coastweek.com

Mtwapa, Kaya Kinondo, Lamu
... all share this sorry tale

SEEMS AS IF THE EXTRAORDINARY NATIONAL
HERITAGE OF THIS COUNTRY IS UP 'FOR SALE'

Coastweek - - The story seems to be the same, whether the national newspapers report it or the 'neighbourhood watch' reports it.

The heritage of this country is for sale; to grabbers, a word synonymous with perhaps who's who on the socio-economic scene and greasy fingered foreigners.

The total lack of awareness by the society in general, apathy in the educational institutions to instil a pride in the history and the empty rhetoric of those who hold the key to arrest a pathetic situation all have culminated in the wanton sale of national heritage for short-lived economic gains.

Mtwapa, Kaya Kinondo, Lamu ... all share this sorry tale.

The Heritage Bill is most eagerly awaited by the National Museums of Kenya to give it a biting edge for the Herculean task of repossessing some of the sites already in the hands of people who have little or no respect for history.

• The archaeology department of the Fort has recently uncovered a settlement with a beautifully preserved Mosque near Malindi. Details are still awaited.
• The World Society for the Protection of Animals is calling for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare by launching a world wide call to register a petition of ten million signatures from 8 June 2006.

This was launched at the WSPA biennial symposium meeting in London.

The petition is titled "Animals Matter To Me".

Anybody can sign this petition and find a draft declaration text on the website at

www.animalsmatter.org

• The plans for hosting the Sidi Goma festival are on hand and a wider bouquet may be on offer with public and schools participation for an integrated cultural festival.

We will up date members on the developments in due course.

• The photographic collection database is nearly completed.

Once finalised, it will ease the viewing and selection of historical pictures for individual or corporate use. [KD].

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NEW MEMBERS

FFJ welcomes Jitu Malde and Mr. John and Mrs. Robin Channer in it's fold.

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BIRD WATCH NEWS

Saturday, May 20th - It seemed opportune for a garden bird walk, after not having had one for a long time so we sallied forth to the Brenneisen's garden at Shanzu.

It is probably about a year since were were last there and it was quite amazing to see how most of the surrounding bush has been developed or transformed into mealie shambas.

We had hoped to see Scaly Babblers but they were not to be seen in the place we last saw them.

There was however the delight of seeing a large flock of Violet Backed Starling in one of the big trees still standing.

Mosque and Ethiopian Swallows were flying overhead together with African Palm swifts.

A few Silvery Cheeked Hornbills around.

Back in the garden itself we were disappointed to see that the tree which used to house the Brown Breasted Barbets and the parasitising Lesser Honey Guide had fallen down in a high wind.

A trip down to the jetty proved rewarding with a varied group of water birds standing on one of the jettys as it was high tide.

Egyptian Geese, Water Dikkops and Grey Plover, rather strange bedfellows.

A very lovely walk ending in a beautiful sunset with the joy of hearing the White Browed Robin Chat calling and the sight of the Pied Kingfisher hovering whilst African Pied Wagtails ran round the boat decks.

Many thanks to the Brenneisen's for allowing us to visit their lovely garden. [MR].

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IMMEDIATE PAST EVENTS

On 16 May, FFJ hosted a documentary on the controversial book ''Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown.

The story was critically analysed by historians, art critics and scholars.

It touched on the possible hidden meanings behind the works of Art by the famous artist in Italy and his assumed role as a member of a secret society protecting the secrets of the humaneness of Jesus Christ.

On 6 June, Dr. Ezekiel Okemwa, an eminent Kenyan scientist gave us a talk on Oceanography.

He enumerated the concept of oceanography, with emphasis to world environment, and biological oceanography which touches on the economics of coastal countries.

It was a fascinating insight into a field of study which supports most ocean related activities.

On 10 June, the Friends visited the Hell's Kitchen.

This is a geological wonder situated about 30 kms. north west of Malindi.

The road leading to Marafa which borders this crater is bad; worse in heavy rains and bone rattling in summer.

But the views at the location made up all inconvenience of getting there.

Spread over 200 acres, and still eroding, this is live specimen of erosion of mainly sandstone escarpment which created splendid monoliths of strange shapes, a meandering valley floor about 80-90 feet deep with river beds and an eerie atmosphere that simply awes.

The most remarkable feature is the striations caused by erosion on cliffs, exposing a variously tinted pink monochrome mural and a sculptural display that only Nature can create in her magnificence, the colours changing every second with changing light, and wind.

The upper strata are mainly heavy iron bearing and pebbly in form, with interspersed flintstones, which may have been caused by volcanic activity some time in the past.

The brave Friends did go down to the valley floor, but the climb up on slippery sandy outcrops did take a lot of will power.

A community project provides good guides and a nice picnic spot. [K.D.]

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FUTURE PROGRAMME

Saturday 17th June 2006 Monthly Bird Walk with Marlene Reid.

All welcome. Meet at Ratna carpark by a quarter to 4pm. For information and booking call Marlene Reid on 0720 949195.

Tuesday 20th June 2006 - Screening Of "Fidel"

This outlines the life and struggle of Fidel Castro, his association with other political struggles in Africa and Latin America, and his comradeship with Che Guevera.

Tuesday 4th July 2006 - Part 1 Of Series Wonders And Splendours Of The World

This is the first episode of many that takes the viewers from the tallest mountains to the Deep seas, the ancient civilisations, etc in each individual video.

22nd July 2006 - Visit To Sadiq Ghalia's Private Collection.

This visit is strictly for members only.

Members wishing to visit and view Mr Ghalia's vast and extraordinary collection of art and antiques should contact Kokila Doshi for reservations for the very limited places available.