The Rotary Club of Algoa Bay

Bulletin No. 2 - 13 July 2010

Bulletin No. 2 - 13 July 2010

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups: + 100%

Editorial

I am back behind the desk and look forward to the year ahead. This bulletin will only be as good as the information that I receive from you. I will welcome your contributions but please remember that I am not in competition with The Herald and will endeavour to publish that which crosses my laptop!

It was indeed pleasing to end off the last Rotary year with an average attendance of more than 80%. The bar has been set. Regular attendance at meetings is a requirement of Rotary and we are sure that our performance in the year ahead will be maintained at a high level. One of our 100% Rotarians has written into his diary that he has an appointment at 13, 00 hrs every Tuesday. His other appointments are structured round this time for this is the only occasion in the week that he takes time off to go to lunch. It is an easy and relaxed hour where he enjoys some good fellowship, a meal and has the opportunity to perhaps hear a good speaker. Why do you not do the same and make a similar appointment with yourself on a Tuesday?  You deserve it!

Make ups

8th July - Family of Rotary Meeting - Cameron Scott, Gianna Doubell, Phillip Shaw, Trevor Wells and                                                                      Christopher  Holmes

9th July - Sunrise Club - Lindsay Pearson

12th July - Fund Raising Committee - Michele Lehy,Randall Prins,Peggy Saunders,Pam Ellis,Bob                                                                           Wynne,Peter Long,Vernon Naidoo,Bernard Rupp, George                                                                               Tzemis,John Rauch

President’s Announcements

President John welcomed all to the meeting. He welcomed Mimi Rupp and Jenny Van Graan as visiting Anns who were present with their husbands. He read from a letter that we had received from Bev Radue who expressed his thanks for all the good wishes. He will be returning home on the 22^nd July. Tony Oshry is in Durban following the death of his step father and we extend our sympathies to him. Cameron is making a strong come back and Birgit and Richard have made good on their promises to donate a R100 for each of the goals scored by Germany in the World Cup semi final! We wish them well on their trip to Cape Town where Richard will be receiving medical attention

The District Governor’s visit has been postponed indefinitely and the District Conference, it would appear, will only take place in June 2011. President John mentioned that our incoming exchange student will be arriving on Thursday and will be attending Collegiate.

The Monthly Draw is done fairly (Fact or Fiction?)

Vaughan Giles has advised us that the monthly draw winners are drawn from across the full spectrum of the club membership. In the last year we have had eleven different winners in all categories. These being for the Attendance Prize and for the First, Second and Third awards. There are three Jokers in the bag. If one is drawn that prize reverts to the Club!

Our Guest Speaker - Arthur Ahlschlager - What you never knew about tortoises!

Arthur, with besides some of his Rotarian colleagues, also has other slow moving friends. Since his childhood he has had an interest in tortoises and this was the subject of his talk to us today. He even brought some of his “friends” along and after his most interesting chat they were viewed with great interest.        There are 15 types of tortoises to be found in South Africa and of these five are found in the Eastern Cape. Arthur gave us an insight into the life cycle of this reptile. The smallest is the Karoo Padlooper and the biggest is the Mountain tortoise that may be seen crossing the roads less traveled. The first only weighs in at 200gms and is the size of a match box!

Tortoises live to an age of about 60 years and those on remote islands have been known to live for more than 150 years. They have few enemies but the presence of ticks who find a tortoise a most suitable host can leave their kind bearer lame as they gorge themselves between his toes.

The reproduction cycle, the laying of their eggs, the powerful scent emitted by the tortoise in season and the loud bellowing that follows this type of reptile evoked much interest. One Rotarian, who sat next to your Editor at lunch, remarked after hearing Arthur’s presentation that we do not really need to go beyond our own membership in finding a good speaker who is an expert in a subject. Ross Kobus thanked Arthur for his presentation and we all congratulated him!

Forthcoming events

19th July                     Ayanda Bambiso (Head, Protocol, Nelson Mandela Stadium)          Lunch venue

26^th July                      Dr.Littleton / Meshack Mpotu- First stem transplant in PE                 Lunch venue

3^rd August                    Monthly Business Meeting                                                                  Lunch venue

14th October               Annual Golf Day                                                                                 Humewood

The Sergeant - Lindsay Pearson

Lindsay ,along with others from his profession , have returned after their 2010 sabbaticals !He announced that there were no anniversaries and wished Mel Levitan and Megan Jones  well for their birthdays on the 18^th July. Lindsay kept his performance short and sweet and raised good laughter with some church notices that he had come across! The Fellowship Box resides with Terry Baker and will be moved very shortly.

Vocational Reading - Nick Wilmot.

Nick had a lengthy reading attributed to Theodor Roosevelt. In essence, Theodor stated that it was better to dare and fight, face failure but yet triumph, than never seeking to better oneself

The Final Word

With every global event come many stories. World Cup Soccer is no exception.    Nigeria is out of the World Cup, their goalkeeper has offered to refund all the money to fans who travelled to South Africa.He said he just needs their bank details and mother’s maiden name to complete the transaction!

The North Korean government has announced the tragic loss of their under achieving World Cup squad in a plane crash next Tuesday!

