The Widenham Whisperer - Hibiscus Retirement Village
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The Widenham Whisperer
Volume 1 Issue 7 April 2020
Amid the uncertainty of what the future holds, the isolation and unknown factors resulting from the COVID-19
lockdown, it is really comforting to know that we have 2 dedicated ladies in our midst quietly making sure that
everyone is doing well.
SISTER VEE NAIDOO
Nursing is not just a career, it’s a calling. My name is Vee Naidoo; I have lived
in Umkomaas all my life. I matriculated at Umkomaas Secondary School. I have
two amazing daughters, two dogs and an adopted cat. I am blessed to have both
my parents living close by. My hobbies include: gardening, cooking, keeping fit
and making lovely gifts.
I worked at St. Augustine’s Hospital (maternity ward) Kingsway Hospital
(maternity ward and the Eye Clinic) I then moved to Umdoni Retirement
Village, from there I was lucky to be transferred to Widenham Retirement
Village. No matter where I work or what type of nursing I do, it all contributes to
making a difference. I always present myself with pride and honesty I am happy
to be part of this beautiful village, and working with my colleague, SN Asheena
Jugdeo. I would like to wish her all the best with her studies, I am extremely
proud of her and her achievements. To our dynamic Matron Lorraine, thank
you for your guidance and support and for inspiring us to do well in our
positions, and to you the residents, wishing you a blessed stay and many happy
years in our Widenham Village.
SISTER ASHEENA JUGDEO
I am SN Asheeno Jugdeo - I have lived, for the past 44 years, in our beautiful
town of Umkomaas. I was permanently employed by Hibiscus Retirement
Village in April 2013 and was positioned in the frail care unit at Umdoni
Retirement Village. In December 2018 I was transferred to Widenhman
Retirement Village on day shift. In February 2019 my colleague SN Vee Naidoo
was appointed to assist with clinic duties and to allow us to cover weekend
shifts. Our night shifts are covered by SN Jane Arumungum from Umdoni
Retirement Village.
I am busy with my studies and am currently on my 2 nd year bridging course to
become a RN.
I would like thank Matron Lorraine Holshousen for her guidance in assisting us
to give you, our residents, a better service. To our residents I would like to
welcome you all to the Village and thank you for your support towards us and
the clinic.
Editors : Marilyn Folly Cottage 103A—Ext 0225 email : mfandmb@yahoo.com and Viv Moore Cottage 172 - Ext 0247 email :
moore.viv@gmail.com
Any content used in this newsletter is subject to copyright and permission is needed if anything is copied in any way. Please submit any content
before 8th of the month
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 2
The Invitation A Selection of The Results
The Lockdown Braai was a great success thanks to our
eager participation of you, the residents. Of the 121 units
already occupied, 6 units ,the occupants were away and
only 4 did not participate. To the other 111 unit owners
thanks for the wonderful support. The Spirit of Ubuntu
is alive and well in Widenham and this proves we are
stronger together and that supporting one another will
get us through this difficult time.
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 3
WIDENHAM WANDERERS
Following on from the last Newsletter, the outing to Bahati
was cancelled due to the lockdown, but we have continued
with plans for the next mid-week outing, to Bazley Mac Nicol's
Caravan Park for the 24th to the 28th August, with the option
to go before and/or to stay after the said dates. The social
outings for breakfast and/or lunches are also suspended, and
it is hoped that as soon as is practical/permissible, a luncheon
will be arranged, so that we can get out and away from our
current 'closed' environment.
Should there be any new residents, who enjoy camping/
caravanning, please contact us, so that we can include you on
our mailing list for outings.
Wishing you a comfortable stay-in and good health.
