The Rotary Club of Algoa Bay

Bulletin No.28 - 2nd February

Bulletin No. 28 - 2 February 2010

Duty Roster

Today’s Attendance - Bernhard Rupp

Make-Ups

Phillip Shaw, Peggy Saunders, Gianna Doubell, Trevor Wells, Anthony Oshry, Ross Kobus, Godfrey van Graan,  Roy Calder                                                                                                                                                Fellowship Meeting on 28 January

Ian Pringle, Christopher Holmes, John Rauch, Trevor Wells, Malcom Andrew, Gary Woodhead, Michelle Lehy, Les Kirkland, Gianna Doubell                                                                                                  Board Meeting on 1 February

Des Willis:     Foundation Meeting 23 Jan, Port Alfred 25 Jan and Sunrise 23 Jan

Fred Roberts:  Sunrise    29 January

Attendance with Make-Ups 100% plus

Non- Rotarian Visitors

Michelle Campbell attended with Ed Gutsche

Manon Baelden  (Exchange Scholar)

President Ian’s Announcements

1. Alf Levinthal is back home after his successful ops to both knees and is moving around on crutches. He should be back at lunch next week
2. Bev Radue is on his way home after a stay with family in New Zealand and should also be back shortly
3. Manon Baelden’s  parents will be in Port Elizabeth shortly. Rotarians and Anns are invited to a Bring and Braai at 7.30pm on 12 February at 15 Verdi Ave, Walmer Heights. Please RSVP to Jean 082 401 2545 or sms 0729350267 should you be planning to attend.
4. There are still too many members who are not attending lunch and are also not apologising for their absence. To underline this point 13% of the club were absent from lunch today and did not apologise for their absence. This is not acceptable
5. The same rule applies to Committee Meetings. If you cannot attend an apology in good time is expected
6. The official handover of the “eye machine” will take place with maximum publicity in the near future. Details later
7. The usual lunch meeting will move to Vistarus on 2 March.   To ensure the catering is adequate please ensure that you apologise to Gianna if you cannot attend.  NB Old books and magazines are desperately needed in the Vistarus library, which is used by all the residents. Please ensure that your boot is full when you attend the lunch!

Gianna will announce other details pertinent to this visit in due course

1. Trevor Long is looking for volunteers to facilitate the arrival, storage and distribution of containers of school and other books donated by Texas Rotarians. A very exciting project

Directors Reports:-

Gary Woodhead-  Membership

Our membership has recently dropped slightly through natural attrition, the latest being  Don McGillivray. As usual we are looking for good potential Rotarians, but there is presently no need for concern as we are more interested in quality rather than quantity.

Les Kirkland - Projects

a)      Les reminded us that there are 3 projects in the pipeline  for MG’s:-     a) Ubuntu

b) Alpha Primary School

c) Lake Farm

However he feels that we need to get others organised so that when the moratorium on MGs is hopefully lifted in the near future we are in a position to submit immediately.

b)   Peter Long is looking for volunteers for a hands on project to resurrect the bathroom at Khayalethu, home for street children, this Saturday. Five strong men immediately responded and will be taking their 4-pound hammers and chisels with them. Many thanks Arthur, Trevor, Ian, Roy and George for responding so enthusiastically.

c)   Natalie Stear reminded us of the need for dictionaries for the Star Schools,  which teach Maths, Science and English to the disadvantaged students on Saturdays. Many of these students have produced stunning results in the recent matric exams. Pres Ian agreed that the necessary R5 000 would be forthcoming from club funds

Michele Lehy  (Fund-Raising)

Besides the Golf Day and the Big Draw, which of course are our main sources of income, Michele and her committee are looking for additional fund-raising ideas.  All ideas are welcome. Please pass them onto Michele a.s.a.p.

The committee is also looking into arranging a luncheon for potential donors where the advantages of Matching Grants could be explained to them.

