Highway nature lovers step down from WESSA
Alan Job and Robin Harrison were honored by the Highway Branch of WESSA for their dedication and commitment in the organisation.
THE Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) Highway Branch’s recent monthly meeting was a special one as it honoured two of its committee members who are stepping down, Alan Job (chairman) and Robin Harrison (treasurer).
Alan and his wife Jean, who passed away two months ago, had just moved to South Africa in 1973 when they saw a notice meeting for WESSA in the newspaper.
“Because of our passion for nature, outdoor activities and environment we went along and my wife, Jean, said we were going to be part of it and volunteer and from that day we never looked back,” he said.
Alan said he has thoroughly enjoyed being part of WESSA, and added he has done a lot to help where they can and one of the things he recalls and has remained special to him over the years was raising funds to buy a giraffe for Umngeni Valley.
“We were also passionate about teaching children about nature which is the reason we often asked people to donate books which we sold at malls.
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“The money raised helped us to take schools, one of the regulars being Fulton School for the Deaf to the nature reserves and teach them that they need to conserve and love nature while participating in fun activities,” he said.
Another organisation which has always been dear to Alan and Jean is the SPCA which he said he will still continue supporting as he goes there three times a week to help on the fund-raising side.
“As WESSA, we built the bridge at the Glenholme Nature Reserve which is in the SPCA premises, that was many years ago and it was a mess at that time. Over the years, we have also contributed to rebuilding and repairing some of the bridges in the reserve.”
Jean Senogles of WESSA said Alan and his wife, Jean, were valuable members as they worked selflessly for the organisation.
“The couple use to book KZN Park Camp for us and we will only just pay R 50 each and Jean would prepare food for everyone. “His space as the chairman will definitely be felt by everyone.
“Harrison was the treasure for about 10 years and they will both be missed dearly and we wish them all the luck in the future endeavours,” said Senogles.
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