U3A Blaauwberg News

May 2024

Web: http://u3ablaauwberg.weebly.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/474963421472034

General
Monthly General Meetings:

General meetings are normally held, unless otherwise notified via email, on the last Tuesday of each month, barring December, when we do not have a
meeting. However, PLEASE NOTE the April meeting, which was due to take place on Tuesday, 30th of April, will now take place on Tuesday 7th May
due to the library still being closed. This date was booked by the library.

Time is from 10.30 to approximately noon for the main meeting and talk,
Refreshments are served from 9.30am to allow people to meet and chat.
Please be seated by 10.30.
We have a car guard in the car park for the morning of the meeting. Please do not leave your possessions on view in the vehicle.

Entry: R10 for paid up members of U3A Blaauwberg, R20 for visitors.
Our current yearly membership fee is R50 per person. This can be paid at the GM or via EFT, details on the website.

=====
Dear Members

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of two of our long-standing members, Ivar Drewienka, former Chair and long serving member
of the committee, and Elsie Baxter, one of our long-term group leaders. Ivar Drewienka will be missed by so many people both in the U3A and elsewhere
in the community at large. We send condolences to his family and friends, and to his wife Judy, our secretary and Course/Group Coordinator. Elsie Baxter
ran her Poetry Appreciation group for a long time and will be missed by all those who belonged to it.

We urgently need more interest groups to be started. Several of our groups have closed. It is time for some new blood. The ethos of the U3A is to carry on
learning after retirement, and to enjoy other people’s company as we do so, to keep our brains active. Without interest groups of all kinds the U3A loses its
reason for being and the members lose out too.

Groups Coordinator, Judy Drewienka, is really hoping we can start more sooner rather than later. Even small groups. Remember, you do NOT need to be
an expert on any subject - just have an interest that you can share with others.

Is anyone prepared to host a Scrabble group? Or even a few people who would like to host a games group - we do not have to limit the number of similar
groups. This applies to Book Club groups too. There are many genres of books so maybe someone could start a SciFi & Fantasy group or Historical
Novels, or any genre for that matter? We do not have to have only one book club. You use your own books or talk about library books you have read, so
no huge expenses like normal book clubs incur. We really do not have to have huge groups. Even four people is a nice size group to host no matter what
the subject. It is always good to get together for coffee mornings or tea, or even lunch, and enjoy friendly chats. Discussion groups would be great. Such
groups can discuss anything and everything, and it keeps our brains ticking over talking with others on different subjects.

The Craft and Conversation group is going well, as is the Travel Chat group. The Wonders of the Brain course is continuing very successfully and is
fascinating, Laurie Kellaway imparts information via laid back ‘lectures’ with slides and discussion. A classical music group has been proposed and has a
lot of keen interest. For those of you who so enjoyed the nature group that Elmara Willis held, we understand that not everyone is as widely travelled as
she was but think of some of the subjects covered at her meetings. She even shared videos on space and the universe etc, and it would be lovely if we
could get such a group going again. And yes, we understand not everyone has fancy TVs and surround sound etc, or have large premises to hold such
big meetings, but as Laurie has shown with his Wonders of the Brain group, the library premises are perfectly adequate as is the equipment available to
us. If you would like to start such a group but are not sure how to do so come and speak to Judy and ask her questions, or to Urs, or other members who
do run groups. We do have our own small projector and a screen.

Come on members, come up with something new. Like making jewellery? Discussion groups can cover ANY topic, even cookery or recipes, philosophy
and so on. There is so much information out there on the internet, Youtube and so on that you can draw on. And you do not need to be out of pocket
either. So, what can YOU share with others?

I am sure members who attend our talks will agree that we have had some really interesting speakers and we hope to continue this trend. If you know of
any such speakers, who can inject passion and humour into their talks, please let Erenst van Niekerk or Judy Drewienka know.

1
May will be our AGM so please attend the normal General Meeting on the 28 th May at the Milnerton Library.

Information / Things to do / Places to go

Please note: information published here, on our website and on our Facebook page is taken from various forms of media and the internet and it is up to
you, the reader, to check the information for yourself. The Blaauwberg U3A and its committee cannot be held responsible for any incorrect information.

