From the latest movies to upcoming events in town – a what to do list

• Come and enjoy a Valentine’s Car Show this weekend
Are you an avid car enthusiast and looking for something to do this weekend? Why not join Fired Up Audio Events for their Valentine’s Car Show on Saturday, February 12 at 54 Tulbach Street, Culemborg Park. Fun activities include a sound competition, a show and shine, SPL and bass-boxing, and classic cars for you to admire. The car show will be from 09:00 to 17:00 so bring the whole family to look at awesome cars. For more information contact Carmen on 066 265 5334.

• Hiking in the City
Just 13 hikers braved the uncertain weather to try out the first-Sunday-of-the-month 8km hike that winds its way up and down Melville Koppies Central before heading across into Melville Koppies East. ‘You get to hike right in the City’, was the common surprised refrain of the hikers, many of whom normally travel longer distances each week to satisfy their hunger for the open air and challenging trails. Hikers get to see the city from all angles as they follow the trail that clambers up and down the Koppie’s ridges. There’s the view north to the skyscrapers of Rosebank, Sandton and Randburg, and way in the distance the little bumps of the Magaliesberg mountain. Then east to the cooling towers of Kelvin power station, south to Braamfontein and Joburg’s first skyscrapers, and west to the old police flats in Sophiatown. Melville Koppies Central is open every Sunday (except February 12; it will be open on Saturday February 11 instead from 08:00 to 11:30). Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). Use a map of the numerous paths and just explore wherever your feet take you. Or you can follow a self-guided 5km scenic hiking trail, a self-guided 3km Heritage Trail, and if you want to know more about the culture, heritage and nature to be seen, you can book for a 90-minute guided tour starting at 08:30 sharp from the reception hut on Judith Road. Please book at wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083. 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.

• It’s Carnival time in the name of the SA Guide Dogs Association for the Blind
SA Guide Dogs Association for the Blind is excited to announce its annual market fundraising event that will be held on Sunday February 27 on the premises of the Association. The theme for this year’s market is ‘Carnival’ and promises to entertain young and old. The purpose of this event to is raise much-needed funds to continue serving the visually and physically disabled in our great country. At this year’s market organisers will be pulling out all the stops to make sure that this event is a memorable and profitable one so that they can continue with the life-changing service they offer. “We have a jam-packed programme for the day, filled with exciting activities. Our Puppies in training are practicing hard to put their best paw forward on the day. Kennel staff are gearing up to educate participants during a tour of our kennels whilst a very exciting demonstration from our assistance dogs awaits spectators in the arena. Due to popular demand we will have more adrenaline-pumping dog races throughout the day. This promises to add lots of fun and laughter to the day,” said Yolande van Rooyen, events manager for the Association. There is also a lot more happening on the day as they spread some carnival cheer. The kids zone promises endless fun, and a special guest will make an appearance to ensure a fun-filled day. Whilst indulging on some refreshments from the beer or tea garden, or from various other scrumptious-food vendors, visitors can view the entertainment in the arena. Covid-19 protocols will be followed as everyone’s safety is important. For more information visit www.guidedog.org.za or email Yolande van Rooyen at yolandev@guidedog.org.za for any questions or assistance.

• The Bell of Hope charity ride for mental wellness
Ebenezer Psychiatric Home is proud to announce that they are hosting their Bell of Hope Charity Ride for Mental Wellness again this year.
Ebenezer House is a licensed non-profit organisation (NPO 088 960) taking care of fully functional adults suffering from bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. They depend on donations and assistance from the public and corporate sectors to keep the home open and functional. Every year they host a charity road cycle event, the Bell of Hope Charity Ride for Mental Wellness, in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The proceeds of this event go towards sustaining Ebenezer Psychiatric Home in Witpoortjie, Roodepoort. The Charity Ride will be held on Sunday, June 5 at Valverde Eco Hotel in the Cradle of Humankind. Starting times: 07:00 for 50km at R220 per cyclist; 07:30 for 15km at R150 per cyclist; and on the day R250 per cyclist. You can enter at Cycle Events at www.cycleevents.co.za, and for more information, contact their office on 011 955 6595 or email to bellofhopecycle@gmail.com.

• RandWest SPCA pre-Valentine’s fundraiser
Join the RandWest SPCA at Tambotie Mall from 10:00 on Saturday February 12 for a pre-Valentine’s fundraiser. One can buy donuts and take cute photos with props and decorations.

• Vriendskaplike wedstryde by Randfontein Rugbyklub teen Impala
Ondersteun die #TeineBoys op Saterdag, 12 Februarie wanneer hulle Impala Rugbyklub verwelkom vir ‘n paar vriendskaplike kragmetings. Wedstryde begin om 13:30. Teine se eerste-, tweede- en derdespan sal in aksie wees. Snoepie en kroeg beskikbaar. Geen eie drank nie. Covid-19 reëls en regulasies geld.

