The Rotary Club of Algoa Bay

Diaz Digest No. 35– 20 March, 2012

Diaz Digest No. 35– 20 March, 2012

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

With make ups  80%

Editorial.

The sudden passing of Bob Wynne has come a great shock to all of us. Bob epitomized the meaning of Rotary and of being of service to others. A one time Round Tabler he was well versed in being able to get stuck in and to do far more than his fair share at projects where manpower and work effort was required. What he did belied his years and in his own quiet unassuming way he led by example especially at our Big Draw where he was a barman of note. We will miss Bob and our sympathies are extended to Wendy and his family on his sad passing

President’s announcements.

Past  President John Rauch stood in again for President Gianna who is still abroad and welcomed us all. We all stood in silence in memory of the late Bob Wynne and Mannering delivered a very fitting eulogy. Ken Munro spoke of his early days with Bob while in primary school in 1947 and the prayer that he repeated was apt.

Gary Woodhead was welcomed back after a spell in hospital and George Tzemis is making good progress following the procedure to his eye. Arthur Ahlschlager is alive and well after his hip operation and on his feet.  We heard from Michelle Brown that Tamika Doubell had certainly impressed the judges at the pageant that she took part  in and that this event will be held in South Africa in 2012.

Awesome informed us of a Breakfast that will be held at the Noordhoek Ski Boat Club on 31 March. The cost will be R50 per head and it is a very substantial meal. Boat rides will be available from 7am in the morning at an additional cost of R30. It looks good and many thanks to the Fellowship Committee on doing a repeat of the successful 2011 event

A Club Assembly will be held in the Grey Pavilion on Tuesday 3 April. There will be no lunch on that day. The meeting will commence at 17,30 and will be followed by substantial snacks at the conclusion. The cost is R52 per head and wives/ partners are most welcome. Our thanks to the Rector for the use of this excellent facility.

It will be wedding bells for the Mukheibirs on Saturday  in St. Francis. Best wishes to the happy couple.May the future be a bright one.

Attendance.

Adrian Bleske took this duty today. We only had one visiting Rotarian in Danie van Rensburg from Knysna and he was warmly welcomed. Cameron Scott introduced his daughter, Claire, and Gareth Chamier was Ed Gutsche’s guest. Gareth has been proposed as a member. The following members did make ups

15 March                     PE Club                       Gavin Gilmer & Arthur Ahlschlager

16 March                     Golf Day Meeting       Peter Long, Glen Mukheibir,Herby Jenkerson and                                                                            Cameron Scott

Events to which we can look forward.

27 March                     Adrian Birrell – Cricket in Ireland                                Usual venue

31 March                    Fellowship Breakfast                                                   Noordhoek

3 April                          Club Assembly @ 17.30                                             Grey Pavilion

10 April                        Mimi Rupp – My Job Talk                                          Usual venue

Our Guest Speaker – Ryan Bowers

Our newer members have certainly brought new life and variation to the Club and this has been very evident in hearing from them in the course of their My Job presentations. Today was no exception and Ryan gave us an enthralling resume of his life and career.

He qualified as an Interior Decorator and assumed control of the family business which included the manufacture of high class design furniture. Besides this he decided in earlier times that he wanted to drive a heavy truck round our country, qualified himself with a Code 14 license, and then did the job for no remuneration ! He also has a passion for fast cars and has a great love for cricket. He is in the process of qualifying himself as an umpire and has intentions of umpiring at the highest level.

He is happily married with a family and his business has gone from strength to strength. A sideline to this is the marketing of high class chocolates which are presented as gifts at weddings and corporate functions. His services have been sought after in the design of game lodges and hotels and his presentation showcased his works. He still drives the original company delivery bakkie which has done more than 700,000 kms and has an endearing passion for “ old stuff “ which, he says, brought him into contact with Rotary !

He was roundly applauded at his conclusion and we wish him well as member of our Club

Wheel Chair donations

Our Club has distributed more than 180 chairs to deserving charities and individuals. Four chairs were delivered to the Corrie Dreyer Old Age Home in Adelaide and a most appreciative letter of thanks has been received from the Matron. Adelaide is much like any other small Eastern Cape town and has its issues but the home is well run by the ACVV with limited resources. The local community is most supportive and the donation of the chairs has been a welcome blessing.

A photograph of the recipients sitting in their chairs appeared in the local newspaper and the report has elicited favourable comment and appreciation of our good work. It is well worthwhile to spread our wings and do good in areas where Rotary is not represented and this certainly enhances our image in all communities.

The  Sergeant – Keith Baylis

Keith kept us in fits of laughter with some good stories which included two religious parrots and one who had received a strong Scottish blood transfusion !

There were no anniversaries and he wished Trevor Wells and Glen Mukheibir a happy birthday for 21 and 25 March respectively. Awesome is still in his sixties but only just !

Vocational Reading – Cameron Scott.

“ Enjoy yourself , it is later than you think ! “

Some views on life by six year olds !

