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Suzarne Ally van Jaarsveld of Heldervue writes:
In response to the letter from Ian van Jaarsveld on the fireworks display at a hotel in Heldervue on New Year, I would like to point out to the hotel that they are in a residential area and there should therefore be no fireworks displays.

I beg you stop the fireworks, you have no idea the suffering my "boys" and other dogs and cats are going through with your madness. When the noise from the display comes up the hill, it is a million times louder than what you hear on the ground. I've been begging you for the past three years, to no avail, with no attempt from your side to understand my plight. Show you care, take the money you are wasting on this display and do something useful and donate it to the SPCA. I would also like to encourage other people who feel the same to voice their disapproval.

MOIRA GOUWS, manager of the Hottentots Holland Animal Welfare Society, writes:
The kennels were, of course, full to capacity with strays and unwanted animals over the holiday period and we found that many people euthanazed their animals, rather than bother with them over Christmas. The bad electric storm on Christmas Eve and New Year fireworks, caused absolute havoc. Dogs jumped through skylights, chewed their way through wooden windows and jumped through windows, all to escape the explosions. Many were lost, some still have not been found by their owners while some were hit by cars.

We made R22 000 at our December fete. Thank you to all involved. Our Christmas cake raffle raised R3 500 and we would like to that the Cake Decorator's Guild for that.

Erik Jansen, Managing Director, NH The Lord Charles Hotel replies:
I refer to the letter submitted by Ian van Jaarsveld, "Stop the fireworks", (DistrictMail, January 11), which I assume is directed at our hotel, although the author prefers to avoid mentioning our name and rather evasively refers to us as "the international hotel". We are indeed a law abiding international hotel of fame with high standards and a professional reputation, both among the local and national community and abroad with more then 350 hotels worldwide.

On January 2, I communicated telephonically with the Van Jaarsvelds regarding the issue and it was agreed that I would respond timeously. It is a pity that this forum was selected to voice the concerns before our agreed response date, now stirring up the community.

I apologise for the inconvenience that the author experienced, however, as they state, the fireworks have been a tradition of the hotel for almost 20 years and is greatly anticipated by both the local community and our 500+ guests. Again this year we were inundated with compliments about our fireworks. Unfortunately Mr Van Jaarsveld does not agree and wishes to now start protest action, which would need a permit, just as we had one for the fireworks. NH The Lord Charles prides itself to be a leader in the local community by providing employment to more than 150 people, contributing to the local community through the payment of rates and taxes, supporting local businesses and charities, and others. I also have a professional responsibility towards guests, clients, owners, investors and staff whose "well being" is currently my priority.

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