Friends of Kloofendal (FroK)         

(Web site updated 17th May 2012)

Friends of Kloofendal is an open conservation NGO that focuses on the Kloofendal Nature Reserve in the suburb of Kloofendal in the West of Johannesburg.

Sign on for our newsletter at http://www.kloofendalfriends.org.za/list/  We send out a newsletter once or twice a month and keep attachments as small as possible.

To hire facilities in the amphitheatre area phone Johannesburg City Parks at 011-712-6600.

 Stargazing in the Kloof

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If you ever wanted to know more about the night skies and the universe but were too afraid to ask, now’s the time !

The Friends of Kloofendal in association with the West Rand Astronomy Club will be hosting their annual ‘Stargazing in the Kloof’ at the Kloofendal Amphitheatre on Saturday 26th May from 18h00

Several amateur astronomers will be in attendance with a variety of telescopes to give you an opportunity of viewing craters on the Moon, the rings around Saturn and much more.

Apart from the knowledgeable members of the West Rand Astronomy Club, who will be in attendance to answer questions, the well known historian, architect and night sky observer Lance Kinnear will be telling stories about space.

There’s also a Galileo telescope and other prizes up for grabs in a rather unique lucky draw competition plus sophisticated live entertainment by pianist Neal Robertson to welcome visitors from 17h00.

This very special evening suitable for the entire family should not be missed especially if you wish to know more about the wonders of the universe.

No pre-booking is necessary, tickets at the gate from 17h00.

Entrance Fee:  Adults R60.- Scholars R30.- children six and under free.

Visitors to ‘Stargazing in the Kloof’ should bring picnic baskets, blankets, warm ‘outdoor’ clothing and a torch.

Should you require more info please call Tony on 082 900 0153

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FroK bookings and enquiries:

Karin or Steve Spottiswoode 079-693-5608 (FroK cell)

Tel 011-674-2980 or sspotty@pixie.co.za

See the files below for more details and more events planned.   

Forthcoming FroK events

Date                              Event                            Cost                            Guide

Sat 12th May 08h30                     Invasive alien vegetation hack     Only your labour!                   Jörgen Hammarström

Sun 20th May 07h00                    Birding walk                              R50 / R40 / R25                      Grant Egen

Sat 26th May 09h00 – 12h00        Tree course                              R120                                     Karin Spottiswoode

Sat 26th May 17h00         Star Gazing in the Kloof  R60 / R30                   Tony Yoko (082 900 0153 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            082 900 0153      end_of_the_skype_highlighting)

Sun 27th May 14h00                    Gold mine tour                        R50 / R40 / R25                     Rod Kruger

Nature Photography workshops with Don Gair (071-242-0578): Sun 13th May 05h00 – 08h30;  Tues 15th May 18h00 – 20h30 & Sun 20 May 05h00 – 08h30

Winter school holiday programme, 9th to 12th July.

Fee for guided walks: R50 per adult, R40 per FroK member, R25 per pensioner, R25 per child (12 yrs and less)
Booking for guided walks and courses is essential as we limit the numbers.

The weekend walks are aimed at small groups and families. Cash on the day has mostly worked out well, but we have been let down enough times that we ask groups of five or more to pre-pay and email a deposit slip to sspotty@pixie.co.za to confirm payment.  Groups of 10 or more are asked to arrange as a private event.

Private walks by arrangement.

Bank account:  Friends of Kloofendal
Standard Bank  Westgate 016641
Acct No: 403537657
(Please use your name for reference)

Progress on negotiations around the resolutions accepted at the public meeting on 11th April 2012

The city Councillor for Kloofendal (Ward 85), Cllr Carl Mann, chaired a productive meeting between JCP and FroK on 9th May.  We made progress on all three of the public's resolutions.

By-laws

We have been given a number to contact to report if any city by-laws are being broken.  Please call the FroK phone 079-693-5608, Steve at 082-558-3158 or our chairman Roland Cundill at 083-643-5478 and we will follow up as soon as we can.

The process of allowing and advertising Special Events (i.e. concerts etc that are allowed to break certain by-laws) is still under discussion.

Use of the Ecology Centre

JCP has tabled a draft MOU that aims at wider use of the Ecology Centre.  FroK's response will be discussed at a meeting next Monday.  We will approach like-minded organisations to join us in using the Centre.

Ecological and general Environmental management

JCP has agreed in principle to a half-day on-site meeting of interested parties to meet on site.  The date will depend on availability of representatives from JCP Departments.  We aim to start on some of the work that has fallen behind.

City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

PUBLIC OPEN SPACES BY-LAWS, 

DATED 21 MAY 2004.

13. No person may within a public open space –

(e) use any sound equipment, including a radio, portable hi-fi or car stereo;

15. No person may within a public open space –

(a) except at times specified and on roads or pathways provided by the Council, drive, draw or propel any vehicle other than a bicycle

JCP's TERMS AND CONDITIONS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL:

16 Please take note that the event scheduled must end at 18:00. Should such time limit not be adhered to, it will result in the deposit being forfeited to Johannesburg City Parks and the user being ejected from the premises.

If you find an event that flagrantly breaks any of these by-laws please call or SMS the FroK phone 079-693-5608, Steve at 082-558-3158 or our chairman Roland Cundill at 083-643-5478.  We have been given a number to call and will follow up as soon as we can.

Kloofendal Maps

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