______________________________

20 July 2010

Dear Rotarians

After much hounding from my parents, I have finally gotten around to writing another report! As usual I have been caught up in trying to do as much as possible before I have to leave Canada. First of all, I have to give an overdue thank you to the club. As you may know, I had a dilemma as I was raising money to buy a new air ticket so I did not have to leave before school ended. After a generous donation from the club of Algoa Bay I was able to purchase the new ticket. It came as a tremendous relief and I am incredibly thankful to the club. I certainly know you are reliable and I cannot begin to explain how much it has meant to me to be able to spend the extra time in Canada. So I will fill you in on some of the things I have now been able to do after being able to stay longer.

I have recently moved in with my fourth and final host family, the Jeffords. Bob, Bonnie, Kate (18) and Joel (16) are a great family to be with over the summer, as school ended in June. They live just out of the city and have a pool, games room and big backyard. Originally I was to be staying with the Van Den Bossche family until my departure, yet all the children left to work or attend summer camps, so it would just be me with my host mom. I then decided to move in with the Jefford family as Kate is one of my good friends from school so I knew them already. The Jeffords have taken me up to a cottage for a few days, to Canada’s Wonderland and many other fun things.

The last bit of school went really well. In grade 12 it is only necessary for students to take three courses per semester, but I was taking four. I then decided to drop English for a spare period as I really was not enjoying it. Instead, during the period I would have had English, I went around to different classes every day doing presentations about South Africa and the differences in the schooling. I also collected names of some kids interested in exchange, so hopefully some will consider coming to SA! The other subjects I took were Art, Sociology and Peer Leading. My first art project, a clay pot decorated with Ndebele art, came out very well. My other two projects, however, were not as successful. The bottom of one blew off in the kiln, and the teacher mistakenly broke the other one. Now I realise why I haven’t taken art before. I did well in Sociology and was just short of winning the subject award by 0.3%! Peer leading, where I acted as a teacher’s assistant for a grade 9 drama class, was certainly memorable. One of the projects I worked on was choreographing a dance for the kids to perform during year end assembly. It fell on 11 June, so I painted South African flags on all of their cheeks for the performance to mark the beginning of the world cup.

On the extramural side, the play I was involved in, The Giver, made it into the next level of the competition. We also won the most awards out of all school in that level of the competition. We then went on to perform in Hamilton, which is about three hours away. We stayed for a week and watched plays every night. Seeing as I had never been there, we even made a cast trip to Niagara Falls which was phenomenal. The standard was very high and only two plays made it on to the next level. Unfortunately we didn’t make it but it was still a memorable trip. I was also part of my school’s diversity day where I set up a South African booth and made koeksisters for everyone to try. I have also been very involved with my church and the youth. I have sung and spoke during church services, as well as at the youth meetings. They have a very active youth group and I have joined them on many, if not all, of the youth outings, including a 4 day camp. I was part of a group from my church who was recently involved in a big fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. I am now volunteering at the day camp my church runs over the summer holidays where I help run activities for children from grades 1 to 8.

Staying later also meant that I was able to be in Canada for graduation and prom. This was a truly unique experience. Although I was not graduating with a diploma like my classmates, I was still able to dress up in a robe and walk across the stage like everybody else. So I decided to represent and bring a big South African flag across the stage with me, much to the enjoyment of the audience. I ended up winning awards for highest marks in Drama, Cosmetology and Peer leading, which I was quite pleased about. Prom was also a fabulous night. Not quite as big a deal as Alex’s Matric Dance, but still lovely. A group of my closest friends and I got together beforehand with our parents to take pictures before heading out to the event. The night was filled with lots of fun and memories.

On the Rotary side of things, there has also been a lot going on. I did my presentation for my host club and they really enjoyed it. There was a newspaper reporter at the meeting who wrote an article about it in the local newspaper. As previously mentioned I did many presentations at my high school, but I also did some for a local primary school in what was called education week. I also attended the District Conference where I was required to make a speech. It was great to meet many other new Rotarians and share my exchange experience with them. I attended a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards weekend and made lots of new friends. I was also required to speak there, and I’m hoping I have motivated some to come to South Africa one day! It was an awesome weekend where we learnt a lot about leadership.

Now as my exchange draws to a close, I am making the most out of the little time I have left. It has been an amazing experience that words cannot describe. As I dread saying goodbye to all my friends next month, I look forward to seeing all of you again. See you soon!

Katharine.

Bulletin No. 1 - 6 July 2010

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Bulletin No. 1  - 6 July 2010

Attendance - Alf Levinthal

Make-Ups

John Rauch, Gianna Doubell, Gary Woodhead, Nick Wilmot, Les Kirkland,  Trevor Wells, Glenn Harris, Peggy Saunders, Philip Shaw at the Board Meeting 5 July

David Browne                                                    Plettenberg Bay                                                               ?

Ross Kobus and Anthony Oshry  at the P.E. Club Induction                                            ?

Attendance with Make-Ups 84%

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non-Rotarian Visitors

Doc, Carol and Simone de Kock supported our two speakers Sebastian Davis and Grant Ross

The following Anns accompanied their husbands: Wendy Long, Shereen Howell and Lindsay Kobus.

