HOBBY-X

The Branch participated in Hobby-X, an exhibition of hobbies, held at the Northgate Dome, Johannesburg from 5 to 8 March 2009.

Above: Lucas Rinken in the "studyroom" exhibit at Hobby-X.

The stand drew much attention. As many as 130 people signed the visitors’ book. Seven new members were enrolled and seven copies of e-SAGI (electronic South African Genealogical Index) were sold. Chairman Lucas Rinken had his computer set up so that the visitors could search e-SAGI for information about family history. Lukas was even able to add 100 new people to the database.

Many of the visitors came from areas outside of Johannesburg and we were able to refer some people to the branch in Pretoria.

Lucas manned the stall each day but was ably assisted by other members of the branch, namely Gerard Marloth, Barbara Bouwer, Ruth and Alister Jobson, John and Iris Stephens, Louise Dick, Margaret Humphreys, Kriek Fourie and Penny Evans.

Bob Saunders designed the stall and was the main person setting it up.

Hobby-X is a wonderful opportunity to expose the public to geneology and to encourage people to join a group in order to get assistence and encouragement in this very rewarding hobby. It remains to be seen if those who joined will attend the monthly meetings and whether others who took information leaflets will follow up and make contact.