Trevor Wells (Fellowship)

Trevor reported that at their planning meeting last week it was proposed that the monthly Fellowship functions be:-

a)      a travelling supper in February

b)       Bird walk in Settlers Park in March, using the expert services of Ken Munro

c)       Quarterly Dinner in April

d)      A braai and film for the residents at Lake Farm in May

e)      Induction Dinner in June

John Rauch (Trust Fund)

The fund was started in 1988 and John explained that there is presently R493 000 invested at the Old Mutual. Only the interest may be used for projects

Glenn Harris

Herbert Hurd Primary has purchased a Shelter Box to assist some of the Haitian people made homeless  by the recent earthquake. Cost to the school was R6076, and Glen challenged other schools/institutions  to match this generous humanitarian act.

Pres Ian announced that the Club will also purchase such a shelter.

Each of these shelters will provide for a family for 6 months

Nick Wilmot (Treasurer)

The latest financials have been emailed to you recently and are available to all members.

The good news that Nick shared with us is that the Club is solvent with:-

R328 000 in the General Account

R476 000 in the Matching Grant account

R493 000 in the Trust account

Thanks Nick. A most pleasing financial situation!

Pres Ian has requested that this uplifting letter from Trevor and Denise Long be brought to the attention of all membersl

PROVINCIAL ONCOLOGY PROJECT

Ray Klingingsmith visited Port Elizabeth last year and he was taken to the Provincial hospital to see where some of the CHOC Matching Grant initiated by the Grey Boys would be spent. As a result of that, Maureen Heath, Denise Long, and later Sandy Wells, were able to arrange for some pressing needs to be met.

Algoa Bay Anns, P.E.West Inner Wheel and St Paul’s Anglican church have been able to supply sandwiches on 3 days a week for the oncology out patients. Previously only 2 days were organized. There is still space on the roster if anyone would like to assist. The more participants there are, the fewer occasions one has to do a duty. Contact Pixie Pringle for details if you are able to assist.

Dr Neil Littleton needed some additional equipment to enable him to assist more patients.  This equipment was obtained from ROMEX (Rotary Medical Exchange in East  London).  Michelle Brussouw very kindly arranged for Grant Tomlinson from Intertown Transport to do the transporting.  He brought the equipment from East London, and then delivered it to the hospital.  There was no charge for this. In these time of financial hardships for businesses this was a very generous gesture.  If anyone needs any transporting to be done, you will know who to contact in the future.

Peter Long will very kindly arrange for a partition to be built. New curtains and painting of the oncology day room would complete this project, and hopefully this could be accomplished in the near future.

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

9  February         Di Ann Qoto (Miss P.E.)                                                                                                 Lunch venue

16  February       Dr Piet Naude from NMMU                                                                                        Lunch Venue

23 February        Ismail Mahomed      Festival Director: National Arts Festival                          Lunch venue

2 March                Lunch will be held at Vistarus .                                                                           Details later

16 March            Prof Leanna Uys  (vice Chancellor of the University of University of KZN)  Lunch venue

16 April                Quarterly Dinner                                                                                                               TBA

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                               Humewood Golf Club

Sergeant - Bernhard Rupp

Bernhard congratulated both Rod van der Weele and Karin Shaw both of whom will celebrate their birthdays on 7 February, and Ross and Lindsay Kobus who will celebrate their 39^th wedding anniversary on 6^th February.

Congratulations and best wishes to all four of you.

Des Willis still has the Fellowship Box

A Department of Water Resource representative stops at a Free State farm and speaks with the old farmer.

“I need to inspect your farm to ensure you are not exceeding the water allocation”, said the official

“No problem”‘ said the farmer, “but do not go into the field over there”

The official responded ‘ “Meneer, I have the full authority of the ANC government. See this card? This card means I am allowed to go wherever I wish on any agricultural land: no questions asked. Do you understand?”

The farmer nods politely and goes about his chores. Shortly thereafter he hears loud screams and sees the official running for his life closely followed by the farmer’s bull. He is obviously terrified and screaming for help so the farmer throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs…

“Your card!  Show him your card!”

Draw

Vaughan Giles conducted the Draw with the following results:-

Attendance: Bill Williams

2^nd Prize: George Tzemis

Ist Prize: Incoming- President John Rauch

Vocational Readings -  Mel Levitan

1. Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road  - Dag Hammarsjold   (did Steve’s firewalkers not receive a similar message?)
2. Don’t say you do not have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Theresa, Leonardo de Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein  -   H. Jackson Brown

Thanks Mel. There are some stimulating thoughts in these words.

