Kwaggaskloof Tourism: Prehistoric Gone Tactile

Put it in the Bucket

background

Leigh-Anne Groeneweg was born in Durban in 1971. At the age of 5 years 3 months she lost her sight through cancer of the retina. She loved swimming and represented Western Province 5 times and after school went on to Stellenbosch University where she carried on swimming and ended up representing the Western Province senior team 13 times.

During this period she broke several South African records and received a large amount of medals.

Eventually in 1994 one of her life long dreams came true when she was chosen to represent South Africa at the World Championships for the Disabled in Malta.

In 2005, about 30 years after Leigh-Anne lost her eyesight to cancer, the cancer returned.

One of Leigh-Anne's dreams was always to swim the Robben Island Swim, so a group of mates volunteered to swim with her in 2011! The group of people keen to get involved just kept growing ... BUT - The Robben Island swim is a once-off accomplishment and only for proper athletes so we got chatting and a new idea was brought to the table.

... PUT IT IN THE BUCKET was born!

Sadly, Leigh-Anne lost her life-long fight with cancer on Friday 15th April 2011. She was an unbelievably positive person who fought right up until the end - an inspiration to us all.

A swim and family day is hosted at the Breede River every year in Leigh-Anne's honour in order to raise money to give someone between the age of 35 and 45 years old who is terminally ill and can't afford it, the opportunity to make their dreams come true.

Thank you to those who joined us this year and we look forward to more joining us every year in the future.

03 December 2011

Prehistoric Gone Tactile

Contribution By:

Aan De Doorns Guesthouse

Since we’ve arrived in the valley not much time could be spend on establishing new friendships and linking into social groups. We have been busy settling in at Aan de Doorns Guesthouse with maintenance and gardening being the order of the day.

Imagine my excitement when I was finally given the chance to join “Vroue sonder grense” (Woman without Boundaries), it sounded just like my cup of tea! These ladies are a social group that explore the goings on in Worcester and surrounding areas by meeting at different venues each time.

This time we met at the Blind Spot; a theatre, conference venue and coffee shop. After a brief introduction to the venue and activities of the blind in Worcester we were taken on a tour….

A little known fact in Worcester is a unique fossil trail.What makes it different is that the fossils can be explorer with touch, opening the world of fossils to the blind and deaf blind people.

The late George van Heerden was the creator of this tactile fossil trail. With his love and passion for nature and history, he approached a team of experts with a project plan and facilitated the project till his passing in 2008. His wife, Anlo however, continued to manage and coordinate the project.

The open air exhibition makes it an exceptional experience and the concrete exhibits serve as an excellent source of tactile information to blind and deaf blind people who have no other access to this unique resource. The fossil trail is situated in a safe environment wherein blind and deaf blind people as well as pupils and tourists can experience the exhibits at their own pace with trained guides. The fossil trail is an important concrete learning environment. Most of the fossils in this exhibition were donated by Dr Eddie van Dijk.

After the tour there was a little debate about theories of mankind’s origin and I was intrigued by the different opinions old school and “new age”. The experience had me wonder, just how short a time we as Homo erectus in prehistoric terms have lived on this planet and the incredibly devastating impact we’ve had. I will strongly advise any visitors to make an effort to go see this incredible exhibition and learn more about our prehistoric and geological heritage in a tactile environment.

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Breede Summer Series January 2013

Breede Summer Series January 2013

Saturday 19th January 2013:
Race # 1: Osdrif – Eilandia
B-grade race, 19km, K1/K2

Registration from 8.00am – 8.30am
Race starts @ 9.00am at Osdrif Bridge (Bonamanzi Adventures) on the R43, Worcester – Villiersdorp Road
Lunch @ 12.00pm – 1.30pm (paddlers are asked to bring their own lunch/picnic as there will be no catering provided)

Race # 2: Alfies – Eilandia
B-grade race, 11km, K1/K2
Registration from 1.30pm
Race starts @ 2.00pm at Alfies Bridge

Sunday 20th January 2013:
Nekkies – Eilandia
27km
K1/K2
Registration from 8.00am to 8.30am - Race starts @ 9.00am (Nekkies resort or alternatively on the opposite bank under the bridge, tba)
Prize giving @ 1.00pm @ Eilandia for the series (prizes for paddlers who have competed in all 3 events only)

Overnight camping is available alongside the river for those of you wanting to make a weekend of it. Racing begins earlier than usual due to the heat in the valley – pls take note! Entries will be taken on the day but remember that pre-entry for all 3 races entitles you to a goodie bag and reduced entry fees!

Pre -Entries are now open and close on 18th January 2013. Contact Laura, admin@wpcanoe.org.za for details.

OFFICIAL CAMPSITE: Rivier Plaas 082 457 8967/ 023 3404551. This is just above Alvies low level bridge - grass and sand stands, limited electricity, ablutions with hot water www.rivierplaas.co.za

Piet Botha LIVE @ Rivierplaas Campsite