Ronald & Rose King – Cottage 146 WRV, ext 4001; 082-9246106; kingrdl@mweb.co.za
Bible Study
Rosemary Combes Cottage 136—Ext 0230—Wednesday Evenings at 18.45
Carolyn Perkin Cottage 129—Ext 0267—Tuesdays at 13.30
JESUE CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED. What a different Easter we have just celebrated. Even though our
two groups have been unable to meet we have not been in isolation thanks to modern technology. On Palm Sunday we
were able to display our palm leaves in various ways and on Easter Sunday to place burning candles in our windows to
signify that our Lord is risen and He is the Light of the world. It is astounding how many people throughout the world
have gone on line to partake in Easter services many of whom would not have attended services under normal
circumstances. I think I speak for many people in South Africa when I thank God for our amazing President, Cyril
Ramaphosa, who is a Christian, and is leading us in such a statesmanship manner through this pandemic. This time of
lockdown has certainly given many of us time for introspection. To think about the things that are really important in our
lives- our faith- our families, many of them far away. Please God keep us all safe, bless us, bless our country and bless our
President and we look forward to when we can meet again in the precious name of our Lord. ROSEMARY COMBES
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 4
The Nature that surrounds us in our beautiful village
A Pintail Whydah
changing into his
winter coat. A Crested
Barbet, A Mocking
Chat and a Yellow
Billed Kite. A couple
of Woollynecked
Storks The smallest
bird in the world—
The Zunzuncito.
Sun Hibiscus.
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 5
UPDATED PENSIONER DISCOUNTS & SPECIAL OFFERS
(Obviously these discounts will only apply once the Lockdown has been lifted)
TUESDAYS
Spar Umkomaas - pensioners discount 4% discount (remember to ask)
Saiccor Village Bottle Store - 5% discount-not on promotional lines
Scottburgh Pick n Pay - 5% discount
Circus Circus Galleria – 50% discount on most burgers and pasta’s
Makro- 10% discount on certain non-food items
The Hub 10% discount on most clothing linen, china, clocks, luggage etc.
WEDNESDAYS
Builders Hardware 10% discount
Kingsmead Shoes Galleria 10% discount off most items
Game Galleria 10% discount with ID and Game Pensioners card
Clicks Pharmacy: double loyalty points
4 the love of Hair – Jana 10% pensioners discount. 12 Reynolds Street Umkomaas 039 – 973 0168
Pick n Pay Hypermarket Arbour Crossing 5% discount
Food Lovers Scottburgh 5% discount
WEEKLY
John Dory’s – Galleria Mall Pensioners special 30% discount on all main meals
Mondays to Fridays 12pm – 4pm 2 excluding light meal platters
WAVES RESTURANT UMKOMAAS 10% DISCOUNT ON BREAKFASTS/LUNCHES/AND DINNERS/ MONDAY TO
SUNDAY
Little Portugal 157A Marine Terrace Scottburgh Monday & Sunday 10% off Pensioners Meal. Confirm with Manageress Ana
Maria
Anything Fishy & More Marine Terrace Scottburgh Mon-Tue-Wed Pensioner Discount Cash 10% Card 5% only until 4:00pm
On Your Birthday @ Anything Fishy you will get a discount on any meal on your age (i.e. if you are 70 years old your
discount will be 70%) . Bring I.D. for proof of age. Phone orders accepted call 039978 3011
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 6
Organiser—Tina Diener
Cottage 113—Ext 0207
WEDG
Widenham Entertainment & Drama Group
Crafty Chicks in collaboration with the Widenham Entertainment Group collected Easter eggs from the residents for the
District 49 children prior to the lockdown. Mari Webster and the Easter Bunny Aiden Bloom had great fun driving around the
village, ringing the bell, despite the strong wind that was blowing.
Just to give you an update about the Easter egg drive. Cash donations amounting to R1,155
were received as well as enough Easter eggs for the children and caregivers. The eggs were
sorted and placed in hand decorated packets with the child’s name, so that each age group
received similar eggs. Each packet contained a fair sized chocolate egg, white egg, 5
marshmallow eggs as well as a facecloth folded as a bunny with a small egg .Boxed
marshmallow eggs were given to do an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday... Some of the cash
was utilised to purchase facecloths and a few small chocolate eggs as well as hand soap of
which they were in desperate need. The balance of R 464 will remain with the Crafty Chicks as
“donations received” for District 49 and will be used on items when they run short.