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin No.27 - 26th January 2010

Bulletin No. 27 - 26 January 2010

Duty Roster

Today’s Attendance - Bernhard Rupp

Make-Ups

Nil                                                                                                                                                

Visiting Rotarians

Lionel Heath                                       P.E. East

Barry Evans                                         Bellville

Phil Gutsche                                       Port Elizabeth

Nolene Jorgensen                           Sunrise

Non- Rotarian Visitors

Catherine Upton accompanied Barry

Nadine Jackson was a guest of Gavin Gilmer and Manon Baelden, Exchange Scholar from Belgium, was also present

President Ian’s Announcements

1. The next Board Meeting will be held on Monday at 5.30pm at the Old Grey Club
2. The lunch meeting on 2 February will be a Business Meeting
3. The next Project Committee meeting will be held at 5.30pm on Tuesday 2 February in Gavin Gilmer’s offices
4. Paddye Monks has unfortunately had to resign for health reasons
5. Condolences were extended to Godfrey and Jenny van Graan on the recent passing of Jenny’s mother
6. Alf Levinthal is recovering well from his double knee replacement ( brave man!!!!!) in Greenacres and he welcomes  all visitors! Interesting to note that Bev Radue urged him to have his teeth checked before undergoing surgery and from what I can gather this was a very good move on Alf’s part!
7. Wine on the table was a gift from Bill Williams, who celebrated his birthday today. Nice work, Bill
8. The ice cream that arrived on the tables at the end of the meal was a gift from Gianna Doubell in celebration of her birthday yesterday. Many happy returns of the day, Gianna.

Our Speaker:  Stephen Theodosiou

Some time back the local Ford staff was invited to a motivational talk at the Holiday Inn. Little did they know that they were going to walk on burning coals before the evening was out!

Stephen’s talk was extremely well received.

After all rolling up one’s pants to above the knee,  cold-bloodedly stepping onto newly-formed hot coals and then walking slowly 10 metres over braai coals is not something the average car salesman does daily. Particularly with the boss and 50-odd peers watching.

The final instruction given by the presenter before the walkers hot-footed onto the coals has relevance in our everyday lives. They were told by the presenter that if they were to be successful they were to trust him, fix their eyes on the star and never look down!

Translated I think that means that in life generally we need to set a target, have faith and never look back if we are to succeed.

Many thanks,  Stephen.  (May I suggest that Natalie Stear be invited to participate if the fire-walkers are ever back in town!)

Other Matters

1. Peter and Wendy Long’s daughter, Phillipa, has recently become engaged to Ross Oxenham. The wedding will take place shortly at the Krom.  Where else?
2. Does anyone have a copy of the March 2008 Rotary Africa?  Denise Long needs to copy an article, thereafter the magazine will be returned to you.   Arthur can you help?

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

28^th January        Fellowship Committee meeting                                                                                                Michele Lehy’s home

1 February          Board Meeting                                                                                                                  5.30pm Old Grey

2 February          Business Meeting                                                                                                            Lunch venue

9  February         Di Ann Qoto (Miss P.E.)                                                                                                 Lunch venue

16  February       Dr Piet Naude from NMMU                                                                                        Lunch Venue

23 February        Ismail Mahomed      Festival Director: National Arts Festival                          Lunch venue

Sergeant - Mannering Osborn

Mannering congratulated Pat Scott and Bill Williams on their birthdays today, Danie Theron tomorrow and Bob Wynne on 31^st.

Vaughan and Judy Giles are congratulated on celebrating  their 47th wedding anniversary today, and Leen and Diet Mulckhuyse on their  51^st tomorrow. Great achievements!

The whereabouts of the Fellowship Box is not known by the Bulletin Editor.

