After some technical problems, a long queue caused by a police check point and nearly being chased by a rhino while driving through Fairy Glen Game Reserve, we managed to get to the starting point of our long awaited hike into the Hex River mountains. Continue reading this post »
Agenda
Dave Pepler
Saasveld Forestry College (Port Elizabeth Technicon) National Diploma in Forestry, 1974.
University of Cambridge (UK) MPhil. (Zoology), 1996.
Dave has raised public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity and the social implications of humankind’s stewardship of protected areas. His involvement in environmental matters extends from the development of best management practices for the Chilean Forestry Industry through to environmental impact assessments in Africa.
Dave is the presenter of the popular environmental TV programme Groen on KykNet, has conducted numerous radio interviews and is also the author or co-author of more than 160 popular and semi-popular articles, press releases and lectures.
Tea/Coffee will be served after the meeting.
We had planned to walk up the Helderberg, but as it was very hot we decided to go to the Koffiekloof gorge on Vergelegen Wine Estate.
The road up to the parking area was in relative good condition. From there it took about 15 minutes to walk to the Johnson hut. The fynbos in this area is recovering beautifully after the fire a few years ago. The abundance of plant species was wonderful to see. Continue reading this post »
The latest newsletter of the Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve is available for download.
It includes a reminder of the AGM on 7 May 2011 at 14:30, details of upcoming walks, as well as other items of interest and information.
The hack newsletter reporting on the March hack is available for download as a pdf.
Legendary South African rock ‘n’ roll stalwarts Big Sky will do one of their rare live performances at the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West on Sunday, 13 March.
Fronted by singer/songwriter Steve Louw who formed the band in 1990, Big Sky is one of South Africa’s foremost rock bands with a unique sound influenced by rock ‘n roll, blues, country, folk and indigenous Southern African styles. With hit singles such as Waiting for the Dawn, One Cut with a Knife and Mr Green under their belt, the band has released a string of successful albums, including Waiting for the Dawn, Going Down with Mr Green, Horizon, Beyond the Blue and Trancas Canyon. Continue reading this post »
The hack newsletter reporting on the February hack is available for download as a pdf.
Bring your picnic and prepare yourself for an afternoon of great entertainment with the Graham Gillot Band on Sunday, 20 February 2011 at the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West.
The Graham Gillot Band comprises some of South Africa’s top musicians – Graham Gillot, Duncan Combe and Jeane Combe and they combine catchy original vocal songs with virtuosic instrumental music.
Classic original rock songs (a mix in the style of John Mayer, U2, Foo Fighters, Goo Goo Dolls and Bon Jovi) with vocals to match, are performed by the talented guitarist Graham Gillot together with outstanding support from the rhythm section of Duncan Combe on bass and Jeane Combe on drums. The band’s repertoire is not limited to rock and you can expect some blues, Spanish Flamenco, African or even Irish tunes, demonstrating the band’s versatility. Continue reading this post »
The hack newsletter reporting on the January hack is available for download as a pdf.
Bring your picnic and relax to the sound of jazz masters, Virtual Jazz Reality, on Sunday, 6 February 2011 at the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West.
Formed in 1993, Virtual Jazz Reality (VJR.) comprises some of the most respected, versatile and experienced artists on the South African music scene. Collectively and/or individually, they have performed throughout Africa, the United Kingdom, America (New Orleans, New York), Far East UAE (Dubai), Australia, Sweden, Denmark and elsewhere in Europe.
The band’s jazz repertoire includes over 100 original compositions (some of which have reached the top of the jazz charts) and all the popular jazz standards. Continue reading this post »