Hi Folks

What a month! More rain than we want or need, bitterly cold spells and finally our culvert/bridge collapsing for the second time in the month! Our gratitude and thanks go to those volunteer members of the NSRI , the St Francis Fire Department and the Disaster Management team who took it in turns to man the footbridge that was re-established. They worked tirelessly helping people stranded on either side in getting home to their families in the evenings and then workers to work in the mornings. Thank you one and all!

Thank you to those of you who paid your subscriptions this month, your payment is greatly appreciated. If you are uncertain as to whether you have paid this year, please check here on the SFBRA website where I have listed paid up members for 2011.

I received an email of a speech the Chairman of the National Ratepayers Association of South Africa, Jaap Kelder made on "Why should we have ratepayer's associations at all?" He states "We have got councillors elected from political parties, but they are powerless as they have certain functions in municipal council meetings. They are not allowed to interfere in the daily workings of the municipality; they cannot issue instructions to municipal workers. All they can do is raise concerns in council meetings where they can be out voted. The residents have the real power as they control their monies…………" Click here to read more. I am sure once you have read this speech you will appreciate the importance of a strong residents association.

The SFBRA were unable to have a scheduled meeting with the Mayor (to discuss the many issues in SFB that need urgent attention) due to the collapse of the bridge. The meeting is now to be rescheduled for next week.

Click here to read July's Minutes of Meetings which will bring you updates on our latest issues, DA Councillor, Ben Rheeder's monthly feedback and on-going matters arising.

In July the Residents/Ratepayers Associations of Oyster Bay, Paradise Beach, Jeffreys Bay, Aston Beach, Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay that make up FEKRRA (Federation of Kouga Ratepayers and Residents Association) held a Special General Meeting chaired by SFBRA wherein a new Chairman and Management Committee were elected. Regular meetings between FEKRRA and the Mayor are planned to strengthen our demands made on mutual issues, namely:

• Corruption
• Special development plans and environmental aspects
• Budget
• Valuations

On a lighter note:

• Congratulations go to Les Brent on receiving a Silver award at the World Association of Flower Arrangers 10th World Flower Show held in Boston, USA (the Olympics of flower arranging)!
• Ann Knight a Rotarian of longstanding has been the inspiration behind bringing Rotary to St Francis. Click here to read about this growing club, their planned meetings and how to join.
• There is to be a Pam Golding St Francis Canals Winter Challenge for paddlers on Saturday 6 August 2011 at The Cove, Shore Rd, St Francis Canals - Registration 9am, Start 10am for more details ring 083 284 0168.

In closing – here's hoping that by the time I next write – the fast growing pot-holes (both in number and size) will have disappeared! I can dream can't I?

Best regards
Jacky Green
St Francis Bay Residents Association Admin Manager