Diary Dates

WEDNESDAY, 15 FEBRUARY: Take in the sights and scenes at Paradise Valley with Sandi du Preez at 7.30am. Call 031-701-4839 or 073-332-4431. Confirm with Sandi should you plan on joining. A small entrance fee is payable. Take along your chair, coffee/tea and snacks for a picnic afterwards.

THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY: Women’s Friendship Guild meets at 9.30am at the Assegai hall, corner of Brighton and Assembly roads, Bluff. The WFG’s aims are learning, caring and sharing. Plan for an interesting morning. Visitors are welcome at a cost of R5. Direct questions to Margaret on 082-724-5741.

SATURDAY, 18 FEBRUARY: South African Writers’ Circle holds its monthly meeting at Westville library’s room G4 at 11am. The circle will be holding its annual general meeting followed by a talk by a guest speaker. Afterwards a cocktail party will be held. Non-members are welcome. Members R10, non-members R20. Contact Brigitta Simpson on 071-681-8378 or write to southafricanwriterscircle@gmail.com

SATURDAY, 18 FEBRUARY: Mountain Backpackers Club hikes at Kloof Gorge. Depart from 7.30am at Ezemvelo car park, Kloof Falls Road. The route will be decided on the day according to weather conditions, hikers’ experience, the number of hikers and the like. The event will be cancelled if it rains. Take snacks and water. For more information, call John on 082-659-5111 by the Friday prior to the hike.

TUESDAY, 28 FEBRUARY: February meeting of the Port Natal branch of the World Ship Society takes place at the Royal Natal Yacht Club at 5.30pm. Guest speaker is Ivanke Reynolds, cruise representative who will give a presentation on ‘Katerina cruises: Small ship cruising’. All are welcome. For more information call secretary David Hughes on 031-304-9390.

FRIDAY, 3 MARCH: Women’s World Day of Prayer will be hosted by Sacred Heart Catholic Church on the corner of Montclair and Kenyon Howden Road. Refreshments will be served in the hall at 9am and the service will follow in the church at 10am. Contact Parish Office on 031-469-0865.

WEDNESDAY, 8 MARCH: Rosewood Senior Citizens Club’s next meeting at 9am at the Montclair recreational hall. Senior members are encouraged to join the club. Meals will be served.

For more information contact Mr Pillay on 031-462-9582.

SUNDAY, 12 MARCH: Mountain Backpackers Club 15km day hike at Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, Howick area. This hike offers great views and plenty of game and bird watching. Cost R30 per person. Last booking 8 March. Call Keith Ashton on 033-239-5023 or email keimarg@iuncapped.co.za

FRIDAY, 26 MARCH to SUNDAY, 28 MARCH: Mountain Backpackers Club enjoys guided day hikes at Mhlopeni Nature Reserve near Greytown. At this SA natural heritage site in the Muden area, the weather may hit 0 degrees at this time of year, so wrap up warm. Self-catering camp costs R150 per person and own tent costs R80 per person. There is accommodation available, and remember that it can be chilly overnight. Guided hikes on Saturday and Sunday will take in the beautiful bushveld, game and prolific birdlife. Pre-booking and payment is essential. Email joy@mhlopeni.co.za for details. For more information call, Heidi Cox on 082-706-4283 or email heidi.dinan@gmail.com

SUNDAY, 23 APRIL: THE KZN coastal branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa presents an unique half day morning and afternoon walk outing with tree expert and author, Richard Boon in the Umlalazi Nature Reserve at Mtunzini. Charges will include entrance fees, a finger lunch at Charles and Julia Botha’s cottage, personal attention with tree identification by an eminent expert, autographed copies of Pooley’s Trees of Eastern South Africa at a specially reduced price. Numbers will be limited, so book early. Make payment to Botanical Society of SA, Nedbank, Durban North branch, code 135226, account number 1352029901. Fax the deposit slip and names of attendees to 086-651-8969 or e-mail tobotsoc-kzn@mweb.co.za for more details.

SATERDAG, 29 APRIL: Die 50ste reunie vir die klas van 1967 by Dirkie Uys Skool word beplan. Die reunie komitee soek al hul klasmaats vir ‘n reunie in die Wilderness Hotel in George te hou. Kontak vir Linelle Viljoen by e-pos carolclose@gmail.com