Allison Doe accompanied Marcus Oshry

Keith Bayland was Ed Goetsche’s guest

President John’s Announcements

a)       The following were welcomed back to regular lunchtime meetings:-

a) Michele Brown from the World Cup

b) Danie Theron from an extended leave of absence

c) Les Kirkland from his overseas trip and

d) Cameron Scott from his recent stint in hospital. Cameron sincerely thanked the club members for their prayers, SMS’s, calls and general support over this difficult period.

b)      Others who have undergone successful operations are Wendy Long, Denise Long and Bev Radue, all of whom are recovering well and are grateful for the support they have received

c)       There is a possibility that the D.G. would attend next week’s lunch, but confirmation is awaited

d)      Danie Theron will be finalising last year’s Attendance Record over the weekend. Any member who has Make-ups outstanding need to inform Danie a.s.a.p.

Our Speakers - Grant Ross and Sebastian Davis

These two ex-St Andrews students are intrepid cyclists that have travelled from John O’Groats in Scotland  (departing in July 2009)  and are on their way to Cape Town, which they plan to reach towards the end of the month

By the end of the journey they will have travelled about 15 000 kms and crossed through some 24 countries on 2 continents

Rotarians found their photos and description of the trip through Europe (the U.K., Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, Greece) and then down the length of Africa (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ruwanda, Malawi, Mozambique and into SA at Kosi Bay) fascinating.

After working in the U.K. for 6 months to finance the trip, they cycled through the above countries camping at night and befriending the locals on the way. Besides two hairy incidents in North Africa they have met with nothing but kindness and co-operation throughout the trip.

The funds they have raised will help provide vegetable gardens and boreholes at the Kitemba Primary school in Uganda and Mchere Primary school in Malawi

A refreshingly different story that was extremely well received by their audience.

Their plans for the future………………… choose another LONG cycle trip!

Monthly Draw - Vaughan Giles

The following were drawn from the hat:-

Attendance - George Tzemis

3^rd - Denzil Stickells

2^nd - Randall Prins

1^st - Vaughan Giles

Sergeant - Natalie Stear

Natalie announced that the following celebrate birthdays during the next week:  Fred Roberts on the 10^th, and Diet Mulckhuyse and Ken Munro on the 12^th.

Wedding Anniversaries: John and Adele Allen celebrate their 30^th anniversary on the 10^th and Fred and Melanie Roberts their 25^th (Silver) Anniversary on the same date.

All the above were warmly congratulated on reaching the relevant milestones

It was inevitable that the World Cup would feature in the proceedings somewhere. Birgit and Richard have offered to donate R100 to the Rotary Foundation for every goal scored by Germany in tomorrow night’s critically important match.

They have challenged Leen Mulckhuyse to emulate the offer for every goal scored by the Dutch in tonight’s game.

Hopefully the Foundation will benefit hugely after these two games!

Natalie then described what is known as the Triple Filter Test

In ancient Greece Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.

One day an acquaintance ran up to him and said, “Socrates, do you know what I heard about one of your students…”

“Wait a moment,” said Socrates. “Before you tell me I’d like you to pass the Triple Filter Test”

“Triple Filter Test?”

“That’s correct,” said Socrates

“Before you talk to me about one of my students take a moment to test what you are going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is the truth?”

“No”, the man replied, “I have only just heard it”

“All right,” said Socrates. “So you do don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?

“No, on the contrary……..”

“So,” said Socrates, “you want to tell me something bad about him even though you’re not sure that it is the truth?”

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued, “You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student useful to me or not?”

“No, not really…….”

“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither True not Good nor Useful, why tell me at all?

The man was defeated and ashamed and left saying no more.

This was the reason why Socrates was a great philosopher and was held in such high esteem

(It also explains why Socrates never found out that Plato was shagging his wife!)

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

13 July                   D.G./ Arthur Ahlschlager                                              Tortoises                             Lunch venue

19 July                   Ayanda Bambiso              Head: Protocol Nelson Mandela Stadium             Lunch venue

26 July                   Dr Littleton/Meschack Mpotu          First Stem cell transplant in PE              Lunch venue

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                               Humewood Golf Club

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew (standing in for Ian Pringle)

Bulletin No. 48 – 29 June 2010

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Bulletin No. 46 - 15 June 2010

Bulletin No. 46  - 15 June 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting -  Ken Munro

Make-ups

Birgit Macke, Fred Roberts, Peter Long, Natalie Stear and Ian Pringle at the Ann’s Induction on 14 June

Attendance with Make-ups   72%

Visiting Rotarians

Lionel Heath                                       P.E. East

Darryl Burman                                   Sunrise

Non-Rotarian Guests

Noelle Pearson and Pixie Pringle attended the lunch with their Rotarian husbands

Silke Macke accompanied parents Birgit and Richard (all three wore garlands of black, yellow and red to lunch in honour of the German team that beat Australia 4-0 a few days ago!)

and Liam McGrath accompanied grandfather Fred Roberts

President Ian’s Announcements

1. Kevin Mill’s talk at next week’s lunch on his experiences during the “Way of St James” should be very interesting. Members are urged to attend.
2. To date 97 people have signed up to attend the Induction Dinner that will take place on 29^th at the P.E. Golf Club  when John Rauch will take over the presidency of the club.

Unfortunately to date very few have actually paid. Payments may be made to either Tony Oshry or Terry Baker or, preferably  by direct banking (details in previous Bulletins).

No payments will be accepted  at the function

1. The Ann’s induction, where Heather Rauch took over leadership of the Anns, was held last night at Dessie’s in Main Road Walmer. If this  well-attended function is an indication of the  Ann’s commitment to Rotary this year promises to be very exciting!
2. Brendon Smith has resigned from the Club citing increased business and family commitments
3. Denise Long continues to recover well after her  operation in Gauteng.
4. Cameron Scott will undergo an operation tomorrow.

