kindling and makes living in our neck of the • Collecting pine nuts
woods a seasonal delight.

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Things you never knew Things you can do
about pine cones: with pine cones:

1. DINOSAUR SNACK 1. MULCH
Today, pine cones are prized food sources These cones decompose into organic
for squirrels, woodpeckers and crossbills, material. In forests, cones slowly decay and
but about sixty million years ago, fossils fertilize the trees above them. These same
attest they were a favorite meal of traits make pine cones suitable for mulch or
Parasaurolophus, the famous crest-headed compost. Pine cones fall to the ground as
hadrosaur. natural mulch.

2. RELIGIOUS SYMBOL 2. ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER
Mayan, Egyptian, Sumerian and Greek Wash and dry your collected cones. Add
God’s all carried ornaments adorned with 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oils to
the image of the pine cone - as does the the cones and display in a decorative bowl.
current Pope’s staff and a large bronze When the scent fades, add a few more
cone statue, centre stage in the Vatican. drops.

Things you never knew 2. DIY BIRD
about pine cones: FEEDER

Wash and dry your
cones, smear with
peanut butter and
sprinkle / roll in
wild bird seed.

7

EXPLORE

YOUR ESTATE & WIN

Strolling around Thornhill is one of the great joys of living in a safe, maintained Estate.
Have you stopped to smell the roses and noticed any of the spots below? The Social
Committee are giving away a prize to one of you, able to identify where they are.
Send your answers to [email protected]. Winner will be picked at random &
announced in May Newsletter. HAPPY HUNTING... !!

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SATURDAY 20th APRIL 2019
CENTRAL PARK
9:30am

Complimentary hot cross buns
OAKES coffee, cappuccino’s and hot chocolate on sale

EASTER EGG HUNT | KIDS ACTIVITIES | EASTER BUNNY

EASTER EGG DONATIONS TO BE DROPPED OFF
AT THE FRONT OF9FICE WITH LINDA

Our Parks
Inside the Estate

THOA

CENTRAL PARK COMMUNITY PARK
This park is used for many of the Social This large park boasts views of the golf
Committee functions and is a shady course and while not flat is large enough
spot especially for children and outdoor for group activities.
activities and get-togethers.
• Jungle Gym
• Jungle Gym • Swings
• Swings • Bench
• See Saw • Cricket Pitch
• Pathway • Soccer Field with nets
• Drinking Fountain • River
• Historical monument • Picnic benches (x2)
• Picnic Table & Benches • Pathway
• Braai facilities
FAIRWAY PARK (off Gardens Rd) • Jungle Gym
This is a quiet park open to the entire • Swings
estate but serving mostly the surrounding • Bench
community. Much of this park is covered in • Drinking Fountain
pine trees and is good for walking.
ROAD RESERVE (DOGS OFF LEASH)
• Jungle Gym This area is available for all residents to use
• Drinking Fountain and specifically to take your pets for walks
• Bench “off the leash” and is also a goos spot for
• Swings cycling.

FAIRWAY PARK (off Provan) All parks have sign boards with emergency
This large park boasts views of the golf numbers in case of accident
course and while not flat is large enough
for group activities.

• Jungle Gym
• Sandpit
• Swings
• Bench

PLEASE RESPECT THE BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS AND OTHER RESIDENTS WHEN USING
ANYONE OF OUR LOVELY COMMUNITY SPACES. LEAVE YOUR SPOT CLEAN, PICK UP

AFTER YOUR PETS AND BE COURTEOUS Y TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS.

10

11

Pool Fence Upgrade
ClearVu

GARDENS & ESTATES COMMITTEE
Our community pool has a new fence and we couldn’t be more excited.
The pool area now boasts dark green ClearVu fencing which makes this area a modern,
practical and seamless experience. ClearVu’s crisp, unobtrusive finish enhances the
appearance of the facility. Besides it’s good looks, this fence is exceptionally durable and
cost effective. ClearVu offers a 25-year-maintenance-free life in normal environments and
is considered the world’s most advanced fence.
Our little ones are now 100% protected and our park remains pleasing
on the eyes... ENJOY!

12

Community Centre
Renovations

IN PROGRESS / UPDATE

You may have noticed our Community Centre is under-going some renovations. We are
most excited to share with you the various developments to the Centre.

1. ESTATE OFFICES - the management offices are being extended
2. COMMUNITY BATHROOMS - the entry way into the bathrooms is getting a face lift
3. GUARDS & GARDENER FACILITIES - a new addition to the centre has been developed

for staff bathrooms, change rooms and a canteen.

THOA wish to thank you for your patience at this time and we look forward to keeping you
up to date with progress. If you have any questions regarding the renovations, please do
email us on: [email protected].

13

WW I & II
Memorial

In Front of “The Casino” at the sports club
up the hill, you’ll find a memorial to the
AECI employees who lost their lives during
the two world wars.