• Cedar Tree Craft Market
A Cedar Tree Craft Market will be held at Khosa Sports Club on Sunday, February 13 from 10:00 to 15:00. This market is the perfect opportunity to stock up on gorgeous gifts and more. The market is situated on the corner of Shannon Road and Frederick Cooper Drive. Free entrance; pet-friendly; paid parking. If you would like to find out more, feel free to contact Chanelle on 081 500 6884.

• U3A West Rand outing
U3A West Rand is going to visit the Vaal Triangle on Wednesday February 23. First of all they will go to Vereeniging Gimnasium High School to see how they turned an unused swimming pool to a aquaponic system to grow vegetables. The learners are involved in this project. From there to Vanderbijlpark for a fun boat trip past the Millionair’s Mile on the Vaal River. The host will be Stonehaven On Vaal where they will enjoy a Wackey Wednesday meal after the boat trip. For further information and bookings please contact Marthie Coetzer 083 297 9565 or marthiecoetzer@gmail.com.

• Friends of Kloofendal events this February
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:

• Wild Flower Walk
Join Karin Spottiswood for a wild flower walk in Kloofendal Nature Reserve on February 26 to discover the diversity of flowering plants and how to identify them. You can also buy the imaged list of Wild Flowers of Kloofendal Nature Reserve by Dr Jan van Wyk for R120 during this event. This booklet depicts over 348 species of flowers that can be found in the reserve. Time: 08:00. Visit www.kloofendalfriends.org.za for more information.

• Valentine’s concert
Join a Valentine’s concert on February 13 filled with songs and poems of love. There will also be a selection of the best food stalls, with a focus on healthy, locally sourced produce, including fresh oysters and bubbles. The There Was Fire restaurant will be open to concert-goers for lunch, and Bernie’s Bar will ensure elegant hydration throughout. Time: 10:00 at the NIROX Sculpture Park. Visit nirox.howler.co.za for more information.

• Randfontein Miracle Service
Believers can look forward to Saturday February 19 when a Randfontein Miracle Service will be held by Evangelist Wessel de Bruyn at the Greenhills Stadium. The time is 17:00 and everyone is welcome. Entrance is free. Contact 062 004 5817 for more information.

• Test your fitness on Melville Koppies’ uphills
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site has not offered its popular 8km hike. But from February 6 you can do it again on the first Sunday of every month. The hike goes up and down the taxing koppies of Melville Koppies Central, down to the river and through forested areas before crossing into Melville Koppies East. There it traverses the eastern ridge where urban skyscrapers pierce the south-eastern horizon before dipping down to its southern limits. Then there’s a long, steady climb back into Melville Koppies Central which can strain even the hardiest. Come and try it out on the first Sunday of every month. You must be reasonably fit. The hike starts promptly at 08:00 from the entrance opposite Marks Park. If you’re still getting fit or have family members/ friends from young to less young, you don’t have to stress yourself. Guide yourselves on Melville Koppies Central any time from 08:00 to 11:30. Use a map of the numerous paths and just explore wherever your feet take you. Or you can follow a self-guided 5km scenic hiking trail, a self-guided 3km Heritage Trail and if you want to know more about the culture, heritage and nature to be seen, you can book for a 90-minute guided tour starting at 08:30 sharp from the reception hut on Judith Road. Please book on wendavid@mweb.co.za. Melville Koppies Central is open every Sunday (except February 12; it will be open on Saturday February 11 instead from 08:00 to 11:30). 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.

• Cansa Shavathon
Gear up to get shaved or sprayed and show your support for a cancer survivor at a Cansa Shavathon event on Saturday February 26 at Buffalo Ranch in Pelzvale, Randfontein. The event starts at noon. Contact Leanda of Buffalo Ranch on 065 275 5334 for more information.

• Kendra Harmse Golf Day
The Ben Morgenrood Group with Mahindra World of Solutions will host a golf-day fundraiser at the Goldfields West Private Golf Course on February 18. The Kendra Golf Day is in aid of six-year-old Kendra Harmse who is suffering from a skin condition. Hit a hole-in-one and WIN a 6060 Mahindra tractor. Registration is from 08:00 to 09:30 with a shotgun start at 10:00. All donations and prizes welcome. There will also be entertainment and a spitbraai at the prize-giving. Player bookings and hole sponsorship to be done through Jeanne on 072 734 9188. Booking essential.

• Finding treasures on Melville Koppies
Now that families can guide themselves on Melville Koppies’ numerous paths, little people have the chance to discover treasures there. Whether it’s a broken bird egg, the furry pellets ejected by an owl, or busy harvester termites carrying grass into their termitaries, all can be found by beady-eyed youngsters. Melville Koppies Central is open every Sunday morning from 08:00 to 11:30. Take a map of the numerous paths and just explore wherever your feet take you. Or choose from a self-guided 5km scenic hiking trail, a 3km self-guided Heritage Trail, or a 90-minute guided tour starting at 08.30 sharp from the reception hut on Judith Road. Please book the latter on wendavid@mweb.co.za. 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 visit https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.

• Berge & Dale back after two years!
The popular Krugersdorp-based cycling event Berge & Dale [https://bergeendale.co.za/] 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.

• 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 visit https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.

Movies not to miss!

• 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.