From the latest movies to upcoming events in town – a what to do list

• Cedar Tree Craft market
Gather your family and friends and head to the Cedar Tree Craft market on November 28 from 10:00 to 15:00. You can expect an array of excellent stalls. Free entrance and pet-friendly. Do not forget your mask! Venue: Khosa Sports Club at the corner of Shannon Road and Frederick Cooper Drive, Krugersdorp. Details: Contact Chanelle on 081 500 6884.

• Mini Market and Car boot sale
Join the Real Life Church’s Mini Market and Car boot sale from 08:00 to 16:00 on Saturday, November 27 for a fantastic day of thrifting, fun and fabulous food. Kids activities, ice cream, coffee café and craft stalls. Explore through all the previously loved and gently used items for sale. Lots to buy, lots to eat – something for the whole family to enjoy. Come and support the local community. The Real Life Church is situated at 86 Viljoen Street, Krugersdorp North. For more details contact 011 660 7743 or email info@reallifechurch.org.za.

• NG Welfare Mad Market
The NG Welfare brings you the Mad Market at the NG Kerk Muldersdrif from 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturday, November 27. It is a market that will bring the family together. Don’t miss out on family fun. Food stalls. Craft beer and gin. Fun activities for the kids. R20 entrance per vehicle. Fundraiser for NG Welfare Krugersdorp. To reserve a stall contact Nicole on 083 236 3794.

• Wings of Inspiration Elderly Care Centre’s Carols by Candlelight
Put on your charity hat and support the Wings of Inspiration Elderly Care Centre’s very last public function for 2021, the Carols by Candlelight event, to be held at 17:00 on Saturday, December 4. The address is 56 Ventersdorp Road, Randgate, Randfontein. Food or cash donations welcome. Patrons are Mrs Randfontein 2020/ 2021 Charlotte van Wyk, and Miss Randfontein 2021 finalist Judy van Wyk. Contact Anthea on 071 829 1293 for more information.

• A perfect place for team-building
If you want to give your work team a break after a hard year and you’re battling to find somewhere to go, consider Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site. Already SA Breweries staff has spent a morning hiking, learning about the history of the area and has marvelled at the biodiversity of a nature reserve right in the heart of Johannesburg. A Discovery team is to visit soon. The visit will cost your company R80 per person, (minimum R1 000 for the group) and includes a volunteer guide from Melville Koppies who will walk with you and enrich your knowledge of the area. For other members of the public, Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) is open every Sunday from 08:00 to 11:30. No need to pre-book. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). All income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za to find out more about the team-building. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.

• Melville Koppies – 41 days of lockdown notes
More than 600 days ago our lives changed when we were confined to our homes because of this thing called the ‘coronavirus’. For Wendy Carstens, who manages Melville Koppies on behalf of the Melville Koppies Management Committee, her daily work and exercise on the Koppies degenerated into “monotonous laps around the garden”. Undaunted, she was inspired by Italian poet and scholar, Boccacio. “During the Black Death in Italy in the 14th Century, he and ten young Florentines went into seclusion in a villa for ten days,” she says. “While they were there, each person told a story every day – hence 100 stories, most of them with the themes of love and lust.” Wendy began to write “a Melville Koppies-related snippet every day” and posted it on Melville Koppies Facebook page. Other Melville Koppies volunteers (school-going ones too) joined her. “There were lots of things to love, and maybe even some lusty titbits”; while volunteer Anthony Paton updated the page “… with his passion for birds – the feathered kind.” And when the first lockdown was extended, the daily snippets continued until 41 days was reached. You can read all these posts at https://mk.org.za/mklockdown.htm; or you can visit Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) every Sunday from 08:00 to 11:30 and see if you can spot what the snippets tell you about. No need to pre-book. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). All income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.

• West Rand Netball closing tournament
Come witness the finest netballers in the district at the West Rand Netball closing tournament to be held at the Mohlakeng Tennis Courts from 08:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, December 4. In action will be the U/15s, U/19s, senior women and men. Participation fee per club is R100. Kindly confirm your attendance with Malefo on 073 437 1685. All teams to bring their own meat, braai stand, charcoal, camp chairs and gazebos. Great music will be provided.

• Proteas that shine
If you’re still disappointed about the Proteas T20 performance, come to Melville Koppies and see proteas that shine. But come quickly, because once fully open, their beauty is fleeting. The Protea caffra or sugarbush as it’s more commonly known, flowers in the summer months. It grows into a small tree with chunky bark that can withstand grassland fires. One couple that braved the grey day with rain clouds threatening, drove all the way from Benoni to the Koppies. They love their grandkids dearly but … Sundays are ‘Me Time’. Every Sunday morning they have been exploring nature reserves in Joburg. Their trip to Melville Koppies marked their 16th adventure in and around Joburg this year. They were school sweethearts, got married and are still sweethearts. Visit Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) every Sunday from from 08:00 to 11:30. No need to pre-book. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). All income used to employ a conservation team and for security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.

• RandMark-liggie Ride
Soos verlede jaar wil die RandMark Run, Walk, Cycle Club die strate invaar en die feesgees versprei. Vanjaar se RandMark-liggie Ride sal op 9 Desember plaasvind. Trudie Reid van RandMark sê, “Ons doen dit hierdie jaar saam met die ekumeniese groep van al die kerke in Randfontein. Ons soek adresse van huise wat met Kersliggies versier is sodat ons ‘n roete kan uitwerk. Die kerkgroep gaan met ‘n trokkie saam met ons ry met mense agter op wat Kersliedjies gaan sing. Ons was verlede jaar 57 fietsryers en verwag meer hierdie jaar. Ons samel ook niebederfbare kosprodukte in om aan die Wings of Hope Ouetehuis in Randgate te skenk, en ons vra donasies. As iemand kos wil skenk is hulle welkom om dit op ‘n Donderdagaand na ons klub te bring by die Greenhills Sportstadion en RandMark-klubsaal. Randfontein is welkom om die aand saam met ons fietsryers te kom ry solank hul ‘n liggie en valhelm het.” Navrae: Kontak vir Trudie by 083 271 3489 of Lee by 079 546 9979.

