Probus Club Bedfordview hosts honorary ranger as guest speaker
Watt gave an inspiring account of his adventures as a South African National Parks (SANParks) honorary ranger since 2014.
Probus Bedfordview hosted guest speaker Andrew Watt at the St George’s Village on June 4.
Watt gave an inspiring account of his adventures as a South African National Parks (SANParks) honorary ranger since 2014.
Honorary rangers are unpaid volunteers.
They contribute in many ways, like raising funds for anti-poaching activities, speaking at schools, raising public awareness, and supplying much-needed manpower and equipment to supplement conservation and tourism in the parks.
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A primary activity of Watt’s is building veggie gardens in the full-time ranger camps.
The club’s Genie Wright said all equipment is sourced.
Then, the volunteers do the physical labour. They level the area and erect a steel structure covered with high-grade steel mesh.
More than 2100 honorary rangers based in 31 regions around SA work in all 21 of our national parks.
“Without them, the parks would be so much poorer and in some areas, struggling,” explained Wright.
The next Bedfordview Probus meeting is on July 2 in the lounge at St George’s Village on Economides Road, Bedfordview.
Probus is an association of retired and semi-retired persons who form non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit clubs to encourage members to meet others in similar circumstances.
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They stimulate thought, interest and participation in activities at a time of life when horizons are narrowing and opportunities to make new friends are limited.
The club’s philosophy is fun, friendship and fellowship.
Visitors are welcome.
Tea will be served at 10:00, followed by a guest speaker.
Probus meets on the first Tuesday of each month.
For enquiries, contact secretary Tony Annis on probusbedfordview@gmail.co.za or 082 802 9960.
