BOTSOC COMMITTEE NEWS
Merrilee Berrisford
Committee members
Charlotte Rademeyer has been on the branch committee since October 2014 and has made a very real contribution to Kogelberg Branch. She was a very competent editor-in-chief of the newsletter for nearly a year, introducing photographs adding interest and colour. Charlotte also produced the first poster – ‘Bad Plant, Good Plant’ – featuring the dreaded New Zealand Christmas tree and giving suitable alternatives. This was the start of a campaign we had been planning for a long time. A busy and unpredictable work situation has meant that Charlotte has had to resign from the committee. We say a big thank you to her for her efforts and know that she will still be around when extra help is needed.
We are very happy that Rea Borcherds, now a permanent resident of Betty’s Bay, has agreed to join us. Rea was on the committee of the Betty’s Bay Wild Flower Society way back in the early 80s and worked on the Society’s stand at Flora ’83. It was this stand which drew the attention of the Botanical Society of SA, resulting in the request to become a branch, which happened in 1985.
Pikkewyntjies
We like to support this little school in ways involving the environment. In December 2015 we departed from this by giving R400 to each of the four staff members. As it happened, there were no funds for Christmas bonuses, so we were pleased to be able to help and they were very grateful.
Ethel May Dixie flower paintings
A sub-committee has been formed to decide how best these sixteen original paintings will be displayed. Both Vicki Thomas and John Rourke feel it is very important that they are kept together as a collection. Vicki and John, Bernie Carolus, Joy Rourke, Rea Borcherds and I had a very productive meeting on 29 February about the paintings. We are so lucky to have these experts here in Betty’s Bay. We hope it will not be many months before you will be viewing this treasure, given to the branch by Priscilla Blake
Your place in the Kogelberg
Over 800 (i.e. 80%) of the copies of our book have been sold or given to worthy causes. The committee is investigating ways of printing more in English and also looking for sponsors for a limited Afrikaans edition.
Whale Coast Conservation
We responded to the request below in the February WCC newsletter by sending R1000 to fund an eco-adventure. This is going to be on 23 March, a beach adventure for children of Kleinmond Primér, and our members are invited to be there.
Please Help to Fund a Project
A modest R1000 will sponsor one of the WCC eco-adventures for a group of 20 learners from a less privileged school.
Your contribution towards the cost of an adventure can make a meaningful difference to the lives of 20 children and help to develop the next generation that will be tasked with caring for our environment.
If children lose contact with nature they won’t fight for it – George Monbiot.