YOUR VOICE

We asked some of our readers what they would like to read about in future editions of Parkhurst Post:

• Karen - I would like Parkhurst restaurant reviews. Book reviews or recommendations of older books could be interesting. How about monthly property sale prices?
• Patricia - I would love to find word of mouth recommendations on plumbers, electricians, handymen, people to do minor repairs around the property etc. I enjoy food so I’m always interested in new recipes too.
• Pierre - Local business owner introduction is nice. It’s nice to read an introduction on shops I don’t already know. I’m interested in historical information of the area.
• Gina - I’d be interested in the history, getting involvement from all our community organizations like churches, schools, community halls, etc. An interview of Parkhurst’s various cultural figures would be interesting to read about. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

We are also compiling a Parkhurst business directory. We would like to cover not only the businesses on 4th Ave and 7th St, but also small or home businesses operating in the area. Please drop off your business card in the Parkhurst Post box at the library and send us e-mail with details and a short description to parkhurstpost@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE STATS

• Total number of houses in Parkhurst: 2093
• Number of houses transferred (Jan-Sep ‘08): 104
• The highest and lowest prices of properties transferred (Jan-Sep ‘08): R3,900,000 / R900,000

EVENTS

• Until Feb ‘09. Wits University’s Origins Centre presents ‘Reservoirs of Potency’, an exhibition of Rock Art Artist Stephen Townley Bassett. His impressive body of work documents rock art using original materials believed to have been used by the San people. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm,   Admission R55. Info: 011 717-4700.
• Saturdays 8:30-13:30. Jozi Food Market is held at Park Town Quarter (cnr 3rd & 7th Aves) Come buy fresh produce, meats and gourmet foods, or just enjoy the lively atmosphere. Info: www.jozifoodmarket.co.za.
• Wednesday 22 Jan ‘09. The Parkhurst Food Group will visit to Nick Zehnder’s Cookbook Emporium (www.cookbook.co.za) book shop in his Parktown North home. Contact Tim 072 238-2790 / 011-442-5201.
• Mondays 3:30pm. Parkhurst Library hosts a weekly storytime, hosted by the organizer of Parkview library’s successful storytime. All ages welcome! They also hold free adult literacy classes every Tuesday at 3.30pm. Info 011 788-4510.

COMMUNITY MATTERS

A mysterious black container shopfront appeared on the corner of 4th Ave & 11 St causing an eyesore, traffic hazard and general confusion. The organizers were granted a permit by the Johannesburg Roads Agency for R360, but they had not consulted anybody else. After much behind the scenes work, the container was removed within a week, and the organizers fined R10,000.

There are half dozen new shop fronts opening on newly developed sites on 4th Ave. Some are new shops to Parkhurst while others are familiar faces that have taken up new locations. Good luck to all! ///  The 10th Street footbridge has a new palisade fence that is locked at night. Thanks to all parties who have contributed. For after hours escort across the bridge, contact ADT on 086 121 2400.

BP GARAGE SITE

Michael Whiffler,  acting on behalf of Ablengani, the owners of the BP Garage property fronting 4th Ave spoke at a recent PVRA committee meeting about the proposed development of the site. He circulated diagrams, a map and drawings for the project which involved a top class restaurant and upmarket retail shops. They hope to develop to an image that does not conflict with the general atmosphere of the street.

Since then, the developers have also purchased the 2 properties directly behind  the 4 original stands. Parkhurst Auto, who were to vacate the premises at the end of November 2009, are now being encouraged to stay on another year while the developer ponders what to do with the larger area.  The PVRA, our councillor, Sharon Sabbagh, traders and residents will be keeping a close watch on this land and its development as time goes on.

VILLAGE FAIR

The Village Fair was back this year after a one year gap.  Around 1,000 people attended and the PVRA made around R12,000.  The fair was good fun with lots of activities throughout the morning and early afternoon. The beer tent and seating were the big differences from previous fairs and people stayed on for much longer than before. PVRA member Vanessa Mohommed was the organiser of the event. Her company, Wanyane People, specialises in hiring out staff for various events, and she certainly brought a more professional edge to the event.  What do you think? Did you go? Have you any suggestions?  Comments to  parkhurstpost@gmail.com


VERITY PARK UPGRADE

Thanks to the hard work by many, and the initiative of PVRA member and dog walker, Tim Truluck, our much loved Verity Park has had a positive make-over that renders the park more user friendly.  There are fewer dog droppings due to the plastic bags that are newly available, as well as due to hard work by our park maintenance man, James. 

