Croydon Vineyard Estate Post*

Helderberg Wine Festival 2011

2011-09-14T11:31:00.002+02:00

Join us for the 4th Annual Helderberg Wine Festival from Thursday 20th October to Sunday 23rd October 2011.HELDERBERG WINE FESTIVAL 2011 – How does it work? DATESThursday, 20 October-Sunday, 23 October TIMES10h00-17h00 Thu-Sun. HOW DOES IT WORK?Forty great wineries from Stellenbosch and Somerset West have joined forces to offer the 4th Helderberg Wine Festival. There are Winery Programmes and Crowd-Pleaser events to participate in. COSTSEach visitor has to purchase a festival PASS (wine glass and programme booklet) @ R80 pp. early bird special till 7 October & R100 pp. after the 7th of October. This gives you access to the festival and the participating wineries + participation in the various events on offer. All wineries also offer optional experiences, some of which have to be paid for additionally. (See Winery programmes) The Festival PASS is valid for all 4 days. You only pay once! Repeat visits are welcome. PARTICIPATING WINERIESAlto, Annandale, Avontuur, Bilton, Blaauwklippen, CroYdon Vineyard Estate
, Dornier, Eikendal, Ernie Els, Grangehurst, Heron Ridge, Journey’s End, Ken Forrester, Kleine Zalze, Kleinood, Longridge, Lourensford, Miravel, Morgenster, Peter Falke, Post House, Romond, Somerbosch, Stellenzicht, Stonewall, Uva Mira, Vergenoegd, Waterkloof, Yonder Hill, Zandberg, Lyngrove WINERY PROGRAMMESEach winery offers a full programme of events, tailor-made for its facilities and wines. Visitors drive from farm to farm to enjoy free tastings on selected wines and the other activities on offer. Click on Winery Info and check under Winery Programmes to see what each winery is offering. CROWD PLEASERS(All profits from these events donated to various charities) Saturday, 22 OctoberMountain Bike Race at Lourensford. Calling all MTB lovers to participate in this fantastic event with thrills, spills and views to die for! Sunday, 23 October.“Foot of the Helderberg Walk” at Eikendal. Walk along the spectacular scenery of the Helderberg at speed or at your leisure. Kids and families welcome. Sunday, 23 October.“Bikers Breakfast Run” at Vergenoegd Wine Estate. HOW TO BUY YOUR FESTIVAL PASSES prior and during the festival.Festival PASSES Winery Sales Points are: Blaauwklippen, Somerbosch, Eikendal, Lourensford, Vergenoegd, Waterkloof. and Kwikspar Fine Foods and Wine Somerset West and Stellenbosch On-line: Credit Card or EFT payment accepted 1.) On the home page, click on Bookings 2.) Click on Festival Passes 3.) Click on amount of festival packs and fill in how many you need. 4.) Follow the instructions and book and pay for your festival pack/s. 5.) Receive a numbered comfirmation e-ticket. 6.) On arrival in the Festival area on any of the days of the festival, visit one of the wineries indicated to exchange your ticket for the paid-for amount of festival pack/s. At one of the Festival Packs Winery Sales Points: Visit one of the Festival Pack Winery Sales Points, pay and collect your Festival Packs on-site. All participating wineries will have a limited stock of Festival packs, but we cannot guarantee availability there. ENTHUSIAST’S TRIP PLANNERPlan your trip according to your passions! Our wineries cover the following areas of interest: Architec’s Dream – From Gables to Girders Food Lovers Lane History Buffs Culture Vultures Outdoor Pursuits Kiddy-friendly Hidden Gems – A voyage of Discovery. Your Festival Booklet will highlight the wineries in each category to make your visit easier to plan.For more information, please call me on 021 843 3438 or 072 610 1416 or claudine.w@seeff.com

Bargain price for sought after Lifestyle Estate

2011-08-29T13:26:00.002+02:00

The landscape on CroYdon Vineyard Estate has changed drastically in the last 10 months...
And with so many new homes, this Estate has fast become a top choice for families looking for high security and an exclusive lifestyle.....

The Estate has enjoyed a steady increase in sales prices of vacant land, and with less and less properties for sale, bargains are few and far between...

A New Listing:

Erf size: 785m²
Price: R485 000.00 !!!!!
Levies: R1 145.00 per month

Don't miss this opportunity to secure your chance to enjoy a lifestyle like no other!

If you are interested in viewing this property, please contact me on
072 610 1416
021 843 3438
claudine.w@seeff.com

2011-08-29T12:19:00.001+02:00

Dear Croydon Family and Friends,

Please join us for dinner on Wednesday evening. We’ll be serving traditional chicken pie served with green peas.

R35 per person, dinner will be served at 18H30.
Take-aways welcome, please bring your own Tupperware

Kids meal at R20.
There will be activities for children, so children are very welcome.

Bookings are essential

Hope to see you there!

Warm regards
CroYdon team
T 021 843 3610
F 021 843 3609
E lifestyle@croydon-estate.co.za

For Sale: R2 450 000.00: 4 beds, 3 bath. House:273m²

2011-08-29T10:41:00.003+02:00

This beautiful home offers open plan living and ample entertainment space.
3 bedrooms with a large study or 4th bedroom.
Double garage with direct access to the home.
Swimming pool with beautiful views across the CroYdon vineyards.

This sought after Lifestyle Estate is becoming the 'talk of the town'.
With homes nestled amongst the vineyards, and a variety of amenities on the Estate, CroYdon Vineyard Estate is fast becoming the first choice for families.

Home: 273m²
Land: 660m²
Estate Levy: R1 145.00 per month
Rates: R700.00 per month

For more information on this project or any other homes on CroYdon Vineyard Estate, please contact me on 072 610 1416 or claudine.w@seeff.com

Claudine J Wheeler
Homeowner and Residen SEEFF Agent

Sunday afternoon on CroYdon Vineyard Estate

2011-08-28T14:59:00.003+02:00

It is such a beautiful day out on the Estate....
As you walk between the vineyards, the smell of fires preparing a Sunday lunch is everywhere...
The sun is warm and the air is still.
What a beautiful day.

SEEFF Properties CroYdon Vineyard Estate SUNDAY SHOW DAY

2011-08-26T14:33:00.002+02:00

SEEFF Properties CroYdon Vineyard Estate hosts a Show Day each Sunday from 14:00 to 17:00

Plesae join us to veiw properties and come experience the magic that is CroYdon Vineyard Estate.

We have a variety of TurnKey Building Projects, vacant land and family homes for sale.

Please feel free to pop in on Sunday.

We look forward to introducing you to the Estate.

Claudine J Wheeler
072 610 1416

CroYdon Family Dinner: 3rd August 2011

2011-08-02T15:01:00.001+02:00

Dear CroYdon Family and Friends,

Please join us for chicken pie served with broccoli and cauliflower with cheese sauce

Dinner is R35.00 per person.

Dinner will be served from 18H30.
Take-aways welcome, please bring your own Tupperware or plates

Kids-meal priced at R20.00
There will be kiddies-activities, so children are very welcome.

Bookings are essential

Hope to see you there!

Claudine J Wheeler

Please remember to make a reservation:
Croydon team
T 021 843 3610
F 021 843 3609
E lifestyle@croydon-estate.co.za

Walk-about the Vineyards of CroYdon

2011-07-11T13:45:00.004+02:00

Some photos taken while out for a morning walk on the Estate

CroYdon Wednesday Evening Dinner: Oom Ben's Skaap Potjie

2011-07-11T13:35:00.004+02:00

11 July 2011

Dear CroYdon Family and Friends,

Wednesday 13 July 2011:

Oom Ben will preparing and special Lamb potjie for dinner
Potjie will be served with Stamp Corn

Winter Special Price R35 per person

Dessert a R10: Chocolate Pudding

Bookings are essential!!!

Hope to see you there!

Warm regards
Croydon Team

T: 021 843 3610
F: 021 843 3609
E: lifestyle@croydon-estate.co.za

De Standaard Belgium newspaper features CroYdon Title Deed as wine of the week

2011-06-28T16:32:00.002+02:00

Wednesday Family Dinner at CroYdon Vineyard Estate

2011-06-28T16:28:00.002+02:00

Dear CroYdon Family and Friends,

This Wednesday 29 June 2011.

Oven Roasted Pork neck baked in Apricot and Port Sauce
Served with spicy Cous Cous

Dinner: R40.00 per person. Dinner is served from 18H00.

Dessert at R10
Sweet Tapioca Pudding served with Ice Cream

Bookings are essential

Hope to see you there!

Warm regards
Yolandi Huisamen

T: 021 843 3610
F: 021 843 3609
E: lifestyle@croydon-estate.co.za

FOR SALE: Brand new and Beautiful!

2011-06-28T15:36:00.003+02:00

Space! Style! Views!!
This home has it all!
3 bedrooms all with access to garden with beautiful views across the dam.
Large study which is perfect for work-from-home.
3 bathrooms
Swimming pool with deck
large open plan living with modern features.

240m² Home
660m² Erf
Price: R2 450 000.00

S O L D ! ! ! Best value in town!!

2011-06-28T15:22:00.004+02:00

Great value will ALWAYS sell!!

Without much deliberation the buyers went about hurriedly to purchase this beautiful family home on CroYdon Vineyard Estate.

288m² Home
660m² Erf
PRICE: R2 150 000.00 transfer costs inclusive

This is a very functional single level family home.
3 bedrooms
2,5 bathrooms
Large study or 4th bedroom
Lovely open plan living with fireplace in the lounge, a seperate 'braai-room', large kitchen with very spacious scullery, offering direct access from the double garage.

The estate offers 24 hour security; full gym facilities; dams and running trail; ducks and geese with an abundance of wild bird life.
The homeowner receives an annual allocation of approximately 72 bottles of award winning Pinotage Cape Blend estate wine.

For more information of completed homes and similar turnkey building options, please contact homeowner and resident estate agent(s): Claudine Wheeler - 072 610 1416 - claudine.w@seeff.com OR Gerhard van Deventer - 076 590 7758 - gerhard@seeff.com

CroYdon Family Dinner: Wednesday, 25th May:

2011-05-24T11:32:00.001+02:00

Dear Croydon Family and Friends,

We will be making Tomato stew with Roasted vegetables & Potatoes

For dessert sago pudding at R10

Meal at R40 per Person dinner starts at 18H00.

Bookings are essential

Hope to see you there!

Warm regards
Yolandi Huisamen
Lifestyle Co-ordinator
T 021 843 3610
F 021 843 3609
E lifestyle@croydon-estate.co.za

For Sale: R2 450 000.00

2011-05-24T11:25:00.003+02:00

What beautiful finishes this home offers!
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
breathtaking kitchen, with open plan living.
Double automated garage
Beautiful views toward Table Mountain.

Beautiful indigenous garden.
The estate offers 24 hour manned security, full gym facilities, restaurant and of course a welcoming CroYdon Community!
Pack up, and move in!
As home owner on this sought after estate, enjoy the annual wine allocation of approximately 72 bottles of wine per annum.

CroYdon Vineyard Estate: the Cape's best kept secret.

Viewing by appointment ONLY!
Call homeowner and resident estate agent: Claudine Wheeler on 072 610 1416 or on
claudine.w@seeff.com

We look forward to welcoming you to our home.

For Sale: R2 150 000.00 ALL COSTS INCLUDED!!

2011-05-24T11:20:00.002+02:00

Newly built home on 660m2 erf.
House has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, seperate study, large open plan living room with open plan kitchen.
This house is a typical Cape design with an internal 'braai-room' as well as outside built-in-braai.

The estate offers 24 hour manned security, fully gym facilities, restaurant and of course a welcoming CroYdon Community!
Pack up, and move in!
As home owner on this sought after estate, enjoy the annual wine allocation of approximately 72 bottles of wine per annum.

CroYdon Vineyard Estate: the Cape's best kept secret.

Viewing by appointment ONLY!
Call homeowner and resident estate agent: Claudine Wheeler on 072 610 1416 or on
claudine.w@seeff.com

We look forward to welcoming you to our home.

For Sale: R1 630 000.00

2011-05-24T11:07:00.003+02:00

Newly built home on water’s edge.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, has everything!
Just move in!
Large open plan living with open plan kitchen and scullery
Double automated garage, leading into the home.
Enjoy all the luxuries this home and estate have to offer.
The estate offers 24 hour manned security, fully gym facilities, sparkling pool with kiddies pool, restaurant and of course a welcoming CroYdon Community!
Pack up, and move in!
As home owner on this sought after estate, enjoy the annual wine allocation of approximately 72 bottles of wine per annum.

CroYdon Vineyard Estate: the Cape's best kept secret.

Viewing by appointment ONLY!
Call homeowner and resident estate agent: Claudine Wheeler on 072 610 1416 or on
claudine.w@seeff.com

We look forward to welcoming you to our home.

CroYdon has new homes sprouting like mushrooms!

2011-05-18T13:08:00.003+02:00

With 12 new homes being built, and as many as 20 more to come in 2011, it's no wonder the market has taken a fresh new interest in this lifesytle estate.

Nestled amongst vineyards and olive groves, new homes are popping up like mushrooms after the rain...
Beautiful homes ranging from 200m2 to well over 500m2, CroYdon Vineyard Estate and CroYdon Olive Estate is becoming the new home for many families looking for a lifestyle rather than just another estate.

CroYdon Vineyard Estate hosts a weekly Family Dinner, offering homeowners a great opportunity to catch up and meet new comers in a relaxed and cosy environment.
At R40.00 per person, it's no wonder bookings are essential and why week after week, homeowners flock to the cellar to enjoy the delicious meal prepared by Yolandi and her team, who also offer events and catering services.

If you are interested in viewing homes or possibly would like to come and select your perfect piece of land for you to build your dream home on, please contact the resident SEEFF Property Agent, Claudine Wheeler or Gerhard Van Deventer on 072 610 1416 or 076 590 7758.
Please note that access to the estate is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
No access will be granted without an appointment.
Please appreciate that as security to our homeowners is of the utmost importance to us.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our Heaven on Earth!

Valentine Dinner at CroYdon Vineyard Estate Cellar

2011-02-15T08:53:00.001+02:00

Good day Friends and Family of CroYdon,

Love is in the air at CroYdon Lifestyle centre and we have all the right moves.
Set up with a combination of Candlelight, soft music and a delicious meal.

Valentine’s Day
16 February 2011

Arrival
Pink Bubbly

Main
Slow cooked oxtail in red wine sauce
Served on seasonal rice
Sweet potato
Creamy Spinach

Dessert
Creamy Crème Brule
Coffee

Dinner starts at 18H30 at R80 per Person and bookings are Essential.

Please book before Tuesday 15 February 2011 at 14:00.
Looking forward to share the evening with you.

CroYdon Team
021 843 3610

Summer Festivals at CroYdon Vineyard Estate

2011-01-25T19:26:00.001+02:00

Summer has arrived and at CroYdon Vineyard Estate we know just how to enjoy the wonderful long evenings.
Join us for a SUMMER FESTIVAL on WEDNESDAY, 26th JANUARY 2011 for an al fresco dinner amongst the vineyards.
This Wednesday ,26 January 2011, we will be hosting a summer festival at the Lifestyle Centre. All are welcome - the braai will be set up in front of the Lifestyle venue.
There will be a jumping castle for the kids.
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Summer Festival Braai Menu

R40.00 per person

Chicken Kebab
Boerewors
Vegetable kebab
Braaibroodjie
Croyden Grapes
Waatlemoen
Spanspek
Vanilla Ice cream

Please place bookings with Yolandi at Reception.

Warm regards

Yolandi Huisamen
Lifestyle Co-ordinator
T 021 843 3610
F 021 843 3609
E lifestyle@croydon-estate.co.za

Helderberg Wine Festival - DAVE NUTTER PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-11-12T13:19:00.005+02:00

With sincere thanks to Dave from Nutters Photography for the lovely photos he took of the Helderberg Wine Festival hosted at CroYdon Vineyard Estate:

Helderberg Wine Festival at CroYdon Vineyard Estate

2010-10-25T19:24:00.004+02:00

CroYdon Vineyard Estate proudly participated in the Helderberg Wine Festival this weekend, with a variety of activities for the whole family.
The children all had tons of fun with the jumping castle and the slippy-slide, while parents, family and friends, had the chance to sample the CroYdon wines including the newly released Chenin Blanc.

Food stalls kept hunger at bay, and CroYdon Olive Estate offered tastings of its Calamata-style olives and extra virgin olive oil.

As the sun set behind Table Mountain, the vineyards were filled with the beautiful sound of Sarah Theron as she serenaded homeowners and guests.
With glasses filled with our wine, a delicious dinner and beautiful music, the start of the Helderberg Festival 2010 was a great success.

Sunday had the men preparing for the Potjiekos competition.
Many serious potjiekos connoisseurs participated for the coveted title of CroYdon Potjiekos Winner 2010.
The winner was Francious Naude, who is also a homeowner at CroYdon Vineyard Estate as well as a winemaker.
Second and third places were awarded to Riaan van Eck and Riaan van Zyl, both also homeowners at CroYdon Vineyard Estate.

As each year passes, we have the pleasure of realising the enjoyment these festivals offer and the wonderful platform for all to showcase their talents and even produce.
We anticipate that the Helderberg Wine Festival 2011 will be even more of a success and bring many more new faces to the heart of the Helderberg: CroYdon Vineyard Estate.