• You cannot teach an old dog new maths
• An idle mind is the best way to relax
• Children should be seen and not smacked or grounded
• Better safe than punch a grade seven boy
• When the blind leads the blind best get out of the way

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Diaz Digest No. 34– 13 March, 2012

Diaz Digest No. 34– 13 March, 2012

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

With make ups 79 %

Editorial.

Sydney is a beautiful city spread over many bays and coves. At certain vantage points benches are provided for those with weak knees to allow one to take a breather and to take in the views. Each bench has been placed in memory of some one and a small inscription may be found on the bench. We spotted one which read,

“If a man loves the labour of his trade apart from any question of success or fame then the Gods have called him”

We would like to think that this is the spirit that imbues us to give of our time and effort in being part of Rotary

President’s announcements.

Past  President John Rauch stood in for President Gianna who is in the United Kingdom. He welcomed us all. He had some varied news on the present state of health of a number of our members. Gary Woodhead is making good progress and is out of hospital but the news on Bob Wynne is of grave concern and he remains in ICU. Arthur Ahlschlager will be having a hip replacement on Monday and we wish him well. Our sympathies are extended to Anton Vlok on the sad passing of his brother, Deon.

Your Editor has returned from three weeks in Australia and is delighted to be back in this crazy country. Driving at 60 kmp/hour for three weeks is a numbing experience. Many thanks to all those who assisted with the bulletin in my absence. It is much appreciated

We had a letter of thanks from our Anns acknowledging a cheque of more than R17500 in respect of all the good work that they did for us over The Big Draw. We could not  hold this function without their support.

We heard that Michele Lehy will be departing for the United States. She will be doing a presentation to the US Defence Force on her business and the products that she markets. Good luck!

Margie Newton gave us a brief report on the computer classes which she runs at Reality and which are of great literacy value. We have supported this NGO with the necessary software to run the programme and it is good to know that this project has progressed very well.

Attendance.

Birgit  Macke was on duty today and welcomed Sally Wood, our Ambassadorial Student along with Adele Allen, Garth Chamier and Margie Newton. We had no visiting Rorarians. We only had one make up and that was Keith Baylis who visited the PE Club on 8 March

Events to which we can look forward.

20  March                    Ryan Bowers – My Job Talk                                                  Usual venue

3 April                          Business Meeting                                                                    Usual venue

10 April                        Mimi Rupp – My Job Talk                                                      Usual venue

Our Guest Speaker – Shuaib Rahim ( Pronounced shoe –abe ! )

Shuaib gave us his My Job Talk today and it was most interesting. He comes from a family of accountants but he has been admitted as an Advocate. He intends specialising  in Commercial Law. He is presently lecturing on the subject preparing new police officers for their roles in the profession. He has grown up in a family which is known for its spirit of giving and finding a home in Rotary has afforded him the opportunity of living out a life of service. Not that he is not doing that at present for he is chairman of his body corporate and plays a large role in the activities of his Alumini Association at NMMU. He was thanked by Vernon Naidoo

The  Sergeant – Vernon Naidoo.

Vernon found out that the Memory Box is with President Gianna and that the Fellowship Box is with Adrian Bleske. We are sure both boxes will soon find new homes. There were no birthdays and anniversaries in the week ahead which is unusual.

Vernon gave us some examples of Rotary quotes collected from over the years. All are worth remembering especially one which says, “We shall be known by our deeds “How true that is.

He ended his duty with an excellent joke about a Red Indian that had been ridden over by a cart and horse!

Vocational Reading – Natalie Stear.

We obtained the reading from Natalie. It had given us much food for thought and it was attributed to the Dalai Lama .Regrettably however on preparing the bulletin we found that what we thought was the reading was actually the address of an Education Dept. official in Uitenhage! We will publish the correct reading next week

The Irish (Again! )

Ireland has recently experienced its worst air disaster. A two seater light aircraft crashed into a graveyard near Limerick. Local search and rescue workers have found 300 bodies and the number is set to climb as digging continues!

Diaz Digest No. 33– 6 March, 2012

Diaz Digest No. 33– 6 March, 2012

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

With 14 make ups 93%

Editorial.

We have been saddened by the news that Bob Wynne had a very severe stroke and is in a very bad way. The club’s thourghts and prayers are with Wendy and the children at this very tough time. Bob has been a Rotarian since 1986 where he joined in Welkom and transferred to Algoa Bay in 1997. He is always cheerful and friendly and although his prognosis is not good I trust that we will hold the family up in prayer.

As this is a Business Meeting our esteemed President Gianna had to battle without a microphone and did well to be heard over the chatter.

President’s announcements.

President Gianna’s announcements were that Alison & Marcus Oshry are one of the Finalists in the “Herald Bridal Couple” competition, congratulations. Now everybody please take note of the following information. You all have to vote for them which is very easy, all you have to do is to send an SMS to the following number 40881 and then send the number “03”, and please everybody it is not hard.