Our Speakers - Mike Howell and Barry Upton

The Iron Man competition (3.8km sea swim, 180 km cycle ride and a marathon road race), which started in 1978,  is not for the faint-hearted.

At least that is what I thought until both Mike and Barry encouraged us all to enter next year.

Ladies who choose to compete do so under the same rules as the men!

Mike, who participated in the corporate event in 2009, trained for the following  Half Iron Man. He was then persuaded to complete the full Iron Man. This means he completed both events  in one year….. an outstanding achievement.

Barry has completed the Iron Man on 3 occasions, this year in the time of 11.04 hours.

One stat that stunned me was the value of the bikes these intrepid athletes ride. The total value of the cycles used in the last Iron Man in P.E. was a staggering R56 million!!!!!!

An interesting and informative talk.

I for one will be waiting to see if any of our younger Rotarians take up Mike’s challenge and participate in next year’s event!

Sergeant - Pres Ian (in place of the absent Randall Prins)

Pres Ian congratulated Denzil and Anne Stickels on their 51^st wedding anniversary on the 20^th .

Birthday celebrations are recorded for Gavin Brown (15^th), Richard Stephenson (16^th) and Sue Gilmer (22^nd).

Vocational Reading - Terry Baker

The people who get on in the world are people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them                                                                George Bernard Shaw

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

22 June               Kevin Mills: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela.The way of St James     Lunch venue

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                                    Port Elizabeth Golf Club

6 July                     TBA

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                                   Humewood Golf

Other Matters

a)       Lionel Heath is looking for hosts for the GSE team arriving from the USA in September. Unfortunately it appears that the team have rather unusual vocations that may be difficult to match

b)      From Trevor Long:

There 461 Rotary Peace Fellows

31% work for NGO’s or other peace-related organizations

20% work for a government agency

12% are pursuing additional advanced degrees in peace-related fields

9% are teachers/professors

7% work in research or academic support positions

5% work for United Nations agencies

2% are journalists

2% are lawyers

and 2% work for the World Bank.

The rest defy easy categorization

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin No. 45 - 8 June 2010

Bulletin No. 45 - 8 June 2010

Today’s meeting was called to order with the blowing of that modern monstrosity, the vuvuzela!

This item of excruciating noise was described by Ben Trovato in last week’s Sunday Times as the noise “a goat makes when in considerable pain” or “an elephant makes when suffering from flatulence”.

Both descriptions are extraordinarily accurate!

Let us rather start our meetings  with the tradition gong!!!!!

Attendance at Today’s meeting - Peggy Saunders

Make-ups

Ian Pringle, John Rauch, Les Kirkland, Peter Long, Gavin Gilmer, George Tzemis and Richard Stephenson at the Project Committee meeting on 3 June

Fred Roberts                                      D.G Induction Dinner                                                     5 June

Attendance with Make-ups  76 %

Visiting Rotarians

Phil Gutsche                                       P. E. Club

David Counihan                                                Sunrise

Non-Rotarian Guests

Alan Young accompanied Anthony Oshry, Chantal Muller came with Ed Gutsche and Pam Cameron-Ellis was accompanied by Denise Black, an Exchange Scholar from Ohio

President Ian’s Announcements

• The Induction Dinner will be held at the P.E. Golf club on 29^th. Cost R125 per person. Please pay Anthony Oshry personally or, and preferably, deposit your payment directly into the Club’s bank account (ABSA bank. Branch code: 632005, Savings Account: 9147171028 in the name of Algoa Bay Rotary Club).

No payment will be received at the function

• Trevor Long has reported that Denise is recovering well after her successful operation in Johannesburg and Bev Radue is waiting very impatiently for his operation scheduled for 22 June.
• Denise Black, the Exchange Scholar from Ohio and hosted by the Port Alfred Rotary Club, spoke briefly. She is obviously having an action-packed stay in South Africa having bought her vuvuzela and tickets to the Korea-Greece game, swam the Red House Mile and bungy-jumped off the Gouritz bridge!

It is most encouraging to see Exchange students getting involved!

• Pres Ian is of the opinion that because of the absence of some of our lady members eg Michelle Brown (on duty at FIFA) and Michelle Lehy and Gianna Doubell (at the Passion Play at Oberammegau) the meeting was much quieter than normal!
• We need to watch Carte Blanche on Sunday evening because Port Elizabeth will apparently feature rather prominently in the programme

Our Speaker - Vidah Manyana

A qualified nurse, mother and grandmother, Mrs Manyana in involved in the Mavai organisation which aims at maximising the potential of young people and giving them the knowledge and skills they will need as they approach their teenage years.

One of the instruments this organisation uses very successfully to achieve their goals is the book Witney’s Kiss,  written specifically for Grade 6 and 7 students and features a rather adventurous 13 year-old girl, a popular guy  and Mrs Pillay, their English teacher.

The book raises issues youngsters normally face at the end of their junior school years which will help them cope as they enter high school and later adulthood. The book encourages them to get involved in critical thinking, establishes values and offers  them choices. Health, social development, HIV/AIDS and life orientation are further issues the book raises.