Benches were also installed in various places throughout the park which give people a place to sit back and take part in the relaxed and cleaner atmosphere. Many parents of young children began using the park again after they discovered it was cleared of doggy do. Two soccer posts have been installed and teams can be seen playing in the afternoons.  

Inviting public parks are much needed in Johannesburg. We’re lucky to have one of those parks in our community. More upgrades to the park are on the way.


PARKHURST HISTORY - 6TH STREET

When Parkhurst’s streets were laid out in 1903, no thought was given as to how they would link up with the surrounding suburbs. The plots in Parkhurst are much smaller than those in Parktown North and so joining the 2 suburbs was always problematic.  

At various times, 2nd, 7th, 8th,  11th and 16th Sts were all considered as possible through routes. But it was 6th St that formed the most direct link with Parktown North and Rosebank which became the major route through Parkhurst to the north-west. It was the 1st road to be tarred and the intersection with 1st Ave West was the 1st stop street.  More info: Tim 072-238-2790.


GREEN THUMB

Let’s take a look at the concept of eco-gardening today. How many of us are gardening in a way that the environment is not harmed by our gardening practices? There are 10 practices that we as gardeners must be aware of when gardening. We call this the Ten Commandments of Eco-gardening.

1. Thou shalt not waste water.
2. Thou shalt position plants wisely.
3. Thou shalt make compost.
4. Thou shalt reuse non-biodegradable products.
5. Thou shalt minimize the use of chemicals.
6. Thou shalt leave a ‘messy bit’ in the garden.
7. Thou shalt teach children to garden.
8. Thou shalt care for the soil.
9. Thou shalt plant indigenous wherever possible.
10..........

We have only specified nine as it is up to you to decide on your family’s tenth commandment for eco-gardening practices. 


WORD OF MOUTH

• James Maluleke is a handyman who also does small scale home repair/renovation work. He is detail-orientated and neat in his work and comes highly recommended by many residents. He is a community face who maintains Verity Park and can be spotted there on most weekdays at around 5pm. Give James a call @ 072 452 5913.
• Tim Jordaan, the owner of Clearline Plumbing, is a general service plumber who comes highly recommended by 4 residents. He responds to 24 hour emergency calls too. Contact Tim @ 083 347 9062

MEET THE BUSINESSES

• Parkhurst Book Shop aka “The Rob Shop” (cnr 4th Ave &13th St). Rob, who is in his 19th year at this location, describes his business as a general dealer specializing in stationary, cards and gifts. People come from far for his card selection. You can fax and copy here too. It is a  fascinating place with a mix of everything! Rob loves to interact with people and in his spare time can be found enjoying reading, opera, music and film. Tel: 011 788 6911.
• Senses Flowers (Opposite the chemist on 4th Ave). Clarissa, who opened her flower shop in August, is no novice in her industry. This former art director for television began floral arrangement as a hobby which blossomed into two beautiful shops.  She specializes in sophisticated and thoughtful modern arrangements but will happily arrange in many styles. No budget is too small/big and she stays within budget!  She also sells ice cream and custom sugar flowers. Tel: 011 250 7929

4TH AVENUE WINNERS

Congrats to Parkhurst’s three 4th Ave traders who have won awards. 

• Newcomer, The Attic, won the best new restaurant in the Caxton Best of Joburg Awards. Find them on the cnr of 4th Ave/10th St, 011 880 6102 (booking essential).
• Regular winner, the Jolly Roger,  won the best neighbourhood pub in the Caxton Best of Joburg Awards. Tip: watch the sunset from their balcony. Cnr 4th Ave/6th St, 011 442 3954.
• The other winner was Braeside Meat Market, who won the “Best Outlet”in the north in the annual Eat In magazine for their good quality meat and knowledge. Try their grass fed beef from the KZN Midlands and their free range rabbit and duck. Cnr 4th Ave/10th St, 011 788 3613.