Child Welfare South Africa Helderberg held its annual general meeting at the Somerset West United church in Bright Street on Thursday 17 September, a gathering made all the more significant as the branch celebrates 70 years of child-protection service.

Founded on 18 February 1956 when 36 volunteers gathered at the Methodist church, the organisation has grown from a volunteer-run initiative into a full-spectrum child-protection body serving Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Firgrove, Somerset West and surrounding areas, with seven social workers, five social auxiliary workers and a social-work manager (“Child welfare agency marks 70 years,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 10 June).

To mark the milestone 70th year, themed “Time to Fly,” the agency has launched a quarterly child-protection programme running through to March next year, with a series of celebratory and fundraising events planned, including a gala dance on Friday 4 December.