Local hikers prepare to kick off their shoes
The Boksburg Hiking Club is closing off a busy 2017 with a year-end function on December 2 and their final meeting on December 6.
Chairperson Ron Pratt said the club is getting busier.
“As we head towards our final meeting, the committee would like to thank everyone for their contribution throughout the year.
“We have new members, old members making a reappearance and new hike leaders. It’s wonderful!”
- Early beginnings
Boksburg Hiking Club was born in March 1991 when a meeting was arranged by Andre Steyn (founder member) at the old magistrate’s court building in Church Street.
The whole sum of three people attended the meeting. A month later, attendance swelled to seven members.
As more and more interested people started responding to weekly notices in the Advertiser, the numbers grew to 12, then 14 and eventually 21 members in the space of a few months.
The first committee consisted of Hans van der Westhuizen (chairperson), Andre Steyn (secretary), Conley Annandale (executive member), Madelaine Annandale (treasurer) and Willie Liebenberg (executive member).
“The hiking club has grown from strength to strength since its early days and while much of the growth is word of mouth and by our members sharing their experiences with others, it always pays to place our activities in the Advertiser,” Ron said.
- Activities
The hiking club partakes in all sorts of activities – from hiking to holiday camps, kayaking to cultural outings, parties to picnics, birding to braais.
“The list is endless and we are willing to try out any form of good, clean and healthy fun suggested by the members of the club.”
Ron added that support is given to charitable events, such as Cansa and other caring and nature-loving societies, like the Friends of Suikerbosrand by members and friends through donations or participation.
The club recently upgraded its website (www.boksburghiking.co.za) and hikes can now be viewed and booked here.
- Final get-togethers
* The Boksburg Hiking Club’s year-end function takes place on December 2 at the Arrowe Park Scout campsite, Ebenezer Street, Lakefield, Benoni, from 2pm.
Bring your own chairs, drinks and cutlery (and a table and gazebo if you have). The meal is a build-a-burger and salads, at R50 per person. RSVP to Heather Salinger by November 27 (082 829 6043).
* The final meeting of the club takes place at the Atlas Bowling Club, corner Denel and Atlas roads on December 6. There will be braai fires from 5.30pm (bring your own meat) and one of the member’s famous Christmas cake for dessert.
To find out more about Boksburg Hiking Club, contact Maria Allcock on 082 853 5719 or thesecretarybhc@gmail.com
