Getting to know Lyn Aitken – The Administration Manager for the St Francis Property Owners Association and NPC and so much more!

When did you move to St Francis Bay, and how did it happen?

My late husband Nigel and I moved permanently here from Johannesburg in 2010. We had lived here previously from 1990-92, but the world was very different then, and we had to return to Johannesburg to work.

Do you have a family? Pets? Tell us a little more.

I don’t have any children of my own. My stepfamily all live in Cape Town, and my own family is scattered between Australia, Johannesburg, and the UK.

My two small dogs are my fur family – Jack Russell terrorist Scooter – the gatekeeper – and Lexy, my little princess from Humansdorp.

Where were you, and what were you doing before St Francis Bay?

I moved to Johannesburg from Zimbabwe in 1980. Before my husband and I started our business,  I was a secretary and administrator in sales, marketing, and public relations environments.  We were very involved in our community in Paulshof (Johannesburg), where Nigel started the Neighbourhood Watch, and I chaired the Residents Association. When we moved to St Francis, it didn’t take long before we became involved in the Ratepayers Association and Community Police Forum.

What made you decide on St Francis Bay?

Nigel went to school in PE and used to holiday at St Francis from the 1950s. He was a keen fisherman. His parents retired here, as did his sister some years later, so when Nigel decided he’d like to try semi-retirement, St Francis was the obvious choice.

What is the best thing about St Francis Bay?

It’s natural beauty and close community are very special. Life here is comparatively peaceful and uncomplicated compared to city life. 

What is your job title with the SFPO?

I am the Administration Manager for the St Francis Property Owners Association and NPC

What are your duties with the SFPO and the NPC?

I perform all the administrative and secretarial tasks for both entities, but my most important role is to assist our residents and ratepayers with information and advice and serve as their interface with our Municipality. 

You do similar work for other organisations in St Francis Bay. Who else do you work for or help?

I represent the SFPO on the Ward 12 Committee, am secretary of the Community Police Forum and the Kromme Joint River Committee, and provide administrative services for the Aesthetics Committee.

I have been the secretary of the Rotary Club of St Francis for many years, which is how I spend most of my spare time.

Any final words on the SFPO for the residents of St Francis Bay?

I am privileged to work with an amazing team of people who give their time and expertise to benefit all who live here. Few other towns can boast such a proactive Residents’ Association. The Non-Profit Company team is busy with the Long Term Coastal Protection project to restore our beaches and the Kromme River, which will have a very important impact on the future of St Francis Bay. Exciting times ahead!

See also: Getting To Know Liezl Clause from the Disaster Volunteer Group