For more information or to request more details about how you too can become a homeowner in this prestigious Vineyard Estate, please contact homeowner and resident SEEFF Property agent:
Claudine Wheeler
072 610 1416
claudine.w@seeff.com

2010 Wine Labeling

2010-09-17T17:16:00.002+02:00

Amazing Race at CroYdon Estate

2010-09-17T16:44:00.002+02:00

Amazing Race 2010
On a cold wet rainy day here in the Winelands the Helderberg Wine Route hosted an Amazing Race. No it’s not the big TV program but an introduction to some of the wine cultures here in the Winelands.
Croydon Vineyard Estate is member of the very popular Helderberg Wine Route and as part of the event the visitors had to learn how to prune vines. Each team had to try and prune as many vines as possible and the team with the highest nr pruned is the winner of this leg. Each team had to complete 4 tasks that range from counting barrels, spotting a duck with number around his leg and the list goes on. Yes it was cold with rain but looking at the teams they were clearly having fun.
First a short introduction to the Estate and wines on offer. Then off to the vineyards for the pruning and then back to warmth with some more wine and a snack for the road. Each team had to rate the wines on offer. Also the idea of understanding what a vine needs to go through to end up producing top class wines. The message from teams were very positive and what a great day out. True winter with good wine. Something that we are proud to present to visitors and homeowners.
Seeff Properties, being the on-site agents with resident agents was part of this event welcoming teams and answer questions on the Estate in terms of sales and activity. But the main aim was having fun and tasting some good wine. The winning team on this leg was Aluscha Kitche with 36 vines in 10min. The average worker will prune about 250 per day on his own. The conclusion: it’s a lot harder than what we think but great outdoor event.
If you would like to get more info on the Estate you can go to the blog at http://www.croydonvineyard.blogspot.com/ or you can email the Resident Seeff Agent at Gerhard@seeff.com or phone us on 076 590 7758
Compiled by Gerhard van Deventer (Seeff Properties)

Spring at CroYdon Vineyard Estate

2010-09-13T11:07:00.002+02:00

Spring has sprung at CroYdon Vineyard Estate

Spectacular scenes

2010-06-30T14:25:00.001+02:00

The secret to living in this estate is to walk around, spot the spectacular scenes and if you lucky enough capture it on film! During the past few days I walked around again and this is what you will see when you walk this lovely estate.

The change in seasons is always a spectacular event and the Western Cape has no shortage of creating beautiful scenes. During the past few days we had some snow on the Helderberg Mountains. See the spectacular sights from the lifestyle centre. We had a very cold spell out here and now we’re back to some lovely warm days again with the snow gone! But that makes change for days where the estate is wrapped in mist in the evenings as the air cools down after warm sunny days. During early mornings you will see the mist hanging above the dams. That’s when you will see the rays of sun crawling over the Helderberg Mountains and through the houses, trees and vineyards of the Estate. All the leaves are now gone and only dew drops hang on the wires. The scene is set for sunsets that any tourist to our shores will fall in love. Even from the estate you will see the sun setting next to the majestic Table Mountain and this is where our next photo came from. It must have been a n aircraft taking off from one of the airports around Cape Town and left its trail. With the sun setting behind it, it created this spectacular scene of this line just hanging next to Table Mountain! The views from CroYdon created some spectacular shots that I had to share with you.

It is truly a beautiful place to live. Here you can still enjoy space and freedom in a secure environment! If you want to view this estate you can contact me as Resident Agent.
Compiled by Gerhard van Deventer (076 590 7758) – Seeff Properties. You can also find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com and search for CroYdonite CroYdon Vineyard Estate.

Valuations

2010-04-26T18:28:00.003+02:00

The City of Cape Town’s 2009 General Valuation Roll was certified by the City Manager in January 2010 and is open to public inspection and objection only until 30 April 2010. All 780 000 properties in the Cape Metropole area (including residential, commercial, agricultural and public infrastructure properties) have been valued at market value as at 01 July 2009. The new valuation roll will be used as a basis for the calculation of property rates from July 2010 onwards.

Should you consider that the valuation of your property is incorrect make sure to lodge your objection with the municipality before the 30th of this month or contact us immediately to assist you therewith at marketing@stbb.co.za

Passion for tradition! Croydon annual grape stomping

2010-02-27T22:50:00.003+02:00

As the sun sets against the majestic Helderberg Mountains, Croydon Vineyard Estate is preparing itself for a fun filled evening with some traditional grape stomping. This once-a-year event goes to the heart of winemaking whereby the residents stamp the grapes to produce the estates “soetvoete” or dessert wine as we would know it and loads of fun!

The preparations start with the cleaning of the fountain. Then the grapes are stripped from the stems and into the pond. The kids get the first run to start the fun. Then the bigger guns come in later. Every now and then a new group of owners will get a turn to ad there “sweet” stamp onto the grapes. As the evening progress the groups tend to walk slower. Wonder why.. maybe it’s all the talking and laughing or maybe.. who knows.. An event at Croydon Vineyard Estate without a nice relaxed dinner and some good wine will just not be a good one. While the stamping is in progress a delightful snack table is set up. This new addition to the estate runs far beyond just an evening like this. It includes a service whereby an owner or a client can come in and order a snack lunch or a drink or a coffee when they visit the estate.

Back to the event.. after a while of pure traditional fun the dinner is served. A calmness falls over the estate as owners and visitors mix over a glass of wine with winemakers Beyers Truter and Corius Visser. Time to share in the delights of living in this lifestyle estate and realise you bought into an age old tradition of winemaking on your doorstep and it’s yours to enjoy! And so yet another great event is engraved in the history books of this wine estate. The secret to a fun filled lifestyle of wine and quality living is now in your reach. Homeowners agree it is events like this that give an estate character and this one is yet again going to set the estate apart from other estates.

For more information on the estate and events at the estate speak to the on-site resident Seeff agent. Article and photos by Gerhard (Seeff agent: 076 590 7758)

A hot day at Croydon

2010-02-27T22:48:00.000+02:00

and more pics

2010-02-27T22:46:00.000+02:00

2010 kicks off! Some news from Seeff Properties

2010-02-12T16:30:00.005+02:00

So 2010 has started, kids are in school, everybody is back at work by now and only the memories of a summer holiday lingering in the back of our minds. For some this is the time where life returns to our daily routine. For Croydon Vineyard Estate this means a new harvest to attend to.

If you want to live and enjoy this lifestyle the secret is to wake up and take an early walk through the farm and see how the day unfolds. Listen to the birds and watch the sun rise over the Helderberg Mountains. This is also the time that you will see the normal activity of the winery kicking into top gear. Staff arrive, the winemaker is in the cellar already hard at work to prepare the cellar for the new harvest. Barrels are visible outside as a sign that the cellar is almost ready for the harvest. Croydon Vineyard Estate had a very good season in 2009 with good blends being produced. In a short message from the winemaker, Corius, the feeling is that the 2010 harvest is again a very good one. We had some good rain and now we had some very hot dry days. This is what is needed to push up the sugar level in the grapes before harvest start! Grapes are tested every day to make sure they harvest each section on the right day.

On the building side it looks like this might be the year where we will see a number of houses going up. It is clear that Croydon Vineyard Estate is a popular place to invest and build at the moment. The feedback from clients searching for a place to build will easily admit that the estate does have a lot of activity compared to other estates. This is dew to good value for money when we look at stands and also the lifestyle a potential buyer will get here. The estate is well established and with a market being more active this estate has placed itself amongst the popular options for buyers to choose from. The end of 2009 showed good sales of stands and houses and the start of 2010 has already produced a number of sales with more in the pipeline. If you drive in the estate with the resident Seeff agent it becomes very clear that we have good activity and now is the time to buy with a general rise in the property market.

So what makes this estate different than others? Few pointers..
Live on a working wine farm.
Enjoy your allocation of wine from the farm and even make your own wine.
Affordable large stands for sale.
Own builder and own architect
True Cape Farm style houses.
Easy access to main routes, airport, beaches, schools and shopping.
Use of fully fledged gym and pool.

But from living in the estate myself it will be the lifestyle that will be the biggest factor. The sense of space and freedom. Five years down the line this estate will still have all the space and the lifestyle we dream about! Make a smart move and come and view this estate to get a taste of true winelands living!

Compiled by Resident Seeff Agent: Gerhard 076 590 7758

Some 2010 views of Croydon

2010-02-12T16:24:00.002+02:00

Harvest 2010

2010-02-12T16:19:00.002+02:00

This is what the Croydon Vineyard Estate is all about... A working wine farm with houses set amongst prime vineyards producing some of the top red blends Beyers Truter is renowned for!

Friday morning (05/02/2010) sees the start of a very busy day on the estate. The secret to living in this lifestyle is to be able to join and experience a harvest and the start of a new season in the heart of the winelands. The true essence of the estate has kicked in with the first grapes being picked, driven to the seller and then the process of winemaking can begin.

This process started a long time ago when the winemaker prepared the vineyards and now the harvest is ready! From the vineyards the grapes are transported to the cellar all on-site and then the grapes are stripped from the branch and leaves. Only the juice and skins will move onto the next face. While the grapes come in the staff is hard at work preparing the tanks. They are washed one more time and then the grape juice start to flow! The grapes will now go into the tank and be moved by hand on a regular basis to make sure air flow through the grapes helping with the fermentation process. This process will take place every 2 hours around the clock! In your bigger wine farms this is done with machinery but being a smaller boutique wine estate everything is done by hand.

In the back round the barrels are waiting and the bottles are ready for the new harvest to come in. This age old tradition is one that started 100’s of years ago and here on Croydon Vineyard Estate the tradition of true winemaking is still going strong under the watchful eye of Beyers Truter and Corius Visser.

The word from the on-site winemaker is that the grapes are looking very well. They have a full dark colour and the sugar levels are very good. These grapes are now in the hands of some of SA’s leading winemakers to produce top quality blends for and from the estate. Something that the homeowner living in this estate can share in!

You can become part of a culture of age old winemaking when you live on this signature working wine farm. For more information, cellar tour or property related questions please feel free to come and visit us or phone the resident Seeff agent.

Compiled and photos by Gerhard (Resident Seeff Agent) 076 590 7758

Harvest 2010

2010-02-12T16:12:00.002+02:00

2009-10-26T13:23:00.000+02:00

The Helderberg Wine Festival was designed to showcase some of the local wine farms with events the public could attend and in the process get to know some of the quality wines that the area has on offer. Croydon Vineyard did not stand one step back and decided to put a fun filled weekend together.

Another stunning sunrise over the Helderberg Mountains with rays of sunlight against the green vineyards of our estate. The day is filled with events like the barrel tasting with the release of the 2009 vintage and red blends, pony rides, penguins, jumping castles and for a touch of class some musicians playing some classical music. The homeowners were invited to a true “potjiekos” event and what better way to spend the days with the other residents than around a fire, good food and wine! Yes we must have a winner so well done to Casper Steenkamp. Second was Emile Burger and 3rd the blue bull team alias Engelbrecht. About the blue bull shirts and flags we won’t say too much down here in the Cape!

All in all a great weekend and something we all look forward to in the next years to come. Home owners all agreed: what an event! If you could not make it you sure missed out on a good weekend. Well done to Corius Visser and his team for putting on such a show! I am sure the home owners and visitors were stunned by the estate and what it has to offer! As the sun sets and we look back we realise we must be some of the most privileged in our beautiful Cape Province to live on this working wine farm.

Music and entertainment with Jak de Priester

2009-10-26T13:20:00.001+02:00

Summer fun around the winery

2009-10-26T13:17:00.001+02:00

SANCCOB plays Croydon a visit

2009-10-26T13:13:00.001+02:00

Eating and drinking outside in the sunshine

2009-10-26T13:09:00.002+02:00

Early morning and the estate is a buzz. Flags go up, little farm stalls are set up, waterslides are out, all set for a top notch day.

Events included two shows by popular artist Jac de Priester, wine tasting, pony rides, water slides, olive tastings and all in all a weekend filled with fun for the family. A treat for the kids was the penguins of SANCCOB while the parents could enjoy a relaxed morning in one of the most spectacular settings in the Western Cape. How can one not fall in love with this beautiful part of our country and how can you not make your home in this friendly and safe environment? All the home owners and visitors agreed: this must be heaven: good wine, good food, good friends and good weather! The day was ended in the lifestyle centre with a dinner along with am interactive performance by Jac de Priester.

Thursday getting ready for the festival

2009-10-26T13:07:00.002+02:00

Corius is spending all his time and efforts with the staff the past week to get the estate in tip top condition. Everything is set after some hard work. There is excitement in the air as the stage is set for a busy weekend at Croydon Vineyard Estate!

THE HELDERBERG WINE FESTIVAL INVITES YOU TO JOIN IN THE FUN

2009-10-22T11:38:00.000+02:00

THE HELDERBERG WINE FESTIVAL INVITES YOU TO JOIN IN THE FUN
AT THE CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE FOR

CROYDON FAMILY DAY

Date: Saturday, 24 October 2009

Time: 10h00 – 18h00

Vineyard tours by Beyers Truter and Corius Visser at 13h00, 14h00, 15h00 (Child minders will be available to watch over the kiddies while parents are at play)
Barrel tasting featuring the new releases of 2009 vintage made by Corius as well the range of Cape Blends available;
Jac de Priester shows @ 10h30 and 17h00 at R230 per head including either breakfast or light supper (pre-booking essential - NO ENTRANCE FEE TO THE FESTIVAL).
Children’s activities: Pony rides, slippery slide, jumping castle available for children
SANCCOB Penguins – Learn about these extraordinary creatures and meet Columbine, an African penguin – 13h00 -14h00

Contact details: Charmain Krotz at the Croydon Vineyard Estate, telephonically on 021 843 3610 or via email on info@croydon-estate.co.za

Date: Sunday, 25 October 2009

Time: 11h00 – 14h00

Barrel tasting featuring Corius Visser’s new releases of the 2009 vintage as well as the range of Cape Blends available
Children’s activities: Pony rides, slippery slide, jumping castle
SANCCOB Penguins – Meet Columbine, an African Penguin and learn about these extraordinary creatures. Show time 12h00 – 13h00
Listen to classical music performed by musicians

Contact detail: Charmain Krotz at the Croydon Vineyard Estate, telephonically on 021 843 3610 or via email on info@croydon-estate.co.za

TICKETS TO HELDERBEERG WINE FESTIVAL ON SALE AT THE ENTRANCE @ R75.00 PER ADULT. CHILDREN FREE. ALL TICKETS SOLD IN AID OF ROUND TABLE SOMERSET WEST

Croydon featured again in Business Day

2009-10-13T10:50:00.003+02:00

Click on article to enlarge.

Join Jak de Priester for a musical experience in the intimate surroundings of the Croydon Vineyard Estate Cellar.

2009-09-16T16:07:00.000+02:00

When: Saturday, 24 October 2009 at 10h30, a light breakfast

Saturday, 24 October 2009 at 17h00 an informal dinner.

Where: Croydon Vineyard Estate, R102, Somerset West

Cost: Tickets @ R230.00 per head. (limited to 60 seats)

To book for your seat at one of the shows, contact Charmain Krotz at the Croydon Vineyard Estate, telephonically on 021 843 3610 or via email on info@croydon-estate.co.za

For more info on the artist, go to www.jakdepriester.co.za

DON'T MISS THIS UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCE!

Message from Winemaker / Boodskap vanaf die wynmaker

2009-09-07T14:30:00.001+02:00

Snoeityd is amper verby, maar daar is nog tyd vir die jaarlikse snoeidag. Ons nooi u hartlik uit, met ‘n snoei skêr in die hand te kom kyk en leer hoe ghoeroe Beyers Truter dit doen.

Datum: 12 September 2009
Tyd: 10h30
Prys: R60 per Volwassene; R30 vir kinders - ligte ete ingesluit.

Groete
Corius

Distant Croydon views tell a little history

2009-07-20T10:06:00.001+02:00

Maria van Riebeeck (De la Quellerie)
For those of you that know or go into a little history the story of Maria might be of interest.

As you drive into the very spectacular Croydon Vineyard Estate you eyes are drawn straight toward the world famous Table Mountain.

The view you see is very different from the normal view we see in adverts taken from the Blouberg side!

The side you see from the estate was once called Maria de la Quellerie sleeping.

So how does it work? If you look at the photo of the sunset over Table Mountain you will see the sleeping Maria with her head on the right, you can see her hair to the far right! Then you can see her nose, mouth and neck as it goes onto her body with her hands folded on top of her body. All under a blanket! Then it goes on to the feet at the left end of her body.

I also included a few links to some information as a few things were named after her. Follow the links below to get more detail.

Maria van Riebeeck (28 October 1629, Rotterdam - 2 November 1664, Malacca) was the wife of Jan van Riebeeck, the Dutch colonial administrator and first commander of the settlement at the Cape.

She was born Maria de la Quellerie, daughter of Abraham de la Quellerie (1589-1630) and Maria du Bois (1593-?) of France. She married Van Riebeeck on 28 March 1649 in Schiedam, The Netherlands. The couple had eight children, of whom most died young.

She died in Malacca, Malaysia on 2 November 1664 at the age of 35. The South African Navy submarine, the SAS Maria van Riebeeck, was named after her. wikipedia.com

So next time you drive into the estate and your focus is drawnto this world famous landmark, look out for the shape of Maria sleeping peacefully.

This must be one of the very spectacular sides of the mountain and one that is often overlooked. We here at Croydon Vineyard Estate are proud to wake up to that view and our boutique wines are grown under her watch full eye. Maybe that is why our estate is so spectacular and our wines world class. Under the careful hand of Beyers Truter and the “lady” keeping a close eye on things.

If you want more information on the estate please email the estate agent at Gerhard@seeff.com or phone me on 076 590 7758

The photos was taken during the past week showing some of the spectacular sunsets here at the Estate.