Mannering quoted from the Bulletin boards of some unnamed churches, the best of which are probably:-

• “The sermon topic next Sunday will be ‘What is Hell’.  Come early and listen to the choir.
• “Don’t let worry kill you, let the church help”
• On Wednesday the Liturgy group will meet and Mrs Smith will sing ‘ Put Me in my little bed’ accompanied by the Pastor

Vocational Readings -  Christopher Holmes

1. Most girls detest 4-letter words such as wash, iron, cook, dust etc.

Our words may hide our thoughts, but our actions will reveal them

1. Hebrew: n.  A male Jew.  As distinguished from a Shebrew, an altogether superior being.

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin No. 26 - 19th January 2010

Bulletin No. 26 - 19 January 2010

Duty Roster

Today’s Attendance - Ed Gutsche

Make-Ups

Nil                                                                                                                                                

Visiting  Rotarians

Andy Crowe (Assistant Governor)            P.E. East

Lynn Grenfell                                                East London

Non- Rotarian Visitors

Manon Baelden (Exchange Student  from Belgium) was brought by host Christopher Holmes, Gary Andrew accompanied Malcom  and Leanne Naidoo supported her husband and new member Vernon at his maiden speech.

President Ian’s Announcements

1. The next  Board Meeting will be held on Monday 25^th at 5.30pm at Old Grey
2. There will be a Fellowship Committee meeting at Michelle Lehy’s home on 28^th. All committee members to attend please
3. Denzil Stickells (welcomed back after a 4 month absence overseas visiting the family) and Andy Crowe (Assistant Governor)  were afforded a special welcome to the lunch
4. To maximise her exposure to the local area specifically and South Africa generally Rotarians planning trips/outings should try and invite Exchange Scholar Manon Baeldon to join them if at all possible

Change of Date: The visit to the soccer stadium that has been arranged by Michelle Brown will take place on Tuesday 16^th February (NOT the 9^th as previously announced) . The plan is that immediately after lunch on that day we will move down to the stadium to be there at 2.30pm for a prompt start. Those interested in attending are to ensure Michele has your name.

Our Speaker: Vernon Naidoo

Vernon gave us a clear and lucid  idea of what makes him tick.

His motto: “Never give up!”

One of 8 children, he was born and educated  in Port Elizabeth. Working for NMMU he spreads the critically important message of the value of Maths, Science and computers to mainly the under-privileged schools in the northern areas. And he is passionate about what he does.

Much time is also given to counselling and motivating the principals and the teachers (many of whom are under-qualified to teach these subjects) to ensure these subjects obtain maximum exposure.

Vernon has the makings of a good Rotarian, and Leanne a committed Ann.

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

25^th January        Board Meeting                                                                  5.30pm                                Old Grey

26^th January       Stephen Theodosiou    “Walking on hot coals”                                                     Lunch venue

28^th January        Fellowship Committee meeting                                                                                                Michele Lehy’s home

2 February          Business Meeting                                                                                                            Lunch venue

9  February         Di Ann Qoto (Miss P.E.)                                                                                                 Lunch venue

23 February        Ismail Mahomed      Festival Director: National Arts Festival                          Lunch venue

Letter from Paula Santos (the Ambassadorial Scholar we hosted a few years back) was sent to me by Trevor Long

Greetings from Sunny California!

It has been some time since I’ve been in touch with any of you. Life has kept me happy, healthy, and busy. After finishing up my doctorate I took a position as the Regional Clinical Director for a growing behavioral health group. I specialize in training, supervising, supporting, and developing our clinical programs. We work with children and families with children with various developmental delays. With school through I now have a more stable lifestyle consisting of the director position, teaching graduate level course in psychology and behaviorism at 2 different universities, and a small private practice a past professor of mine. This stable lifestyle has now allowed me to join a local rotary club!! I just joined a few months back and helped set up an Interact Club at one of the local high schools, and have recently been asked to be president elect of our club. I’m not sure yet that I can take on such a large role to be president but have really enjoyed working weekly with the Interactors- we are off to a great start.

I am writing for 2 requests: (1) do you have an Interact Club affiliated with the Algoa Bay Rotarians that we could put the Pasadena Sunrise/Blair Interactors in touch with? and (2) I know how active you have always been with your matching grants and projects. Our club is looking to take on a project regarding sanitation/clean water. Would you be interested or know a club in the area who might be? and I am planning a trip back to South Africa before the end of 2011! I have won a bid for a trip over to game reserve which was a fundraising project through my sponsor district back in Massachusetts I would love to stop in and see the Algoa Bay Rotarians if possible during my brief travels and should we be able to put our Interactors or clubs together in any way we could also exchange any information, etc. at this time.