Our security staff are also very important to us and the extra marshmallow eggs were handed
to them over the Easter Weekend.
Crafty Chicks and Wedge would like to express a grandiose amount of gratitude to everyone for their donations. It was truly
appreciated and the kids just loved receiving their eggs on Easter Sunday.
We meet in the Barn every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm.
Nigel Combes Our Weather Man
March Rainfall 117 mm.
PLEASE DO NOT FEED ANY WILDLIFE
Max gust wind 46.4 km/h on 31st March.
Highest Temperature 30.2c on 22nd March.
Treasure Trove
Blue Marlin
Accommodation (no meals) - for two adults plus 1 child
10—17 July (Fri to Fri) R3000
18—25 September (Fri to Fri) R3200
Also
Two adults plus 1 child one week anytime except December
R3200
Contact : Lisa Cottage 137 Ext 0235 or Cell 083 957 8485
For safety in cottages, try to invest in an inexpensive fire extinguisher and / or a fire blanket
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 7
Strength Exercises for older people
Getting started
If you’ve not done much physical activity for a while, you may want to get the all-clear from a GP before starting.
For the exercises that require a chair, chose one that is stable, solid and without wheels. You should be able to sit with feet flat on
the floor and knees bent at right angles.
Avoid chairs with arms as this will restrict your movement.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and keep some water handy.
Try to attempt these exercises at least twice a week, this will help to improve muscle strength, balance and co-
ordination.
Build up slowly and aim to increase the repetitions of each exercise over time.
1Sit to stand (This is good for leg strength).
A. Sit on the edge of the chair, feet hip-width apart. Lean slightly forwards.
B. Stand up slowly, using your legs, not arms. Keep looking forwards, not down.
C. Stand upright before slowly sitting down, bottom-first.
Aim for five repetitions - the slower the better.
ABC
Mini squats
A. Rest your hands on the back of the chair for stability and stand with your feet hip-width apart.
B. Slowly bend your knees as far as is comfortable, keeping them facing forwards.
Aim to get them over your big toe. Keep your back straight at all times.
C. Gently come up to standing, squeezing your buttocks as you do.
Repeat five times.
ABC
2 Calf raises
A. Rest your hands on the back of a chair for stability.
B. Lift both heels off the floor as far as is comfortable. The movement should be slow and controlled. Repeat
five times. For more difficulty, perform this exercise without support.
Leg extension
A. Rest your hands on the back of a chair for stability.
B. Standing upright, raise your left leg backwards, keeping it straight. Avoid arching your back as you take your
leg back. You should feel the effort in the back of your thigh and bottom. Repeat with the other leg. Hold the lift for up to five
seconds and repeat five times with each leg.
Sideways leg lift
A. Rest your hands on the back of a chair for stability.
B. Raise your left leg to the side as far as is comfortable, keeping your back and hips straight. Avoid tilting to the
right.
C. Return to the starting position.
D. Now raise your right leg to the side as far as possible. Raise and lower each leg five times.
ABCD
3 Wall press up
A. Stand at arm’s length from the wall. Place your hands flat against the wall, at chest level, with fingers
pointing upwards.
B. With back straight, slowly bend your arms, keeping elbows by your side. Aim to close the gap between you
and the wall as much as you can.
C. Slowly return to the start.
Attempt three sets of 5–10 repetitions.
ABC
4 Bicep curls
A. Hold a pair of light weights (filled water bottles will do) and stand with your feet hip-width apart.
B. Keeping your arms by your side, slowly bend them until the weight in your hand reaches your shoulder.
C. Lower again slowly. This can also be carried out while sitting. Attempt three sets of five curls with each arm.
(With acknowledgement to the NHS in the United Kingdom)
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 8
PINEAPPLE FRIDGE TART
I packet crushed tennis biscuits
100 gr melted butter
Press into pie dish – until the filling is ready
Filling
1 tin condensed milk
½ cup lemon juice - 1 tin 400gr crushed pineapple drained
Mix condensed pineapple and lemon juice together
Beat 300 ml cream until thick fold into the mixture
Pour into prepared crust and let it stand over night in the fridge.
