1st of July 2010

It’s funny how milestones slip through our hands like knots in a rope and so quickly become yesterday’s news. Things that were so important now seem like a blur in the rear-view mirror. The events of the last while would have calloused even the toughest hands.

For so may of us, with the World Cup over, it is time to drop the sails, pause for a moment, and take stock. But of what? The memories are a sea of colour and the deafening pulsing of vuvuzelas, the beating heart of a country that has come so far and achieved so much.

I’m astounded at what was achieved during the tournament. No, actually, that’s not fair. I’m astounded by the meticulous planning, the foresight and absolute determination which, over a number of years, resulted in the tournament of a lifetime. I’m more shocked that one of my heroes of the world cup was Bheki Cele. It’s phenomenal to be surprised like that, I can’t wait for more. My attitude is without a doubt chest out stomach in.

Garlington is also chest out stomach in, not least since the security guards have donned their spiffy new uniforms; also for so many other reasons. Let’s pull in the rope and examine the knots…

Nicolson’s has blown us all out of the water time and time again. Every time you think you know what you can expect from Jonty and Tanya they pull another rabbit out of the hat. Now open for dinners on select nights – if you haven’t yet been privileged enough to sample the fare and soak in the atmosphere I sincerely hope it won’t be long before you do. Been swapping secrets with Bheki? I’m not one to speculate but whatever they are doing let the good times roll!

The commercial element at Garlington is, as a whole, doing incredibly well. We now have a variety of businesses which have established themselves and are contributing hugely to the ‘vibe’ on the estate. Most recently we have been joined by ActionCOACH who will, apparently, give any business a chest out stomach in approach.

This seems to be an apt opportunity to break and remind you of my favourite topic – the website. It’s not just had a facelift it’s a whole new animal. We commit to being at the cutting edge and are tweeting and uploading and doing everything else we possibly can to make Garlington’s virtual presence as appealing as the real thing. You’ll find almost any information you may care to have and the majority of the businesses have also got a spot with contacts etc.

Getting back on track but sticking with technology… the telephone system is up and running and as I type the happy green light on my router keeps reminding me that I’m plugged into the information superhighway. It’s everything we’d hoped for and more. The system is in its infancy but is already making a meaningful difference to all of us who live and work at Garlington.

Pay attention because whether you live and work at Garlington or are just bright enough to know there are always gems in this newsletter we have managed to secure you the best insurance package on the market, guaranteed. Woollam Compendium Insurance Group has really come to the party. For homeowners specifically the products that they are offering are unbeatable. With a Garlington specific approach and an agent who bases himself at Garlington you cant go wrong. Please get in touch with Dave Brauteseth (david@mrw.co.za or 082 848 9012) and let him know you’re a Garlingtonian, or have a look at their page on the website.

It is a common rule that to keep peoples attention one should every so often inject some humour into speeches and other forms of communication. I think I’m funny enough but a rule is a rule so I have plagiarised some:

“Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting.
Well, for example, the other day my wife and I went into town and went into a shop. We were only in there for about 5 minutes. When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket. We went up to him and said, 'Come on man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?'

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him a Nazi turd. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires.

My wife then called him an anal moron. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket. This went on for about 20 minutes as the more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote.

Personally, we didn't care. We came into town by bus and the car had a Julius Malema supporter sticker on it. Now that we are retired we try to have a little fun each day; it's important at our age.”

Jokes aside the message is a real one: life should be fun, no matter what your age. That is why the Garlington Care Centre will be different. It is why instead of a hospital room residents will be in suites which, without exception, will open out into gardens. It’s the reason the facility will be run like a hotel with a nursing staff. There isn’t space to cover the topic here but there is info on the web and I strongly suggest that you take a look or mail andrew@garlington.co.za or alex@garlington.co.za for more info.

Retrospect is a lovely thing. In retrospect I should have kept a list of all those people who said SA wasn’t ready for the world cup and never would be. It’s easy to comment on events that have passed. I’m going to be daring and try to predict the future. Due to the planning and determination of those involved, Garlington will exceed all expectations and the Care Centre will set the benchmark for any and all similar institutions in the country.

Very soon it will be a battle getting into either. Mark my words.