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Lectures are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each month from
February to November and take place in the T H Barry Lecture Theatre
at 19:00 unless otherwise stated. Lectures are free to members on
presentation of a current membership card and non-members pay R20.00.
Come early and join the committee and members for a glass of sherry.
THE BUILDING STONES OF CAPE TOWN
TUESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2008
SPEAKER: Douglas Cole
VENUE: TH Barry Lecture Theatre
TIME: 18:30 for 19:00
The buildings of Cape Town contain a variety of building stones,
which display several geological features, such as minerals and
sedimentary structure. Only local stones, Malmesbury Group hornfels,
Cape porphyritic granite and Table Mountain quartzitic sandstone
were used before 1870, and several of the original quarries can
still be seen. Between about 1870 and 1905 limited quantities of
limestone from Saldanha and England and granite from Aberdeen,
Scotland were transported to Cape Town for use in several buildings,
some of which still survive. From 1890 onwards a medium-grained
granite of the Cape Granite Suite known as Paarl Grey in the Stone
Trade, was exploited from quarries west of Paarl and used
extensively in Cape Town. In the remaining period up until the
present the source of building stone has widened considerably, being
derived from both South Africa and abroad. A total of 45 different
stones are now present in the buildings of central Cape Town.
BACK TO THE FUTURE – A SOBERING
REALITY FOR THE RAINBOW NATION
TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2008
SPEAKER: Clem Sunter
VENUE: TH Barry Lecture Theatre
TIME: 18:30 for 19:00
COST: Members R20; non members R30
The world in which we live is constantly evolving and yet within
this, evolution history seems to be repeating itself. This paradox
has been driven by our continued use of history as a source of
experience to improve ourselves, but also by our remarkable refusal
at times to learn from it. Interestingly, our world has remained
relatively predictable in one aspect for the last few centuries. The
West has been the dominant force in global politics and economics –
a veritable superpower apart from the former Soviet Union. Clem
Sunter will discuss how the game has changed dramatically in the
last three decades, with the emergence of new, and highly
influential, players answering to different rules, while tilting the
global playing field their way. Join the Friends when we host this
popular speaker as he highlights a sobering reality for our rainbow
nation.
AARDVARK NATURE RESERVE
17 - 19 OCTOBER 2008
Cost in the Lodge: 10 Members – R1
725.00 Non-members – R2 070.00; Cost in the Training Centre: 10
Members – R1 005.00 Non-members – R1 206.00. Included:
Aardvark Nature Reserve is situated in the Succulent Karoo, a
desert biome with the highest diversity of succulent plants in the
world. Unique geological processes folded the Earth to create a
remarkable mountain range. Over 180 bird species are represented
here. Apart from being taught how to recognise the tracks of diverse
animals, you will learn about the traditional uses of plants like
kieriemoer, ankerkaroo and kattekruie. At Skilpad Dam we will
explore some fascinating fossils formed some 400 million years ago.
Rock paintings add to the natural history of the Little Karoo,
providing a clue to the seasonal movement of the San people
surviving in this harsh desert landscape.
Accommodation and meals. Accommodation is limited and is on a
shared basis only.Bookings will only be secured when payment has
been received in advance.
HARPSICHORD TALK AND RECITAL FOR VIOLIN AND HARPSICHORD
25 NOVEMBER 2008
Time: 18:30 for 19:00
Venue: Whale Well at Iziko South African Museum
Cost: Members free, non-members R20
Quentin Crida and Grant Brasler of Camerata Tinta Barocca,
present a sideshow and talk on the construction of the Flemish
harpsichord that the group uses in concert. The talk by Quentin
Crida will be interspersed with musical examples played by Grant
Brasler. A glass of wine and snacks will be served to conclude the
evening, and another successful year for the Friends.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT IN ADVANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL
FIELDTRIPS AND OUTINGS
Enquiries: Maxine Davies, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10:00–
16:00. Tel. 021 481 3913, Cell 072 225 6893 at other times.
Fax. 021 481 3993 or email
samfriends@iziko.org.za. Note: The office will be closed from 17
December - 15 January 2009.
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