British South African Explosives

Company Limited (1914-1918)

D. Duffy F.W.Barnes

E.W.Gibson TAC McCarr

P.H.Harries F.W.Salisbury

D.Taylor

African Explosives and Chemical

Industries Limited Employees of

Modderfontein factory who gave

their lives in the second great

war 1939-1945

DJW Compton JF Mills

JD De Jongh CM Morris

AM Fisher PA Mortin

JC Lewis ? Teerink

L van Brugel

Dynamite
Museum

The AECI Dynamite Factory Museum at 2
Main Road, Modderfontein. The museum
is open on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
and Friday from 0800-1200. The museum
can be opened for special viewing on
arrangement.

Martie +27 11 608 2747

In & Around
Thornhill Estate

RESIDENT CONTRIBUTIONS

Professional window cleaning services
FREE QUOTATIONS
Janet Gildenhuys
079 938 3421

thewindowwashers.co.za

The tech-time w6s fitness
tracker is packed with loads
of great features including
pedometer, message reminder,
heart rate monitor, swimming
mode and long lasting battery
life to name a few.

Registration open all
year round

“Imagine if schools actually helped their kids identify your child’s
strengths by exploring their talents from a young age and growing their
skills over 12 years, instead of letting them follow the same routine like
sheep and leaving them confused in life after graduation.” Tallie Dar

Open since 2010, we are an authentic 2 Harley Street, Modderfontein

Montessori School with Superb facilities Phone: 011 6080902 or 083 229 1247

and fully equipped to suit every age Email: [email protected]
group. We are set in a safe, tranquil
country environment where the children Web: mmontessori.co.za

benefit from individualised attention,

respect and love.

Servicing our beloved Modderfontein
community.

 Toddler Centre 18 months to 3 years old

 Pre-School 3 years to 6 years old

 Primary School 6 years to 12 years old

Full day and half day options available with
many exciting extra mural activities

JUST LISTED ON SOLE MANDATE

MIGUEL 12 Brussels Avenue.
RAMOS 924m2 Land Size

LOCATION, COMMUNITY,
QUALITY LIVING.
072 301 5338 IT STARTS HERE !

011 409 5900 We are getting busy in your area and we

[email protected] want you to benefit as well. Call me today
and lets take care of your tomorrow.

Graeme Burke
082 850 1301

[email protected]
coatingworx.co.za

Established in 1989, Coating Worx BASED IN EDENVALE
has grown from just one outlet into PREMIUM PRODUCTS
a leading paint contracting company
in South Africa. We provide painting FREE QUOTATION
contractor services to the domestic, APPROVED ESTATE CONTRACTOR
commercial and industrial sectors
throughout South Africa. IN THORNHILL ESTATE
PROFESSIONAL STAFF

IN NEED OF THAT DISTINCTION OR IMPROVING CLASSES HELD
YOUR EXAM TECHNIQUE? IN THE ESTATE
LET US HELP YOU IN THAT JOURNEY.

We are currently completing our articles at one
of the big 4 audit firms. We have completed
our Honours Degrees at the University of
Johannesburg in the CA stream and
specialising in Taxation. We have 37 distinctions
between the two of us.

GRADE 10 – 12 ACCOUNTING TUTORIALS

UNIVERSITY 1ST YEAR, 2ND AND 3RD
YEAR ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND TAX-
ATION TUTORIALS.
(CA STREAM & NON-CA STREAM)

FOR ALL YOUR SEWING REQUIREMENTS
CALL NAOMI ON 083 472 4118

Dynamite Distilling Company invites you to visit our distillery,
enjoy the atmosphere and sample our delicious products.
Friday 9am-4pm // Saturday 10am-2pm
GIN TASTING SATURDAYS
11am, 12pm & 1pm (booking essential)
FREE GIN DELIVERY ON FRIDAY
(THORNHILL ESTATE & LAKESIDE)
This offer applies when you order 2 bottles of Gin or more.
EVENTS

Book your next boutique event at Dynamite Distilling Co. (max 25 people)

AWARD WINNING FLAVOURS
We have 3 signature flavours with new flavours
currently in the making. Cold Craft Beer is on tap.
We are proud to announce that both Jozi Dry and Floral
won Silver Medals at the 2018 Michelangelo Awards.

HERITAGE HOUSE 3, 31 HIGH STREET, FOUNDERS VIEW. PLEASE CALL FOR BOOKINGS: 082 414 9838

FOR THORNHILL RESIDENTS

I have been a resident at Thornhill for 19 years and
am responsible for Consolidated Auto Ford in
Boksburg.

If you drive a Ford vehicle and need a service done,
please call me and I will assist you with the
following:

1. I will book in your vehicle, when convenient for you.
2. I will collect your vehicle from your home.
3. We can provide you with a courtesy vehicle.
4. I will return the vehicle to you after work.

