“TRAVELS IN PERU” FUNDRAISER 28 NOVEMBER 2015

Peru01Peter Berrisford

Judy New gave 70 guests an amazing tour of Peru. A kaleidoscope of high mountains, swollen rivers, Peruvian towns, steep valleys, strange new species of animals, descendants of the Incas in traditional multi-coloured costumes, parades in Peruvian town squares, tortuous roads, landslides, human sacrifices 500 years old preserved in the rarefied cold high mountain air, jungles, and for the botanists, pictures of unfamiliar plants. It was a breathtaking tour de force, immaculately prepared, professionally presented.

While the excuse for the entertainment was fundraising, these functions double as social events. The subject of the talk lured people who do not regularly come to our talks which was wonderful.

Judy the cyclist
Judy the cyclist

Lurking in the Microfrog room were sumptuous piles of delicious snacks. The fine wine, donated by Hanneli Rupert (left over from the book launch,) lubricated throats of thirsty folk.

I deposited R5,210 into Botsoc’s bank account. This includes a few donations. After correcting for donations, I reckon that 70 tickets were sold. We are indebted to Penguin Place, Pringle Bay Books, Oupa’s Bookshop and committee members who sold tickets. Funds will go to Community Educational projects. (In particular books for Harold Porter library, and support for Hantam Botanical Garden in Nieuwoudtville.)

Neva McGregor, whose farm is now Hantam NBG, and John Rourke
Neva McGregor, whose farm is now Hantam NBG, and John Rourke

And if you want IT help, ask Judy for Alan’s telephone number. He set up the lapel microphone. This improved acoustics for those with impaired outer, inner and middle ear problems.Once again Sally Mc solicited food donations. Barbara Jenman did a conscientious and enthusiastic job, helped by others, liaising with HP Gardens. Others set out the tables. Tim Attwell excelled at running the draw. (“We Picku” described the process!)

This was not the first time that Judy New has volunteered to set up, plan and present special talks on her travels. These talks expand our knowledge of remote parts of our globe. We all now can recognise the difference between llamas, vicunas and alpacas, not to mention lots of monkeys who would provide competition to our friendly baboons.