• Time to step up the hiking at Melville Koppies
In less than a month’s time, most of us will be winding down for the festive season so that we can take a well-deserved break. Now is the time to get fit and lose some kilos so that we can put them all on again during our holidays. There’s no need to travel for hours. Right on your doorstep is Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site. Open every Sunday morning from from 08:00 to 11:30, there’s a 5km hike that will get your heart pumping as it takes you down to the river, back up to the ridge with magnificent views and then back down to the river and up again to the top of the ridge. If you’re not up to that yet, you can try the 3km heritage trail which is more forgiving and tells you more about why Melville Koppies is a heritage site. And if that is too much, just come and enjoy the fresh air, the birds, the bees and the flowers and wander on any one of the numerous trails. All the trails are self-guided so you can go at the pace that suits your fitness. The cost is R80 per adult (R40 for kids) or you can buy a season ticket for R500 which will then give you free entrance for the next year. No need to pre-book. All income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.

Movies not to miss!

• KING RICHARD – Opens November 19
Based on the true story that will inspire the world, Warner Bros Pictures’ King Richard follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Starring two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith (Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness, Bad Boys for Life).

• HOUSE OF GUCCI – Opens December 3
House of Gucci is inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire. When Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge and ultimately … murder.

• SPENCER – Opens December 16
The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumours of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be a whole lot different. SPENCER is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.

• THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS – Opens December 22
From visionary filmmaker Lana Wachowski comes The Matrix Resurrections, the long-awaited fourth film in the ground-breaking franchise that redefined a genre. The new film reunites original stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss in the iconic roles they made famous, Neo and Trinity.

• Source: Empire Entertainment

• RandWest SPCA Christmas Market
RandWest SPCA will be hosting a Christmas Market with food, drinks and entertainment on the main rugby field at the Greenhills Sports Stadium from 09:00 to 15:00 on Saturday, December 11. They are looking for vendors to show off their stalls. Contact Brenda on 084 505 0613 or Ansie on 082 614 8643 for more information. Food stalls are R200 and other stalls R100. One can make a financial donation to the RandWest SPCA. The banking details are: SPCA Westonaria, Standard Bank (cheque account), Account number: 22070109 and branch 051001.

• Garden World’s Summer Festival
If you have a green thumb, then Garden World’s Summer Festival will be right up your alley to get heaps of gardening insights. The theme is Gardens for the Soul and you can expect to see designer gardens, the latest garden trends and get clever solutions for small outdoor spaces. There will also be talks and workshops hosted by gardening pros, so keep an eye out on their Facebook page @GardenWorldNurserySA. Pencil October 22 to December 5 in your diary, it’s so worth the drive. Entry fee is R20 per person. Garden World is situated on Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift. Details: Contact 011 957 2545.

• Pencil in your diary … The Brauhaus Afrika Christmas Market
The Brauhaus Afrika Christmas Market taking place on December 18 is not to be missed. Think unique hand-made items ranging from baby accessories, clay earrings, woodwork, sourdough, bread, sweet and savoury bakes and much more. The stalls are hand-picked, the entertainment is superb, the food is fresh and the German beer is cold. Bring the children (and their swimsuits) there will be lots of fun activities. Details: Contact Ring Laoni on 076 018 5848 or email laonihill@icloud.com.

• Mellville Koppies a place to satisfy every need
It’s not often that one place can satisfy many diverse needs. Melville Koppies Central tries to do that. For the fitness fanatics, its 5km trail takes visitors through its varied vegetation types: in and out of grassland and forested areas, down to the river and up to quartzite ridges with views right across Johannesburg. Or the heritage trail that can give you insights into very early Johannesburg. Kids just a little taller than their parent’s knees become explorers as they dart along, spotting shongololos, unearthing scorpions under rocks (not to be recommended!) and trying their hand at grinding on the grinding stones near the lecture hut. It’s a perfect place for all manner of students, sometimes to study, other times just to chill. On October 10 an architecture student wandered the Koppies to find a spot where she could situate an imagined, sustainable cabin that would be protected from the harsh summer sun and the bitter winds of winter. And then there’s the regulars who with a season ticket can visit the Koppies every Sunday for just R10 a visit. Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) is open every Sunday only in 2021 from from 08:00 to 11:30. No need to pre-book. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). All income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.

• The bird migrants are back at Melville Koppies
Birds that migrate to the northern hemisphere for our winter are back at Melville Koppies. It’s another reminder that our winter is over for another year. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the European bee-eaters with their distinctive staccato flight, catching the breeze with the swallows high up in the sky. Or you could hear a Diederik Cuckoo making its persistent high-pitched dee-dee-deederik whistle or its less common, mournful-sounding cousin, Klaas’ Cuckoo. Melville Koppies is a perfect place for beginner birders. Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) is open every Sunday only in 2021 from from 08:00 to 11:30. No need to pre-book. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). All income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.

• Getting the elderly fit every Wednesday
Is your grandpa or grandma living in the Klein Helderkruin retirement village? Super Boxing Fitness is introducing Super Senior fitness classes (60+) exclusive to Klein Helderkruin retirement village residents every Wednesday at 10:00. There is one 30-minute class per week which focuses on mobility, flexibility and balance in a safe and supportive environment, launching October 6. Please come join them in keeping their elderly healthy and active. Contact Raz on 084 990 8357 for more information.