The BBC hosted its fourth AGM on Saturday 26 July in the Stony Point Eco venue.
Thanks to all the BBC members who supported the meeting.
We provided feedback on the past year’s projects, events and the conservation issues that we are working on. Members enjoyed chatting and networking during the teatime.
Congratulations to our BBC Penguin-Pals team of Drivers and First Responders who have now completed about 78 “penguin ambulance” trips. They help CapeNature to transport injured or sick penguins and cormorants to Somerset West to meet up with SANCCOB drivers, who then transport the birds to the Centre in Tableview.
To date, these volunteers have saved CapeNature staff about 156 hours on the road. This enables the Stony Point staff to spend this time on important work in the colony.
The BBC Executive Committee, known as the Team, said goodbye to:
- Mike Henshall: He completed his M.Sc. during the year and found employment with CapeNature. Unfortunately, CapeNature saw Mike’s BBC Committee role as a “conflict of interest” and so he had to step down.
- Louise du Preez: She moved away from Betty’s Bay, hopefully temporarily, at the end of 2024.
- Harry Teifel: He stepped down due to extra work commitments after his appointment as Associate Prof at Stellenbosch University
The members voted to accept nominee Johan Steyn as a new Team member. Welcome to Johan! He will be assisting with some hiking activities to introduce people to our beautiful area and to inspire them to help protect it. He will also help to promote biosphere living.
The BBC Team decided to retain the annual membership fee of R120 for Betty’s Bay residents or property owners. It remains at R60 for Associate members – those who would like to join the BBC but who live elsewhere.
Thanks to the seven members who bought members’ BIOSPHERE LIVING boards and a “Plot purchased for the preservation of biodiversity” board. These boards will help to spread the awareness of the importance of “living lightly amongst nature” in the Kogelberg Biosphere and preserving the fauna and flora.
We encourage BBC members who do not yet have a member’s board, to join in and to buy one for your home. They cost only R100. You can email bettysbayconservancy@gmail.com if you would like one.
A Member’s Reflection on the Betty’s Bay Conservancy AGM 2025
On Saturday, 26 July, we attended our first Betty’s Bay Conservancy AGM – having recently relocated to Betty’s Bay and joined the BBC. It was a significant event. My cousin, visiting from Redelinghuys on the West Coast, is also involved in conservation efforts there, particularly around Verlorenvlei. Together, we were all completely blown away by the meeting. It felt as though we had found our tribe: a room full of people who genuinely care about nature and share a deep concern for the well-being of our biosphere and the protection of the flora and fauna that call it home.
What came through most clearly was the executive committee’s unwavering dedication to the Conservancy’s mission – promoting sustainable living, safeguarding biodiversity, encouraging responsible development and engaging residents in ecological stewardship. One example was the illegal decimation of Milkwood trees for development. While legislation prohibits this, enforcing the law and protecting these forests often requires costly legal action.
Carol Clark admirably chaired the meeting and our treasurer, Anthony Bush, outlined the financial realities of conservation work. We were particularly impressed by the creative fundraising initiatives, including the sale of BBC signs for members to display at their residences – visible affirmations of their commitment to biosphere living. It was also inspiring to learn of the purchase of some properties in Betty’s Bay specifically to remain undeveloped, preserving their natural state for future generations.
The meeting truly embodied the ethos of empowering residents to become custodians of the land, ensuring that Betty’s Bay remains a place of natural wonder. Carol shared the Conservancy’s history, founded in 2005 with CapeNature’s endorsement, and its journey through periods of dormancy before being reconstituted and relaunched in 2021.
After the formalities, it was great to connect with fellow members and hear about the incredible volunteer work – from transporting injured penguins and supplying plant material for nesting, to beach cleanups, Milkwood Forest protection, and the BBC’S close collaboration with CapeNature. The passion and commitment in the room were palpable.
We left the meeting inspired, grateful, and proud to be part of a community that truly honours the land it inhabits.
Patrick Boltller
BBC Team and Office bearers for 2025/6:
As per the BBC Constitution, the Executive Committee met to elect office bearers at their first meeting after the AGM. They are:
Chair: Carol Clark
Vice Chair: Ann Bradshaw
Secretary: Barbra Jenman
Treasurer: Tony Bush
Team members: Jan Briers, Galia Manicom, Herman Mynhardt, Pete Oxford and Johan Steyn