Saving Zoo Lake - it's now or never!

"Zoo Lake is now under threat like never before and in desperate need of donations - right now".

Fran Haslam

These were the words of our speaker last week - Frances (Fran) Haslam; currently leading the Zoo Lake Users Committee, a group of volunteers who, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, aim to resuscitate, rebuild, upgrade and rehabilitate Zoo Lake Park.

A not-for-profit company has been established and an application for a Section 18A exemption from the Income Tax Act has been lodged.  The Committee is determined to make Zoo Lake safe, clean and beautiful again, but cannot achieve this alone.  A number of Projects have been launched by the Committee:

• The Erosion Project - the rehabilitation of the lake's banks
• Bird Island - to audit Bird Island and make recommendations for its rehabilitation
• Benches - to paint and upgrade the existing benches
• Trees - audit the existing trees and their current condition
• Gardens - to revitalize the flower beds
• Wetland - obtain professional help to re-establish the wetland area
• Security - Security initiatives to be developed so that the rights of all users are respected
• Litter - to solve the litter problem
• Education - to instruct the users on the public open spaces by-laws
• Administration & Corporate Governance - establish proper administration of the company
• Legal - the drawing and discharge of the necessary legal contracts in partnership with the City

A possible walkway to the Zoo has been proposed, which would open up the whole Zoo Lake Precinct.  Funding is desperately needed, and it is needed right now.

Zoo Lake taken on 29 September 2019

It's Quizz Time!

As per the flyer above, Rosebank Rotary will be holding their annual Quiz night on 23 October at the Parkview Golf Club.  Those interested in forming a New Dawn table please contact Graham Donet on 0716806001.  This is in aid of a very worthwhile cause.

URGENT REMINDER - our monthly Board Meeting will be held tomorrow, 1st October at 07h00 at the Sligcher residence, 9 Sutherland Ave, Craighall Park.

GOLF DAY

A reminder of our annual Golf Day on Friday 8 November - with just over a month to go, we still need golfers to submit entries as well as booze for the barrel, and prizes.  You need not have to arrange a Four Ball - single entries will do and Mike will allocate them.  So please spread the word.  Lets all make a concerted effort this month!

Helene Bramwell with Joan and Graham Donet at the Parkwoods Literary Festival

The annual Parkwoods Literary Festival, was a great success, even though the weather was a bit cold.  Informal Literary Talks and Debates with all the local restaurants going full out as well as books for sale AND a great Jazz Band.  In "The Village" I listened to a great talk by two great SA authors, Charles van Onselen and Richard Steyn, and at "The Perfect Cup Foyer" I listened to Peter Bruce, Prof Adam Habib, William Gumede and Tembeka Ngcukatobi debate on "Making SA Work".

Helene, Adele and Bronwyn manned a stand in aid of Donate a Loo.

Thought for the week: "If you want peace in the world, start with children" - Mahatma Gandhi