Jeff Ilsely [New Generations] informed the club about the 8 learners going from the Interact clubs affiliated to Algoa Bay even 2 from St Georges who are not yet part of the Interact movement. Des Willis has agreed to take the 8 learners to the camp just outside Grahamstown but there is a need for somebody to collect them on Sunday afternoon. This camp is from 23^rd to the 25^th March. The club is involved with several people to organise a Ryler camp for Junior School learners in September and Marcus Oshry is to be involved through his bushcamp.

Trevor Wells [Fellowship] informed the club of some of the future events that are in store for the club. A breakfast at the Noodhoek ski boat club, a trip to the Addo National Park, 3^rd April is the Club Assembly, the 17^th April is the Charter Dinner and the year ends on the 19thJune when we hold our Induction Dinner.

Ross Kobus [Public Relations] wants to have a Rotary badge fixed onto the Connyngham Coffee Shop, also that the club is working on the possibility of getting onto Facebook.

Vernon Naidoo [Projects] mentioned about the Kick project which will probably start in July. Peter Long on the golf day urged members to help find the additional “4 Balls” and not to forget about the R400,00 for advertising on the tee offs.

Michelle Brown congratulated Gianna for the fact that her daughter is in the finals for the World Model Compertition in London and Gianna is leaving for London soon, Gianna, please give your daughter our best wishes.

Attendance.

Younus Amod was the attendance officer and welcomed Sally Wood [Ambassadorial Student] and Rotarian Rob Godlonton [Beacon Bay] to lunch and we had Gareth Chamier as a guest. There were also 14 make-ups on the list today.

Events to which we can look forward.

Next meeting : 13^th March at our usual venue where the speaker will be Shuaib Rahim “My Job, My Life”. The meeting will be led by Past President John Rauch as Gianna will be in London.

The  Sergeant –

Neil Crawford was our very learned sergeant who spoke about the establishment of the Literacy Month which started in July some years ago, which meant that as clubs were just starting off on the new Rotary year it meant that the Literacy Month was not acted on by many clubs. Because of this, it was changed to March which in 1985 Rotary declared basic literacy to be pre-condition to the development of peace. Through this organisational emphasis, more than half the world’s 34 000 Rotary Clubs address the full range of literacy and mathematical challenges for primary, vocational, and adult learners as well as teacher training.

Neil then had the club laughing at his American Court gaffes by Attorneys, one of them was;

Attorney: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?

Witness: He said, “Where am I, Cathy?”

Attorney: And why did it upset you?

Witness:  My name is Susan!

Vocational Reading –

Richard Stephenson: Winners never quit, quitters never win.

Bulletin 28 Feb 2012

Editorial.

Are we really concerned about the new members in our club? Younus Amod really showed how small we are in relation to the rest of the world and the universe.  He has had a very interesting life, full of ups and downs in his passage through life even being thrown out of University but bounced back years later to go back to University to obtain his B.Com with Honours.

President’s announcements.

President Gianna had a lot to say today as she had a great number of congratulations to confer on the membership. Firstly to Michelle Brown who celebrated 24 years in business as Browns Promotions. A very proud Port Elizabethan, Michelle has done a lot to put PE on the international map – having brought a host of celebrities to our city. With her dynamic approach to all events which she undertakes, her business has become synonymous with successful and worthwhile events.

Congratulations to the following Rotarians – even newer ones like Ryan who distinguished himself as the top umpire at the recent cricket series held a week ago in Hogsback. The rest of the membership has also made its mark on the sporting front:-

Mike Howell training for the triathlon in March & Iron Man in April. Barry Upton swam the River Mile at Sundays River and Trevor and Herby swam the Rotary Swimathon at the Newton Park pool for the World Awareness Day. In squash we have Mel, Trevor, Herby, Ant & Marcus as success stories. In golf we have Cameron, Ross, Alf, Trevor and Herby. Keith completed his marathon in Oudtshorn and goes with Vernon and Younus to the 2 oceans. Younus and Vernon are also planning to run the Comrades Marathon in June. Cameron and Jeff are training for the Argus later this month.

Thanks to Trevor Long for getting through our matching grant for Cheshire Homes, well done Trevor, I am sure that most of the members don’t know how hard it is to get a Matching Grant approved these days.

Events to which we can look forward

Next week’s meeting is at the PE Club in Bird Street, come early to get a parking nearby.

Also next week is a Business Meeting so please try and get there.

Our Guest Speaker

Younus Amod did his Job Talk and with the aid of Trevor’s laptop gave us a very in depth look at his life, where he asked the question – Who am I? He also said that we all need a goal in life, we need to look at the big picture even at the galaxies in space to see how small we are in relation to the larger ones like Galaxy M104.  What are my goals he asked, what things we do and what we don’t do all make up his picture. He placed God in a very special place in his life and it is all surrounded in his Islamic belief which he handled with great sensitivity. Well done Younus I am sure the members got to know you through your presentation this afternoon.

The  Sergeant – Roy Calder

For those who follow cricket, Ryan Bowers was an umpire at the Hogsback match but had two referrals turned down by the third umpire so was asked to take the box around.