I hope this emails finds you all well and happy in 2010

Yours in Rotary,

Paula

Who will respond to Paula?  Trevor have you got this under control?

Water Project

Members will recall that with Uitenhage South this Club supported a water provision project in Uganda a few years back.

Les Kirkland has just received the official report from the Rotary Foundation which states that the project has been successfully completed and over 800 people in the rural areas of that country benefit directly from the borehole, pumps and storage tanks installed.

Another good job completed. Well done!

Sergeant - Rolf Angelbauer

Club members with birthdays this week are David Browne (23^rd), Ria Angelbauer (24^th) and Gianna Doubell and Lindsay Ziehl (25^th).       Best wishes to all of you.

Wedding anniversaries celebrated this week are:-

Danie and Thelma Theron on 24^th.

Melwyn and Esther Levitan celebrate their 40^th (Ruby) wedding anniversary on 19^th, which is very impressive.

But  Ken and Jenny Munro celebrate their 51^st wedding anniversary on 24th, which is outstanding!

Congratulations to all of those mentioned.

Rolf told the story of the absent-minded man who only remembered his wife’s name (Rose) when his friend identified the name of the flower with bright colours and thorns growing in the garden

2009 Academic achievements

Rotarians were invited to let me have details of 2009 academic achievements of their children/grandchildren for inclusion in the Bulletin.

Besides Nina Brown who was mentioned last week  the other children/grand children whose details were passed onto to me were:-

Simone Brussouw (grand-daughter of Fred and Melanie) passed her matric well and will be reading for a degree is Media Communication and Culture at NMMU this year

Shelley Saunders (Peggy’s daughter) enjoyed an outstanding year in 2009. Not only did she achieve 5 distinctions in the B.Com Marketing degree she completed last year, but also played cricket and hockey at provincial level. She will be reading for her Honours degree in Marketing at NMMU this year.

Vocational Readings -  Michelle Brown

Michele read us the last two lines of William Henley’s poem “Invictus”, which inspired Nelson Mandela to achieve the extraordinary heights he has.

“I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul”

How do we get the majority of our population to buy into these concepts?

Tailpiece

Do you realise that in about 40 years time there will be millions of grandmothers throughout the world with pierced navels and colourful  tattoos in the strangest places.

A scary thought!!!!!

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin No. 25 - 12th January 2010

Bulletin No. 25 - 12 January 2010

Duty Roster

Today’s Attendance - Gavin Gilmer

Make-Ups

Nil                                                                                                                                                

Visiting  Rotarians

Nil

Non- Rotarian Visitors

Shelley Saunders, daughter of Peggy.

Ian Kirkland, son of Les

Mike Peters brought by Marcus Oshry

President Ian’s Announcements

1.       Neil Crawford and Pam Cameron-Ellis were congratulated on the 100% pass rate their schools obtained in the recent matric examinations. Even more pleasing was the large and impressive number of distinctions that each school obtained in the various subjects. Collegiate was also congratulated on achieving the second best results in the Eastern Cape

2.       Nina Brown, daughter of Michelle, excelled obtaining 5 distinctions in the recent exams. She plans to enrol at UCT later this year.

3.       Proud parents/grandparents who would like to share their exciting academic news with club members need to let me have details before next Tuesday. Details will appear in Bulletin 26.

4.       Fred Roberts is thanked for refurbishing the president’s gong that keeps us all under control at lunch

Our Speaker: Mr Amrit Daya

Born on 18 July 1930, Mr Daya is the oldest volunteer selected to do duty at the FIFA World Cup which starts in 5 months time. PE born and bred he has been interviewed by the world media and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Co-incidentally the very first World cup was played in 1930, so both the competition and Amrit are the same age!

Matching Grants Update from Trevor long

MG65694: Cataract operations and Colleen Glen School R257 000. School complete and cataract operations almost ready for closure

MG 69718: CHOC  R555 420. Proceeding well

MG 72218: Alpha School R100 500. Submitted to TRF and awaiting approval

MG 72275: Lake Farm R74735.  Submitted to TRF and awaiting approval

Forthcoming Events

19 January          Vernon Naidoo       “Me and my Job” talk                                                                               Lunch venue

26^th January       Stephen Theodosiou    “Walking on hot coals”                                                                     Lunch venue

2 February          Business Meeting                                                                                                                            Lunch venue

9  February         Di Ann Qoto (Miss P.E.)                                                                                                                 Lunch venue

Sergeant - Richard Stephenson

Richard congratulated the following on their birthdays:- Gary Woodhead (today,  and celebrated with ice cream!), Leen Mulkhuyse and Randall Prins (14^th), and Mike Howell (18^th).

