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The South African Ornithological Society (SAOS) was formed in 1930 and had members all over South Africa, but for many years there were no regional branches or bird clubs. In the late 1940's members on the Witwatersrand and in around Cape Town got together in their own areas and decided to form local clubs. The first to be formed was the Witwatersrand Bird Club with The Cape Bird Club following a few months later in May 1948. In the December 1957 issue of Bokmakierie the following account is described as the hatching of The Cape Bird Club in August 1947. However, if you believe that the egg has to come before the chick, then this report really concerns the laying of the egg. The chick hatched some eight months later on 7th May 1948. "It all happened in the spring
of 1947. On a fine sunny day five keen birdwatchers Jack MacLeod,
Richard Liversidge, Pat Allen, Bill MacNae and Gerry Broekhuysen
were once again exploring the ornithological treasures of the lonely
and rugged Swartklip dune landscape on the False Bay shore. Sitting
on a dune overlooking a peaceful small vlei the party discussed
the mornings findings while enjoying a well deserved lunch.
Richard Liversidge photographing, John Martin with an
astonished flamingo. This may be the official version, but Richard Liversidge the only one of the original five still with us comments: "The list of the first five that started the Club is a surprising one to me. I have very strong recollections of the enthusiasm and support, if not push, from the "3M's" from Somerset West, Jack MacLeod, John Martin, and Coligny Murray. They held the pistol at our heads and in a good natured way told us to get going and do something, which we happily did. We also got enthusiastic support from our many friends on the Peninsula. So please remember, we owe much to many." A few months later Richard met Peter Neal, the first secretary of the newly formed Witwatersrand Bird Club while on a visit to Cape Town. On the 4th April 1948 he obtained a copy of their Club Constitution and also became the 177th member of the Wits Bird Club for the princely sum of five shillings (50 cents). Meanwhile the visits to Swartklip were continuing and as well as the "3 M's" there were Walter Stanford, Roy Pilcher, Pat Allen, Bill MacNae, and Guy Currie and as Richard says: "We would squeeze five or six into a two man hide, bulging at the seams, cackling with laughter and yet the birds took all this nonsense and we all got fantastic pictures. The "3 M's" declared that it was us on the Peninsula that had the responsibility of getting started since they did not expect us all to go out to Somerset West for meetings. It was true we had the nucleus of a committee at Rondebosch. So Gerry with his characteristic sideways nod of his head and smile agreed he would become Chairman. They then tackled me and forced me to become the Secretary, promising to help and guide me. I was the youngest of the adults (20 years of age) so had little room for movement. So in a democratic manner , you will understand , the Committee was elected in the heat and sweat of a white canvas hide watching Avocet in particular. The formality of a meeting and election of office bearers occurred subsequently." The scene was set for the inaugural
meeting of The Cape Bird Club held in the Zoology Department, UCT on
the 7th May 1948. A sad start to the meeting was the news that Dr
Austin Roberts (of Roberts Birds of South Africa fame) had
died in a road accident only three days earlier. The Cape Bird Club became the first branch of the SAOS on 17th March 1950 after lengthy discussions and debates. This also involved the increasing the annual subscription from 5 shillings (50 cents) to 1 pound (2 Rand). This was not a popular move!
Jack MacLeod on Pringle
Peak,
Gerry Broekhuysen in the early 1950's.
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