WESSA HIGHWAY BRANCH E-NEWS LETTER, SEPTEMBER 2014.




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HIGHWAY BRANCH
E-NEWS LETTER, SEPTEMBER 2014.

E X T I N C T……

Evolving many thousands of years ago, and at one time roaming the African plains in huge herds before the arrival of men with their lethal guns and being hunted for “SPORT”, the very last QUAGGA died, not on its natural home of the African Veld, but a lonely death in a cage at the Amsterdam Zoo on 12th August 1883.  And thus became EXTINCT.

Nine days later a group of sportsmen who were concerned about the ongoing slaughter of Africa’s natural wildlife, met in Durban’s City Hall to inaugurate the Natal Game Protection Association in order to protect and conserve the areas natural fauna.

So began an organisation that prospered and spread and still continues to work tirelessly not only to protect and conserve Africa’s wildlife, but its entire environment from exploitation and destruction.  Over the years the Natal Game Protection Association became a national organisation, changed its name from time to time to incorporate its expanding role, and now that it encompasses all environmental matters, is known as

THE WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA”

Over the years the Society has been involved in many causes in order to fulfil the original aims (and more) of the Natal Game Protection Association

From time to time we will bring to you some of the “battles” that have been won and lost by the Society.

Here are but two. 1964.  The Society fought strongly to save Mkuze Game Reserve from being de-proclaimed.

1980s-90s. The huge fight to stop mining on the Eastern shores of Lake St Lucia and have the area proclaimed a World Heritage Site.

HIGHWAY BRANCH of WESSA IS PROUD TO BE PART OF THAT SOCIETY.

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You are invited to TWO indoor meetings this month.

First to the WESTVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY meeting at Westville Central Library
On TUESDAY 7th October at 7.0 for 7.30pm.

On this occasion the Horticultural Society have invited “Yours Truly” to present a slide presentation of a journey through the centre of Australia, South to North.

“THROUGH THE RED CENTRE”

A five thousand km journey starting at Cape Ottway on the south coast of Victoria, along the Great Ocean Road before turning north through the Outback, visiting an Opal mining town, Uluru (Ayers Rock), The Olgas, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Katherine Gorge, The Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks before arriving in Darwin, (the City that died twice)
     

Everyone will be welcome. R10 donation to cover refreshment costs.

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THE SECOND MEETING IS TO

Highway Branch’s regular monthly meeting also at Westville Central Library.
7.30pm on FRIDAY 10th OCTOBER

The guest Speaker will be


Sorry, wrong picture, this is NOT our guest speaker, however

 Our guest will be our own expert on the behaviour and life style of the Vervet Monkey.
Namely JEAN SENOGLES.

Love or hate, (the Monkeys, not Jean Senogles), they are fascinating creatures trying to live with us in an area where we have taken over.

How can each live together and enjoy one another’s “antics”
Are they any form of danger to us, we certainly are to them.

Come along and hear from our resident expert who has studied them for years.

Time and other considerations permitting we will also have another film in the series “Planet Earth”


All welcome, light refreshments. No charge.

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Other forthcoming events.

 Sunday 5th October. Guided walk in Kloof Gorge. 8.0am from Interpretive Centre. 

 NB. This is a longer (3-4 hour) strenuous walk.

 Also Sunday 5th October.  Hillcrest Rail Walk. From the Stationmaster’s Arms, Inanda Road.
At 9.0am. Families, dogs on leads, cyclists all welcome. R10 for trail maintenance.


Tuesday 7th October  THROUGH THE RED CENTRE”.  See above.


 Wednesday 8th October.  Guided walk in the Springside Nature Reserve, Hillcrest. 7.30am from the Interpretive centre.  Hopefully, our Spring Flowers will be on display.

  Friday 10th October.  Highway Branch of WESSA meeting. Westville Library. See above.

Saturday 11th October.  The monthly guided walk in the Glenholme Nature Reserve in the grounds of the Kloof and Highway SPCA.
10am from the steps of the Tea Room. Have a “cuppa’ before, or stay for lunch afterwards.

Sunday 19th October.  A shorter, one hour less strenuous walk in Kloof Gorge.  8.0am from the Interpretive Centre.

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Remember Highway Branch’s motto,

EVERY DAY, IN SOME WAY, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Alan.

031 764 0034.

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