No wedding anniversaries are celebrated this week.

Of the stories Richard told this is probably the best:

An elderly couple were in bed one night and the woman woke up from a bad dream.

She was scared and panicking and her husband turned on the light to calm her. He asked what was wrong and she told him that she had had a dream that she had died and that he had remarried.

She asked him, “If I died tomorrow would you remarry?”

“Sure,” he said, “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone”

“Would the two of you live in this house?” she asked.

“Certainly” he said, “we have just finished paying the mortgage”

Now she was angry. “Would the two of you sleep in this bed?”

He thought a while and then said, “Yes, of course. This is a new and expensive bed and there is no reason to get rid of it!”

Now highly irate the wife asked “Would she use my golf clubs?”

“No,” he replied, “she’s left-handed”

Like Tiger Woods maybe this husband was also attacked by a golf club wielding wild woman!

Vocational Readings -  Barry Upton

A speech made when you are angry will be the best speech you will ever regret

Attendance (from Pres Ian)

Attendance at official Rotary meetings has always been critically important and  MOP requires that we have an attendance of at least 50% per half year .

According to the attendance figures supplied by Danie Theron and circulated to the club members in December some members need to improve their attendance. It is the start of the new year and we request our members to be mindful of this basic requirement of Rotary. Attendance is paramount and we request that you all note your respective weekly duties as and when they arise. It is not fair that others need to take over when one fails to make suitable arrangements for one’s absence. Enough said!

Final Thought

Michele  Brown is offering to arrange a tour of the new PE stadium. Her suggestion is that those interested should meet at about 11.30am on a Tuesday (still to be decided), enjoy the tour and then move on to normal Rotary lunch. Those interested should inform her a.s.a.p.

Malcom Andrew

Christmas Party at the German Club - 12th December 2009

Bulletin No.24 - 5th January 2010

Bulletin No. 24 - 5 January 2010

Duty Roster

Today’s Attendance - Colin Fox

Make-Ups

Vaughan Giles             P.E. West 10 December and P.E. Club 17 December

Gavin Gilmer               P.E. West                     10 December

Attendance with Make-ups  48.6%

Visiting  Rotarians

John Falconer (P.E. South)

Non- Rotarian Visitors

Michele Lehy introduced her daughter, Morgan

Editorial (by Pres Ian Pringle)

A very happy New Year to all of you. May 2010 be a good one!

Half the current Rotary year is behind us and I am pleased to say that much has been achieved this far. Thank you all for your active participation in making the difference in the lives of others.

We should however not forget to look at ourselves as well as the well-being of our fellow Rotarians. A phone call to one who may be recovering from illness or a sad loss does wonders. We must think of each other and remember that Rotary was founded on this basis.

I would ask that during the rest of the year members ensure that they attend our weekly meetings. Enjoy the meal and the fellowship but be there for the new members. We are a large club and must ensure that our entire membership is actively involved in the affairs of the Club………………..and that starts with being present at lunch each Tuesday!

Why not simply diarise the Rotary lunch each Tuesday until the end of the year?

Other Matters

Pres Ian welcomed all Rotarians back from their respective holidays and drew attention to the following

1. A Friendship Tour will be taking place to New South Wales and Victoria in February 2011 and the Exchange Tour from that District will be visiting us in November 2010. This is a marvellous way to see another country. Pres Ian has indicated his availability and invites others to seriously think about joining him
2. Pres Ian has heard of no-one who has written a book, fallen pregnant, married or become divorced over the holiday period. However Chris and Steve Theodosiou have walked on hot coals! We will be hearing of their sole-burning  experiences in the near future.

