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

• Upcoming U3A Wesrand events
Are you retired or semi-retired and looking for something stimulating and affordable to do? If so, then join The University of the 3rd Age (U3A).
• Tuesday, March 8 – The U3A West Rand will have their AGM at 09:30 for 10:00 at the Church of Ascencion on Red Torn Street in Rangeview.
The speaker will be John Giani on Famous Brands. After the meeting they will socialise with tea, coffee and delicious snacks. For any queries please phone John Giani on 083 729 4883.
• Wednesday, March 16 – The members of The U3A West Rand will meet for lunch at The Verandah Restaurant off Shannon Road in Krugersdorp at 11:30 for 12:00. Bookings can be done at their meeting on March 8 at the Church of Ascension, or phone Marthie Coetzer on 083 297 9565. Any person interested in joining their group to listen to interesting talks and go on outings or to lunches, please call Marthie or John on 083 729 4883.

• Doggy day to raise funds for Happy Yappers NPO
Happy Yappers invites you to It’s All About the Dog Day on March 12 at The Old Mill in Magaliesburg. The day’s activities will be from 08:00 to 15:00. Enjoy a day in the country with a morning walk with the dogs, dog play activities from 10:00 to 14:00, food stalls and a great selection of wine, spirits and beer, live music, children’s play area, and unique craft market. Meet the dogs and pups up for adoption. Entry is R25 per person, and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Happy Yappers NPO. For more information, contact Wilma Jacobs from Happy Yappers on 082 808 9487.

• Enjoying the variety of Melville Koppies
The almost 50 visitors to Melville Koppies on Sunday February 20 enjoyed the many varied options available to them. Some took part in a 90-minute guided tour that leaves promptly at 08:30 (book on 079 532 0083). The tour ends on top of the ridge after which visitors can choose their own route back to the gate. Family groups with pre-schoolers chose the short direct route up to the top. The kids kept their eyes peeled to see how many of the Melville Koppies treasures they could find. Others with knees that had endured many decades of hard walking chose a gentler route. And there were numerous groups who took up the challenge of the 5km hike. “We thought it was going to be easy but it was more of a challenge than we were expecting,” said one hiker. One thing the visitors had in common – all left with happy faces. Melville Koppies Central is open every Sunday between 08:00 and 11:30. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). Income used for maintenance of the Koppies; R22 000 needs to be raised per month. 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 or call 079 532 0083 to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see, or https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.

• Book a guided walk on Melville Koppies
“There’s nothing to see,” said recent visitors to Melville Koppies. That was before David Carstens, one of Melville Koppies’ guides, took them under his wing and opened their eyes. He pointed out the ridges of Melville Koppies formed around 2.9 billion years ago, just a little later than South Africa’s oldest rocks near Barberton. They learnt and saw for themselves how the Koppies’ quartzite ridges became tilted after an asteroid struck near Parys creating the Vredefort Dome. And he described the metal-working skills the first farmers had: skills that enabled them to pick out ore-bearing rock, create their own charcoal for the smelting and know the heat of the furnace just by looking at the colour of the flames. Book your own 90-minute tour (call 079 532 0083) on a Sunday morning and learn more about the geology, heritage and nature on the Koppies. Melville Koppies Central is open every Sunday. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). Income used for maintenance of the Koppies. 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. 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 or call 079 532 0083 to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see, or https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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 closed February 18.

• 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.

• 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.

Movies not to miss!

• 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