Cape Coastal and Country is Born
Our newest branch, the Cape Coastal and Country Branch, was inaugurated in October 1997. Pat Woodland, who previously chaired the Cape of Good Hope Branch, relocated to Hermanus and started the new branch. She immediately created awareness of retinal degeneration by publicly strip marking the stairs of the local Post Office. Fund raising has begun in earnest and a golf day, cycle ride and fun run are being planned. The same enthusiasm and dedication she brought to the Cape of Good Hope Branch ensures the success of this new branch. Good luck to Pat and Ethel Driscoll, her right hand lady.

Natal Inland
The dedicated Pietermaritzburg Committee continue to astound us. Their innovative stamp project is expected to raise around R250 000 for the research fund by the end of the financial year.

East Cape
Gail Cillie, Chairman of the branch, recently won the Citizen of the Year nomination in the Community Services Category, in Port Elizabeth. Although she was not selected as the overall winner, Gail richly deserved the nomination. Her Low Vision Resource Centre will be opening soon and she and Boniswa Banga continue to provide an excellent support service for the partially sighted people in the Eastern Cape.

Gail has secured a major sponsor, Vodacom, for her golf day in April, an exciting fund raiser shared with the Port Elizabeth Care of the Aged.

Gauteng
The annual Ride for Sight received a big boost this year with Messer Fedgas coming on board as the major sponsor. The Messer Fedgas Ride for Sight was held on Sunday 15th February in Benoni. About 3000 cyclists participated in what has become one of the premier cycling events in the country. The event is now a unitary Argus qualifier and continues to set new standards of organisation and expertise. Over 300 volunteers helped on the day and a record R55000 was raised. Grateful thanks to Messer Fedgas, other sponsors and particularly Springs Wheelers Cycling Club, our co-organisers.

Natal North Coast
Sue Gladwin is creating much awareness about retinal degeneration in the Richards Bay/Empangeni area. The need for a Resource Centre has been identified. The Natal Society for the Blind and Tape Aids will be supporting Sue in this venture and premises have already been secured.

Free State and North Gauteng
These two branches are both organising a Bikers Ride for Sight, being planned for August/September. Any motor bike enthusiasts interested? Contact Willie Reichert (051)311007 or Poppie Strydom (012) 325-4325.

100 Club
If you would like the chance of winning a monthly cash prize while supporting the RP research fund, please send a cheque for R120 to the National Office or your local branch. Please mark it clearly for the 100 Club.