Monthly Draw

Vaughan Giles rattled the bones and the Club unexpectedly took first prize when the joker was drawn. Steve Theodosiou won the Attendance Prize and others drawn from the hat were Roy Jones (3^rd) and Peter Long (2^nd)

Matching Grants

Trevor Long presented a concise explanation on Matching Grants. It was well received and we have Trevor to thank for the good work he does in sourcing these grants. It was stressed that it is the responsibility of members to find, investigate and propose likely projects for grant consideration. Les Kirkland is to be contacted in this regard.

We have an enviable record of sourcing grants from overseas donors and, because of our efficiency, frequently do repeat business with these clubs.

Forthcoming Events

12 January          Amrit Daya. At 79 years of age the oldest FIFA World Cup volunteer                         Lunch venue

19 January          Vernon Naidoo       “Me and my Job” talk                                                                               Lunch venue

26^th January       Stephen Theodosiou    “Walking on hot coals”                                                                     Lunch venue

2 February          Business Meeting                                                                                                                            Lunch venue

9  February         Di Ann Qoto (Miss P.E.)                                                                                                                 Lunch venue

Sergeant - Birgit Macke

Birgit congratulated the following on their birthdays: Jeff Ilsley and Pam Andrew (6^th), Vaughan Giles and Kevin Mills (7^th) and Joy Williams (11^th).

In addition she congratulated the following on their wedding anniversaries: Sue and Gavin Gilmer (New Year’s Day), Steve and Blythe Theodosiou (2^nd January), Colleen and Kevin Mills (3^rd), Beverley and Arthur Ahlschlager (6^th) and Carol and Jeff Ilsley (10^th)

Birgit had two good stories to tell. The moral of one story was that one should not kiss a mirror in a public toilet. It is best to test your lipstick on another surface!

Vocational Readings -  George Tzemis

” The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also leave unsaid the wrong thing at a tempting moment”

Final Word- The biggest Blow up of 2008

Two Belgians have posthumously won  the annual “Worst Disaster of the World” award. They attempted to blow up an ATM, but in doing so over-estimated the charge they would need. Not only did they blow the ATM and the building, but also destroyed themselves.

Shame.

Thanks

As I was not able to be present at the lunch I am indebted to Pres Ian for most of what appears above

Malcom Andrew

BIG DRAW 2009 REPORT

The Algoa Bay Rotary Club’s

-BIG DRAW-

The Big Draw evening held on the 26^th November was a grand achievement with profits in excess of over R100 000! Although a final reconciliation needs to take place. The beneficiaries will be the under-privileged in the Port Elizabeth area and based on the profit along with Matching Grants will be turned into R500 000 plus.

The team that were organizing this years’ draw were Cameron Scott (Big Chief), Michele Lehy (Co-ordinator), Peter Long (Logistics), Fred Roberts (audio-visual), Danie Theron (liquid refreshments), Michele Brown (PRO and prizes), Lindsay Pearson (our host) and, of course, Lynda Woodhead and her coordinating committee of Ann’s:  Judy Giles, Sandy Wells, Pixie Pringle, Colleen Mills, Jenny van Graan and Wendy Long. Compliments all round on an excellent event as without this team nothing would be possible!

Indeed there was much careful planning over a long period of time which ensured the events success.

The Ann’s put together a delightful and extensive range of nibbles and meals that filled everyone. All that was laid out was delicious but the calamari was tops! I can just imagine all the hard work and effort that went into preparing it all.

The Draw itself went off without a hitch and the many people that won were over the moon. Especially the winner of the 1^st prize which was R15 000, that went to a ticket that Peter Long sold to carpenter, Tony Nicholas.

It was also reported by the Grey Junior Staff that the clean up, done by the Rotarians and Ann’s, was impressive.

Everybody enjoyed themselves and is looking forward to next year…and all the best to the new team, show us what you got!!

