Decembers lecture was entitled 'South African Spring - Namaqualand to the Cape, ' photography by Mr J Barrett-Lennard and delivered by his wife, both obviously dedicated botanists.  After an initial tussle with the equipment we were led on a 2 week safari, visiting and exploring places of interest on the main route south and glimpsing the serious and concentrated study groups of the evenings.

The northern most area was extremely arid devoid of trees, only plants with special drought defying properties surviving.  The most spectacular were the annuals, which covered vast areas with their brilliant colour, dazzling the eyes.

Nearer Cape town more water became available and lusher vegetation throve.  Proteas, euphorbias  and heathers of great variety proliferated and many rare species.  Fortunately these areas are now being recognised and conserved, even to the extent of the careful siting of car parks in areas of outstanding scenic beauty of which there were many.

The next meeting is on the 14th of January, a Members Evening with Slides and discussion.