The book  is published in English, Xhosa and Afrikaans

An  interesting and informative talk

Sergeant -  Ken Munro

After establishing that Arthur Ahlschlager is in possession of the Fellowhip Box and encouraged him to move it on he wished the following happy birthdays:-

Cameron Scott (9^th), Jenny van Graan (10^th) and Malcom Andrew (11^th).

Wedding anniversaries this week are Peter and Wendy Long (10^th) and Michelle and Gavin Brown (12^th).

Ken went on to establish the degree of support and extent of involvement of the Club members in the forthcoming World Cup by asking who is flying the SA flag on the vehicles and/or home, on their side mirrors, how many have makaranas etc etc

Other Matters

a)      Terry and Dorienne Baker were welcomed back from their 3 week 8 527km motorcycle trip via Namibia, Botswana, Caprivi Strip and Zimbabwe. From all accounts this was a wonderful trip which, after a 2 week break, Dorienne  says she will be ready for the next one - apparently up the east coast of Africa!

b)      Bored out of his mind lying in bed waiting for his next knee operation, Bev has used the endless hours very constructively  knitting squares for the Ann’s project that has grabbed the headlines lately.   Honorary Ann?

Vocational Readings - Les Kirkland

a)       Man is a complex being: he makes the desert bloom - and the lakes die

Gil Stern

a)      When we Indians dig roots, we make little holes. When we build houses, we make little holes. When we burn grass for grasshoppers, we don’t ruin things. We shake down acorns and pinenuts. We don’t chop down the trees. We only use dead wood.

But when the white people plow up the ground, they pull down the trees, kill everything. The tree says,           ”Don’t. I am sore. Don’t hurt me”. But they cut it down and chop it up…… They blast rocks and scatter them on the ground… How can the spirit of the Earth like the White man? Everywhere the White man has touched it, it is sore.

Wintu woman, California

As a Matter of Fact

In last week’s Bulletin it was incorrectly stated that Morgan Lehy is a student (I dislike the modern “learner” intensely) at Collegiate.

Morgan of course is a top student at Woodridge.

The error is regretted.

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

15 June                 Barry Upton and Mike Howell             The Ironman competition                        Lunch venue

22 June               Kevin Mills: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela.The way of St James     Lunch venue

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                                    Port Elizabeth Golf Club

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                                   Humewood Golf

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin

Bulletin No. 44 - 1 June 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting - Richard Stephenson

Make-ups

Lindsay Pearson, Ian Pringle, Glenn Harris, Michelle Lehy, Malcom Andrew, Christopher Holmes, Trevor Wells, John Rauch, Nick Wilmot, Les Kirkland and Gary Woodhead at the Board Meeting last night

Attendance with Make-ups 89%

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non-Rotarian Guests

Gianna Doubell brought Polo Mavela

President Ian’s Announcements

a)      The Induction dinner will be a formal (black tie) function held on 29^th June (NOT 22^nd a stated in the Gold Book) at the P.E. Golf Club. Cost R125 per person. Members are required to indicate their intention to attend by signing the list being circulated at lunch (and Anthony Oshry indicated that Rotarians are to either pay him personally or deposit the necessary funds into the Club’s account. No payment will be accepted at the Dinner.)

b)      He wished Denise Long a successful operation in Johannesburg on Monday next week, and a full recovery thereafter.

c)       Gianna Doubell and Michele Lehy will be travelling overseas with their children to attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau, followed by a two week tour of Italy. We look forward to hearing of their experiences after they return.

d)      Mogan Lehy has been selected as a Rotary Exchange Scholar next year. This is an outstanding achievement by a Grade 10 student who has selected Australia, Brazil and Denmark in that order as the countries where she wishes to spend her year. After she has returned she will complete her Grade 11 and 12 at Collegiate. Congratulations Morgan!

e)      The Project Committee is reminded of their meeting at 5.30pm at Tracker on Thursday 3^rd June.

Director’s Reports

1.       Project Committee. Les Kirkland asked Peter Long, because of his long association with this home for street children, to report on Khayalethu.

Starting with providing bunk beds and mattresses for the children some 5 years ago, Peter reported that the Club furnished the second house at a cost of about R100 000. He then started a hands-on project where a number of members upgraded the bathrooms earlier this year. Recently an area has been roofed and upgraded by Peter with a R10 000 investment from the club, a matching amount from Kayalethu and R50 000 discounted by local building suppliers.

Now Peter is looking for Rotarians with painting skills to get involved in completing the bathrooms!

2.       Fund-Raising. Michele Lehy reported that the arrangements for our two majors fund-raising events, the Golf Day and the Big Draw, are under control. Details will be provided later.

3.       Vocational Service. Although Vocational Service Month is only in October Glenn Harris requested Rotarians to look around for worthy recipients of this prestigious award.

4.       Membership. In the absence of Gary Woodhead, Pres Ian pointed out that our membership has dropped slightly and we need to look around for some committed candidates to fill the vacancies.

5.       The Trust Fund. John Rauch reported a) that the Club will be receiving a refund of R38 000 from the Trust Fund in the near future and b) that with the resignation of George Tzemis as a Trustee Mike Howell has been appointed in his place.

6.       History of the Club. Arthur Ahlschlager requests that anything to do with the history of the club needs to be passed onto him, including old and current newspaper reports, menus, photographs etc etc for cataloguing and filing.

Council for Legislation - Trevor Long

Trevor represented the District (one of 527 delegates from around the world) at the recent meeting of the above body, which is the parliament of Rotary that meets every 3 years.