########

Derick Rule is again doing tours and holidays. Unfortunately the notification went astray, and some tours are already full, but contact
Derick direct to enquire as to a waiting list for possible cancellations, itineraries and any further information. You will find his contact
details on our website, the address of which is at the top of this newsletter.

Caledon hotsprings Scheduled for departure by train from Waterfront station departure 12th May,2024 (fully booked)
Caledon hotsprings Repeat of first Caledon Tour departing 26 May, 2024 (also fully booked)
Kruger National Park Departure 24 June 2024. Very few spaces still available
Spring flower tour August
East Coast Mpekweni Resort 13th October.

Some Pensioners Specials

If you come across others, please let us have the details.

Many of you go to Stodels Nursery, Milnerton, and visit The Good Thyme Café for refreshments after or before. But did you know the café
have a pensioners menu available on Wednesdays? The Bellville Good Thyme Café pensioners menu is available on Mondays. Milnerton 021
551 0881 / goodthymecafe@yahoo.com open 7 days a week from 9am – 5pm NB. The Milnerton premises are even big enough to host
meetings. So why not gather a group and meet there to play games or chat?

The following Pensioner Day & Discounts were in the last newsletter of 2023 but are printed here again for those who no longer
have that edition. The list has not been updated so please check the information out for yourself. Please save so you can refer to
the list:

Food Lover’s Market – Each branch has their own pensioners day, enquire at your closest branch for details.
Game – 10% discount on in-store purchases up to the cost of R3,000
When: Any day of the week
To redeem: Present your SASSA card and ID
Makro – Up to 10% discount on general in-store purchases and up to 5% off in-store food purchases to m-Senior Makro card holders. The discount is
only for purchases made for personal use. Bulk purchases for commercial or business use do not qualify.
When: Every day
To redeem: Present your SASSA card and mSenior card. Extras: Priority entry to the store and express checkout. Makro also has wheelchairs, but
these generally need to be booked, especially if one intends going on a busy day.
Pick n Pay – Double points to all Pick n Pay Smart Shopper customers over the age of 60.
When: Wednesdays in Pick n Pay stores.
To redeem: Present your Smart Shopper Card
Builders’ Warehouse – 10% discount on certain purchases (some products are exempt)
When: Every Wednesday
To redeem: Present your Builders card and ID
Clicks Seniors Club – 60+ ClubCard members earn 4% cash back on online or in-store purchases.
When: Every Wednesday
To redeem: Present your ClubCard
Dischem 60 Plus – Double points on in-store purchases
When: Every Wednesday
To redeem: Present your Dischem card
Extras:

2
One free blood pressure test a month (T&Cs apply)
Discounts on selected salon treatments
Invitations to exclusive 60 Plus tea parties
Spur – See the Senior’s Menu for specials
Available at all Spur restaurants nationwide
When: from Monday to Thursday
Ster-Kinekor – 22% discount on movies
When: Every day except Tuesday when tickets are ½ price.
Access to SK Club screenings and SK Club lounge.
To redeem: Present your SK Club card
Nu Metro – Discounted rates on Regular, VIP, and Extreme movie formats
When: Every day
To redeem: Present your ID
SANparks – Up to 40% off camping, accommodation, game drives
When: Certain months of the year, excludes Fridays, Saturdays and long weekends.
Required: Proof of identification or proof of pension category must be given on arrival.
Accommodation – Pensioners can find discounts on accommodation at certain establishments. For example: 305 Guesthouse – 15% discount
Cape Nature – 30% off all self-catering and camping facilities.
Kagga Kamma – Save 45% on midweek stays during high season.
Hertz – Special offer on car hire for over 55s by using the promo code when booking.
When: Every day
To redeem: Present your ID on vehicle collection.
Supa Quick – Wheel balancing, wheel alignment, and tyre rotation for only R250.
When: Every Wednesday.
To redeem: Present your ID
Robben Island Museum Tours
Pensioners R250
When: Mondays and Wednesdays
City Sightseeing:
Red Bus
Pensioners: R175
Red Bus & Lunch
Pensioners R244
Canal or Harbour Cruise
Pensioners R40
Canal or Harbour Cruise & Breakfast
Pensioners R100
Ceres Steam Train to Elgin Market
Pensioners receive 10% a discount
Castle of Good Hope
Pensioners R25
Two Oceans Aquarium
Pensioners R165
Iziko South African Museum
Pensioners R15
Cape Point
Pensioners R55 return ticket
Boulders Beach
Pensioners R10
World of Birds
Pensioners R85
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Pensioners R110 return ticket
Plus a free ticket on your birthday if you are a SA citizen. Present your ID.
Metro Rail
Pensioners can travel free on a Tuesday, anywhere within the metropole during Off Peak hours – 9am to 2pm