Birthdays: Godfrey van Graan is on the 1^st March with Anniversaries: Des & Cathy Willis on the 4^th March.  We wish them all the best on their special day.

Vocational Reading – Ken Munro as a stand-in: Make the most of yourself it’s all you’ve got.

AG Training

Diaz Digest No. 29– 7 February, 2012

Diaz Digest No. 29– 7 February, 2012

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

With make ups 98 %

Editorial.

Our Founder, Paul Harris once said, “The individual efforts when well directed can accomplish much, but the greatest good must necessarily come from the combined efforts of many men. Individual efforts may be turned to individual needs but combined effort should be dedicated to the service of mankind. The power of combined effort knows no limitation.”

This advice could well apply to any situation but how true it is that when we come together the big plan also bears fruition. Our Big Draw is a good example.

My thanks to Trevor Long for the quotation from Paul Harris.

President’s announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us today and Vaughan Giles said the Grace. Rod van der Weele, now having reached the ranks of the octogenarians was called to the front and the whole Club warmly applauded his 80 years on earth. Congratulations Rod and many thanks for the celebratory ice cream!

The Woolhope High School Interact Club was inaugurated this morning and President Gianna handed over their Charter in front of a large audience. We are sure that this club will go from strength to strength and it deserves our full support. Anton Maasdorp gave us an update on the forthcoming Kenton weekend and a list is being circulated for those interested in joining this group which is being hosted by the Kenton Rotarians

Marcus Oshry informed us that our new Ambassadorial Scholar, Sally Wood, had arrived and taken up residence at NMMU. She is without transport and an appeal was made from those living in that area   to assist with transport and to ensure that she is in a position to attend our lunches.

In conclusion President Gianna related that Liz Prins had been very touched by the Coroner who attended to Randall on his death. He had through the Internet found that he was a Rotarian and that he belonged to our Club. It gave her the warm assurance that in making the arrangements that this gentleman was not merely dealing with a body

Attendance.

Shuiab Rahim made his debut today and carried off his duties with very easy confidence.He welcomed Prof. Dr. Mike Hoffmeister of the Gifhorn Club in Wolfsburg, Germany, who was the guest of the Mackes. We also had Petal Willis of PE Sunrise join us.

Among the non Rotarian guests Mimi Rupp introduced Marilyn De Vos and Les Kirkland brought along his daughter, Deidre Burger, who has a striking resemblance to her Mother. Herby Jenkerson introduced Doug Moffatt who is the Scottish Squash Champion and Lindsay Ziehl introduced her three guests. They were Margie Newton, Lana Skroban and Glenda Charmier.

We had a number of visiting Anns grace us and these included Jenny Munro, Cathy Willis, Joy Williams, Shena Wilmot, Leane Naidoo and Bess Radue.

The following make ups were recorded:

26 January                  Membership                                        Des Willis

2 February                  PE Club                                               Ian Pringle

4 February                  Governor’s Adv. Meeting                    Des Willis, Trevor Long

6 February                  Internet make up                                 Des Willis

Events to which we can look forward.

13 February                   Board Meeting                                                         President’s Home

14 February                   My Job Talk – Adrian Bleske                                  Lunch venue

Our Guest Speaker – Des and Dawn Lindberg

This most well known couple of the entertainment world are in Town to present their production of “The Vagina Monologues “in the Opera House. A number of our own Rotarians, of the fairer sex obviously, are taking part and if you do not have a ticket for Saturday’s performance do not slip up!

Des spoke briefly and then allowed Dawn to tell us of their lives, upbringing, their good and bad times, their family and their accomplishments. “Godspell “was their original hit of which the then Government did not approve. A court case followed, which the Lindbergs won, and from that time on  the couple took to the stage and through their acting abilities were at the forefront of testing the old regime on their Apartheid policies. That is the one regret that they now have, for many years later Dawn is of the opinion that the fight against oppression was not only fought by those who now govern. Many, like themselves, have not been acknowledged.

Their production is all about the mystery of sex which is a subject that over centuries has played a diverse role in all forms of life. At anytime the subject is somewhat taboo and not to be discussed openly (We have only mentioned that word once!)  But with their open and candid manner this production is destined to dispel all doubts and promotes the beauty of the most natural practice on earth! Des and Dawn were thanked by Michelle Brown for an excellent talk.

The Monthly Draw – Vaughan Giles

First out of the hat today for the Attendance Prize was Richard Macke – his number was drawn by Birgit . No untoward comment was made  Our visiting Rotarian from Germany then drew the number for the big prize and that was won by Bev Radue which put those with a German ancestry very much in the spotlight!

The  Sergeant – Alf Levinthal

We had a very large attendance today and an extra table had to be brought in to accommodate all the guests. A number of those not partaking sat at the back. Taking into consideration the talks by our guest speakers, Des and Dawn, this did not leave Alf with much time to complete his duties. He did so easily and had time to even tell us a good story.

