Diary Dates – 19 January – 28 March 2017

THURSDAY, 19 JANUARY: Women’s Friendship Guild holds its first meeting of the year at the paddling pools of Brighton Beach from 9.30am. All are welcome. For queries, call Margaret on 082-724-5741.

SATURDAY, 21 JANUARY: The South African Writers’ Circle’s monthly meeting at Westville library’s room G4 starts at 11am. Irene Aarons, published poet and long standing member of the SAWC, will be guest speaker with a talk entitled ‘health matters’, a humorous look at chronic conditions. During the course of the year, a series entitled ‘Nuts and Bolts of Writing’ will be conducted at the SAWC’s interactive sessions. This month it will be ‘Nuts and Bolts of Writing: Plot Structure’. A book auction will also be held. Maybe there is something for you? Non-members are very welcome. Members R10, non-members R20. Take a plate of snacks to share. Call Brigitta Simpson on 071-681-8378 or email southafricanwriterscircle@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, 22 JANUARY: Birdlife Port Natal meets at the Eston ponds at 6.30am with Dave Rimmer. Confirm the time and meeting place with Dave on 082-453-7255. Take along your ID book and a chair, coffee/tea and snacks for afterwards.

MONDAY, 23 JANUARY: Bluff TAFTA for over 55-year-olds meets every Monday from 9.30am to noon at Bluff Methodist Church hall. Go along and have some good, mature social fun. Men and women are welcome. Call Charmaine on 082-556-0946 or on 031-467-4046.

SATURDAY, 29 JANUARY: Take part in the Birdlife Port Natal co-ordinated waterbird count (CWAC) which starts at 8am. Meet at Umgeni Bird Park. The Spring low tide is at 10.45am. This will be followed by lunch at noon at Bayhead before the Bayhead count. Call Lesley Frescura on 083-231-3408.

SUNDAY, 5 FEBRUARY: Mountain Backpackers Club 14km day hike in the Midlands at Fort Nottingham. This hard climb from the village to the Fort at the top of the valley comes with excellent views from the top. Take your own water for the whole trip. Cost is R20 per person. Last booking is 1 February. For more information, email dave@bergfree.co.za

SATURDAY, 11 FEBRUARY: Mountain Backpackers Club takes on the 13km African fish eagle trail. Be on the look-out for 30 things for the club’s 30th anniversary year on this hike. There is lots of birdlife on this walk through the Beachwood mangroves and along the north bank of the Umgeni River. Meet at Green Hub Durban at 8am to leave at 8.15am. Rain stops play. Take cash for tea at Springfield SPCA halfway. For more information, call Heidi Cox on 082-706-4283 or email heidi.dinan@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.

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