Enactments from this meeting include:

a)      The 4 Avenues of Service have been increased to 5 (New Generations is the new one, aka “Youth”)

b)      85ers must be 65 years of age to qualify

c)       PETS will be held earlier in the year etc etc

Sergeant -  Trevor Wells

After establishing that Bernhard Rupp has the Fellowship Box (and encouraging him to move it along) Trevor congratulated Peter Long, Alf Levinthal and Arthur Ahlschlager on their birthdays all celebrated today. (He also thanked them all very much for the wine which they omitted to provide and the ice cream that they did!)

He also congratulated Bev Radue on his forthcoming birthday on 6^th.

Anthony and Christine Oshry celebrate their 45^th wedding anniversary on 5^th June. This is a signal achievement for which you both are congratulated.

A man walked into the produce section of his local supermarket and asked for half a lettuce. The boy working in that section of the store told him that they only sold whole heads of lettuce. The man was insistent that the boy ask the manager about the matter.

Walking to the office the boy said to the manager, “Some old bastard wants to buy a half a head of lettuce”

As he finished the sentence he turned around to find that the man was standing directly behind him so he quickly added, “and this gentlemen kindly offered to buy the other half”

The manager approved the deal and the man went on his way.

Later the manager said to the boy, ” I was impressed with the way you got yourself out of that situation earlier. We like people who can think on their feet here. Where do you come from son?”

“New Zealand, sir,” said the boy

“Why did you leave New Zealand?, ” the manager asked.

The boy answered, “Sir, there is nothing there but whores and rugby players!”

“Is that right?, replied the manager. “My wife is from New Zealand!”

“Really,” replied the boy. “Who did she play for?”

The Draw - Vaughan Giles

The following were successfull:-

Attendance - David Browne

3^rd place - Peter Long (the birthday boy!)

2^nd place - Vernon Naidoo

1^st place - Peggy Saunders

From Nick Wilmot, our finance man.  He asks that we all move into the 21^st Century and make electronic payments for the Induction Dinner. He quite rightly points out that cash is risky and the bank charges when they handle cash ridiculously expensive.

For all electronic payments and cheque/cash deposits use:-

ABSA Bank.  Branch Code 632005

Savings account No. 9147171028 in the name of Algoa Bay Rotary Club BUT PLEASE ENSURE YOU PUT YOUR NAME IN THE REFERENCE SPACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Other Matters

a)      Michele Brown arrived at lunch in her very impressive informal corporate FIFA uniform. Most exciting!

b)      Anne Stickells has recently undergone one successful cataract operation and will return on Thursday for an operation on the other eye. She will then be able to fully appreciate how good-looking Denzil actually is!

c)       Because the infection has been eliminated Bev Radue’s very long wait for the next knee replacement operation will end on 22 June. He is very grateful for the support he has received from his Rotary friends.

Vocational Reading - Mel Levitan

Mel provided us with 2 readings:-

a)      A life spent in making mistakes is not only more honourable but also more useful that a life spent doing nothing.                                                                                                                George Bernard Shaw

b)      Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are driving taxis.                                 George Burns

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

3 June                   Project Committee Meeting                                                                                          5.30 Tracker

8 June                   Vidah Mayana                                   the book “Witney’s Kiss”                                 Lunch venue

15 June                 Barry Upton and Mike Howell    The Ironman                                                          Lunch venue

22 June               Kevin Mills: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela.The way of St James     Lunch venue

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                                    Port Elizabeth Golf Club

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                                   Humewood Golf

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Bulletins

Bulletin No. 43 – 25 May 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting – Gianna Doubell

Make-ups

Gavin Gilmer P.E. Club 20 May

Des Willis Uitenhage South 24 May

Attendance with Make-ups 74.6%

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non-Rotarian Guests

Ray Wakefield and Shirley van der Walt

Allan Young brought by Anthony Oshry

President Ian’s Announcements

a) Next week’s lunch time meeting will be a Business Meeting

b) Because of pressure of work Alan de Roer has resigned as a member of the club

c) The Matric Q and A supplement that appeared in today’s Herald should be kept and handed to Christopher Holmes next week for distribution to disadvantaged schools

d) The Attendance List for the Induction Dinner to be held at the P.E. Golf Club on 29^th June is being circulated. All members are expected to attend this important occasion. Cost R125 per person

e) Anthony Oshry has invited us to watch the all-South African Super 14 final on the big screen followed by a Bring and Braai at his home on Saturday evening. NB the match starts at 5pm.

Cost R0! Bring your meat and liquid refreshments

Fellowship Bring and Braai held last weekend at Cameron Scott’s home

Altogether about 50 members and their Anns enjoyed a most pleasant evening at Cameron’s home. The ambiance was outstanding, food superb and the fellowship excellent.

Sincere thanks to Gianna Doubell the supervising cheffy/cook, Cameron for the use of his home, the Anns under the guidance of Jenny van Graan for the wide selection of tasty salads, the Rotarians who displayed a wide range of braaing techniques and Trevor Wells for donating the braai wood.

Our Speaker- Ray Wakefield

After listening to Ray’s talk the question on my mind was whether to describe him as a petrol-head, an adrenaline-junkie or a speed freak with a death wish!

I have great difficulty visualising sitting in the passenger-seat next to a blind driver while he travels along at a cool 243kph! The mind boggles!

