On the occasion of the AGM on 17 December, a summary of the 2014 activities of the Pearly Beach Conservancy was presented by the Committee Chairman in an engaging slide presentation. In his report, he commended the hard work of various committed helpers and the Municipality in the further establishment of the Fynbos Centre and Garden.

In addition, he thanked the Pearly Beach Ratepayers Association for their invaluable collaboration and the development of the adjoining Village Green. The Garden and Village Green now boast co-lourful bird identification posters, comfortable benches, a working sundial and an exclusive insect “hotel” to attract insects for plant pollination. A special thank-you was also extended to the private individuals who helped the Conservancy’s efforts to clean the Pearly Beach Coastal Path. The Caring for the Coast Team was honoured for their assistance in tackling numerous hard jobs. The Treasurer presented the audited books and the budget for 2015. Much appreciation was shown for all the generous donations received in 2014.

The standing committee was re-elected (Jason Stonehewer, Elrina Versfeld, Gerald Henrici, Beatrice Bollmann, Heilie Mostert, Anneke Potgieter, Irna van Zyl, Susanne Fuchs). Two new members, Steve Peck and Piet Coetzee, were warmly welcomed. The guest speaker Ernst van Jaarsveld from Kirstenbosch gave an entertaining and insightful talk on Fynbos and its ecology and on plant collection and the esta-blishment of the National Botanical Garden at Kirstenbosch.

He also gave tips on waterwise gardening and stressed the importance of botanical gardens for our overall wellbeing. Therefore, we invite everyone to refresh their body and soul at the Fynbos Garden, our very own mini-botanical garden in Pearly Beach! There’s no entry fee, but donations are welcome.

Pearly Beach Bewarea Conservancy