Provided by Gerhard van Deventer (Seeff Agent)

Croydon winter pictures

2009-07-20T09:55:00.000+02:00

District Mail Skouhuis van die week

2009-07-16T12:33:00.002+02:00

Nuusbrief Junie 2009

2009-06-27T00:44:00.000+02:00

Dit is moeilik om te glo dat die die jaar die halfpad merk verby gesteek het. Met die langste nag wat verby is op die 22 Junie is ons nou behoorlik in die hartjie van die winter.

Die Title Deed wyn is gebottel en ons is besig om die etiketering te reël en sal heel spoedig u as huiseienaars in kennis stel aangaande die beskikbaarheid van die wyn. Hierdie wyn sal die allokasie wees vir die periode 1 Junie 2008 tot en met 31Mei 2009. U as Huiseienaars sal dus binnekort weer rooiwyn in die huis hê, net reg vir die koue winter en die kaggelvuur. Vir die wat nog nie weet nie, ons is tans besig met ‘n projek waar u as huiseienaar of belangstellende u eie vaatjie wyn kan kom versny, botteleer en self etiketteer. Voorbeelde van hierdie wyne word geberg in die vinoteek om in aanmerking te kom vir ‘n kompetisie in die kleine waar ons eie Beyers Truter die wyne teen die einde van September sal proe en beoordeel. Die wen wyn sal daarna aangekondig word. Skakel ons gerus indien u belangstel aangesien dit groot pret vir die hele familie inhou.

Bou bedrywighede het mooi opgetel en ons is bly om te raporteer dat die totale eenhede tans op dertig te staan kom en sluit in die wat in aanbou is of reeds voltooi is. Ons voorsien dat indien die tendens voortduur ons teen Desember heel moontlik tot by veertig huise kan vorder.

Sekuriteit handhaaf ‘n hoë standaard en ons het tot op hede geen probleme ondervind nie. Ons het ook onlangs oorgeskakel na ‘n nuwe sekuriteits maatskappy en ons poog voortdurend om die standaard te handhaaf.

Croydon is tans grasgroen en die voëllewe, sodra die sonnetjie sy kop uitsteek, is opsigtelik. Graag wil ons vra dat enige een wat belangstel en kan help met die uitkenning en aantekening van die voël spesies my asseblief moet kontak. Die tinktinkies, kwikkies, suikerbekkies, kingfishers, duikers, geelbek eende, bleshoenders, waterhoenders en vele meer is ongelooflik mooi. Wees op die uitkyk vir die hase en hier en daar ‘n skilpad as jy ons besoek.

Dankie vir die wat hul heffings betyds betaal en dit vir ons moontlik maak om na jul belegging om te sien. Die funksie lokaal word al meer gebruik en ons wil u aanmoedig om betyds die lokaal te bespreek ten einde terleurstelling te voorkom.

Hou dop ons sal eersdaags weer ‘n snoeidag hou en te oordeel aan laas jaar se opkoms sal dit beslis iets wees om nie te vergeet nie.

Van almal hier by Croydon wens ons u alle voorspoed toe.

Groete

Corius

Bottling the 2009 wine

2009-06-17T12:58:00.001+02:00

Monday 15 June 2009

There is an excitement hanging in the air today. Bottles are standing all over the area as a promise that the golden harvest is ready for its next step. A step closer to being delivered to the proud owners of this boutique estate. The stage is set.

The bottling machine is ready! The helping hands are standing ready to feed the machine. The tank with the first wine to be botteled is connected so we are ready. Bottle after bottle is washed and then filled to the right level. The cork goes on and the first wines of the season are bottled. A nervous but proud moment for the winemaker. After long hard hours to get the best quality grapes out of the vines and then harvesting it and nurturing it to end up in a perfect blend, the wine is in the bottle and now ready for inspection. From here it will get the Croydon Vineyard Estate 2009 label and only then will the winemaker be able to sit back with the homeowners and enjoy the true harvest of this elite wine estate.

If you are interested in becoming a proud owner of this Beyers Truter Signature Development, you can contact the resident Seeff agent for more information. This is true winelands lifestyle. Others dream about it! You can live it!

Photos and article by resident Seeff agent.
Gerhard van Deventer
076 590 7758

Bottling the 2009 wine

2009-06-17T12:55:00.001+02:00

Bottling the 2009 wine

2009-06-17T12:49:00.003+02:00

Notice of informal meeting

2009-05-26T11:42:00.000+02:00

To: All Croydon Vineyard Estate Owners

A number of owners have requested that an informal meeting be held to discuss their concerns about the penalty levies.
The meeting is coordinated by Ivan van der Merwe and he can be contacted on 021 852 8160 or ivan@matchmakers.za.com
A document setting out the issues raised by owners is attached for your information.
Neither the developer, the trustees nor the Association has been involved in any of the arrangements or the contents of the attached document.

The details of the meeting are as follows:

Date: Thursday 28 May 2009
Place: The Lifestyle Centre at Croydon Vineyard Estate
Time: 1800 to 2000

We have no indication of how many owners will be present, so no refreshments will be arranged.

Greetings

MANAGEMENT

Croydon Vineyard features in Weekend Argus

2009-05-05T22:04:00.003+02:00

http://www.monitoringsa.co.za/PDFS/2009/5/2009_05_03_810595.pdf

Editorial in Weekend Argus placed by Seeff Properties over the weekend.

Building clause

2009-05-05T17:26:00.000+02:00

A request has been received from a member of the Association for members to be notified of the address of a blog where owners can debate the building clause. This address is http://croydonestate.blogspot.com/

OVERDUE DEBTORS & HANDLING OF ACCOUNTS

2009-04-23T11:45:00.000+02:00

Dear Homeowners

We would like to take the opportunity to inform you about the procedure for the handling of levies that are in arrears. Please note that levies are payable on the 1st day of every calendar month, after which date the account will be seen as an arrear account. This means that should the levy not have been paid before the end of a current month, it will be considered as a 30 day arrear. Interest will be charged to the account which will be at the prime rate, plus 2 percent, as confirmed by the banker (Nedbank) of the Homeowners Association. You will be notified via sms that your account is in arrears and should be paid within the next 30 days. It will be the responsibility of the homeowner to contact the office to confirm the amount outstanding. Should the account not be settled within the term, it will be handed over to the attorneys, Van der Westhuizen, Vos & Horn Incorporated. This account will be then handled by them and you will be liable to pay legal fees directly to them.

For those who pay the levies on a monthly basis, we would like to extend our thanks for your continued support and would also like to request that you state your erf nr as a reference when making payments. This would enable the HOA to allocate payments correctly to avoid any inconvenience. Kindly complete attached document and return to the office of the Homeowners Association as detailed above to confirm your contact details.

Sincerely
Management

AANGAANDE AGTERSTALLIGE DEBITEURE EN HANTERING VAN REKENINGE

2009-04-23T11:44:00.000+02:00

Beste Huiseienaars

Graag wil ons van die geleentheid gebruik maak om u in kennis te stel oor die prosedure aangaande die hantering van agterstallige heffings. Let dat heffings betaalbaar is op die eerste dag van elke kalender maand en dus word die rekening as agterstallig beskou daarna. Dit bring mee, dat indien die heffing vir die betrokke maand nie betaal is voor die einde van die maand nie die rekening as dertig dae agterstallig beskou word. Op die rekening sal daar dan rente gehef word teen prima uitleenkoers, plus twee persent sal insluit, soos bevestig deur die Huiseienaars Vereniging se bankier (Nedbank). U sal verwittig word via sms dat u rekening agterstallig is en dit binne die volgende 30 dae betaalbaar is. Dit sal u verantwoordelikheid wees om die kantore van die HOA te kontak om die bedrag te bekom. Indien u nie die rekening binne die termyn vereffen nie sal die rekening oorhandig word aan prokureurs Van der Westhuizen, Vos & Horn Ingelyf. Hierdie rekening sal dan verder deur hul gehanteer word en u sal dan verantwoordelik wees om hul regskostes direk aan hulle te vereffen.

Vir die wat gereeld u heffings betaal wil ons graag dankbetuig vir u getroue ondersteuning en ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om u te vra om asb u erf nommer te verstrek met die betaling van u heffing. Dit sal die Hoa in staat stel om bedrae korrek te allokeer en enige ongerief uit te skakel. Ook wil ons vra dat u asb die aangehegte dokument voltooi en asb terug faks of epos na die kantore van Huiseienaars Vereniging by bogenoemde adres, sodat ons u kontak besonderhede kan bevestig en ook verandering aan te bring waar nodig.

Byvoorbaat hartlike dank

Bestuur

Visiting Mayor to Croydon

2009-04-16T20:48:00.001+02:00

Recently the Mayor of Ardagger, a town in the district of Amstetten in Lower Austria in Austria visited Croydon. Buegermeister Johannes Pressl was treated to some of the pleasures of Croydon wine and shown some South African hospitality.

Minutes Special General Meeting 26 March 2009

2009-04-14T09:20:00.002+02:00

Please note that it was the decision of the meeting that the constitution of the Association would remain unchanged and that therefore the current clause relating to the time limits for the construction of housing remains the same. To reiterate, home owners are required to commence building within three years of having taken transfer of their stands, failing which an additional levy would be added to the current monthly levy. Please note that because the billing of the additional levy was held back pending this meeting, home owners that took transfer in January 2006 will be therefore invoiced with this additional levy effective from 1 February 2009 and your account will reflect billing and money due from this date.

CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION

Tel: (021) 843 3610
Fax: (021) 843 3609

MINUTES FOR SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING NO. 1

DATE: 26TH MARCH 2009
TIME: 17:00
VENUE: CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE

ATTENDANCE PANEL ORGANIZATION

JG Bergman (In the Chair) Developer Trustee (JGB)
W Smith Exceed (WS)

ATTENDANCE FLOOR ERF

As per Attendance register held by the Association.

MINUTED BY

T Tyson JBB Development Consultants (TT)

1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

1.1. JGB called the meeting into commencement at 17:29 advising that registration had closed and that a quorum was in attendance.

1.2. JGB thanked all for attending and welcomed them to the meeting.

1.3. JGB advised that the meeting would be held in strict accordance with the Constitution of the Association.

1.4. JGB advised that the sole purpose of the meeting was for voting on the resolutions circulated together with the notice.

1.5. JGB introduced the panel to the floor, namely:

1.5.1. Himself, JG Bergman acting as chairman for the meeting
1.5.2. Willie Smith from Exceed Auditors acting as auditor for the meeting.

2. AGENDA OF THE MEETING

2.1. JGB advised that the meeting would be conducted as follows:

2.1.1. Confirmation of a quorum would be called
2.1.2. Members who are in favour of Special Resolution 2 to be adopted would be asked to vote FOR the passing thereof by holding up their voting cards.
2.1.3. Votes would be counted independently by the panel and confirmed. JGB asked the floor if there was any member who wanted to verify the counting of votes. No member took up the offer.
2.1.4. JGB advised that should Special Resolution 2 be adopted Special Resolution 3 would automatically fall away.
2.1.5. JGB advised that if Special Resolution 2 not be adopted, members who wanted Special Resolution 3 adopted would be asked to vote FOR the passing thereof by holding up their voting cards.
2.1.6. JGB advised that should either Special Resolution 2 or Special Resolution 3 be adopted the Trustee Committee together with the Association will formally request amendment of the Constitution by Council as was quoted from clause 35.2 “… Clauses 1,2,4,5,6,7,12,13,36,37,40 and 41 of the Constitution shall be subject to the prior written consent by Council.”
2.1.7. JGB advised that should neither Special Resolution be adopted the Association will be instructed to proceed in terms of the Constitution with regards to penalty levies.

3. QUORUM

3.1. JGB advised members classified as entitled to vote are as per members meeting the criteria as quoted from clause 29.2 of the Constitution, “… no person other than a Member duly registered, and who shall have paid every levy and other sum (if any) which shall be due and payable to the Association in respect of or arising out of his membership… shall be entitled to vote,…”

3.2. JGB advised that in order for the meeting to be legally constituted a quorum needs to be represented as quoted from clause 25.1 of the Constitution, “… The quorum necessary for the holding of any general meeting shall be such of the Members entitled to vote, as together for the time being, represent at least one-half of the total votes of Members of the Association entitled to vote,…”

3.3. JGB requested and WS confirmed the following:

3.3.1. Total Members of the Association entitled to vote – 122 (as confirmed by WS)
3.3.2. Total number of members required to be represented either in person or by proxy in order to constitute a quorum – 61 (as confirmed by WS)
3.3.3. Total number of Members represented at the Special General Meeting either in person or by proxy – 65 (as confirmed by WS)
3.3.4. JGB therefore confirmed that a quorum was represented and the meeting is legally constituted and can therefore proceed.

4. VOTING CLARIFICATION

4.1. JGB advised that as quoted from clause 29.6 of the Constitution “… A Special Resolution shall be carried by a majority of no less than 75% (seventy five percent) of the total votes of Members who are present in person or represented and are entitled to vote…”

4.2. Therefore the total number of votes required FOR either Special Resolution to be adopted was 49 (as confirmed by WS)

5. SPECIAL RESOLUTION 2

5.1. This was for the amendment of clause 5.2.3 of the Constitution as follows:

From:

“ensuring that the Registered owners commence construction of the dwellings to be erected on the respective Residential Erven within 3 (three) years from date of registration of transfer of the relevant Residential Erven into the Registered Owners’ name from the Developer (first transfer)…”

To:

“ensuring that the Registered owners commence construction of the dwellings to be erected on the respective Residential Erven within 4 (four) years from date of registration of transfer of the relevant Residential Erven into the Registered Owners’ name from the Developer (first transfer)…”

5.2. Special Resolution 2 was proposed by JGB and seconded by EJ van der Horst.

5.3. Member who were in favour of the adoption of Special Resolution 2 were requested to raise their voting cards.

5.4. A total number of 42 votes were received FOR the adoption of Special Resolution 2 including the votes cast by members of the floor and proxies held by the Chairman.

5.5. WS confirmed that the required 49 votes were not received.

5.6. JGB confirmed that therefore Special Resolution 2 was not adopted and the meeting would proceed with the voting on Special Resolution 3.

5.7. A Member from the floor requested clarification as per the voting as the majority of the Members from the floor voted FOR the passing of Special Resolution 2. JGB advised that is must be kept in mind that the vote is not calculated on a simple majority but on a 75% majority and there are members of the floor or represented by proxy abstaining or voting against the resolutions.

6. SPECIAL RESOLUTION 3

6.1. This was for the amendment of clause 7.10.2 of the Constitution as follows:

From:

“the Registered Owner shall pay double the amount of levies payable by the Registered Owner in respect of each month or part thereof beyond the prescribed commencement date that the Owner has not commenced construction on the Residential Erf;”

To:

“the Registered Owner shall be liable for the payment of double the amount of levies payable by the Registered Owner in respect of each month or part thereof beyond the prescribed commencement date that the Owner has not commenced construction on the Residential Erf. However, the Trustees shall be entitled to, on a case by case basis, evaluate claims of financial constraints of the individual homeowners and if deem fit defer the payment of such penalty levies for a maximum of 12 months per erf.”

6.2. Member who were in favour of the adoption of Special Resolution 3 were requested to raise their voting cards.

6.3. A total number of 23 votes were received FOR the adoption of Special Resolution 3 including the votes cast by members of the floor and proxies held by the Chairman.

6.4. WS confirmed that the required 49 votes were not received.

6.5. JGB confirmed that therefore Special Resolution 3 was not adopted and the Association is therefore instructed to proceed in terms of the Constitution with regards to penalty levies.

7. GENERAL COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR

7.1. A Member from the floor stated that he submitted a proposal to the Association with regards to extending the building period to 5 years and his suggestion was not transformed into a special resolution for consideration. JGB responded that a large number of suggestions were received but it would not have been practical to put all suggestions forward as special resolutions and that the Trustee Committee responded with the proposed resolutions in accordance with what they felt would be the most reasonable.

7.2. A Member from the floor requested clarification of proxies received by the Association. WS and JGB advised that a number of proxies were received by the Association. Some were for Members of the floor to vote on their behalf. In this case the member requested to vote were given an additional voting card in order to carry out the requested vote. Other proxies were received by the association for the chairman to vote on their behalf. In this instance these were added to the vote from the floor.

7.3. A Member from the floor enquired about the votes held by the Developer. JGB responded and advised that as stated the developer has not utilised it 650 votes but has retained the right to vote on the erven still owned by themselves.

7.4. A Member from the floor further to item 7.3 as to how the Developer voted. JGB advised that all the individual shareholders were requested to submit their own proposals on how to vote and therefore the developer vote is mixed as some did vote in favour of the resolution.

7.5. Ivan van der Merwe advised the floor that he had put together a blog on the estates blog in order for the Members of the Association to discuss the Special General meeting and was unhappy that the Association did not circulate the details thereof as requested by himself. Corius Visser, the estate manager, advised that details of the blog was circulated by the Association to the members thereof. Members from the floor confirmed they had received notification.

7.6. A Member from the floor commented that he is aware of several members who were not aware of the Special General meeting. JGB requested that he contact the Estate directly in order to discuss the matter as the administrative staff advised all members in accordance with their contact details held by the Association.

7.7. A member from the floor queried weather the notification was sent out correctly. JGB advised that Abrahams & Gross, being legal advisory of the Association, were consulted in this regard and should the member feel that the notification was not sent out correctly he should then approach the Estate in order to establish the procedure followed.

8. CLOSE

8.1. JGB advised that should any Member wish to call a Special General Meeting they are allowed to do so provided they follow the procedures outlined in the Constitution.

8.2. JGB thanked all for attending the meeting and called it to a close.

Invitation to Easter Service

2009-04-09T09:45:00.002+02:00

Dear Homeowners, Friends & Family

We would like to extend a heartily invitation to all to join us for a Special Easter Service to be held on Friday, 10 April 2009 at 9h00am at Croydon Vineyard Estate Lifestyle Centre

Van die Landgoed bestuurder/wynmaker - From the Estate Manager/ Winemaker Beste Huiseienaars

2009-03-25T11:42:00.002+02:00

Pars 2009 is iets van die verlede. Die wyne is droog gegis en is almal besig met appelmelksuur gisting. Kleure is besonders mooi vanjaar en dit wil voorkom of dit die algemene tendens is regdeur die bedryf. Die oes was ligter as die verwagte en kan toegeskryf word aan die warm klimaat in Februarie en Maart. Ook het ons redelike streng oesbeheer praktyke gevolg om kwaliteit na te streef en het ons slegs een tros per loot gelos. Die wingerde is besig om te vorm en ons sien uit in die toekoms om wyne van hoogstaande gehalte te maak. Die port aand was weereens ‘n groot sukses en ons kan net dankie sê vir die huiseienaars wat hier was. Eienaars het self gebraai en piekniek op die gras voor die gebou gehou als om ‘n ware Croydon fees te skep. Mooi so, so doen ons dit mos. Moenie volgende jaar misloop nie en kyk na die foto’s op die blog.

As jy op die N2 ry na Somerset Wes uit die Kaap se rigting sal jy sien hoe ons wyndorp besig is om te vereis. Tans is daar vyf huise onder konstruksie en nog drie wat begin. Die planne kom mooi in en ons kan nie wag om die huise wat beplan word te sien opkom nie.

Ons nuwe sekuriteit maatskappy het suksesvol oorgeneem en daar word voortdurend gepoog om die diens te verbeter. Dit alles om Croydon ‘n veilige hawe te maak vir almal wat hier bly. Dit is met blydskap om te kan sê dat daar geen ongeruimdhede gerapporteer is nie. Dankie vir die samewerking van julle as huiseienaars.

Die Seeff agente is hard aan die werk en dit wil voorkom of daar stadig maar seker meer belangstelling getoon word vanuit die mark. Ons het nou ons eie vlae wat wapper en dit trek aandag. Hou hulle nuusbriewe dop vir meer inligting.

Winter kan nou gerus aanbreek. Ons kan swaarlik byhou by al die water gee op die landgoed. Gelukkkig is paasnaweek om die draai en weet ons Kapenaars mos dis die draaipunt. Herfs het al sy kleure begin wys en die luilekker herfsdae lê voor. Wat ‘n pragtige uitsig oor die berge bederf ons nie hier elke dag nie, iets om na uit te sien as jy nog nie hier bly nie.

Dankie vir die getroue ondersteuning en samewerking van julle as huiseienaars. Ons poog voortdurend om ons diens te verbeter en verwelkom jul insette. Tot ‘n volgende keer wees gegroet vanaf Croydon.

Corius Visser

'Let's play!" Croydon Port Festival 12 March

2009-03-17T09:34:00.001+02:00

On Thursday 12 March 09 the owners of Croydon Vineyard Estate went back to the roots of winemaking and what better way than to have as much fun as possible while you do this.

Homeowners are invited on a regular basis to share in the activities of the wine farm.

This time round the fountain was cleaned and turned into a bath of grapes for the homeowners to have fun in. First an introduction from the master (Beyers Truter) himself and then the grapes are stripped from the stems and in the fountain it goes..
As usual we wait for the kids to show us how to do it and how to have fun and then the big guns take over. And they took over in style (and loads of laughter)!!

While some owners preferred to stand on the side with a big smile at all the fun happening, others went wild trying every possible method to get as much juice out of the grapes as possible. On there hands and knees making sure all the juice of this new harvest is squeezed out to be turned into the next dessert wine from the estate.

Like the t-shirt said: Let’s Play and they did. Some were covered from top to bottom in the holy juice that forms the backbone of this signature wine estate.

The evening ended with a braai out on the lawn under the big yellow full moon where homeowners could sit and enjoy a picnic atmosphere and one thing is for certain.. this festive event got the thumbs up from all the owners that attended. Make sure you join in 2010!

Photos taken by Albert Gerber (Seeff Properties)
Report by Gerhard van Deventer (Seeff Properties)

2009-03-17T09:32:00.000+02:00

2009-03-17T09:24:00.001+02:00

2009-03-17T09:21:00.000+02:00

INVITATION TO PORT FESTIVAL 12 MARCH 2009

2009-03-05T16:01:00.001+02:00

You are cordially invited to join Beyers Truter
at Croydon Winery for the 2nd annual harvest celebration,
featuring grape stomping in the fountain in the winery forecourt!

Date: 12 March 2009
Time: from 19:00 till 21:00 (when ever…)
Dress Code: informal – dress for stomping on grapes
(Shower facilities are available)
RSVP: by Tuesday 10 March 2009 to 021 843 3610 or info@croydon-estate.co.za
Cost: R50 per person

Cash bar will be available

This is promised to be another fun filled occasion

Hope to see you all – not to be missed!
Corius Visser, Wine maker

SA Property features Croydon

2009-03-04T20:57:00.003+02:00

SA Property Monthly recently featured Croydon Vineyard Estate on its front cover.

www.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

Notice of Special General Meeting at Croydon Lifestyle Centre on Monday the 26th of March 2009 at 17:00

2009-02-26T18:08:00.001+02:00

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE
CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

(“the Association”)

NOTICE is hereby given that the Special General Meeting of the Association will take place on Monday the 26rd of March 2009 at 17:00. The venue for the Meeting is the Croydon Lifestyle Centre.

Please note that registration will take place from 16:30.

General Information:

Attached please find the following:
Special Resolution 2
Special Resolution 3
Proxy Form

The Special General Meeting, as requested by several members present at the Annual General Meeting, has been called for the sole purpose of voting for or against the attached resolutions.

Note that in terms of the following Clause of the Constitution, should either resolution be passed, the amendment will still need to be approved by Council and final approval and implementation of the amendment is dependant on their approval thereof:

35.2 Further to clause 35.1 above, any amendment or alteration shall during the Development Period, shall be subject to the prior written consent of the Developer and in respect of any amendment or alteration to Clauses 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 36, 37, 40 and 41 of the Constitution shall be subject to the prior written consent of the Council.

Note that, as stated, the Developer, namely Realty Dynamix 16 (Pty) Ltd, will not utilize it’s 650 casting vote for the purposes of establishing a quorum or to vote on the attached special resolutions although it will utilize it’s votes in respect of the erven which it owns .

Quorum:

Your attention is drawn to Clause 25 of the Constitution regarding a quorum, which reads as follows:

No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business. The quorum necessary for the holding of any general meeting shall be such of the Members entitled to vote, as together for the time being, represent at least one-half of the total votes of all Members of the Association entitled to vote, and provided further that, for the duration of the Development Period, the Developer is present in person or by proxy.

If within half an hour from the time appointed for the holding of a general meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened on the requisition of the Members, shall be dissolved, in any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same place and time, or at such other place as the Chairperson of the meeting shall appoint, and if such adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Members present shall be a quorum, provided that, for the duration of the Development Period, the Developer is present in person or by proxy.

Voting:

Your attention is drawn to Clause 29 of the Constitution regarding voting, specifically the following clauses, which read as follows:

29.2 Save as expressly provided for herein, no person other than a Member duly registered, and who shall have paid every levy and other sum (if any) which shall be due and payable to the Association in respect of or arising out of his membership, and who is not under suspicion, shall be entitled to be present or to vote on any question, either personally or by proxy, at any general meeting.

29.6 An ordinary resolution (that is a resolution other than a Special Resolution) shall be carried on a simple majority of all the votes cast thereon as provided for in clause 29.1 above. A Special Resolution shall be carried by a majority of no less than 75% (seventy five per cent) of the total votes of the Members who are present in person or represented and who are entitled to vote. An abstention shall not be counted as a vote for or against the resolution in question. In the case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of the general meeting shall be entitled to a casting vote in addition to its deliberative vote.

Resolutions:

Special Resolution 2 is for the amendment to clause 5.2.3 of the Constitution as attached, resulting in the extension of the building period from 3 to 4 years.

Special Resolution 3 is for the amendment to clause 7.10.2 of the Constitution as attached, resulting in the Trustee Committee being authorized to evaluate financial constraints of members on a case by case basis and if deemed fit, to defer the payment of their penalty levies for a maximum of 12 months per erf.

Note that each member entitled and wishing to cast a vote, will be requested to vote for or against Special Resolution 2, and should it be passed Special Resolution 3 will automatically become null and void. If Special Resolution 2 not be passed, each member entitled and wishing to vote will be requested to vote for or against Special Resolution 3.

Proxies:

Your attention is drawn to Clause 28 of the Constitution regarding the appointment of proxies, which reads as follows:

28.1 A member may be represented at a general meeting by a proxy, who need not be a member of the Association. The proxy shall be entitled to vote at the general meeting on behalf of that member. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing signed by the member concerned or his duly authorized agent in writing, but need not be in any particular form, provided that where a member is more than one person, any one of those persons may sign the instrument appointing a proxy on such member’s behalf, where a member is a company the same may be signed by the chairman of the board of directors of the company or by its secretary, and where an Association of persons, by the secretary thereof.

28.2 The said proxy shall be deposited at the office of the Association’s Secretary at least 24 (Twenty Four) hours prior to the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting.

28.3 No instrument appointing the proxy shall be valid after the expiration of 12 (Twelve) months calculated from the date of its execution.

For any further information in this regard please do not hesitate to contact the Association.

JAN BERGMAN
CHAIRPERSON
CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

SPECIAL RESOLUTION 2

RESOLVED THAT:

Clause 5.2.3 that currently states:

“ensuring that the Registered owners commence construction of the dwellings to be erected on the respective Residential Erven within 3 (three) years from date of registration of transfer of the relevant Residential Erven into the Registered Owners’ name from the Developer (first transfer)…”

Be amended as follows:

“ensuring that the Registered owners commence construction of the dwellings to be erected on the respective Residential Erven within 4 (four) years from date of registration of transfer of the relevant Residential Erven into the Registered Owners’ name from the Developer (first transfer)…”

Outcome:

The amendment extends the period in which construction is required to commence from 3 (three) to 4 (four) years.

MEMBERS PRESENT:
VOTES FOR:
VOTES AGAINST:
ABSTENTIONS:

The Special Resolution is hereby________________________________________

__________________________________
CHAIRMAN

SPECIAL RESOLUTION 3

RESOLVED THAT:

Clause 7.10.2 that currently states:

“the Registered Owner shall pay double the amount of levies payable by the Registered Owner in respect of each month or part thereof beyond the prescribed commencement date that the Owner has not commenced construction on the Residential Erf;”

Be amended as follows:

“the Registered Owner shall be liable for the payment of double the amount of levies payable by the Registered Owner in respect of each month or part thereof beyond the prescribed commencement date that the Owner has not commenced construction on the Residential Erf. However, the Trustees shall be entitled to, on a case by case basis, evaluate claims of financial constraints of the individual homeowners and if deem fit defer the payment of such penalty levies for a maximum of 12 months per erf.”

Outcome:

The amendment as passed above enables the Trustee Committee to defer the payment of penalty levies for a period of 12 months per erf should the owner be under financial strain. commence construction.

MEMBERS PRESENT:
VOTES FOR:
VOTES AGAINST:
ABSTENTIONS:

The Special Resolution is hereby________________________________________

__________________________________
CHAIRMAN

Blessing of the 2009 Harvest

2009-02-13T10:24:00.004+02:00

Passion and patience!

On Tuesday 10 February the homeowners were invited to attend the Blessing of the Harvest.

During this event the home owners were introduced to the start of the winemaking process and they tasted the day’s harvest -this is in the form of almost pure grape juice. The men had to stir the grapes giving it oxygen while the women mixed the yeast going into the wine.

They were given some wine that had started the process of fermentation already so they could taste the difference in grapes/wine after two and three days.

After all this winemaking activities the home owners were invited to a dinner and of course some wine from the farm!

The home owners all agreed this is what living on a working wine farm should be like. Informative and enjoying the harvest from your own wine farm. This is the lifestyle others just dream about and we live it! Provided by Gerhard van Deventer (Seeff Resident Agent)

Blessing of the 2009 Harvest

2009-02-13T10:22:00.003+02:00

The Blessing of the 2009 Harvest

2009-02-13T10:19:00.003+02:00

2009 Harvest

2009-02-13T10:16:00.002+02:00

2009 Harvest

2009-02-13T10:13:00.000+02:00

2009 Harvest

2009-02-13T10:08:00.003+02:00

The 2009 harvest

2009-02-13T10:04:00.002+02:00

Van die Landgoed bestuurder/wynmaker - From the Estate Manager/ Winemaker

2009-02-02T12:48:00.002+02:00

Beste Huiseienaars

Dit is moeilik om te glo dat die eerste maand van 2009 al amper op sy rug le. Ek hoop en vertrou u het ‘n geseënde en voorspoedige feestyd beleef en wil ook die vertroue uitspreek dat in 2009 die voorspoed u sal verveel.

Hier by Croydon is dit skouer aan die wiel en is dit ‘n miernes van bedrywighede om als reg te kry vir die pars wat binne die volgende twee weke aanbreek. Die druiwe het mooi verkleur en ons sien uit daarna om die kelder nat te maak met ons werklike eerste vol produserende wingerde se druiwe. Hou dop vir nuus oor wanneer ons weer die jaarlikse port trap in die fontein voor die kelder gaan hou. Dit beloof om weer vol opwinding te wees soos laas jaar. Vir die wat daar was, ons het nie vergeet van julle botteltjie soetwyn nie en ons sal laat weet wanneer dit reg is. Die wyne van 2008 vertoon ook goed in die vate en sodra wyn ghoeroe Beyers Truter te vrede is om te botteleer kan jul ook verwag dat jul jaarlikse kwota binnekort beskikbaar sal wees. .

Daar is tans 10 huiseienaars woonagtig op die landgoed en vyf huurders wat huise okkupeer. Graag wil ek spesiaal vir die twee Burger gesinne, Krugers, Barnards, Steenkamp en die Wilsons wat onlangs ingetrek het baie hartlik welkom heet. Hoop u verblyf is net so aangenaam soos almal van ons wat reeds hier is dit beleef. Dit is ‘n plesier om soggens werk toe te ry en die wingerde met die mooi berge in die agtergrond te aanskou en weereens bevoorreg te voel om hier te bly. Vir die wat nog nie begin bou het nie en dalk nog planne het moet nie wag nie. Vier nuwe huise het begin oor die feestyd en binnekort sal nog ander volg.

Die funksie lokaal is aan die gang en al hoe meer mense gebruik die fasiliteit. Indien u sou belangstel om te gebruik skakel Charmaine vir verder inligting. Dit was aangenaam om ‘n hele paar families saam hier op kersdag te kon hê met ons eerste jaarlikse kersdiens gehou deur ons eerste inwonende dominee MC Engelbreght. Ons sal voortaan meer sulke geleenthede met bv. Paasfees ens. hou.

Die feestyd was beslis goed vir baie van ons te oordeel aan die gebruik van die gimnasium. So die wat nog gewonder het of hulle die ekstras nog wil afskud die gimnasiumm is 24 uur oop vir u gebruik. Volg asb die huisreels soos u sou doen by enige ander gimnasium Geniet die gebruik van u eie gimnasium.

Ek is bly om te kan se dat daar nog geen voorvalle was waar die sekuriteit van die landgoed onder gedrang gekom het nie. Ons is van plan om dit so te hou en is voordurend besig is om die gehalte van diens te verbeter.

Water water water is al wat die tuine nodig het. ‘n Bietjie reen sal welkom wees. Ons woel egter om by te hou met natmaak en is tans besig om die winterwerk te beplan. Kyk uit vir die voels en as jy ‘n liefhebber is kontak my gerus ek sal graag ‘n opname wil laat maak van al die spesies. As jy vroeg oggend ons besoek of laat saans kyk uit vir die hase in die pad. Dit is goed om nog so stukkie natuurlewe oor te he. Vir julle met honde en katte wat hier bly moenie vergeet om hulle aan ‘n halsband te hou nie en aan julle katte klokkies te sit nie. Dit sal hartseer wees as ons ons voellewe en ander lewe bedreig indien ons onbedagsaam is.

Vir alle huiseienaars wat betyds betaal en getrou hul heffings betaal. Baie dankie. U stel ons in staat om die landgoed netjies te hou en op te bou.

Ek sal voortaan u meer op hoogte hou van wat aangaan op die landgoed. Kontak my gerus indien u enige navrae het. Ek sal dit sover moontlik beantwoord.

Landgoed bestuurder/wynmaker

Corius Visser

Dear Home Owners

It is hard to believe that the first month of 2009 is behind us. I hope and trust that you had a blessed festive season and wish you the best for what lies ahead in 2009.

Here at Croydon we are putting shoulder to the wheel and everything is a hive of activity as we prepare for the pressing of the grapes that will occur within the next two weeks. The grapes have developed great colour and we are looking forward to getting the cellar wet with grapes from our genuine first full production off the vines. Keeo your eyes open for the news about when the next annual port stomping that takes place in the fountain in front of the cellar. It promises to be as exciting as last year. As far as the year that passed it concerned, we have not forgotten about your bottles of sweet wine and we will let you know when it is ready. The wines of 2008 are presenting in the vats well and as soon soon as guru Beyers Truter is satisfied that we can begin bottling, and you can expect you annual quota to be ready.

There are currently ten home owners living on the Estate and five families occupying rented homes. I want to especially welcome the two Burger families, the Krugers, Barnards, Steenkamps and the Wilsons who moved in recently. We hope your stay with us is as enjoyable as everyone else has found it to be. It is a pleasure to drive to work with the vineyards and mountains as a backdrop and a privilege to live here. For those of you that have not begun building and who have not yet made plans do not wait. Four new houses have begun over the festive season and more will soon follow.

The functions venue is being used increasingly. If you are interested in using it call Charmain for further information. It was a pleasure to have a few families with us at the Christmas service given by our first in-house dominee MC Engelbrecht. We hope to have more Christmas occasions like this.

A good Christmas for a lot of us will also mean that the gym can be useful for shedding those extra pounds and remember that it is open 24 hours a day. Please observe the house rules as you would in any other gym and enjoy it.

I am pleased to report that there have been no security related incidents on the Estate. We plan to keep it this way and we are always looking for ways to improve matters.

Water water water is all that the gardens need. A little rain will be welcome too and we will keep planning for winter while keeping things watered. Look out for the birds if you are a birdlover and feel free to contact me with what you have spotted as I keep a list of the species. If you are up early, look out for the hares in the road. It is great to have some wildlife around. For those of you with dogs and cats please remember to place a small bell on the collars. It would be a pity to threaten the wild life it we are not careful.

To all home owners that pay their levies on time – thanks. You make it possible to keep the Estate in good condition.

I plan to keep you informed of developments on the Estate. Please feel free to contact me if you have any enquries. I will help with as many as possible.

Estate Manager/winemaker

Corius Visser

Invitation: 7 February - join Corius for Boerewors Rolls & Sparkling Wine

2009-01-30T09:55:00.003+02:00

You are hereby invited to come and enjoy a walk through the vineyards & taste the flavors of the grapes from the different cultivars on Croydon. The walk will start from the Lifestyle Centre on Saturday, 7 February 2008 at 7h30 & will end at 10h00. Boerewors Rolls & Sparkling Wine will be served.

Cost R50 per person.

For bookings please contact the Lifestyle Centre on 021 843 3610 or info@croydon-estate.co.za. R.S.V.P before Wednesday, 4 February 2008.

Regards from the vineyards

Corius Visser

Croydon and Cape Town Film Studios - more news

2009-01-26T21:13:00.000+02:00

Construction recently started to turn 200 hectares of land, near pristine wetlands and lush Cape vineyards, into Africa's first state-of-the art studio worthy of Hollywood or Bollywood.

Cape Town Film Studios, initially named Dreamworld, lies 25 kilometres east of its namesake city. It is the country's largest ever investment in its film industry, which employs more than 20,000 people.

Hope runs high it will boost the sector's annual earnings from the current R1 billion to as much as four times that amount.

"It is like manna, honey to the bees. It positions us as believing in the future of filmmaking in Africa," the chief executive of Cape Town Film Studios, Nico Dekker said.

The project, estimated at R430 million funded by shareholders and a R30 million investment by the Western Cape government, has been five years in the making. The first stage should take shape within a year and construction completed by February 2010.

Such an investment during a global recession does not daunt Dekker, who has confidence in South Africa's varied locations, lower production costs and what he touts as highly skilled crews.

Already parts of the 2008 film "10,000 BC", the 2006 hit "Blood Diamond" and movies starring big names like Steven Seagal, Juliette Binoche and Andie MacDowell have been filmed here.

"People don't come to South Africa only for the locations," he said."Now you can shoot through winter so you attract a different kind of production."

The only other African country with a bustling film industry is Nigeria, but its films are low-budget, mobile, non-studio productions shot on video which are often pirated as soon as they hit the streets.

Morocco has a big film studio in Ourzazate, which has hosted productions such as the 2006 film "Babel" with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, but is not on the scale of Cape Town Film Studios.

And with one of the largest Indian communities outside India, South Africa is big on Bollywood. Indian producers have flocked to film on location here in recent years and the new studio is expected to attract even more.

Bollywood producer Kumar Taurani spent three months in South Africa last year shooting the action thriller "Prince of Thieves", after 45 days in 2007 filming the blockbuster "Race" in what he describes as a "hassle free shoot".

"We got permission to shoot almost everywhere. We blocked roads for days, all government organisations gave us full cooperation," Taurani said.

'We need a common vision'
Despite its 100-year history, South Africa's own film industry never quite caught the wave that propelled smaller countries such as Australia, France and Germany to filmmaking success.

South African filmmaker Derek Antonio Serra blames years of white-minority rule that he said stifled the industry, which turned out mostly "politically correct, boring, dull" movies in post-apartheid years. The government put money into films aimed at "nation-building" and storylines got stuck around apartheid or crime, he said.

Outside a handful of movies like the 2006 "Tsotsi", that earned an Oscar for best foreign language film, South African productions have no appeal for an international audience, Serra said.

"We have a distribution problem (so) we can't make money from our films." He and others feel the new studio will stimulate creativity and improve quality, notably by encouraging more co-productions on international films.

"There are clearly projects that can't come to this country simply because we don't have stage space," said Philip Key, managing director of Moonlighting, a local production company with divisions in Chile and Romania.

It would be a "very attractive" option, he added, for firms like his to have offices at the new studio. This would "enable us to be competitive ... our scope will widen."

The Cape Town Film Studios have already recruited 61 local film-related companies to take up permanent residence at the studios; these include post-production, set building, and costume designers. “By bringing these industries together the studios will offer a one-stop venue for film makers,” said Dekker, “while ensuring local industries benefit from the foreign interest.”

For Dekker, the new studio, which will include a vast 7,000 square metres (75,300 square feet) of sound stage, is the first step to "unlock the full potential of our industry".

"We have got great crew and great locations but that is a very shallow path because if another country offers better conditions then people just go there." He has planned three major events in 2009 to bring in industry players from North America, Europe and Asia to promote South Africa as a film destination, but stressed the local industry will not be ignored.

Several projects are in the pipeline including a crew training academy at the studio and cheaper rates for South African producers when major films are not in the making.

"The whole idea is that the studio becomes a hub that you can use as a foundation from where it (local filmmaking) grows," he said. "We need a common vision and common ground for our own industry." sagoodnews.co.za

Important Notice about Special General Meeting

2009-01-08T16:19:00.001+02:00

Dear Croydon Homeowners

There seems to be a little bit of confusion with regards to the holding and procedural process of the Special General Meeting that will be called in order to vote on the building penalty levies, therefore please note the following:

1. Together with the information with regards to the holding of the Special General Meeting you received 2 resolutions marked as Annexure A and B respectively. Annexure A relates to the deferment of payment of the penalty levies by 12 months, i.e. all the penalty levies accrued will be due and payable at the end of 4 years. Annexure B related to extending the commencement of building from 3 years to 4.

2. The Homeowners Association requests that should you have any queries and or comments, variations or additions to please send same to the HOA by the 14th of January.

3. Shortly after the 14th the Trustees will be meeting to discuss all the comments received and should additional resolutions be required these will be drafted.

4. The proposed resolutions as well as the date for the Special General Meeting will be sent to all the Homeowners once all the resolutions have been finalized.

5. Should you not be able to attend the meeting please complete a proxy form outlining the resolution you wish to vote for and submit to the HOA.

Kind regards,

Corius Visser
______________________________________

Beste Huiseienaars

Dit wil vir ons voorkom of daar onduidelikheid is in die hou en prosedure van die spesiale algemene vergadering wat ten doel het om te kan stem oor die bou boete heffings. Graag wil ons dit aan die hand van die volgende verduidelik:

1. Soos in vorige eposse het u reeds die informasie ontvang van die beoogde Spesiale Algemene Vergadering. Saam met dit het u ‘n aanhangsel A en aanhangsel B onderskeidelik ontvang. Aanhangsel A handel oor die uitstel van betaling van die boete heffing met twaalf maande met die bedoeling dat dit volledig betaalbaar sal wees aan die einde van die vierde jaar na eerste oordrag plaasgevind het. Aanhangsel B handel oor die verlenging van die intree datum vanaf eerste oordrag waarop konstruksie moet begin van 3 jaar tot 4 jaar.
2. Die huiseienaars vereniging versoek dat sou u enige navrae, kommentaar of voorstelle asseblief sal stuur na die Huiseienaars Vereniging voor of op 14 Januarie 2009.
3. Die Trustees sal spoedig na die 14de Januarie vergader en die terugvoering bespreek asook die voorstelle of veranderings. Indien sodanig sal nuwe resolusies opgetrek word vir u insae.
4. Sodra alle resolusies gefinaliseer is sal alle voorgestelde resolusies asook die datum van die voorgestelde Spesiale Algemene Vergadering aan u deurgegee word.
5. Indien u nie die Spesiale Algemene Vergadering op voorgestelde datum (moet nog gegee word) nie kan bywoon nie, kan u in stemming bly deur vir u ‘n verteenwoordiger aan te wys. Vorms in die verband sal kennisgewing van die Spesiale Algemene Vergadering vergesel en moet deur u voltooi word.

Indien enige navrae kontak gerus die kantoor. U terugvoering word opreg waardeer.

Vriendelike Groete,
Bestuur

Proposal for a Special General Meeting: submit proposals by 14 January 2009

2009-01-07T14:37:00.003+02:00

Beste Huiseienaar

Graag wil ons van die geleentheid gebruik maak om u voorspoed toe te wens vir 2009. Mag dit ‘n geseënde jaar wees vir u en u familie.

Ons het in Desember die notules van die Algemene Jaarlikse Vergadering uitgestuur asook die voorstel van die hou van ‘n Spesiale Algemene Vergadering vir bespreking en besluitneming van die hantering van die bou klosjule wat in Januarie 2009 inwerking tree vir eienaars wat in Januarie 2006 oordrag geneem het. As gevolg van tegniese redes is ons nie seker of almal dit gekry het nie en sal graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om dit weer aan te stuur. Let asb daarop dat die sperdatum van terugvoering in die skrewe deur gegee word as 5 Januarie 2009. Inaggenome die feit dat dit ook in die feestyd uitgestuur is wil ons graag die datum vir terugvoering aanskuif na 14 Januarie 2009.

Indien u enige navrae het kontak asseblief die Landgoed by (021) 843-3610.

Groete

Corius Visser
Landgoed Bestuurder
_____________________________

Dear Homeowner

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2009. We trust that this will be a blessed year for you and your loved ones.

In December we sent out the minutes of the Annual General Meeting as well as the proposal for a Special Annual General Meeting regarding the discussion of the building regulation which is applicable from January 2009 for homeowners who took transfer in January 2006. Due to technical reasons we are not sure that all homeowners did receive the emails and would like to resend the emails. Please note that according to the proposal the last date for response was on 5th January 2009. However, considering the fact that it was sent out during the festive season we would like to set the response date to 14 January 2009.

Should you have any enquiries please contact the Estate on (021) 843-3610.

Regards

Corius Visser
Estate Manager

CROYDON VINEYARD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
PROPOSED HOLDING OF A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

Dear Croydon Vineyard Homeowners Association Members

At the Annual General Meeting held on the 4th of December 2008 at 17:00 at the Croydon Vineyard Estate it was proposed that a Special General Meeting be called in order to make a decision with regards to Penalty Levies with regards to commencement of construction, as defined in clause 7.10.2 of the Constitution as follows:

“the Registered Owner shall pay double the amount of levies payable by the Registered Owner in respect of each month or part thereof beyond the prescribed commencement date that the Owner has not commenced construction on the Residential Erf;”

The construction commencement date as mentioned above is prescribed as follows in clause 5.2.3 of the Constitution:

“ensuring that the Registered owners commence construction of the dwellings to be erected on the respective Residential Erven within 3 (three) years from date of registration of transfer of the relevant Residential Erven into the Registered Owners’ name from the Developer (first transfer)…”

The options put forward in this regard are as follows:

Construction period remains the same.

Payment of penalty levies is deferred. (Resolution to amend constitution Attached hereto as Annexure “A” for consideration).

Construction commencement is extended to 4 (four) years (Resolution to amend constitution Attached hereto as Annexure “B” for consideration).

The legal process that needs to be followed for the possible amendment of the Constitution is as follows:

Clause 35 states that a general meeting needs to be held and should the outcome of the meeting be option B or C as mentioned above this would require adoption of a Special Resolution as well as written consent by Council.

In order for a general meeting to be legally constituted a quorum will need to be present as defined in clause 25.1 of the Constitution namely, representation of at least one half of the total number of votes of the members entitled to vote of the Association.

In order for a Special Resolution to be carried this will require a 75% majority vote by members present at the meeting by person or representation as outlined in clause 29.6 of the Constitution.

Due to the importance and implications directly to the members of the association it is the Developers decision to abstain from using its casting vote for the purpose of either calling the meeting or voting on the outcome, however reserves the right to utilize the votes entitled to it from the unsold erven.

In accordance with the above and the comments made at the Annual General meeting we request that should you have comments or suggestions with regards to the attached resolutions you please submit same to the Homeowners Association by the 5th of January 2009 in order for the final drafts of the proposed resolutions to be sent out with the official notice of the meeting.

Kind regards,
C Visser
On behalf of the Croydon Vineyard Estate Homeowner Association.
ANNEXURE “A”

SPECIAL RESOLUTION 1 PASSED BY MEANS OF A SHOW OF HANDS VOTE OF AT LEAST 75% OF THE TOTAL MEMBERS PRESENT ENTITLED TO VOTE OF THE CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AT A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON ___________________________________________________

RESOLVED THAT:

Clause 7.10.2 that currently states:

“the Registered Owner shall pay double the amount of levies payable by the Registered Owner in respect of each month or part thereof beyond the prescribed commencement date that the Owner has not commenced construction on the Residential Erf;”

Be amended as follows:

“the Registered Owner shall pay double the amount of levies payable by the Registered Owner in respect of each month or part thereof beyond the prescribed commencement date that the Owner has not commenced construction on the Residential Erf. Payment of such double levies may be differed for a period of 12 (twelve) months bearing no interest and will be payable by the Registered Owner to the Association at the expiry of the 12 (twelve) month period”

Outcome:

The amendment as passed above enables the Homeowners Association to postpone payment by the registered owner of the penalty levies by 12 months at which time the levies for the period will be due and payable by the member to the association for the period in which it was postponed. In addition post the 12 month period the registered owner will be obliged to make payment of the penalty levy due by himself to the Association on a monthly basis should he fail to commence construction.

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

__________________________________
TRUSTEE
ANNEXURE “B”

SPECIAL RESOLUTION 1 PASSED BY MEANS OF A SHOW OF HANDS VOTE OF AT LEAST 75% OF THE TOTAL MEMBERS PRESENT ENTITLED TO VOTE OF THE CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AT A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON ___________________________________________________

RESOLVED THAT:

Clause 5.2.3 that currently states:

“ensuring that the Registered owners commence construction of the dwellings to be erected on the respective Residential Erven within 3 (three) years from date of registration of transfer of the relevant Residential Erven into the Registered Owners’ name from the Developer (first transfer)…”

Be amended as follows:

“ensuring that the Registered owners commence construction of the dwellings to be erected on the respective Residential Erven within 4 (four) years from date of registration of transfer of the relevant Residential Erven into the Registered Owners’ name from the Developer (first transfer)…”

Outcome:

The amendment extends the period in which construction is required to commence from 3 (three) to 4 (four) years.

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

__________________________________
TRUSTEE

Owners are welcomed to 2009

2009-01-06T15:16:00.002+02:00

Home owners are wished a properous and peaceful 2009 by the Estate.

Owners will have noticed from the minutes lower down in the blog that the end of 2008 saw the holding of the AGM of the association. Members will have noted that an increase in the levies was kept as low as possible at 9% and that the new levies are R1015.

Casper Steenkamp and Jason Parkin were elected as home owner trustees.

Seeff Properties are happy to report that a number of sales were done over the holiday period. The Estate is experiencing plenty of construction at the moment and the next year will see a lot of new families moving onto the Estate.

Please note that a Special General Meeting of members will be called to consider whether to extend the length of the period during which house construction must occur - from three years to four years. Members will be advised of the date of this meeting and provided with background information to the proposal as soon as it is ready.

Minutes of Annual General Meeting No 3 held on 4 December 2008

2008-12-16T09:39:00.006+02:00

CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION

Tel: (021) 843 3610
Fax: (021) 843 3609

MINUTES FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NO. 3

DATE: 4TH DECEMBER 2008
TIME: 17:00
VENUE: CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE

ATTENDANCE PANEL ORGANIZATION

JG Bergman (In the Chair) Developer Trustee (JGB)
D Ashworth Developer Trustee (DA)
B de Sousa Developer Trustee (BdS)
C Steenkamp Homeowner Trustee (CS)
G van Ryn Exceed (GvR)
C Visser Estate Manager (CV)

ATTENDANCE FLOOR ERF

J van der Horst Developer Trustee (JvdH)
J Schooling Developer Representative (JS)
PL van der Merwe Erf 1339
E Burger Erf 1344
KT Aldum Erf 1345
EE Burger Erf 1355
Lombicore 101 cc Erf 1358
WC Rossouw & L Robertson Erf 1395
Bernard Family Trust Erf 1417
M Myburgh Erf 1418
Dr J Pieper Erf 1462
Volkel Properties Erf 1486
Verbei Dei Investments Erf 1503
Milestone Properties 15 Erf 1505
C Harris Erf 1522
Verbei Dei Investment Erf 1536
J Pheiffer Erf 1537
J & L Fullstone Erf 1546
W Bronkhorst Erven 1559 & 1560

MINUTED BY

T Tyson JBB Development Consultants (TT)

Next meeting: TBA

1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

1.1. JGB welcomed all to the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Association and apologised for the late start but confirmed that start was within the stipulated half hour proceeding.

1.2. JGB confirmed that the developer was present and represented by J Schooling and therefore a quorum was in place and the meeting could be legally constituted.

1.3. JGB introduced the panel to the floor, namely:

1.3.1. Dean Ashworth who is a Developer Trustee

1.3.2. Casper Steenkamp who is a Homeowner Trustee

1.3.3. Himself, Jan Bergman as the chairman and Developer Trustee

1.3.4. Basil de Sousa who is a Developer Trustee

1.3.5. Gerhard van Ryn who is the representative form Exceed being the Associations Auditors

1.3.6. Corius Visser as the Estate Manager

2. APOLOGIES

2.1. The apologies for non attendance to the AGM received by the Association were as follows:

2.1.1. JH Bos (Developer Trustee)

2.1.2. C Fourie (Homeowner Trustee)

2.1.3. Clive Lewis (Erf 1461)

2.1.4. John Swart (Erf 1534)

2.1.5. MC Engelbrecht (Erf 1453)

2.1.6. Naude (Erf 1572)

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON THE 28TH NOVEMBER 2007

3.1. Approval of the minutes of the previous Annual General meeting was proposed by John Schooling (Developer representative), seconded by Jason Parkin (Erf 1505). No objections or comments were received from the floor. Therefore the minutes were duly accepted as being correct.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES AFORESAID (ITEM 3)

4.1. The panel and floor noted no matters arising from the minutes of the previous AGM.

5. CHAIRMANS REPORT

JGB as chairman of the Trustees Committee presented his report as follows:

5.1. Administration

5.1.1. The company Exceed has successfully taken over the accounting and auditing function of the books for both the Homeowner Association and Croydon Wine Company.

5.1.2. In addition an in-house bookkeeper has been appointed to perform the bookkeeping functions for the estate as well as assist with general administration.

5.2. House Design and Construction

5.2.1. The functions of plan scrutiny and building site control have successfully been outsourced to Boland Building Control Services. This arrangement has proven to be most beneficial to the Association and its members with plans scrutinised and commented mostly within a week from submission. No negative feedback has been received from a Homeowner to date.

5.2.2. The current status is as follows.

• Plans submitted to date 32
• Plans approved 30
• Houses completed 14
• Houses under construction 4
• Families living on the estate 12, 4 of which are rentals

5.2.3. A significant increase in plan submission and construction is expected during the course of 2009.

5.3. Wineco

5.3.1. Wineco has performed well even in the adverse economic climate and all the management and staff of WINECO must be given recognition for this achievement.

5.3.2. Wineco harvested its first crop this year and will bottle the first wines early in the new year.

5.3.3. The first crop produced almost 22 000 litters of wine and the second production looks to be at the full projected capacity of 50 to 50 tons.

5.3.4. In summary WINECO is in a financially sound position in spite of the current economic climate.

5.4. Financial

5.4.1. It has been a challenging year with costs increasing dramatically.

5.4.2. An in-house house bookkeeper has been employed and together with the assistance from Exceed the accounts have been placed in good order.

5.4.3. Some members are in arrears with the payment of levies but the trustee committee is dealing with this on a case-by-case basis.

5.5. Security

5.5.1. The security company has performed well and the estate has had no breaches of security.

5.6. Lifestyle Centre

5.6.1. From January 2008 to present approximately 1300 people utilising the function room.. There has been approximately 11 homeowner functions with the balance being people from the public domain.

5.6.2. Charmain has been doubling successfully as a function coordinator in addition to her normal functions and the facility has operated very successfully.

5.7. Sales/Resales

5.7.1. The Developer have 14 erven unsold at present and even though he is not legally compelled to do so is paying levies on these erven.

5.7.2. Seeff Properties are currently contracted as the on-site sales agents and have created a regular presence in the winery and on the estate.

5.7.3. From June 2008 to date approximately 10 resale’s have been registered at the Deeds Office.

5.8. The Area

5.8.1. The Cape Town Film Studios has now commenced with the recent launch that was held on Monday, 1 December 2008. The City has already begun to spend their money and construction by the developer is expected to commence in January 2009.

5.8.2. Croydon Olive Estate is nearing completion and the developer has around 45 erven unsold.

5.8.3. De Kelderhof is in its construction phase and the construction on the first houses should commence around March 2009.

5.8.4. There are development plans issued in various states of formality available for the site on the corner of Kramat Road and the R102, as well as for the portion of Vergenoegd adjoining Kramat Road. The trustees are commenting on the application and the members of the association are also welcome to do so directly.

5.8.5. Sitari is taking some time to get off the ground but the approvals for the residential development is linked to the construction of a golf course and any changes the trustee committee has, through the attorneys, issued a pre-emptive objection to the local authority against any transfers that may be requested prior to a guarantee for the cost of constructing the golf course having been issued. The trustees are monitoring the situation. The trustees will also try and negotiate memberships and the like when the golf course goes ahead.

5.9. Trustees

5.9.1. As we are still in the development period, the trustee committee comprise 5 developer trustees and 2 homeowner trustees.

5.9.2. The trustees meet on a regular basis of at least once per month in order to deal with any issues that may arise.

5.9.3. In addition, several focus meetings are held, mostly regarding finance and architecture, on an ad-hoc basis with certain individual Trustees who then report back to the Trustee committee.

5.10. General

5.10.1. The Estate is operating at a satisfactory level and this holds promise for the stage when more members reside at Croydon Vineyard Estate.

5.10.2. Most of the issues that normally appear in the start-up phase of such developments have been resolved and most elements of the Association are now operating problem free.

5.10.3. In closing JGB thanked the trustee committee for all their time and effort they have put into the estate. In addition JGB thanked the management and the staff of the estate for the successful running of the state.

5.11. The only comment from the floor with regards to the Chairman’s report was a request to ensure that the report is put onto the estates website.

6. FINANCIALS

6.1. Presentation and adoption of the financial statements

6.1.1. Gerhard van Ryn gave a brief overview of the financial statements pointing out the following:

6.1.1.1. It was noted that the 08 financial statements are calculated on a 15 month and not a 12 month period in comparison to the 07 financial statements.

6.1.1.2. It was noted that income in the 08 (15 month period) was at 2,847,527 as opposed to the 07 (12 month period) of 1,801,749

6.1.1.3. It was noted that in the 08 15 month period expenses were 2,830,955 as opposed to the 07 12 month period of 1,721,393.

6.1.1.4. The above resulted in the association making a small profit of approximately 50,000.

6.1.2. A query with regards to the accounting fees was made and received response as follows:

6.1.2.1. Willie Bronkhorst (Erven 1559 & 1560) raised a query with regards to the substantial increase in accounting fees from the 07 financial year to the 08 financial year and felt that an amount of approximately 120,000 for accounting and bookkeeping fees is a bit excessive. He made the suggestion that an in-house person should be appointed to do the Pastel accounts and these should just be audited at the end of the year.

6.1.2.2. Ivan van der Merwe (erf 1339) agreed with the sentiments as expressed by Mr Bronkhorst in item 6.1.2.1 above.

6.1.2.3. CV explained that one of the reasons that the accounting fee appeared drastically less in the 07 financial statements was due to the fact that the previous auditors, Enslins Lindermans, had included a portion of their fees under Management fees and therefore the 07 figures under accounting fees are not a true representation of the costs.

6.1.2.4. GvR added that the fees were higher in the 08 financial year as they had to be paid an hourly rate in order to complete the bookkeeping function of the estate during the period where a suitable staff member was being appointed and this raised the cost.

6.1.2.5. JGB explained that the approximately 120,000 only equates to approximately 8,000 per month.

6.1.2.6. CV explained that currently the situation is running as WB suggested whereby they have appointed a competent person to do the estate bookkeeping as well as assist with the estate administration for R 9,000 per month.

6.1.2.7. GvR advised that the audit fee has been substantially reduced from the R 40,000 proposed by the previous financial firm to the R 20,000 charged by Exceed.

6.1.3. A query with regards to the Estate Managers fees was raised:

6.1.3.1. IvdM raised a query with regards to the costs of the Estate manager and his remuneration and queried who makes payment of his salary and who evaluates performance and the like.

6.1.3.2. JGB explained that the HOA only pays an amount of approximately R 10,000 towards the managers salary and the balance is decided and paid by the Wine Company.

6.1.4. A query with regards to landscaping fees was raised:

6.1.4.1. WB raised a query with regards to the cost of Landscaping on the estate and felt that 400,000 was too high:

6.1.4.2. CV reiterated that the financials reflect a 15 month period. CV explained that this costs include maintenance of irrigation, diesel, chemicals, labor ect and all these costs have gone up substantially from the time the last financial statements were prepared.

6.1.4.3. WB queried the laborers and how they operate. CV advised that he received 3 quotations from various parties and that the labor is outsourced but managed in house, this is done in order to minimize employees of the Association.

6.1.4.4. JGB advised WB that a true cost comparison, as stated by WB, cannot be made between the Croydon Olive Estate and the Croydon Vineyard Estate as at this stage as the majority of costs including landscaping still fall under guarantee.

6.1.4.5. Johan Pheiffer (Erf 1537) suggested that people apply their minds to the costs and stated that taking a landscaping cost of R 400,000 and dividing that by the 15 months and then the 205 erven it services comes to R130 per month which sounds reasonable.

6.1.5. WB raised a query with regards to the increase in security costs:

6.1.5.1. CV advised that there has been a substantial increase in activity on the estate due to more people residing on the estate and the increased building activity, to this end additional guards are being utilized as opposed to the first 12 months of the estate operating.

6.1.6. IvdM queried the high scrutiny fee originally paid to Van Biljon & Visser and now Boland Building Control Services:

6.1.6.1. BdS explained that this is a contract between the HOA and Boland Building Control Services, the HOA therefore pays the scrutiny fee to BCS and recoups same from the individual HO and is therefore not an actual cost to the HOA>

6.1.7. WB felt overall that costs are too high and should be brought down. IvdM advised he is concerned that the estate is run on a fixed income and therefore that leads to the impression that everything needs to be utilized.

6.1.7.1. JGB advised that costs have been compared to both Atlantic Beach and kenrock Country Estate and CVE is operating within the other estate parameters.

6.1.7.2. JP agreed that costs should be critically looked at but is also not keen on cutting costs and therefore risking the estate functionality or appearance.

6.1.7.3. JGB advised that it is also up to the members to throughout the year be involved and not just at the AGM. IvdM stated that the AGM is the only chance that the members get to comment. Emile Burger (Erf 1344) advised that he does not reside on the estate but managed to remain involved.

6.1.7.4. IvdM suggested that financial reports should be prepared once every quarter and then comparisons could be made. This suggestion was met with agreement.

6.1.7.5. EB stated that a balance should be maintained.

6.1.7.6. BdS stated that he serves as a Trustee for many estates and the worst complaints to be faced with at an AGM of an active estate is poor service delivery and residents would far rather pay more for a high standard.

6.1.7.7. CS advised that he too is involved with many estates and feels that the levy of R890 per month is a bargain.

6.1.7.8. JGB advised that the Trustees are by no means blaze about costs.

6.1.7.9. JGB advised that should any homeowner wish to be involved on a sub-committee level with regards to financial or the like they are more than welcome to do so, in addition any member is more than welcome to come to the estate and look into the financials should they so wish to do so.

6.1.7.10. It was suggested that for the next AGM the figures are presented as actual versus budget and short descriptions are provided for each. This suggestion was agreed.

6.1.8. The signing off of the financial statements was proposed by Junior van der Horst and seconded by John Schooling with no objections from the floor and therefore passed.

6.2. Levies for 2008 / 2009

6.2.1. A levy increase of 9% was proposed, bringing the levies from R930 to R1015 per month inclusive of VAT.

6.2.2. Marius Snyman (Erf 1503) advised that levies increasing on an annual basis is reasonable but queried how persons not paying levies are dealt with:

6.2.2.1. BdS advised that currently the estate is doing everything legally possible. The current procedure includes firstly the estate will contact the member and try to come to some kind of payment terms with the member, including getting them to sign a stop order for the monthly levies so they don’t fall further behind on their levy payments. If the homeowner does not attend to this then the legal process is being followed where the estate is at the end of with a few people. This includes a summons being issued which depending on the person, could lead to a sale in execution. BdS advised that in certain cases this is working and there has been a significant improvement in compliance with levy payments.

6.2.2.2. JGB advised that the estate is always protected as a condition of title is that the HOA needs to provide a consent to transfer of any erf and this they will not do without the levies being paid in full.

6.2.3. IvdM felt that the estate was in breach due to non deliverance of wine:

6.2.3.1. JGB advised that the Constitution stipulates that the wine allocation is an annual allocation and in addition that this will be made available when it is available and does not need to be distributed monthly.

6.2.3.2. CV advised and the floor confirmed that the availability of the wine was communicated with the members.

6.2.3.3. IvdM felt that the 3 month wine collection stipulation would now be unfair as there would be a substantial quantity to collect when it is next available. JGB advised that this was taken to a vote and passed at the previous AGM. The estate was having serious problems with non collection of wine with people taking 18 months to collect it which led to storage and other problems. JGB advised that should a member have a problem in collecting the wine they are requested to contact the estate directly in order to make alternative arrangements with them.

6.2.4. The increase in levies was proposed by JS and seconded by IvdM with no objections from the floor and therefore passed.

6.3. Auditor’s remuneration for the past financial year

6.3.1. The auditors remuneration for the past financial year was 22,000 exclusive of VAT.

6.3.2. JP queried the type of audit that is conducted. GvR stated that all the statutory requirements are met. Should a serious issue be picked up (of which none were) then this will be investigated.

6.3.3. No objections were revived and the auditors remuneration was passed.

6.4. Appointment of Auditors

6.4.1. Exceed was reappointed and no objections from the floor raised.

7. THE ELECTION OF TRUSTEES OTHER THAN THE DEVELOPERS REPRESENTATIVES

7.1. JGB advised that in terms of the Constitution the Developer Trustees are nominated and elected by the Developer and will remain the same as last year as follows:

7.1.1. Jan Bergman

7.1.2. Basil de Sousa

7.1.3. John Bos

7.1.4. Dean Ashworth

7.1.5. Junior van der Horst

7.2. JGB advised that in terms of the constitution the Homeowner Trustees are supposed to be nominated by the Developer and appointed at the AGM however should anyone from the floor wish to nominate or be nominated the Trustee Committee was more than happy to put the nominations to a vote.

7.2.1. No nominations from the floor were made and therefore the nominations from the developer namely, Casper Fourie, Casper Steenkamp, MC Engelbrecht and Jason Parkin were put to a vote.

7.2.2. Casper Steenkamp and Jason Parkin were voted in as the homeowner representatives unanimously.

8. TO CONSIDER AND, IF DEEMED FIT, PASS WITH OR WITHOUT MODIFICATION THE PROPOSED GENERAL RESOLUTION NO1 AND SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO 1

8.1. JGB advised that General Resolution 1 is not technically required in terms of the constitution but has however been submitted and that the delay in the holding of the AGM was due to finalisation of the accounts. No objections were received from the floor and was therefore passed.

8.2. JGB advised that Special Resolution 1 was required as the erf numbers of the vineyard erven were erroneously omitted when preparing the constitution. No objections to the amendment was received from the floor and was therefore passed.

8.3. JGB advised that Special Resolution 2 was required due to a typographical error. No objections were received from the floor and was therefore passed.

9. GENERAL

9.1. JGB requested that all members confirm their contact details with the estate as they are unable to ascertain as to weather or not notices, news, ect are being received by the members.

9.2. JP requested that penalty levies in terms of the commencement of construction be looked into:

9.2.1. JP put to the committee the fact that he purchased for investment purposes and the current economic climate was not foreseen at the time. He further stated that he feels let down by the developer as he was not aware at the time that an opposition estate would be erected on the adjacent property by the same developer.

9.2.2. Several suggestions were put forward by the floor including:

9.2.2.1. Penalty levy deferment

9.2.2.2. Penalty levy waiver for a fixed period of time.

9.2.3. JGB advised that the legal implications of the above would mean the following:

9.2.3.1. The constitution would need to be amended and therefore a Special General meeting would need to be called for as amendments of the constitution does not fall within the Trustees power. This would require attendance by 51% of the members of the association who are legible for voting and a 75% majority to vote for the amendment of those in attendance.

9.2.3.2. JP raised concern with regards to non attendance of members to the Special meeting looking at the small outcome at the AGM. JGB responded in saying that this is a decision to be made by the members and should attendance be poor then penalty levies are deemed of little importance to the members.

9.2.3.3. The suggestion of giving a member from the floor the contact details of the other members in order for them to lobby responses was rejected due to privacy policies.

9.2.3.4. JGB advised that the Trustees do have the power to defer payment or make payment arrangements of the penalty levies. And the Trustee committees current opinion is that they are happy to meet with individuals on a case by case basis in order to discuss the possibilities as mentioned above.

9.2.3.5. A concern was raised by a member of the floor with regards to members entitled to vote as this would affect the voting of the resolutions. CV advised that currently people behind on their levies and therefore not entitled to vote only equates to approximately 10% of members and therefore should not affect it greatly.

9.2.4. Members for the penalty waiver were of the following opinions:

9.2.4.1. A member from the floor stated that the current economic slump was not anticipated and are sitting with a 2 year investment that has not as yet shown growth.

9.2.4.2. Juan Hammond (Erf 1503) stated that he feels that a penalty levy will scare away possible investors and he supports the penalty levy waiver.

9.2.4.3. A member from the floor felt that penalty levies would result in more foreclosures.

9.2.5. Members against the penalty waiver were of the following opinions:

9.2.5.1. JGB stated that he feels it would be unfair on the members who have already gone to the expense of building to waiver the penalty levies.

9.2.5.2. CS requested that the members for the penalty waiver think it through carefully as the plots and houses on the estate will have a higher value if more properties are built.

9.2.6. Developer position:

9.2.6.1. JGB, as a developer Trustee, stated that at the end of the day the estate belongs to the members and should a Special General Meeting be called for the developer would abstain from using its casting vote, however will reserve the right to cast votes on the 14 unsold erven. In addition the developer will also not utilise its casting vote for the calling or attendance of the Special General Meeting.

9.2.7. Outcome & General Comments:

9.2.7.1. It was suggested, and agreed to, that the following course of action is followed:

9.2.7.1.1. The developer together with the HOA will draft a few resolutions in this regard with various stipulations such as signing of stop orders for normal levies, landscaping of erven ect for circulation to all members of the association.

9.2.7.1.2. The members can peruse and put forward suggestions in this regard. Once all suggestions have been received the resolutions can be sent out with a notice for the Special General Meeting.

9.2.7.1.3. Members can either then vote by proxy or in person at the Special General Meeting.

9.2.7.1.4. Should the resolution to waiver penalty levies not be passed the Trustee committee will still be open to looking into individual cases with regards to payment terms.

9.2.7.1.5. Levies for the upcoming year are calculated taking into account the profit received by the Association in the previous financial year. Should the payment of penalty levies result in a profit for the association this could result in a reduction of levies in the following financial year.

9.3. A member from the floor queried the high scrutiny fee and feels it is too high as he approached the estate and asked advise on who to appoint as they would know the design manual. He was of the opinion that the scrutiny fee should be less for someone going with an architect suggested by the estate.

9.3.1. JGB advised that this is a question of cost and he should therefore approach the Trustee Committee in this regard.

10. CLOSE

10.1. JGB thanked all for attending and called a close to the AGM.

10.2. A member from the floor thanked the developer for its independence.

10.3. A member form the floor and the Trustee committee thanked the Estate Manager and staff of the estate for their work throughout the year and complimented them on the operations thereof.

On show during the festive season

2008-12-16T09:31:00.002+02:00

CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE ON SHOW DURING FESTIVE SEASON
Contact resident Seeff agent to view!
Gerhard van Deventer
076 590 7758

Albert Gerber
084 464 6003

Agents on duty over the festive season

2008-12-16T09:12:00.003+02:00

Just a reminder that the Gerhard van Deventer's tel nr. has changed:
076 590 7758

The sales force has been running big ON SHOW weekends aimed at the holiday makers and the locals.

The idea is to give as much exposure as possible to the estate, and you can view a copy of the ad (as PDF) by contacting the agents and youR feedback would be much appreciated.

Keep in mind this runs along with the normal office hours on site too.

Blog back next week: the blog writer is away

2008-12-09T16:13:00.000+02:00

Notice of AGM for home owners association 4 December 2008 at 17:00

2008-11-13T17:07:00.003+02:00

Home owners will also have been emailed this information plus the financial statements for the year ending 2008, plus the budget for the year ending 2009. If you have not received these (your email might have changed) for any other reason please contact the Winery 021 843 3610 in order for them to get copies to you. The budgets and financial statements are not published on the blog.

Home owners are reminded that each property has one vote and that members can only vote if their levies are up to date.

CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION

NOTICE AND AGENDA FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Owners are advised that the Annual General Meeting of the Croydon Vineyard Estate Home Owners Association will be held on 4 December 2008 at the Croydon Winery at 17:00. Please arrive slightly earlier to register.

AGENDA

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

1. Welcome.

2. Apologies.

3. Approval of Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on the 28 November 2007 (page 2-6)

4. Matters arising from the Minutes aforesaid.

5. Chairman’s Report.

6. Financial matters:

6.1 Presentation and adoption of financial statements.

6.2 Levies for 2008 / 2009.

6.3 Auditor’s remuneration for the past financial year.

6.4 Appointment of Auditors.

7. The election of Trustees other than the Developer’s representatives.

8. To consider and, if deemed fit, pass with or without modification the proposed General Resolution No. 1 and Special Resolution No. 1. (Page 7)

9. General.

10. Close.

MINUTES OF AGM YEAR ENDING 2007

Minutes from the AGM held on 28 November 2007

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION HELD AT CROYDON WINERY ON 28 NOVEMBER 2007

In attendance:

(refer to attendance register held at winery)

Trustees:

M Voortman (in the chair)

C J Fourie

B de Sousa

C Steenkamp

Apologies:

J Bos

J Elan-Puttick

D Erasmus

J Hill

R Lange

L van Niekerk

J van der Horst

By invitation:

C Visser

Secretarial:

W H Lowe

1. Welcome.

The chairman declared at a quorum was present and that the meeting was properly constituted. Mr de Sousa confirmed that meeting was able to consider and pass a special resolution. The chairman noted that the developer was personally present and that no proxies had been received. He noted for the meeting that the AGM was being held later than required due to a proposed change in the financial year end which would be part of the later business of the meeting.

2. Matters arising and approval of minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 22 March 2006.

The chairman reported that the proposed use of treated effluent for irrigation was still a possibility but that it was not being used presently. In reply to a question from Mr Volkel the chairman said that the irrigation water came from the Eerstrerivier.

Mr Bergman proposed the adoption of the minutes and this was seconded by Mr Volkel and the minutes were duly adopted.

3. Chairman’s report for the year ending February 2007.

The chairman reported on the affairs of the Association over the past 20 months and made the following points:

• The accounting firm Enslins Lindemanns had resigned and that the finances and administration was being restructured to occur in-house with a proposed book keeper commencing work in December 2007.
• Building plan approval and housing supervision had been contracted out to Boland Building Control Services. To date 17 house plans had been submitted, 11 had been approved, 3 houses were complete and 8 were under construction.
• The Croydon Wine Company has performed well and supported the cash flow of the association due to outstanding levies, a situation which has been largely rectified. The wine company was recording a small loss for tax avoidance reasons due to the diligent treatment of stock, the result being that the wine company was cash positive. The chairman complimented the wine maker on his astute bottling procedures. The first harvest was soon and it was expected that profitability would improve further as will quality.
• The Association had a gross profit for the period of R 82 512. Cash flow had improved although it was noted that profitability required a levy increase.
• Security was in place and functional and ready to meet the demands of additional residents to the Estate.
• The lifestyle centre was hosting an event every weekend.
• A proposal had been received for the operation of an on site estate sales office and this proposal would be considered by the incoming trustees and normal operations by estate agents that were accredited were continuing. The developer still retained ownership of 17 stands which are not actively being marketed. It was noted that more residents than investors could be expected from the second tier purchasers.

4. Financial matters:

4.1 Presentation and adoption of financial statements FYE February 2007

The representative from the auditing firm tabled the accounts and indicated that there were no qualifications to the accounts. There was a change to Page 7 of the accounts whereby “Current assets” would include a stock item of R 42 040 which would represent inventory. He also mentioned that common property had been transferred to the Association at zero value.

4.2 Levies for 2007/2008

It was proposed that the levies be increased by 9,5% over the previous budget would had been set in 2003-2004 which was an effective 4,7% annual increase. The chairman stated that the budgets reflect a realistic financial scenario and that the trustees were confident that the budgets were satisfactory. The budget was proposed by Mr Bergman and seconded by Mr Steenkamp and duly adopted.

4.3 Auditor’s remuneration for the past financial year

It was noted by the meeting that the remuneration would be R20 000 excl VAT. In reply to a question from Mr Volke it was confirmed that the auditors were changing because they had resigned.

4.4 Appointment of auditors

It was noted by the meeting that the firm Exceed had been appointed as auditors for the next year.

5. Election of trustees other than the developer’s representatives.

The chairman advised that in terms of the constitution, the developer nominees would remain in office save with the retirement of Messrs van Niekerk and Voortman and that they would be replaced by Messrs Ashworth and Bergman. It was further noted that no other nominees had been received for the position of the owner members, and that the existing owner members had agreed to remain as trustees for another year.

The meeting resolved therefore that the trustees for the next year would be: D Ashworth, J Bergman, J Bos, B de Sousa, C Fourie, C Steenkamp and J van der Horst. In reply to a question from the floor it was noted that the chairman is elected from amongst the trustees themselves in a separate meeting.

6. General Resolution No 1

The chairman introduced General Resolution No 1 as follows:

Members are furthermore requested to consider and, if deemed fit, to pass with or without modification, the following resolutions:

GENERAL RESOLUTION NO: 1

RESOLVED THAT:

The members condone that this Annual General Meeting takes place more than 3 (Three) months after the financial year end of the Association, being the end of February 2007.

The resolution was passed unopposed.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO: 1

RESOLVED THAT:

The HOA Constitution be amended in accordance with the Summary of Proposed Amendments to the Home Owners’ Association Constitution annexed in the notice of meeting and marked “A” and recorded below.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

1. Clause 6 amendments:

Terms: Deletion of the existing clause and the substitution thereof with the following:

“The Financial Year End of the Association is the end of May of each year, or such other date as the Trustees may decide.”

Effect: This amendment will result in the financial year end for 2007 / 2008 being at the end of February 2008 so as to co-incide with the financial year end of Croydon Winery, and further provision is made that the Trustees can in future decide, if needs be, whether or not to change the financial year end without having to obtain a Special Resolution in this regard.

Reason: So that the financial year end of the HOA runs parallel to the financial year end of Croydon Winery, which in turn corresponds with the financial year end of the wine industry.

2. Clause 12.2 amendments:

Terms: By inserting the following clause at the end of the existing clause:

“Each Member’s entitlement to the wine as aforesaid is subject to the condition that the Member is not in arrears with levies due to the Association and as such, for every month that the Member is in arrears with his levies, he shall not be entitled to receive wine for that month. Furthermore, wine shall be stored by the Company for a maximum of 3 (Three) months only and accordingly, should a Member fail to collect his wine from the Croydon Winery, alternatively arrange for the delivery thereof and make prepayment of the delivery charges, such Member’s wine shall be forfeited to the Company at no cost.”

Effect: Members who are in arrears with their levies or who do not collect their wine or arrange for same to be collected within a 3 (Three) month period, will not be entitled to the wine.

Reason: The storing, production and bottling of wine is done at a cost and as such, persons who have not paid the levies which are due should not be entitled to such benefits. In addition, the storage facilities at Croydon Winery are at a minimum and therefore it is essential that owners either collect their wine or make pre-payment for such wine to be delivered to an address of their choice.

3. Clause 32.1 amendments:

Terms: By the insertion of the words “or by telefax or email”.

Effect: This will allow the Association to now give notice, in addition to notice sent by registered mail or delivered by hand, by way of telefax or email.

Reason: This will make the giving of notice less expensive and more effective.

4. Clause 32.3 amendments:

Terms: By inserting the words “and any notice given by telefax or email shall be deemed to have been received by 16h00 on the first business day following the day of transmission thereof”.

Effect: Is to amplify the provisions of Clause 32.1.

Reason: To amplify the provisions of Clause 32.1.

The special resolution was passed unopposed.

7. General

The chairman introduced the general item and tabled the following:

7.1 An objection to the time of the meeting has been received from Mr J Hill. The chairman explained that the time of 17:00 was not generally felt to be unreasonable and there was no comment from the meeting. The chairman explained that the other issue raised in his letter would be passed to the Croydon Wine Company for attention as it was not related to the business of the meeting.

7.2 The chairman pointed out that there were plans for the development of Vergenoegd and Spier and that owners might want to register as an Interested and Affected Party and receive the opportunity to comment. HE confirmed that the developer and the association would comment on these proposals too. Ms Aldum added that the words WINE could be used on the websites of the Vergenoedg project for access passwords and codes.

7.3 Mr Volkel asked about the development of Kelderhof. It was explained that this township was approved prior to the promulgation of the Land Use Planning Ordinance (LUPO) and that it was sold out.

There being no further business the chairman declared the meeting closed.
RESOLUTIONS

GENERAL RESOLUTION NO: 1

RESOLVED THAT:

The members condone that this Annual General Meeting takes place more than 3 (Three) months after the financial year end of the Association, being the end of May 2008.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO: 1

RESOLVED THAT:

The Constitution of the Croydon Vineyard Estate Home Owners Association be amended in accordance with the summary below:

FIRST AMENDMENT

Clause 2.1.8: "Croydon Winery" means the Vineyards, Olive Groves and Winery to be established on Erven

Be amended as follows: “Croydon Winery" means the Vineyards, Olive Groves and Winery to be established on Erven 1408, 1347, 1407, 1499, 1440, 1459, 1517, 1558.”

Reason: specify erven numbers on which the vineyard, olive groves and winery have been established to describe property more accurately.

SECOND AMENDMENT

Clause 37.2: “It is further recorded that a Shared Services Agreement is to be concluded between the Estate and Croydon Vineyard Estate in terms of which the Estate shall be entitled to the use of the infrastructure supply systems, including but limited to water, electricity and reclaimed effluent, for the purpose of its (Croydon Olive Estate) members, the cost whereof shall be for the account of Croydon Olive Estate. Furthermore, in terms of the Shared Services Agreement, Croydon Vineyard Estate will be allowed to utilize certain stormwater drainage and detention systems which are located on Croydon Olive Estate, the cost whereof shall be for the account of Croydon Vineyard Estate.”

Be amended as follows: “It is further recorded that a Shared Services Agreement is to be concluded between the Croydon Olive Estate and Croydon Vineyard Estate in terms of which the Croydon Olive Estate shall be entitled to the use of the infrastructure supply systems, including but limited to water, electricity and reclaimed effluent, for the purpose of its (Croydon Olive Estate) members, the cost whereof shall be for the account of Croydon Olive Estate. Furthermore, in terms of the Shared Services Agreement, Croydon Vineyard Estate will be allowed to utilize certain stormwater drainage and detention systems which are located on Croydon Olive Estate, the cost whereof shall be for the account of Croydon Vineyard Estate.”

Reason: Properly describes the agreement by correcting a typographical error in the description of the Shared Services Agreement between the Croydon Vineyard Estate and Croydon Olive Estate.

FORM OF PROXY

For use by members of the Association at an Annual General Meeting of members of the Association to be held at 17h00 on 4 December 2008 (“the AGM”).

I/We being the registered owner(s) of _______________ Erf/Erven in the

Estate and accordingly entitled to ___________ vote(s), appoint :

1. or failing him,

2. or failing him,

3. the chairperson of the general meeting,

as my/our proxy to act for me/us and on my/our behalf at the AGM which will be held, inter alia, for the purpose of considering, and if deemed fit, passing, with or without modification, any resolution/s to be proposed thereat and at any adjournment thereof; and to vote for and/or against the resolution/s and/or abstain from voting in respect of the number of votes that I/we hold.

NUMBER OF VOTES

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

SIGNED at on 2008.

Spring time at Croydon

2008-11-04T09:12:00.002+02:00

Spring time at Croydon

2008-11-04T09:09:00.001+02:00

Spring time at Croydon

2008-11-04T09:04:00.003+02:00

Zoom in on Croydon Vineyard Estate.
Walk around Croydon Vineyard Estate and take a closer look. These are some of the jewels you might spot.
They vary from flowers, raindrops, the new grapes, bugs, baby plovers, swallows.

Supplied by Resident Seeff Agent.

Croydon featured in WINE Magazine

2008-10-22T18:07:00.002+02:00

Croydon was featured in the September 2008 editionof WINE Magazine. Here is the full text of the article and you can also read it online here:
http://www.winemag.co.za/content/online/lifestyle/singlepage.asp?in=1360

WINELANDS RESIDENTIAL ESTATES

ZONING OUT

Wineland residential estates have risen fast in the popularity stakes – but are they good for the wine industry? And can the good times continue for developers? Jackie Cameron investigates.

Meander through the winelands these days and you are likely to notice as many sale boards advertising property developments as you are signposts alerting you to cellars open for tasting. Golf course homes, equestrian complexes, residential villages and other so-called “lifestyle” estates all vie for the attention of well-heeled passers-by with money to spend on pricey real estate.

Not so long ago, Franschhoek was a sleepy collection of quaint Huguenot-style heritage buildings. Now grand entrances to upmarket residential-cum-wine-farming estates like La Ferme Chantelle and Domaine des Anges signal your arrival in the fashionable restaurant town. And other wineland towns and suburbs haven’t gone unscathed by the trend. From Durbanville in Cape Town’s bustling northern suburbs to the wind-scrubbed edges of Bot River near coastal town Hermanus, developers have staked their claim to land with a view to reparcelling it for gated estate living.

Some watchers worry that the strenuous pace of urbanisation is not good for us or the environment. Inge Kotze of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, a partnership between the wine industry and the conservation sector, says her organisation is among those “very concerned” about high-density properties being developed on high-yield agricultural soil. “Agricultural expansion is being pushed out to marginal areas and that means they need to use lots more chemicals and fertilisers to get the same yield, which in turn is detrimental to the environment,” she says.

