No plans yet? Here are the latest movies and events in and around town

• Berge & Dale back after two years!
The popular Krugersdorp-based cycling event Berge & Dale will return when the 22nd edition takes place at Protearif Primary on February 26 and 27. After having had to cancel the 2021 edition due to Covid-19 uncertainties, organisers Slipstream Events look forward to welcoming riders back to this event, which is renowned for its challenging and hilly route – in particular the sting in the tail climb to the finish. Following the 109km, which is an official seeding event for Ride Joburg, and the 60km road races on Saturday, the event will also introduce a mountain bike event with distances of 45km and 20km at Kings Kloof. The 45km MTB race, with 1 000m of ascent, is challenging and technical, and should only be attempted by fit and experienced mountain bikers. There will be new sections cut for the 20km race. Race director Erick Oosthuizen said the Berge & Dale has become an iconic event on the West Rand since it started 22 years ago. Entries close February 18, or as soon as the entry limits have been reached: Road – 2 000 entrants; MTB – 500 entrants. Enter on www.bergeendale.co.za.

• Friends of Kloofendal events this January
Why not spend the summer walking in nature and learning about creepy crawlies, insect bites, flowers, trees and more? Don’t miss the Friends of Kloofendal events below:

• Guided Nature Walks on January 22
Walks are generally easy, and most events are suitable for all ages. Please wear walking shoes. It is recommended that you bring a hat, sunscreen and refreshments. Meeting place is the Kloofendal Ecological Centre. Cost – Daytime events: R90 adults, R70 pensioners, R50 children. Evening events: R110 adults, R90 pensioners, R60 children. Bookings here. For information about events contact Karin on 079 693 5608.

• Grasses identification course 1 on January 22
Presented by Karin Spottiswoode. Bringing along Field guide to grasses of southern Africa by Frits van Oudtshoorn is recommended. What to bring: Ruler, pencil, magnifying loupe and camping stool. Time: 08:00 to 11:00.

• Frog evening on January 22
Join Michael Ormond on this evening walk through the Kloofendal Nature Reserve wetland and surrounds, where you’ll experience the animals and sounds of the night! Participants can expect to learn about the characteristics of frogs, how to find them, and how to identify the different frog species within the reserve. This two-hour guided walk is family-friendly. Distance walked will be about 2km. All animals will be released where they are found!
Bring a torch and sensible shoes (no high heels or flip flops). Bring a torch, wellies (or shoes you don’t mind getting wet), something to drink and a snack. Participants must be reasonably mobile and able. This walk is suitable for children. Children (under 13) must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings are online and are limited to 20 people. This event will go ahead regardless of the weather. FroK will supply nets. Time: 18:00 to 20:00.

• Geology Walk on January 29
Kloofendal Nature Reserve is located at the intersection of two major geological faults, the Rietfontein and Witpoortjie faults, creating geological complexity that ultimately made possible the formation of gold and the establishment of Johannesburg. Guide: Steve Spottiswoode. Time: 08:00 to 10:00.

• Wild Flower Walk on January 29
Join Karin Spottiswoode for a walk in Kloofendal Nature Reserve to discover the diversity of flowering plants and how to identify them. Imaged list of Wild Flowers of Kloofendal Nature Reserve by Dr Jan van Wyk is available for purchase at R120 during this event. This booklet depicts over 348 species of flowers that can be found in the reserve. Time: 08:00 to 10:00.

• Creepy Crawlies Morning Walk on January 29
Join Jonathan Leeming on a morning walk at Kloofendal Nature Reserve during which participants will be introduced to some of the creepy crawlies that inhabit the reserve. All animals are released back into where they came from. This popular event teaches conservation and respect for all creatures – essential understanding for nurturing the next generation who will inherit the future. Please wear sensible shoes (no high heels or flip flops) and bring a small water bottle. Participants must be reasonably mobile and able. This walk is suitable for children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 08:00 to 10:00

• Reptile Walk on January 30
Look for snakes, lizards, geckos, skins, tortoises and terrapins in the reserve with guide Michael Ormond. Time: 08:00 to 10:00.
Contact Karin Spottiswoode on 079 693 5608, visit their website www.kloofendalfriends.org.za or their Facebook page: Friends of the Kloofendal Nature Reserve.

• Magalies Monster and Platinum Trail Run 2022
Entries are open for the 2022 Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic on Saturday June 4, and the Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run on Sunday June 5 that will take place at the ATKV Buffelspoort in the North West province. This is the perfect weekend getaway for adventure-seeking families. Both events boast routes that incorporate the best trails on offer in the Magaliesberg. Irrespective of the distance entered, mountain bikers and trail runners can expect an exciting on-route challenge. Both events also feature a 2,5km distance for junior adventure-seekers. Families can look forward to spending the entire weekend outdoors celebrating health and wellness. For more information and/ or to enter the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic or the Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run visit www.stillwatersports.com or email entries@stillwatersports.com.

• Appreciating the culture and history of Melville Koppies
Recent visitors to Melville Koppies were thrilled to experience its culture and history. A Zulu teacher is keen to bring her learners to see artefacts and tools that were used by the Tswana/ Sotho-speaking people who once lived on the Koppies, and to get them to try grinding sorghum on the grindstones there. Another group of friends happily shared their knowledge passed down from generations with a Melville Koppies guide. Melville Koppies is open every Sunday morning from 08:00 to 11.30. Choose between a self-guided 5km scenic hiking trail and the 3km self-guided Heritage Trail. Or join a 90-minute guided tour starting at 08.30 sharp from the reception hut on Judith Road. Please book on wendavid@mweb.co.za. You can also take a map of the numerous paths and just explore wherever your feet take you. On the first Sunday of every month leaving at 08:00 sharp, join an 8km hike. The hike includes Melville Koppies Central and East, and you must be reasonably fit. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see, or click here.

Movies not to miss!

• DOGTANIAN AND THE THREE MUSKEHOUNDS – From January 7
Dogtanian is a young swordsman who dreams of joining the legendary Muskehounds. After proving his skills and earning their trust, he and the Muskehounds must defend the king from the evil Cardinal Richelieu’s secret plot to seize power.

• THE LOST DAUGHTER – From January 14
Alone on a seaside vacation, Leda becomes consumed with a young mother and daughter as she watches them on the beach. Unnerved by their compelling relationship (and their raucous and menacing extended family), Leda is overwhelmed by her own memories of the terror, confusion and intensity of early motherhood. An impulsive act shocks Leda into the strange and ominous world of her own mind, where she is forced to face the unconventional choices she made as a young mother, and their consequences.

• LICORICE PIZZA – From January 28
It is the story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and falling in love in the San Fernando Valley in 1973. Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film tracks the treacherous navigation of first love.

• MOONFALL – From February 4
In Roland Emmerich’s MOONFALL, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all – but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson), and conspiracy theorist KC Houseman (John Bradley) believe her. The unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is.

• BLACKLIGHT – From February 25
Travis Block, a shadowy government agent who specialises in removing operatives whose covers have been exposed, uncovers a deadly conspiracy within his own ranks that reaches the highest echelons of power.

• Silverstar’s Pop-up Market
A weekend on the Square at Silverstar is all about enjoying a little shopping at their pop-up market, a delicious meal with family and friends at any of the variety of restaurants, while the live music of local talent fills the air. Find everything from arts, crafts, decor and fashion to toys, eats and treats. There is something for everyone at the Silverstar Pop-up Market. Free entry. Visit their website for more information.