He wished the following a happy birthday for the week ahead.These included Rod van der Weele (today) along with Karin Shaw. On 10 February we have Moira Theodosiou and Lindsay Kobus followed by Jill Harris on 11 February. Shena Wilmot and Rosemary Browne have birthdays on 13 February and John Rauch has his on 14 February. Congratulations!

Michael and Sherine Howell are the only couple to be celebrating a wedding anniversary this coming week and that is on 11 February. Our very best wishes to them

Vocational Reading – George Tzemis

“Do not be afraid to take big steps .You cannot cross a chasm in small jumps “

The Scottish blonde

On a bitterly cold winter’s morning a husband and wife in Glasgow were listening to the radio during breakfast. They heard the announcer say, “We are going to have 8 to 10 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the even-numbered side of the street, so the snowplows can get through.”

So the good wife went out and moved her car as instructed. A week later while they are eating breakfast again, the radio announcer said, “We are expecting 10 to 12 inches of snow today.

You must park your car on the odd-numbered side of the street, so the snowplows can get through”.

The good wife went out and moved her car again. The next week they were again having breakfast when the radio announcer said, “We are expecting 12 to 14 inches of snow today. You must park…….”  Then the power went off.

The good wife was very upset, and with a worried look on her face she said, “I don’t know what to do. Which side of the street do I need to park on so the snowplows can get through?”

Then, with all the love and understanding in his voice, that men who are married to blondes always exhibit, the husband replied “Why don’t you just leave the car in the garage this time?”

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Diaz Digest No. 28– 31 January, 2012

Diaz Digest No. 28– 31 January, 2012

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

With make ups 97%

Editorial.

Our Founder, Paul Harris once said, “The individual efforts when well directed can accomplish much, but the greatest good must necessarily come from the combined efforts of many men. Individual efforts may be turned to individual needs but combined effort should be dedicated to the service of mankind. The power of combined effort knows no limitation.”

This advice could well apply to any situation but how true it is that when we come together the big plan also bears fruition. Our Big Draw is a good example.

My thanks to Trevor Long for the quotation from Paul Harris.

President’s announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us all today after Gavin Gilmer had said the Grace. Ryan Bowers was to have done his My Job Talk but due the failure of the technology involved in his slide presentation we have had to postpone to this to a later date. The old flip charts were far more reliable! Instead we were invited to make this a Fellowship Lunch and to add our contributions which were both varied and interesting.

Alf recommended The Rupert Car Museum near Somerset West to which Dave Browne said a visit to The Gold Museum in Cape Town was a fascinating experience. Mimi Rupp regaled us on Butterfly World which is also near Somerset West. We heard from Les on the arrival of a grandchild coming soon after lunch on Christmas Day and Antoine Maasdorp informed us of a pending Fellowship Weekend being planned at Kenton for 18/19 February. We are being hosted by

the Kenton-on-Sea Club and much is on offer. This includes a trip up the Kariega River to have lunch at “Horns Up”, a braai that evening and perhaps birding in the Alexandria Forest on the return on the Sunday. A lot of interest was expressed and a list will be rotated at our next meeting.

Malcom thanked Glenn of  Herbert Hurd Primary, in his absence, for the donation of 35 used computers and Vaughan suggested that our year of birth be included in the Gold Book. Perhaps with the idea that those reaching the age of 80 years to supply a double helping of ice cream at lunch to mark the occasion!

Peter Long informed us that our Golf Day has been postponed until 5 April which allows us some more time to ensure the success of the day. Four Balls are needed (R1600) and for that one gets great snacks and supper. Prizes are required and Peter requested members to please rise to the occasion and canvass for these items. Les Kirkland gave us a report back on The Tree of Joy project and informed us that some 3000 presents had been collected and donated to the nominated charities and those whom they support.

Trevor Long who plays such a huge part in raising and managing our Matching Grants advised us that he found support from our old friends in Arizona and Illinois and those we were in a position to fund a bus and trailer for a deserving cause. Good progress is being made in obtaining funding for a smaller Cheshire Home project and Trevor was pleased to advise us that a bus donated to an Old Age home in 2004 was still in good use. Trevor and Peter delivered wheelchairs to this Home and the bus, donated in Roy Calder’s year was both spic and span and much appreciated by the residents of the Home .

Gary Woodhead ended off this interesting interlude by describing the dangers on our beaches. In the last three months the adverse weather conditions have led to strong rip currents and a number of tragic drownings have taken place. Safety is a decided issue and we were warned to be careful when going out to swim.

Attendance.

Mannering Osborn was on duty today. We had neither visiting Rotarians nor other visitors which is unusual.The fair turnout of 73% was bolstered by 16 make ups to enable us to reach a 97% attendance for the meeting. How about keeping a regular 80% attendance, without make ups?

Events to which we can look forward.

7 February                     Des & Dawn Lindberg                                              Lunch venue

14 February                   My Job Talk – Adrian Bleske                                  Lunch venue

21 February                   My Job Talk – Younus Amod                                  Lunch venue

The Sergeant – Ross Kobus.