Supplied by Lettie De Beer Unit 127
Decorate as you wish, with cream, cherries, crushed biscuits etc.
If you would like to submit a Tried and Tested recipe for the next
newsletter please feel free to do so, via What’s App or e-mail to the editors.
Thank you Marilyn and Viv.
Wife : Honey can you please help me clean the garden.
Husband : Do I look like a gardener?
Wife : Sorry Honey then could you fix the bathroom door?
Husband : Do I look like a carpenter? He then walks out
and returns a little later to find the garden clean and the
door fixed.
Husband : I knew you could do this by yourself
Wife : It wasn’t me
Husband : Who then?
Wife : John our neighbour
Husband : How much did you pay him?
Wife : No money, he gave 2 options, bread or sex
Husband : Hope you gave him bread
Wife : Do I look like a baker!
Beauty Products
NaturCare Aloe Products Avon Representatives
Skin Care, Sun Care, Health Care, Body Care, Lisa Cottage 137—Ext 0235
Hand Care, Foot Care, Hair Care, Home Care And
Jenny Sneedon Cottage 138 - Ext 0258 Elaine Daker—084 245 7245
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 9
News from the Bowling Front
With the countrywide shutdown there is very little to report on the bowling front.
The greens are looking good but at this stage need cutting. Lack of equipment means unfortunately, this can
only be done once the lockdown is lifted. We were blessed with rain the day before we were set to water them
and together with the rains this past week, the Greens Contractor is happy for us to leave them at the moment.
The laying of the slabs on the banks has progressed well and should be completed by the time the greens are
ready for play. With the current situation it is difficult to estimate when the greens will be open for play but
hopefully this will happen in June.
We are awaiting approval of our Constitution by the CEO and Hibiscus Management Committee. Once we have this we can go ahead
with calling an Inaugural General Meeting to get the Constitution passed and Widenham Retirement Village Bowling Club formed
officially. The Club members will then need to elect a Committee to take over from the Interim Committee and also decide on District
Affiliation.
The clubhouse has obviously been delayed with the suspension of all building works and we will only have a timeline once all work on
site is allowed to commence.
Information for those bowlers who are members of local clubs that fall under Kingfisher Bowling Association (KBA). The KBA
Executive has decided to cancel the KBA Trips and postpone the KBA Singles until after the lockdown. They have also decided, as a
Host District, to cancel the KZN Singles which was due to be played from 6-8 June.
BSA has cancelled the Men's and Women's Nationals and BSA Mixed Pairs.
Confounded Lockdown (Submitted by Des James)
We have now been informed that, due to this Coronavirus there is to be a lockdown, where we will be confined to the Village. How on
earth are we going to survive this depravation? The village is only 100 hectares, which is a miniscule amount of our countries total area.
They say we will not be allowed out! How will I survive without the daily exercise involved in fighting my way along a crowded city
pavement. I will certainly miss all those scowling, familiar faces. Instead, I will have to walk along the almost deserted roads of the
village and be forced to greet everyone I see with a smile and a cheery “Howzit!’. This invariably leads to a chat, which of course cuts into
my precious “do nothing time”.
What about the thousands of cars, a good many with broken exhausts, emitting that familiar roar! How on earth am I going to survive
without that total cacophony, or not having the familiar smell of fresh exhaust fumes. And, what do I do about all the petrol in my fuel
tank. If my car has to stand unused for that length of time, the petrol will “go off” and become unusable.
Last evening I was standing outside contemplating my fate, when I noticed an unfamiliar smell. It was really strange and which couldn’t
readily identify, and, when I asked my neighbor he said it was the smell of freshly cut grass. Although I have often seen grass being cut I
had never noticed the smell, probably because it had been overpowered by the exhaust fumes.
