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CRA
Newsletter
February 2004 One
residents’ association has grabbed the initiative with crime One
of Gauteng’s most active residents’ associations, the CraigPark
Residents’ Association (CRA), has initiated a unique project which
takes a stand against crime. The
Association, which represents the residents of Craighall and
Craighall Park, together with neighbouring suburb Hurlingham,
decided to donate a new police vehicle to the Parkview Police. **
Over
the past few years, the CRA has developed a close working
relationship with the Parkview Police Station, regarded as one of
the best in the country. With
17 suburbs to cover in the Parkview precinct but with the severe
funding restraints common to many police stations in South Africa,
Parkview Police were in the position where they had the personnel to
provide visible policing but insufficient vehicles to reach parts of
the precinct. The
CRA, on behalf of the residents and businesses that it supports, was
determined to play a pro-active role to assist the police in their
goal to reduce, if not eliminate crime, in its area. It is generally
acknowledged that the true definition of policing includes
visibility and reaction prior to crimes taking place. Prompt
reaction to desperate calls after the event from victimised
residents is essential but not the solution. It
was thus that a patrol vehicle was recently purchased, fully paid
for by the residents and a number of community-orientated businesses
in the area which included favourable pricing by Norman’s Toyota,
the local Toyota dealer in the area. In
return for this donation, the Parkview Police have undertaken to man
the vehicle 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and exclusively
patrol the three suburbs (known as the North sector) to provide
ongoing “visible policing” and faster reaction time. Comments
CRA Chairman, John Turpin, “To the best of our knowledge this is
the first time that a residents’ association has donated a new
vehicle to the police. Together with the SAPS, we hope that this
sets a workable objective for other associations in the Greater
Johannesburg Metro area for the improved security of our citizens
and city.” THANK YOU! Police patrol vehicle donations There
has been a great response by many It is terrific to see concrete evidence of such community spirit. While the CRA was reluctant to ask for additional funds over and above the voluntary membership subscription, it would seem that we have struck a consensus with this proactive project. I am pleased to report that the amount received to date has gone a long way towards the purchase of the vehicle. The R20 000 donated by the HGC (Hurlingham) Heritage Foundation was a significant boost to the amount raised thus far, and our residents continue to contribute. Any shortfall will be made up from CRA reserves. As a way of thanking all those who took the time and trouble to make a contribution, we list everyone who made a donation up to now. We understand that there may be households and small businesses who simply do not have the means to contribute, but they will be secure in the knowledge that their neighbours have helped to protect their properties. For every one who was able to assist us in this important self-help initiative, our public acknowledgement via this special edition of the Crier is recognition of a public-spirited response that bodes well for our efforts to maintain a very special neighbourhood in the heart of Johannesburg. Many also chose to make their subscription contribution for 2004 at the same time and the CRA looks forward to a record membership for this year. Thank you once again – and now together with Superintendent Loubser and his staff we will make this project work and hopefully other surrounding residents’ associations will complement our efforts. This could be the foundation for a community concern with issues where together we empower ourselves, rather than working in splendid isolation. Well done. John Turpin, CRA Chairman ************************************** Media
Release February 2004 - Craigpark Residents’ Association (CRA) Results
of CRA pavement garden competition The Craigpark Residents’ Association congratulates Lucy Heritage of 43 Lancaster Avenue, Craighall Park, for her winning pavement garden. Kay Kilpatrick from the area’s local nursery Colourful Splendour did the judging of the gardens shortlisted in Craighall and Craighall Park. Says organiser Caroline Doekes, “Lucy’s garden met all our citeria. Most of her plants are indigenous, such as apnia, daisy bushes (osteospermum), bulbine (katstert), the Cape marigold (Arctotheca calendula), gazanias and agapanthus. They are all hardy and require a minimum of water. Her garden is also ‘pedestrian friendly’. Runner up was Mary Kew of 30A Talbrager Avenue. Prizes have been donated by Colourful Splendour Nursery and The Nest Egg Tea Garden situated in the Nursery.
For the CRA’s environmental portfolio members, the competition is also designed to highlight the importance of residents taking responsibility for and pride in public spaces. Caroline again –“Craighall and Craighall Park is a wonderful area to live in but we have a lot of environmental challenges. We are tackling the islands in Jan Smuts Avenue but the biggest challenge is the cleaning up of the Braamfontein Spruit river area (incidentally, over 100 birds have been recorded in this area – the subject of another competition that we are running!).” In this regard, the Beaufort Avenue/North Road koppie area was given a special mention. A little over a year ago it was an unsightly rubbish tip . Today it is covered in flowers, thanks to several residents, particularly Mr Edgar Droste and Mr Elliot Twala. Comments the CRA’s communications portfolio holder, Wendy McAllister, “We’re pleased to say that our residents’ association is going from strength to strength as we create awareness that working together as a community empowers us. ”
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