Bob Wynne was the only one celebrating a birthday this week. Today in fact, and he was thanked for the ice cream! Congratulations Bob. There were no wedding anniversaries. We omitted in error to note Lindsay Ziehl’s birthday last week which she celebrated on 25 January. Our apologies and we hope it was a good one

We learnt that some 25 Rotarians still have to receive The Memory Box and this will be given attention. Ross had some amusing quips for us and ended off his duty with an inspiring statement made by Abe Lincoln all those years ago which is still very relevant in the present times.

Vocational Reading – Rod van der Weele

“It is okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are our teachers and they help us to learn”

A Matching Grant – An excellent example of how monies raised by your Club and, matched by others, enables a far larger amount to be raised for a specific project

Trevor Long has supplied this issue with the details on how a sum of R36325 has enabled a bus and bakkie to be bought and donated to a charity at a cost of R227, 328! Our contribution may be termed the seed capital. Other Rotary Districts in the USA either matched or contributed towards our amount before the Rotary Foundation made their final input.

Contributions to MG to Supply a Bakkie and Trailer to Umboni Ubutsha Centre

RC Algoa Bay                                                         36325

D9320                                                                     17325

RC Glenview-Sunrise                                             20625

(at Evanston in Illinois. USA)

D6440                                                                     20625

(Illinois District )

D7570                                                                     14438

(Virginia – Ron Ferrill)

D5500                                                                     12375

( Arizona)

RC Swathmore                                                       8250

(Friends who visited us in Aug 2011 and was a fellow RRFC))

Rotary Foundation                                                  97367

TOTAL                                                                   227328

$ converted to Rands means figures do not add up exactly.

RRFC = Regional Rotary Foundation Co-ordinator – region was from Malawi southwards in Africa,

Final Word

An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain. (I know some people like that.)
Starfish have no brains. (I know some people like that, too.)

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Diaz Digest No. 27– 24 January, 2012

Diaz Digest No. 27– 24 January, 2012

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

With make ups %

Editorial.

Prof.Jonothan Jansen in a recent article wrote that every aspiring matriculation student should aspire to achieving as many distinctions as possible in order to ensure an acceptance into a university of choice. Anything less was not acceptable. He added that anyone failing this examination would have to put in a very special effort!

How times have changed. Forty odd years ago your Scribe was in a class of 85 students. Only 16 passed in the First Class and this bar was set at 60%. This principle applies in any organization including Rotary. We must not rest on our laurels and that applies to our own membership. We would venture to say if we did not induct any new members over the next three years our membership would be halved. Think about it!

President’s announcements.

Past President John Rauch stood in today for President Gianna who was in Cape Town. After Neil Crawford had said the grace John welcomed Lutz Beck of Wefa Press in Germany as an old friend and benefactor. It was with great pleasure that he announced that Wefa Press had donated R30, 000 to our Club and the donation was warmly received.

Les Kirkland was welcomed back from the UK and the Kirklands where they  have become grandparents. Well done! We then heard from Trevor Long that a consignment of 34 wheel chairs was about to land and those seeking an allocation needed to complete the necessary paperwork.

Events we can look forward to in anticipation:

31 January – My Job Talk by        Ryan Bowers                                                                      Lunch venue

Attendance.

We had a good attendance of 80% today. We welcomed our Assistant Governor, Pierre van der Westhuizen and Darryl Burman of the Sunrise Club as our only visiting Rotarians. Others joining us were Patrick Mather-Pike who was Trevor Long’s guest and Ed Gutsche introduced Kim. Birgit and Richard Macke, besides Lutz Beck, introduced Alexandra and Lothar Goering who were also out from Germany .There were no reported make ups.

Greetings from Alan Oatman.

Alan was an exchange student in 1976 over Christmas sent his fond greetings to the Stephensons  with whom he stayed in that year when he attended both Grey and Woodridge  

Our Guest Speaker – Tienus Pienaar.

Tienus Pienaar introduced us to Radio Kingfisher which is a local community based radio station. This station has been on the airwaves since 1996 and is one of the 150 cummunity stations that serve their own specific areas throughout RSA. It has a listener ship of 100,000 and he told us that this comprises a discerning audience situated in the main in the age band of 35 -49 years. The station is very community orientated and he offered us the services to promote all the good that Rotary does for the community. He was thanked by Michele Lehy.

The  Sergeant – Gavin Gilmer.

Gavin wished a number of members a happy birthday in the week ahead especially Bill Williams who celebrates his 80^th on 26 January. Well done Bill! Others who are aging include President Gianna (25), Pat Scott (26) Danie Theron (27) and Bob Wynne on 31 January. Vaughan and Judy Giles celebrate an anniversary on 26 January and Leen and Diet Mulckhuyse celebrate theirs having being, married since 1959! Congratulations to all.

Gavin then took us through the wonders of Google and what he had found out on some members background. It was all rather intriguing stuff. We heard that there were seven Michelle Browns, which is hard to believe, a host of John Allens and numerous Crawfords. Each had their own story to tell including what a local veterinarian charges you to amputate your cat’s foot!