I then noticed another smell which was vaguely familiar, taking me back to my childhood. I then realized it must be the smell of trees
and flowers. Although I see both trees and flowers every day of my life, I’d forgotten that they had a distinctive perfume.
What about the excitement of driving in peak period traffic on the motorway. It really gets my adrenalin flowing when I’m competing
with other drivers to see who can get the closest to another car without touching - this of course, at maximum speed.
What about the excitement of having to brake sharply, because I’ve been overtaken by a mini bus taxi, which then swings in front of me,
and stops suddenly to drop off passengers.
My body needs the stimulation and adrenalin rush of all this excitement. How will I exist without it?
And off course, the thrill of going shopping in a crowded supermarket, forcing my trolley through hoards of other shoppers looking for
various items that are virtually impossible to find, and then standing in a queue in order to pay - how can I do without this? I simply
cannot get the same satisfaction from phoning the supermarket and asking them to deliver.
How are we to deal with the local authorities! Sergeant Major Wagtail, who I am convinced is employed by the local Gestapo, flies in at
least half a dozen times daily to check on us - arrogantly marching up and down with his chest stuck out and tail going nineteen to the
dozen inspecting everything in sight and obviously checking to see that we haven’t gone out. He also carefully checks our veranda to see
that it has been properly swept and mopped, and if he is not satisfied he craps all over it, to show his displeasure!
No more going out to movies and breathing in every bodies second hand breath, or going to a busy, expensive restaurant for mediocre
food, accompanied by the exciting loud clatter of dishes around you.
I really don’t know if I can stand being deprived of all this and keep my sanity!
Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 10
When I moved to Widenham, I thought I’d be on my own. Many wonderful people have
made me think otherwise but two very special people—Dinki and Mike Dilks—have gone the
special mile, always kind, thoughtful , caring and generous. God Bless them and all at
Widenham.
Lisa—Cottage 137Volume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 11
The Monique James Page
WORDS GRATITUDE ROCKS
Words rumble and tumble around in my head Gratitude rocks on the shelf, where they’re planted
They leap up and down – they fumble about symbolizing gifts that I don’t take for granted
They wiggle and jiggle, then squiggle instead Splendid family and health
And vie for a place, on my pristine white page Show abundance of wealth
They stand to attention And give special meaning to life
Then bow and scrape Then good friends and fun time
And move to the side And, our lovely sunshine
To take a new place With strolls through the bush
They go in one ear And walks on the beach
And out of the other With mealtimes together
Most often they perch Some wine in our glass
On the tip of my tongue All give so much meaning to life
They jump up and prance The sharing of good times
Pirouette and dance Along with the bad
Take me, take me, take me Togetherness and friendship
INSOMNIAC Good fellowship too
At 3 o’clock of a Friday morn’ Add to the ultimate ‘meaning of life”
I’ve two and a half hours on my hands AGE OF DISCRETION
I ask myself ‘does time weigh heavy?’ I’ve reached the age of discernment
But “No”, it weighs nothing at all
The age that I’ve wanted to be
Time flies or drags, or races away
Seventy six and still counting
But definitely ‘weighs’ not an ounce
Footloose and fancy free
I’ll employ my mind, of emptying itself
Have earned the right to be grouchy
Of all that’s superfluous and drab
To say what I feel is right
And open new spaces for thoughts to reside
For all that brings peace to the mind Even to hoot at bad drivers
AGE As they dash through red traffic lights
Age is just a number, it’s just another year Doing only the things that I want to do
It happens to the best of us, it happens to the worst All the actions that make my heart sing
It creeps up when you are not aware Watch movies till late
It takes us by surprise
Only wake up at eight
Embrace the time that’s given us, cherish to the full
Not beholden to any old thing
Spend special time with family, and special time with friends
You never know when time runs out, .So enjoy it till the endVolume 1 Issue 7 The Widenham Whisperer Page 12
All Club Activities have been suspended and will resume once the Lockdown is overYou can also read
