HACK NOTICE FOR SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2018

A very successful hack was held on 13 January when many thousands of Rooikrans seedlings were uprooted by an enthusiastic group of Rooielsers.  We had a good turnout of over 20 people including 4 energetic children and all set to work with a will.  But the depressing part of this hack was the realization that many more such hacks will be needed if we are to make a significant impression on the number of seedlings that are thriving post-fire.  The next hack will again be held in Klein Rooiels at the same venue although we will now be able to move further towards the R 44 and also down to the river frontage.
It was a pleasure to welcome new faces at the Hack; Angela Reyneke, David van der Merwe, Ian Milne and “Paul” whose surname I did not catch but he brought the children with him.  They all contributed greatly to the success of the hack and we thank them for their attendance.  Unfortunately a number of hackers did not attend the excellent tea provided by Margie Ellis- thank you Margie for such an outstanding spread!
The Hack Group extends a very special word of thanks to some amazing people who have independently weeded rooikrans in the area.  Anuta Scholtz has spent a couple of hours a day for the last two weeks pulling up seedlings; as has Koos Smit and Ian Richter has also pitched in.  Please follow their excellent example and weed whenever you can!
I would also like to thank Wimpie and Monique in the Village Shop for their assistance in the running of the weeding competition in December.  Although the Competition did not achieve all it set out to do we were very pleased with the initial results when many bags of seedlings were handed in to the Shop and rewards issued by Wimpie and Monique.  Unfortunately the initial enthusiasm wore off and it was decided to cancel the later part of the competition due to a lack of interest.
The next Hack therefore will again be a “weeding” hack.  Details are:

• Saturday 3 February at 0800
• Meet and park on Camp Road opposite Wonderlings B & B
• Bring gloves, wear jeans and strong shoes and don’t forget a hat!
• Tree poppers will be provided to uproot the difficult Port Jackson seedlings
• Tea will be at 1000- host and venue will be advised closer to the time
• The job is easy- just time consuming but the more people we have the easier the job becomes so please persuade your friends and neighbours to join us!

Kind regards
Dick Lockley