Fred Roberts has the Fellowship Box.

Relief Scribe needed.

Your Scribe put out an appeal for a member to take over his duties for four weeks. In a Club with a membership of 72 volunteers he was thankful to receive the support of one member. Makes you think a bit does it not?  Your Scribe was about to lower the required qualification for the post and to allow those who had passed matriculation at private school level to be considered for the post!

Vocational Reading – Tony Oshry

Your Scribe has regrettably lost the piece that recorded Tony’s vocational reading. He actually lost half the piece of paper it was written on and bearing in mind that a half does not make up the whole thought he would add as a final thought the following :

“An apology is the super glue of life. It can repair just about anything “

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Diaz Digest No. 26– 17 January , 2012

Diaz Digest No. 26– 17 January , 2012

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

With make ups 88%

Editorial.

January is Rotary Awareness Month and we thank Trevor Long for sending us this appropriate passage which we have included as our food for thought in the week ahead. We have recently inducted a number of new members but our appeal is not only directed to them to laud the efforts of Rotary from the hill tops but to all of us in the membership.

A 2010 RI-commissioned public image survey spanning six countries found that while respondents had heard of Rotary, they did not know much about what it does.

“This is where Rotarians come in,” says Pauline Leung, general coordinator of Rotary public image coordinators. “It is the responsibility of each and every Rotarian to tell the story of Rotary service to our communities,”

Leung, a member of the Rotary Club of Taipei Pei-An, Taiwan added . “When we talk of promoting Rotary, we have to do it through effective channels. The most credible way is to have the media tell our stories.”

President’s announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us all today and we were very pleased to see a fully recovered non smoking Roy Calder back in our midst. The late Randall’s memorial service will take place at St. John’s in Walmer on Saturday morning at 10.30am. It will take the form of a requim mass.We are sure that the Club will be well represented in paying our final respects to a dear friend.

Our Golf Day is on 15 March and Peter Long is making an early plea for prizes and four balls. Please give this event your full support and remember that we usually raise in excess of R40,000 from the day. Kevin Mills provided the ice cream today which was thankfully received coming in the wake of the present heat wave. He was celebrating a birthday and an anniversary.

A one time class mate of Marcus Oshry, John Thornton who lives in Ireland, has been on a fundraising drive for the Alpha Primary School. He has raised R15,000 and provided 105 pairs of shoes for needy children at this school. He has done this by cycling the length of Ireland and climbing its four highest peaks to raise awareness of the needs at this school. It is a commendable effort.

Events we can look forward to in anticipation:

24 January – Zeldre George – Radio Kingfisher                                                                   Lunch venue

Attendance –    Jeane Marie Lombard

Jean Marie was on duty today. We had neither Rotarians nor visitors visit us and Jeff Ilsley did the only make up electronically by visiting the Twins Falls Club in Idaho, USA, website.

Car seats wanted – Mel Levitan

Mel will shortly be in the so called family way with three grandchildren visiting between 3 -6 February and he needs the loan of three car seats. The ages of the children are five and three years and a baby of five months. If you can assist please contact him on 0845053926

Our Guest Speaker – Morgan Lehy

Morgan, who left us a year ago, on her journey for a year to Australia returned home to give us a report on her time abroad. No longer a rather shy 16 year old girl but one who is now brimming with confidence and flair after a memorable year spent between the Rotary Clubs of Tweed Heads and  Kyogle which are on the Gold Coast.

She took us through a slide presentation depicting her life and times, trials and tribulations and the highlights that one will always remember when a bad experience is no longer even a memory. She had a decided opinion on the youth of that country but on the whole enjoyed her schooling experience. She also milked cows, cleaned out milking parlours and learnt to iron her own clothes ! All in all she stated that the experience was wonderful and she was thanked by Jeff Ilsley.

The Sergeant – Mike Howell.

Mike asked fellow Old Selbornian and new member, Adrian Bleske, to collect R5 from all those whose who were educated at other institutions besides his old school and the box filled rapidly ! With this now additional support Mike has we can well imagine the level of keenness emanating in the forthcoming rugby season for Mill Park Boys High has a score to settle.

The following celebrate birthdays in the week ahead and include Mike (18) David Browne (23), and Ria Angelbauer ( 24). Best wishes and happy birthday to all. Mel and Ester Levitan celebrate an anniversary on 19 January and Ken and Jenny Munro with Danie and Thelma Theron celebrating theirs on 24 January. Congratulations !

Mike also found a Rotary website with clean jokes. It was a refreshing interlude !

Vocational Reading – Arthur Ahlschlager

“Do not be scared to take big steps – you cannot cross a chasm in two jumps”

A message from the Calders

” Roy and Marlene would like to thank you all for the wonderful support received during Roy’s recent illness. The many phone calls,  emails, sms’s and cards were greatly appreciated. Your concerns and prayers played a great part in Roy’s speedy recovery.  It is during these times that one realises just what a great Rotary Club we have. Thank you once again”

Final word – And perhaps something to bear in mind for the year ahead !

• Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
• Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
• The second mouse gets the cheese.
• When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
• Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
• You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
• Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.
• We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp,  some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colours, but they all have to live in the same box.
• A truly happy  person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

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Diaz Digest No. 25– 10 January , 2011

Diaz Digest No. 25– 10 January , 2011

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

With make ups 82%

Editorial.

I am sure that we all made New Year resolutions and by the same token a good few within days were history. Here is an easy one. Though at times it may be difficult to do, just simply smile.

I once reported to a great guy who smiled when he asked you to do the impossible. What could you do in the circumstances? And, funnily enough, the task at hand then seemed so much easier. Let us give it a bash!

President’s announcements

Trevor Long said the grace today where upon we all stood in silence as we remembered our dear friends who had passed away since we last met. Bernhard Rupp had lost his mother, PDG Brian Giller and an Honorary Member of our Club passed away after a long illness and we were sad to hear of the death of Brian Giles, Vaughan’s brother. Daphne ffolliott, known so well to many of us and a member of PE West also succumbed to cancer.

The tragic news of the passing of Randall Prins who was visiting his family in the United States came as a bolt out of the blue to us. We understand that he had a severe heart attack and our sympathies go out to Liz and his family. Cameron Scott, who introduced Randall to Rotary, spoke very eloquently in paying tribute to him. He described him as a fine friend and as one who upheld the ideals of Rotary at all times. We will miss Randall. Vernon Naidoo said a prayer at the conclusion of the proceedings as we all sat down to the first lunch of the New Year.

President Gianna reported that the Carol Service had gone off very well and had been well attended. Michele Lehy was not present at lunch and was meeting her daughter, Morgan, who was returning home today after having spent a year in Australia as our exchange student. Michele will report at a later stage on the event.

Roy Calder is recovering from a slight stroke and his making good progress at home. He sends his fond greetings to all and says life without smoking is a new experience in his life! Bill Williams was also welcomed back after a spell of recovery at home and it was good seeing his familiar face

We cannot recall if a President has ever in the course of conducting these opening duties at a meeting ever been faced with such trying circumstances. Our President could not be faulted and she deserves our congratulations. That we were all able to heartedly wish each other all the best for the year ahead and at the same time maintain the desired measure of decorum in memory of those who have passed on reflects well on our membership

Events we can look forward to in anticipation:

17 January – Morgan Lehy – Our Exchange Student                                                         Lunch venue

24 January – Zeldre George – Radio Kingfisher                                                                   Lunch venue

Attendance – Bob Wynne.

We had a very good attendance of 85% today and that included no make ups. May it long continue. We welcomed Karin Shaw who was accompanied by her son, Simon . Denise Long and Shena Wilmot accompanied their husbands.

Our Guest Speaker – Amy Shaw

Amy is a qualified Commercial Pilot and holds the rank of Captain. She is the daughter of the late Phil who left us so suddenly a year ago and whom we all still so fondly remember. Her talk today was not so much on flying and on her experiences in Africa but on a different kind of flying called Base Jumping.

It is a new and rather novel experience of diving off stationary objects such as tall buildings, cliffs and high bridges and to then parachuting  to safety!  It is a sport that is attracting an increasing number of participants and Amy was recently part of an 85 man contingent that parachuted off the tallest building, a tower, in Malaysia. She has experienced similar thrills in Switzerland by diving off high cliffs and on the local front parachuted from Van Staden’s and the high bridges of the Garden Route .Amy showed us a number of video clips depicting  these daring escapades, and, suitably impressed those whose only daring effort has been to dive off the high board at the old St. George’s Swimming Bath!

Amy answered a number of questions from the floor on a subject which may yet attract the attention of our younger members!

The Monthly Draw- Vaughan Giles.

Vaughan, assisted by Gavin Gilmer, conducted the Draw. Kevin Mills won the Attendance Award and Peggy Saunders, who was sitting not only at Gavin’s table but next to him, won the Draw Prize. Gavin is accepting offers from members who in future wish to sit next to him !

The Sergeant – Trevor Wells

Trevor wished a number of members who celebrate birthdays in early January a very happy birthday.These included Pam Andrew, Jeff Ilsley, Vaughan Giles ,Joy Williams, Gary Woodhead, and Leen Mulckhuyse. Congratulations as well to Gavin and Sue Gilmer, Stephen and Blythe Theodosiou, Arthur and Beverly Ahlschlager and Jeff and Carol Ilsley who celebrate wedding anniversaries

Following Amy’s talk Trevor related an incident which took place, also incidentally, on the Van Staden’s Bridge. One who was tempted to commit suicide was saved by a caring biker. The only trouble is that we are not too sure that the incident did take place!

Vocational Reading – Gavin Gilmer

“Never try to teach a pig to sing. It is a waste of time and it annoys the pig “– Anon. 

Final word

“People who are late are often happier than those who have to wait for them” – from a Chinese Fortune Cookie!

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