Later looking for a really quickish vehicle (and after turning down offers of a Ferrari and a Lambourgini on the grounds that were not fast enough), they approached the late Lolly Jackson of Teasers fame and borrowed his AMG65 Black series Merc and, with Ray in the passenger seat, the blind driver reached 322.5kmh… the world record!

A most unusual but extremely interesting talk!

Sergeant – Bob Wynne

After establishing that Bernhard Rupp has the Fellowship Box, Bob wished the following a happy birthday in the forthcoming week: Roy Jones and Chris Theodosiou (27^th ) and Christopher Holmes (28^th)

There are no wedding anniversaries celebrated this week.

The young boy asked his father, “Where do I come from?”

The father was in shock because he had feared having to answer this question for many years.

He sat his son down and explained all about the birds and bees. At the end of the explanation he asked his son, “Why do you ask?”

“Because the boy next door comes from Cape Town!”

Well Done, Denise…………….

Vocational Reading – Ken Munro

Never regret growing old. Many people do not have that privilege.

Canon Richard Tydeman

Community Service Projects

Les Kirkland, our chairman, has submitted the summary to be seen below of the club’s activities over the past year. It makes very interesting reading and speaks well of the Club’s commitment to changing the lives of the less fortunate in the community! Well done, Les and all members of the club.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

2009 – 2010 ROTARY YEAR

ROTARY CLUB OF ALGOA BAY MATCHING GRANT PROJECTS

Note:

o Alpha School MG 72218 (await final funds)

o Lake Farm MG 72275 (await final funds)

o EP Children’s Home MG 69718 (funds available )

ROTARY CLUB OF ALGOA BAY OTHER CLUB PROJECTS

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

31 May Board Meeting 5pm Old Grey

1 June Business Meeting Lunch venue

3 June Project Committee Meeting 5.30 Tracker

8 June Vidah Mayana the book “Witney’s Kiss” Lunch venue

15 June Barry Upton and Mike Howell The Ironman Lunch venue

22 June Kevin Mills: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela.The way of St James Lunch venue

29 June Induction Dinner Port Elizabeth Golf Club

14 October Annual Golf Day Humewood Golf Club

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin No.40 – 4 May 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting – Des Willis

Make-ups

Richard Stephenson P.E. West 29 April

Des Willis Ladybrand PRLS 1 May

Fred Roberts Ladybrand PRLS 1 May

Gary Woodhead, Ian Pringle, Johan Rauch, Nick Wilmot, Gianna Doubell, Lindsay Pearson, Les Kirkland, Michele Lehy Board Meeting 2 May

Attendance with Make-ups 94 %

Visiting Rotarians

Phil Gutsche Port Elizabeth Club

Non-Rotarian Guests

Paul Tiran accompanied Cameron Scott

President Ian’s Announcements

a) Des Willis, Gary Woodhead, Michele Lehy and Vernon Naidoo and their Anns have very kindly volunteered to host the incoming student from Switzerland. Details later

b) Bev Radue’s recovery in Johannesburg is being complicated by infection. However he has great trust in the specialist and is confident that the new prosthesis will be fitted in due course. Bev is not expected back in P.E. before the end of July.

c) John Rauch reported back after attending PETS in Colesburg recently. Among the points he made were

· The Presidents’ Manual is a challenging document which involves strategic planning, goal setting, evaluation etc etc all of which is needed for another successful Rotary year

· A 3-year strategic plan is in place. No doubt we will hear more in the future

· There are 2 GSE teams arriving this year: one from the USA and the other from Norway.

d) The District Conference will take place in Bloemfontein from 1 – 3 October

Business Meeting

a) Les Kirkland will be calling for feedback on the various projects at future Business Meetings. This will allow members to be more aware of what is being done for the less privileged in our community

b) Michelle Lehy gave us advanced warning that the Golf Day, a major fund-raiser, will be held on 26^th August at the Humewood Golf Club and that there is only place for 32 x 4 ball teams. Prizes and items for the lucrative auction are needed.

c) Nick Wilmot, who sent out the financials via email recently, was thanked for keeping the Club solvent

d) Gianna Doubell encouraged us to regularly check our web site because it is continually updated and most informative. She also asked for suggestions for some tangible form of gratitude to replace the traditional Rotary banner. Pen? Clock?

e) Trevor Wells reminded us that the last Fellowship Meeting will take place at Godfrey van Graan’s home on 13^th May

Monthly Draw

Vaughan Giles did his normal thing with the following results:-

Attendance: Kevin Mills

3^rd Prize: Rod van der Welle

2^nd Prize: Lindsay Ziehl

1^st Prize: Les Kirkland

Other Matters

a) Katharine Holmes, our Exchange Scholar, will be completing her academic year in Canada and will be returning home on 12^th August. She and her family are extremely grateful for the Club’s help in making her extended stay possible

b) Barry Upton and Mike Howell are congratulated on completing the Iron Man last weekend!

c) Rod van der Weele wishes to draw to the attention of all members that the next Hunt Club gathering will be 6-8 August. Queries to Vaughan Giles.

Sergeant – Michelle Brown

After wishing Beverley Ahlschlager a happy birthday for the 7^th and Des Willis for the 8^th Michelle congratulated Richard and Philippa Stephenson on their 46^th wedding anniversary also on the 8^th!

Michelle then told the story of the Italian Boy’s Confession

“Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl”

The priest asks,” Is that you Joey Pagano?”

