November 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER

Our inaugural Cycle Challenge was held at the Bike Park in October, and the hive of activity in the Phase 1 Park and trails crisscrossing it couldn’t be missed by any passer-by. We are very proud to inform you that our Cycle Challenge has sparked facility envy among some of our neighbouring estates. We saw a great uptick in our reach to showcase our estate and facilities beyond our normal audiences!

October also marks the start of our eventing high season, and something is happening every week between now and the December school holidays! Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the neighbourhood, we encourage everyone to get involved, connect with their neighbours, and contribute to keeping our community the beautiful, welcoming place we all love. Your participation makes Fourways Gardens a truly special place to live, and we have some great activities lined up for the whole family!

A New Residents Meet & Greet was held in late October and was a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with newcomers who have chosen to become part of the FWG community. On this evening, we were able to share insights about the estate and answer questions. We are certain that the attendees found valuable information about our estate’s services, facilities and activities. We extend a warm welcome to each family, and we hope you feel at home!

While we may not experience Fall in October or find ourselves overcome with pumpkin-spice-everything, Trickor-Treat is a traditional highlight of our estate’s camaraderie and generosity, and what a spooktacular evening we have planned for this year! Our highly anticipated Festive Market will be held on Saturday 9 November 2024 and is the perfect opportunity to get exquisite decorations and clothing, stock up on Festive eats and find the perfect yearend and Festive gifting! The most popular stalls of the 2023 market are back this year, so join us and maybe spoil yourself after a long year while you’re at it! Keep an eye out for our Kiddies Christmas Party to be held on Saturday 23 November 2024 – Santa is planning his route, and we have a line-up of great entertainment – familiar favourites and new – to bring some festive cheer for our estate’s children. This year, the Festive Concert will be a separate event, and will be held on the following Saturday, which is 30 November 2024 with musicians to both entertain and guide us in some carol singing, dancing and getting into the December mood, while there will also be entertainment for the whole family – even those who often avoid family activities!

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember the crucial role that the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has in saving lives over the end of-year period when road travel increases Charlene Marlin, Estate Manager exponentially. The last SANBS Blood Drive at FWG was held on the last Saturday of October, and we express a heartfelt thank you to all who donated blood. Your blood does save lives, and we hope to reach 60 units of blood per Blood Drive in 2025, as our current average is 40 units.

The HOA is committed to being responsive and interacting with the Fourways Gardens community to remain aligned with the needs and priorities of the community at large. Surveys on GloCMS are one of the best ways to gain insight and feedback, anonymously, and you will have noticed that these have been used more frequently. Completing surveys with your feedback, ideas for improvements and priorities helps the HOA to plan projects that meet the real needs of the Community or make decisions about when and which events to host. The HOA remains neutral when there are hot topics that are put to a poll or survey, and the greater your participation, the better equipped we are to make decisions that reflect the majority’s preferences. Your voice truly helps to shape the direction of our estate and community!

The holiday season is a time for relaxation, family gatherings, and celebration, but it can be overwhelming to ensure that you’ve got everything covered. Some reminders to help take the stress out of holiday planning and to make sure that homes, pets, and personal safety are well taken care of: • If you’re planning to be away for the holidays, consider hiring a home sitter to keep watch over your property, water plants (including your verge!) and take care of pets. Create a list of important emergency contacts, that is easily accessible and share it with anyone staying in your home (whether it’s a house sitter, a guest, or a relative). This enables them to take a pet to the vet if needed, handle a household emergency

Sincerely,

Charlene Marlin