POLITICS AND PROPERTY
Some of the other points under debate in green circles include the extent to which property developments might be replacing vineyards. Some detractors believe the long-term character of the farming districts, a magnet for foreign and domestic tourists, is at stake, not to mention the country’s future agricultural requirements.

Others see the profit imperatives of developers and investors as getting in the way of political objectives like land redistribution. Remarks Liezl Wales of the nongovernment Women on Farms Project: “Land wanted for emerging farmers is being sold off for housing estates, as is the case in Rawsonville.”

Government is way behind on its redistribution goals, with only about 7% of land transferred nationally. The target is 30% of white-owned land, she says. But Western Cape real estate is pricey, especially in the winelands, and R20 million upwards not an unusual asking price for a medium-sized farm. As a result, she says it is just not possible to buy such agricultural land for farmers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Black economic empowerment players, meanwhile, have accessed winelands property with greater ease, thanks no doubt to their deep pockets. For example, a subsidiary of Tokyo Sexwale’s Mvelaphanda Holdings recently snapped up Bloemendal Estate in Durbanville for a whopping R105 million.

UNLOCKING CAPITAL
Not everyone thinks the mushrooming residential property complexes are a bad thing. As André Morgenthal of Wines of South Africa, the organisation for export-oriented wine farmers, points out, property developments carefully handled can help producers tremendously. “It is such a competitive market that land-owners may need to diversify. The fact of the matter is a wine farm is profitable only to the extent that it provides a very nice lifestyle. It is usually not a cash-flush business, as everything is tied up in land and bottles,” he says.

Also not to be underestimated is South Africa’s place in the world relative to other wine-producing regions. China already has 450 000 hectares under vine, reckon some, while SA has little over 100 000ha – and must still compete for global palates with Australia, France, Italy, the United States and other nations. Is the land available for vineyards getting smaller due to property developments? “I don’t think so,” says Morgenthal. “The researchers tell us we don’t have much scope to expand our vineyard coverage.”

He adds that some property developments, particularly those that attract the holidaymaker, help promote a destination. “There is a fine balance between development, wine growing, tourism and economic viability.”

CHI CHI WINE LABELS
In the light of this, then, are wine-producing estates competing with wine farmers in an already packed market? No, says property developer Wayne Lowe of JBB Properties, which is behind the Croydon Vineyard Residential Estate as well as the Croydon Olive Estate. Top cellarmaster Beyers Truter is responsible for quality control from that particular vineyard, but Lowe insists this is more about ensuring that the farm produces “real” wine as opposed to “plonk”, rather than for serious profit motives. The Beyers Truter brand has huge appeal – and value – for those who invest in the estate. “The amount of wine we are producing won’t be significant: about 5 000 cases,” says Lowe.

Although the wine farm element will be handed over to property investors when it is solvent, the idea is to help fulfil owners’ aspirations of making their own wine. Lowe makes the point that the farm was created “from scratch”. The development wasn’t agricultural but zoned residential, with vineyards subsequently planted on it.

The same applies to many similar developments. Monte Levin, co-principal of Pam Golding Properties in Franschhoek, points out that only one or two small wine estates have been used for residential property. As for the rest in the town, it has been a case of “the look is vineyard”. He explains: “It is the romance of the vineyard. People like the open feeling of vineyards but with controlled access. I don’t think we’ll see much more in Franschhoek because we don’t have the land. And very few wineland residential developments are actually on wine farms.”

SHREWD PROPERTY MOVES
One farmer who has turned the property boom to huge advantage in the sector is Kobus Basson. A former commercial lawyer, Basson was one of three developers who got De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate – a hugely popular and prestigious residential development outside Stellenbosch – off the ground. Then he used the profits to enhance the volumes and quality of his wines at Kleine Zalze, now one of South Africa’s bigger wine exporters with a particularly strong segment of the market in countries like Sweden and the UK.

Basson achieved his business goals while adhering to a strict environmentally friendly approach. De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, which combines vineyards and golfing fairways, resulted from the amalgamation of three farms, of which two were working wine farms (Kleine and Groote Zalze).

Arable land was increased by more than 30% to 120ha, including shifting vast quantities of topsoil from land not suited to agriculture (now the golf course) to land on which grapes or olives could be planted. “We moved almost a metre of soil from the golf course area and worked it back into 8ha of productive land,” says Basson.

Instead of fertilizers and chemicals, Kleine Zalze planted grain, corn and wheat and ploughed it back into the earth to provide the necessary nutrients. Indigenous plants were returned to the ground. Today, the number of bird species in the area has doubled and creatures like the rare grysbok still live in bushy enclaves on the estate.

Other wine farmers may be tempted to follow Basson’s lead. As he says, there is a need for wine farmers to be able to unlock capital in order to upgrade facilities and generally boost business. There is, however, a proviso for Basson: it must be managed in a way that does not allow things to be “messed up”.

A TRICKY BUSINESS
So far, so good on that front. According to town planners and environmental consultants, it is actually very difficult to get the nod of approval from the various layers of local and provincial government for a residential property development in an agricultural area. Exact figures on the number of lifestyle residential estates in wine-growing areas are not available; anecdotally, there aren’t as many as the hype around them might lead us to believe. And people object more now than they did in the past.

Says town planning specialist Jan Janse van Rensburg, director of TV3 Architects and Town Planners in Stellenbosch: “It is very challenging to get developments off the ground. Every year it gets more complicated. There is more legislation and people are more green-conscious.”

To illustrate just how difficult it can be, he says there are two developments that have been in the pipeline for 12 and 19 years respectively. “It’s not a quick buck.”

Janse van Rensburg and others in the business of providing services to developers in general are “definitely” feeling a big residential slow-down. “You still get the luxury developments, but they are a small proportion and not necessarily affected by interest rates.”

PRICEY PROPERTY
Property price figures for about 50 low-density estates in the Paarl-Franschhoek-Stellenbosch-Somerset West area sourced by Lightstone Risk Management bear testimony to the commercial success of these developments.

An average current price of R4.4 million is confirmed at a number of wineland estates – including De Zalze – by Deeds Office data. That’s up from just under R3 million in 2005. While property volumes around the country are down dramatically since the start of the year, and the Lightstone figures suggest that this is also the case for wineland developments, business has not ground to a halt. Andrew Watt of Lightstone says he is “surprised” at how long demand has persisted in this segment, given the tightening credit conditions. As many of these estates have a “vacation” or second-home element, one would have thought cash-strapped South Africans would lose their appetite for them quickly.

Developers like Lowe remain optimistic that these properties will remain sought-after. “We have a burgeoning black middle class buying existing stock and people who want to make a lifestyle change,” is his reasoning.

For Basson, the attractions of living in a relaxed, secure, country-style environment are unlikely to wane. He sums it up like this: “The next step is heaven.”

Some spectacular views from living in Croydon Vineyard Estate! Compiled by Resident Seeff Agent.

2008-10-22T17:57:00.003+02:00

Some spectacular views from living in Croydon Vineyard Estate! Compiled by Resident Seeff Agent.

2008-10-22T17:55:00.001+02:00

Some spectacular views from living in Croydon Vineyard Estate! Compiled by Resident Seeff Agent.

2008-10-22T17:53:00.002+02:00

Cape Town Film Studios: Croydon's newest neighbours

2008-10-21T14:47:00.000+02:00

Anant Singh, Chairman of Cape Town Film Studios has announced the management team that will drive operations of the eagerly anticipated film studios. Nico Dekker, the former head and CEO of Table Mountain Motion Picture Studios, has been appointed CEO of Cape Town Film Studios and will be assisted by experienced general manager and deputy, Rashay Magan.

Singh said Cape Town Film Studios was fortunate to acquire Dekker’s services as he is South Africa’s most successful studio manager to date. “His extensive experience in managing a profitable studio will be invaluable as we get underway with Phase 1 of the multi-million rand Cape Town Film Studios”.

Commenting on his appointment, enthusiastic Dekker says, “I learnt a lot about what works and what doesn’t under difficult circumstances whilst developing and running Table Mountain Motion Picture Studios and I believe I can add considerable value in my new role here.”

“This is a 10-year, multi-million rand project that has no equal in South Africa – it is the greatest investment in the South African film industry to date. This is not simply about building studios – it’s about establishing a home for film in South Africa that will benefit everyone. Our vision is for Cape Town Film Studios to be the bridge between the South African and the international film industry. Through active partnerships, we envisage bringing productions into the country that couldn’t previously be accommodated, as well as unlocking financial opportunities that were not available in the past,” he said.

Cape Town Film Studios are the first custom-built, Hollywood-style studios in South Africa’s history. The ownership structure of the studios is made up of a formidable team of shareholders including Videovision Entertainment (Anant Singh), Sabido Investments / etv (Marcel Golding), the Rico Trust, the Helderberg African Chamber of Commerce and Wesgro, the Western Cape’s investment and trade promotion agency.

Other new members of the Cape Town Film Studios team appointed include Fadiel Martin as Accountant and Diana-Jane Weaver as Administrator and PA.

As the management team settles in, Phase 1 of construction is already well underway. Foundations at the site in Faure have already been laid in preparation for the commencement of work on the main building in late October 2008. Phase 1 is valued at a quarter of a billion rand and includes four stages of varying sizes (1 x 2100m2, 1 x 1200m2 and 2 x 1850m2), plus production offices of 1,500m2 and workshop space in excess of 2,800m2. This first phase is scheduled for completion during the first quarter of 2010.

The tender for the construction of the internal boulevard has been awarded while the winning tender for the supply of civil engineering services will be announced soon. Tender information is available online at www.capetownfilmstudios.co.za.

In preparation for the construction of the studio buildings, earthworks of approximately 180,000m³ of filling material was used during June, July and August to create building platforms and berms. A portion of the earthworks originated on-site – recycled earth - while the rest was imported from commercial sand mines located close to the site.

“Cape Town Film Studios is unique to South Africa because it will be a part of a mixed-use film city that includes commercial and light industrial spaces. We have taken Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom as one of the models for a self-sufficient, fully-integrated ‘film city’. The industry in the Western Cape is going from strength to strength. Not only has a new local television station been launched but we continue to attract top-notch productions each year. We compare very favourably with the likes of Miami, Buenos Aires and Atlanta,” says Singh.

Singh also announced that a waiting list for future property owners and tenants has been opened and emphasised that CTFS will strive to achieve the tenant mix that is best-suited to meet the demands of the industry and of the productions that use the studios.

“This will truly be an all-encompassing, one-stop production centre that offers the possibility to do business and live with the stars,” confirms Dekker. “It is an exciting time to be based in the Western Cape if you work in the movie industry. As they say in the classics: ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!’”

Any party wishing to express their interests in either:
• property purchases, or
• becoming involved in establishing a business on the studio site, or
• renting premises, or
• the use of the studios for production purposes
should contact the Cape Town Film Studios Office at: 021 462 1838 or email enquiries to: nico@capetownfilmstudios.co.za.

Log onto the CTFS website at www.capetownfilmstudio.co.za for more information.

Update of development of Spier South Bank

2008-10-13T09:48:00.002+02:00

Click here to read the update on the environmental process underway for the proposed Spier South Bank development. The summary of this notice indicates that the developer has decided to explore alternative sites and that the Interested and Affected Parties will be notified in due course of this.

This means that the home owners association will be kept informed of the status of this development and make respresentations in the association's interest when possible.

More spring pictures!

2008-09-15T16:18:00.002+02:00

A new day dawns at Croydon Vineyard Estate

2008-09-15T15:55:00.006+02:00

Spring is in the air here at the beautiful Croydon Vineyard Estate. Even though there is still a cold chill in the air, the promise of a spectacular spring and summer is already unfolding. From the golden sunrise over the Helderberg Mountains with sparkling diamond-like dewdrops on the new buds to the glorious sunset over Table Mountain, owners can enjoy the promise of a new harvest.

The short outlook for the owners at Croydon Vineyard Estate will look like this …

September: Drive through the estate and you will see the budding Pinotage. The Malbec will follow shortly.
October – November: Removing access buds and blossoms assuring that the strong branches produce even better quality grapes. Owners will be invites to join in the event and learn more about their wines.
(Provided by onsite winemaker: Corius Visser)

Drive through our boutique estate and you will notice the new buds, with Watsonia all over the place and the trees starting to show off their new lease on life.

We are all aware of the loads of rain, but this holds a promise of a green summer with all our dams to a 100% capacity. This also holds some award winning blended promise for Croydon Vineyard Estate as the new harvest forms in the veins of the vines. Soon the co-owners of this signature estate will start to see the blossoms on their vines. This 33.3ha farm on the outskirts of Somerset West produces about 70 tons of grapes and about 60 000 bottles of quality Cape blends called Title Deed and Covenant. Title Deed is the blend owners receive as part of their levy.

As you drive through our estate the birdlife will catch your eye. The red bishop-birds are all over the estate showing off their spring colours. If you’re lucky enough, you will spot the resident barn owl above the entrance to the main building. Spend some time out in the gardens and you will see the blacksmith plovers and crowned plovers defending their nests and eggs from crows. We would all agree that the sunbirds drinking from the new flowers bring in that extra touch of colour and a smile to the face. I, in particular, am spoiled with the nest of a dusky flycatcher outside the living room window. The 4 babies were bold and well.. constantly hungry. To add to this list you will find the beautiful fish eagle circling over the estate’s dam.

There are currently 15 completed houses on the estate with another 8 plans approved for new dwellings. The estate offers 205 stands and all the signs are out there that this is the new hot spot considering what the estate has to offer. The exciting news for potential buyers is that there are some really good deals around with spectacular stands and prime houses for sale.

The estate has it own design guidelines in the Cape venacular and all houses are single storey but with room for a loft. All houses overlook a vineyard or green belt. With the boom in the rental market this might be the best place to invest and buy to build to let.

So what is the advice to potential buyers?

With the interest rate much more stable the advice is to buy now as good deals will get less and less as property owners ride the storm out and this will again push prices up. Buy now, smile later – SMART MOVE!!!

For more information regarding this wine lands estate you can visit our onsite Seeff office or contact the Resident Seeff Agent.

Compiled by Gerhard van Deventer (082 374 9036) Gerhard@seeff.com or visit our blog at www.croydonvineyard.blogspot.com

And lunch enjoyed by all

2008-08-22T18:17:00.002+02:00

Pruning Day!

2008-08-22T15:46:00.006+02:00

Spring is nearly here!

This description of Pruning Day was brought to you by Gerhard van Deventer of Seeff Properties who are running the on site sales and rental office from the Winery. They are on site daily to service your sales and rental needs. Thanks to everyone that attended!

9 August 2008, Women’s day, but also the day that the co-owners of the Croydon Vineyard Estate could share in the start of the 2009 harvest. The owners are invited on a regular basis to participate in the activities of the farm. This forms an integral part of the culture here at Croydon Vineyard Estate.

It is said that “a day without sunshine is a dark day indeed”. At Croydon Vineyard Estate we create the day and add meaning by inviting the owners to prune their own vineyards along with master winemaker Beyers Truter and Corius Visser. We had the perfect day to spend outdoors, and where better than in your own vineyard on your own estate. The idea was to tell the owners why the vines need to be pruned, and then, to teach them how to prune them to get the best harvest.

The day started with a welcome glass of champagne. Each of those present was given a pair of pruning shears and joined the master in the vineyards. After a short but very specific lesson the owners were given a few vines to prune, all under the watchful eye of Beyers himself. Some got the hang of it very quickly while others, with mum, dad and the kids took a little longer as each and everyone wanted to join in. The experience proved to be relaxing and a great deal of fun for the whole family. When you get going you can become very involved in the process! Later the “team” had to be persuaded to leave the vineyards with a firm invitation to lunch and a reward of a VERY strong, sweet wine for their labours, but let’s leave that there!

The Croydon Estate has a fully fledged Lifestyle Centre with its very own gym and pool. It is here that the owners participated in a feast fit for a king with tables full of delights from our own farm kitchen. All this accompanied by nothing more fitting than a glass of red wine from your own estate and music by the very talented Melanie. The owners were invited to taste the latest harvest and to write their comments down. These varied with some who found the wine to be of subtle texture and others finding too much wood. Some disagreed to a greater or lesser extent but all reflected in the wonderful occasion and agreed that perfection was within their grasp. Surely this is the life!

At the end of a meaningful and eventful day the owners wandered home with a song of joy on their lips and an inner peace in their hearts.

This is a beautiful secure Estate with wonderful walks and acres of space. We are within easy reach of all amenities with quick access to all major roads. You too could become part of our world and an owner of the unique experience that living at the Croydon Vineyard Estate offers.

For more enquiries on this elite wine farm contact Gerhard van Deventer on 082 374 9036 (gerhard@seeff.com) or Albert Gerber on 084 464 6003 (albert@seeff.com)

22 AUGUST 19:00

2008-08-13T16:28:00.002+02:00

Julle word hartlik uitgenooi

2008-08-07T12:36:00.000+02:00

Julle word hartlik uitgenooi na die jaarlikse snoeidag te Croydon Vineyard Estate, 9 Augustus 2008.

Kom skuur skouers met ons eie wyn ikoon, Beyers Truter, terwyl hy jou stap vir stap verduidelik hoe om ‘n wingerd te snoei. Warm etes sal beskikbaar wees om die winterkoue te demp. Kom geniet die dag saam met ons en bly sommer ook vir die rugby daarna. (SA vs Arg)

Koste R60.00 Volwassenes

R30.00 Kinders (10 – 16)

Kontant kroeg beskikbaar. Die dag skop af om 11vm by die Lifestyle Centre.

Vriende & Familie is almal welkom.

Rsvp asb.

Sien jou daar!

Corius Visser
Wynmaker