“Yes, Father, it is”

“And who was the girl you were with?” asked the priest

“I cannot tell you, Father, as I do not want to ruin her reputation”

“Well, Joey, I’m sure to find out sooner or later so you might as well me now. Was it Tina Minetti?”

“I cannot say”

“Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?”

“I’ll never tell”

“Was it Nina Capelli?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot name her”

“Was it Cathy Piriano?”

“You are very tight-lipped, and I admire that. But you have sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy for 4 months. Now go and behave yourself.

Joey walks back to the pew, and his friend Franco slides over and says, “What did you get”

“Four months off and 3 dead certs for Saturday night!”

Vocational Reading – Kevin Mills

“Come to the edge”, he said.

They said: “We are afraid”.

“Come to the edge”, he said.

They came.

He pushed them…………and they flew.

(by Guillaume Appolinaire, French poet)

We often create mental obstacles that prevent s from achieving our goals and dreams

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

11 May Kerry-Lynn Thomson Lunch venue

18^th May Judith Tietyen: Pres Obama’s campaign, first year and current status Lunch venue

25^th May Ray Wakefield Speed Records Lunch venue

22 May Bring and Braai Bev and Arthur Ahlschager’s

home

29 June Induction Dinner Port Elizabeth Golf Club

26 August Annual Golf Day Humewood Golf Club

Duty Roster

Other Matters

The fascinating photo below shows some of the 479 garments that have been knitted by Anns and their helpers recently. These items will be distributed via the Clothing Guild to the under-privileged in the P.E. Area. The garments include blankets, jerseys, beanies, scarves, bed socks etc which, with winter approaching, will be much appreciated by the recipients.

Well done ladies!!!!!!!

Bulletin No.41 – 11 May 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting – Lindsay Ziehl

Make-ups

Michelle Lehy Sunrise Charter Dinner 5 May

Fred Roberts Uitenhage South 3 May

P.E. Sunrise 6 May

Des Willis P.E. Sunrise 5 May

Attendance with Make-ups 81 %

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non-Rotarian Guests

Paul Tiran accompanied Cameron Scott and Lauren Munger came with Ed Gutsche

President Ian’s Announcements

• The last Fellowship gathering of this Rotary year will be held on Thursday evening at Godfrey van Graan’s home. If you plan to attend ensure that Gianna has your name today at the very latest!
• There will be Bring and Braai at the home of Cameron Scott on22nd May. All Rotarians and their Anns are invited. Details later
• Trevor Long reported back on his recent trip to the U.S.A., his participation in the Council of Legislation and his contact with Rotary clubs with links to ours
• An email from Bev Radue is most encouraging. It appears that the replacement operation will take place on 19^th June, which means another 5 weeks until that date on crutches. He is most grateful for the support he has received from Rotarians and friends.

Our Speaker – Kerry-Lynn Thompson

Ex- principal of Riebeeck High Natalie Stear introduced this remarkably talented young lady, who was the Head Girl of that school a few years ago and is presently a lecturer at NMMU, holding a I.T. Doctorate. Kerry-Lynn has travelled the world for Rotary and also delivered well-received papers in most developed countries.

Over the years Kerry-Lynn’s contact with Rotary, via G.S.E. and Rotary Alumni etc, has been quite remarkable. Her illustrated address today was very well received by the Rotarians

Other Matters

a) Neil Crawford sang with the Grey High choir at the Selley Concert in the Feather Market Centre last week. Invited by the Music Dept to show his considerable vocal talents he wowed the crowd with his superb voice. “Idols” here we come???

There is no truth in the rumour that the Music Dept will request Lindsay Pearson to sing with the Junior Choir next year!

b) Denise Long is being honoured by Victoria School for Girls in Grahanstown. A new extension to the school hostel will be named after her in recognition of her devotion to the school boarders over a long period of time. Very well done, Denise

c) Terry and Dorienne Baker will be donning their Hell Angels garb and heading for Zimbabwe on two wheels next week. Thoroughly enjoy the wind in your hair, inform Mad Bob that it is time to retire and return safely with some wonderful memories.

Sergeant – Terry Baker

The Fellowship Box is in the capable hands of Peggy Saunders, who will move it along shortly.

Anne Stickells will celebrate her birthday on 14^th and Blythe Theodosiou on the 16^th. Many happy returns of the day to both of you.

There are no wedding anniversaries celebrated this week.

In lighter vein:

For the logophiles (lover of words)

• Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana
• The guy who fell into an upholstery machine was fully recovered
• Santa’s helpers are subordinate clauses
• No matter how much you push the envelope, it is still stationery
• She was only a whiskey-maker, but he loved her still
• I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

Some advice on how to lose Brownie Points with your better half:

Her: “What are you doing?”

Him: “Nothing”

Her: “Nothing! ………….. You have been studying our marriage certificate for the last hour!”

Him: “I was looking for the expiry date”

Vocational Reading – Les Kirkland

Sincere apologies, but I forgot to collect the reading from Les at lunch yesterday and this afternoon he was not available on the phone. Maybe next week!

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

18^th May Judith Tietyen: Pres Obama’s campaign, first year and current status Lunch venue

25^th May Ray Wakefield Speed Records Lunch venue

22 May Bring and Braai Cameron Scott’s home

29 June Induction Dinner Port Elizabeth Golf Club

26 August Annual Golf Day Humewood Golf Club

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew