Elize McAllister interview transcription in point form; information on John McAllister who was one of the people that started the Wakkerstroom Bird Club.
Interviewer and transcriber: Rita Wiesemann
John McAllister more involved than Elize as she was working full time
*Wakkerstroom Bird Club started with Elna Kotze (Weavers’ Nest), John Mc Allister and Warwick Tarboton (circa 1994. -ed)
*Launched a project for training locals as bird guides as Wakkerstroom had already become a well-known birding destination by then
*Norman Mncube was one of the trainees, had extra special qualities. Still much appreciated bird guide today
*Was always called the Wakkerstroom Bird Club
*Had only a few members: John McAllister was chairman till 2004
*Meetings were held at Mc Allister home
*Retired in 2007 and then did birding tours world-wide
*Bird Club undertook many outings to farms, with John as guide.
*Still remembered and praised by people as an exceptionally good guide
*Early members: Pat Benson, John Burchmore, Glenn Ramke, Ann Cleale, Janet Harries
*When John Mc Allister retired, Brian Guerin took over, chairman for 10 years, now Kristi Garland.
*Club had small beginnings; now influx of younger people and new residents, so bright future ahead.