As Chairperson for the Friends of the Montagu Museum, I would like to use this opportunity to encourage all of you and your members to join us for our AGM on the 21st June 2011. 17h15 at the Ou Sendingskerk in Long Street. All welcome!

In order to flourish and move forward, the museum needs the support of the community that it serves.

Annual subscription fees: R30 per person.
Life subscription fees: R300 per person.

By paying subscription fees, you enable us to send out information in the form of newsletters and also to invite you to the various activities and events that the museum plans.

Come and share your ideas, have your say and be part of the solution in preserving our museum for future generations.

The museum is always grateful for volunteers in all areas.

I am confident that with your input, we can further build on the fantastic work that has already been done.

We are also proud to announce the opening launch of a travelling Medicinal Plants Exhibition in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports directly after the AGM. 18h30 for 19h00

Herbal medicine uses plants for their therapeutic or medicinal value. Plants used to be our primary source of medicine. They have been used by all cultures throughout history and still provide us with new remedies. Many clinical drugs contain active ingredients derived from plant material. Well-known examples include aspirin and quinine, used to treat malaria.

Medicinal plants form an integral part of African culture. They are part of both daily life and our cultural heritage. South Africa's remarkable biodiversity and cultural diversity is evident in the medicinal use of approximately 3 000 species of plants, 350 of which are most commonly used.

This exhibition deals with the history of the use of these plants as well as contemporary issues including the increasing threats to their natural habitat, the potential contribution of traditional healers to the South African health care system as well as their commercial cultivation.

This is most certainly a highlight on the Museum's social calendar and we look forward to welcoming you.

Kind regards

Tonya Laure-Smith
Chair: Friends of the Montagu Museum
Board of Trustees Friends of the Museum representative
Tel: 082 369 6158