Friends of De Waal Park

Mike Bosazza (Chairman)

Mike Bosazza

Mike has walked his dogs in De Waal Park for almost 25 years and has always been avidly interested in the history of the park. He’s accompanied on his early morning and evening walks by Harry, Sophie & Zoe – all dedicated squirrel monitors. Mike is well connected to all the local authorities and Cape Town City Councillors/staff.

Charles Lindsay-Bowman

(Vice Chairman)

Charles Bowman

Charles (a dedicated Manchester United stalwart) and his wife Winnie, our Membership Secretary, are owned by Wally, a beautiful black and white Spaniel, who may as well be dubbed “Prince of De Waal Park” as he roams far and wide, to his owners’ despair, inspecting every inch of his kingdom, straying without conscience from his owners’ sides. Neither Charles nor Wally need any introduction, as they are constantly busy in the park, working on the pond drain, installing speed bumps, repairing benches, laying matting in the play area, fixing the swings – they’re always on the go.

Monica Perrin

Monica has worked tirelessly and voluntarily in the park’s best interests for the past 15 years at least, long before the formation of Friends of De Waal Park. With her devoted German Shepherd Thumi at her side, she has taken a keen interest in the maintenance and well being of the park, interacting with representatives of Council and Straatwerk personnel. Thumi was an exceptionally well trained dog and performed invaluable service as a well loved therapy dog. She and Monica participated in the “Paw-Pals” project, visiting and bringing joy to the residents of Reoboth in Hanover Park and Zonnebloom in District Six over a period of six years. Monica is loved and respected by all in De Waal Park and is fondly addressed as “Miss Monica” by homeless members of the community who have spent lengthy periods in the park and are well known to her – sometimes even being prodded awake by her on her early morning walks in the park, where she keeps a vigilant eye on everything.

Wendy Mathiassen

Wendy, a paediatrician at Red Cross Hospital, is our expert on all matters relating to children and has been instrumental in making recommendations for the children’s play area in the park. Mike remembers walking with Wendy in the park when she was expecting her son Tomas, now aged 16 (in 2011), so she too, has a lengthy association with the park. Wendy is accompanied on her daily walks in the park by Rollo and Desdemona (Desi), who was adopted by Wendy at 7 weeks old at our first Adopt a Pet event in 2009. Rollo, in common with Mike’s dogs, is also dedicated to closely monitoring the park’s squirrel community.

Claus Lauter

Claus Lauter

Our Webmaster Claus is a man of few words, but one of quick, efficient action. He walks his Ridgeback (sans a ridge) Scotty in the park at least three times daily.

Renate Blank

Renate Blank

Renate is our newly elected Treasurer. Like our former Treasurer Tilly Oertel, Renate worked at the German School for many years and is well equipped, as a result of her experience there, to handle the park’s finances. She can occasionally be seen walking her son Stefan’s chocolate Labrador, Moby. When she’s not in the park, Renate is kept busy house and dog-sitting, so remember her when next you need someone reliable to look after your most precious assets, your dog/s and your home.

Mia Soule

Mia Soule

Mia is a glamorous, bubbly blonde, with a wonderful sense of humour and boundless optimism, who frequently has flashes of inspiration, such as our Puppy of the Month competition. Her four legged kids are Snowy (Maltese poodle), Napoleon (a minute Yorkie – we mentioned her sense of humour) and new addition Valentino who was rescued and immediately given a noble name to compensate for his humble origins.

Jennifer Neish

Jennifer Neish (Secretary)

Our secretary is accompanied on her walks in the park by her handsome, arrogant, headstrong Boxer Cody and his pavement special brother Jordy, who is obsessed by the fast movement of anything – e.g. cyclists, joggers, skateboarders …. her life’s ambition is to emulate the ability of Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan and park trainer Sandy Colman who has Cody and Jordy effortlessly eating out of her hand, reducing them to docile lambs.

Alex George

Johanne Coetze

Winnie Lindsay-Bowman

Loving mother and wonderful wife (editor’s comment) mad for babies – has 17 grandchildren due to the exuberance of one son who has nine – very much a people’s person.

Winnie Lindsay-Bowman

Andrew Lawson

Andrew and his wife Cathy enjoy their walks in the park with Daschunds Bella and Thomas. Andrew is very handy and can be counted on to assist Mike with anything technical, whether it’s connecting fairy lights in the bandstand for our annual “Carols By Candle Light” event or advising on un-co-operative gates.