SASSA Old Age Grants:

Many older people on fixed incomes are struggling to pay for food and services. If you fulfil the points below why not apply for a pensioners grant. It is
currently R2100 per month.

To qualify as a SASSA pensioner, you must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and live in South Africa.

You also must not:

 Receive any other social grant for yourself.
 Be cared for in a state institution.
 Earn more than R86,280 per annum if you are single or R172,560 if married.
 Have assets worth more than R1,227,600 if you are single or R2,455,200 if you are married. [Check re property, re value as an asset]

3
To apply for a SASSA card, visit the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to where you live along with your 13-digit bar-coded
identity document. Unfortunately, the ‘Pop Ups’ are no longer in operation. You can also have SASSA paid directly into your own bank account or open a
Capitec savings account for it.
For more information: Pensioner grants, how to apply, what documentation to take with, or view the YEI SASSA page at https://youve-earned-
it.co.za/site/sassa-south-african-social-security-agency-older-persons-grant

City Rates Rebates for homeowners:

If you are a homeowner don’t forget to apply for your rates to be rebated. Relief is available for indigent households, pensioners and residents
who are financially struggling to make ends meet.
According to the City, if your total household income is R7500 or less per month, you could qualify for a discount on your water, sewerage,
electricity, waste collection and property rates. Go to https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/
Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief

Recipe
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Fluffy, healthy pancakes. Naturally gluten & dairy free with no flour or added sugar. Use a blender or make the old-fashioned way with a fork or a whisk..

Ingredients:
 Bananas: 2 or 3 [depending on size] super ripe bananas give the pancakes their natural sweetness. Make sure they have lots of
brown spots!
 Eggs: 2 eggs
 Milk: Any milk you like including almond milk.
 Oats: Rolled oats. You can use gluten free rolled oats.
 Baking powder so the pancakes are nice and fluffy, plus some cinnamon, vanilla extract & salt for flavour.

Method:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender, and blend on high until smooth! If you don’t have a blender then mix it all well together with a fork and
whisk it with the fork or a metal whisk.
2. Let batter sit. As with any batter it needs to sit for a bit, maybe while you heat up your pan.
3. Cook & flip. Add olive oil or coconut oil to a griddle or large nonstick pan and place over medium heat. Add pancake batter 1/3 cup at a
time and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, when tiny bubbles appear around the edges. Flip and cook 2 minutes more.
4. Serve pancakes with fresh fruit, or whipped cream, and maple syrup or honey! Even ice cream.

Funnies

4
Committee Members

Erenst Van Niekerk Acting Chair

Urs Huber Comms / Treasurer 084 713 5545 uhhuber@gmail.com

Judy Drewienka Course Coordinator / judy.drew@icloud.com

Secretary

Erenst Van Niekerk Speaker Seeker /

General Manager

Catherine Mathieson Refreshments Coord.

Corinna Turner Newsletter / Website / Facebook corinna.turner@btinternet.com

Joy Wellbeloved Committee

Geoff Posnack Committee

Felicity-Ann Shaw Committee

Laurie Kellaway Committee

Bev & Bruce Lewis Raffle