Neil Boonzaier

Dealer Principal - Consolidated Auto

011 306 2000 | 083 443 5443

ALSO OFFERING
NEW AND USED VEHICLE SALES

Tandarts /
Dentist

Dr J L M Fick

Modderfontein Medical Centre
Flamingo Shopping Centre

011-393 3855

RECOMMENDATION:

Recently, after pricing a new car, I had a need and desire to repair my 13-year-old Audi. I started
by having the bodywork “reconditioned” and asked Wayne Bothma a local very well-known
resident if he could assist. Wayne did a brilliant job of fixing up my beloved old Audi and that, at
a really decent price. Then, following a timing belt failure I was recommended to The German
Workshop for repairs.

Wayne and Karen Bothma of SPEEDTECH Panel Beaters and Delene and Werner from The
German Workshop both gave me a new-found confidence in the motor industry. So much so,
that Cathy and I have sponsored these two ads below.

Allan and Cathy Bartram

RESIDENTIAL RATES - ONCE OFF RESIDENTIAL RATES - BULK
1/4 page: R90 6 MONTHS
1/2 page: R175 1/4 page - 5% discount: R498
Full page: R350 1/2 page - 10% discount: R945
Full page - 15% discount: R1785

RESIDENTIAL RATES - BULK RESIDENTIAL RATES - BULK
3 MONTHS 12 MONTHS
1/4 page - 5% discount: R256 1/4 page - 5% discount: R997
1/2 page - 10% discount: R486 1/2 page - 10% discount: R1890
Full page - 15% discount: R918 Full page - 15% discount: R3570

PAYMENT DETAILS PLEASE NOTE
ABSA Bank Proof of payment and artwork must
Acc #: 015 922 117 be submitted by 20th of the month
Code: 632005 ([email protected]) in order to
Reference: ADVERTyourname appear in the following month’s issue.

IF YOU PRINT THIS
NEWSLETTER PLEASE
RECYCLE IT WHEN YOU
HAVE FINISHED READING.

RECYCLING IS PICKED UP EVERY WEDNESDAY IN THORNHILL ESTATE. ALL YOU NEED TO
DO IS PUT YOUR RECYCLABLE PRODUCTS INTO A CLEAR PLASTIC REFUSE BAG ON YOUR
PAVEMENT ON TUESDAY NIGHT. AND THE ECO FAIRIES WILL WHISK IT AWAY DURING
THE DAY ON WEDNESDAY :) THANK YOU.

24

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

MODDERFONTEIN INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

This is for YOU if your home is within a 7 KM RADIUS of the Modderfontein Industrial Complex

(PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH EVERYONE AT HOME)

?+ |

WHAT TO DO ALARM TESTS A MAJOR EMERGENCY? END OF EMERGENCY

This information is here to help you Our emergency Undulating Continuous siren
when there is a major emergency at alarm is tested siren sounding for the first 10 sounding for
the Modderfontein Industrial Complex. every Friday 12h00. 10 minutes.
minutes of the emergency.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HEAR THE UNDULATING SIREN?

1 2 3

MOVE PEOPLE and ANIMALS CLOSE all WINDOWS SWITCH OFF all air conditioners
INDOORS as quickly as possible. and DOORS. and ventilator fans.

4 5

Remain INDOORS until you are EMERGENCY SERVICES may be THE SMELL OF GAS & THERE IS NO SIREN
advised by media that the situation called in to assist in which This means that gas may have leaked, but
is safe, or until you hear the case their INSTRUCTIONS
continuous siren. should be FOLLOWED. its intensity is insufficient to create a
hazardous condition - you can smell most
irritant gases at levels which do not pose a

risk to your health.

EMERGENCY NUMBER: 011 606 2703 or 011 606 2250

Issued by the Moddefontein Community Awareness and Emergency Response Committee

25

Useful
Numbers

MODDERFONTEIN & SURROUNDS

Any Emergency from a mobile Number 112
Netcare 911 082911
Flying Squad
Busamed Private Hospital (24hrs) 10111
Linksfield Netcare Hospital 011 458 2000
Dischem Flamingo Centre 011 640 3661
Fire Station 086 0347 243 / 0860 347 243
Sebenza Police Station
Edenvale Police Station 011 375 5911
Emer-G-Med 011 400 6000
Modderfontein Nature Reserve 011 553 8600
Modderfontein Golf Course
Automobile Association (roadside assistance) 086 100 7911
Metropolitan Police 079 519 1589
National Tourism Information Centre (24 hours) 011 608 2034
OR Tambo International Airport 011 799 1000
OR Tambo (Arrivals and Departures) 011 999 2093/4
Directory Inquiries Local numbers 083 123 2345
Ekurhuleni Edenvale Customer Care 011 921 6262
Ekurhuleni Power Failures 086 727 7888
Ekurhuleni Vehicle Licencing
1023
011 999 3111
011 999 3912
011 999 3830

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