Bulletin No. 23 - 8th December 2009

Bulletin No. 23 (The final issue for 2009) - 8th December 2009

Duty Roster

Today’s Attendance - Randall Prins

Visiting Rotarians

Jack Rosenberg (Old Dalian PRO) was the guest of Malcom Andrew, and Noelene Jorgenson and Jean Rigby from P.E. Sunrise

Make-Ups

Des Willis     Big Draw 26/11, Soccer Committee meeting 9/12, and District Strategy Committee meeting 12/12

Peter Long                                              Big Draw                                                                                                   26^th December

Peter Long, Michele Lehy, George Tzemis and Cameron Scott              Finance Committee           7^th December

Pam Cameron-Ellis                                Board Meeting                                                                                3th December                                                                                                                                                                  Attendance with Make-ups  87%

Non- Rotarian Visitors

Alana Wyss accompanied Gianna Doubell, and Leanne and Vernon Naidoo were the guests of Jeff Ilsley.

Manon Baelden, a youth exchange student from Belgium, was supported by fellow-student Charlotte Laiscour from Cape Town and host mother Jean Rigby

President Ian’s Announcements

• Pres Ian welcomed Ann President Pixie and Liz Prins, both of whom arrived to support their husbands
• The Rotary club of St Ives in Australia toasted our club last week
• The first meeting of 2010 will be on 5 January and will take the form of a Fellowship meeting. Please diarise.
• Grey High cyclists are planning another fund-raising cycle ride from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth early in the new year. This time they have invited 2 cyclists from the Children’s Home to join them in this challenging venture. The Board has decided to sponsor these two cyclists R1 per kilometre each i.e. a sponsorship of R2000. We wish them well!
• Caroline Ferreira of the Children’s Home thanked the Club for their support during the year and reported that 65% of the senior students had found employment in 2010. A fine achievement in these economic times.
• In response the ladies in charge of the meals were presented with gifts from the Club by Pres Ian and a generous cheque was handed over to be shared by those that serve us on a weekly basis

Induction of new member

Vernon Naidoo (proposed by Jeff Ilsley) was inducted into the club at lunch today and was supported by his wife Leanne, a psychologist in private practice in the city.

Vernon is a project manager in education associated with the development of Mathematics and Science at the Missionvale complex of NMMU.

He was warmly welcomed into the club

Other Matters

1. BLOOD DONORS are urgently required. Algoa FM and SABC are regularly broadcasting for donors to come forward as S.A.  is down to a very dangerous 2-day supply of this life-giving necessity………….. and we are entering the silly-season when the demand for blood reaches its peak. PLEASE DO THE NECESSARY.

1. A Christmas message from Amalie (sent to me by Gianna Doubell)

Hello Algoa Bay

I have been given the opportunity to send you a little Christmas-note, which is wonderful. So much has happened since I left you in June and I can truly say that there has been very little spare time to think about SA! I do of course miss you all very much and my experiences in your beautiful country have marked me for life. (In a good way, obviously!) This I can clearly see from the past 5 months where I have been a terror for my family and general surroundings when I wanted to show them my 16 GB of photos! But I have not only spoken to my friends and family about South Africa, I have also been doing quite a few speeches on the topic. My Rotary Club and our Rotary Anns of course wanted to know everything about it, but also my old school and my new class mates asked me for a presentation. Recently I showed my best shots at assembly at my school, which was wonderful. I’m really advertising your countryJ

I can also tell you that my own club is going to host an exchange student this upcoming year. Her name is Riley, she’s an Aussie and she will be spending her first 4 months in Denmark with me and my family. I’m sure I will be an amazing host sister and I will try to give her as great an experience as my wonderful host families gave me!

Besides this, it is good to be back home for Christmas. I have added a picture from my old school which was closed down for a few days last year, because of snow. Thought it would be fun for you to see. So far we haven’t had any snow, but I’m still hoping for it. It will be quite different from the warm, sunny Christmas in Bluewater bay, but I will still try to make of some Lynda’s amazing mince pies..

My family and I are also planning to visit you next year in July. As soon as the World Cup is over you will be run over by another bunch of tourists, namely me and my family!

It would be great to hear a little from you all, and I really enjoyed writing this little piece for the bulletinJ

Merry Christmas everyone

Amalie

“Me and My Job” talk  - Randall Prins

Born and educated in Cape Town Randall, the youngest in a family of 6 children, trained as a consulting engineer. For a decade he has travelled and worked in various countries in north, central and southern Africa. Assisted by wife Liz, who is a quantity surveyor, they have wherever possible recruited, trained and mentored suitable members of  the local population on building/construction techniques.

In 1999 Randall started his own building business in PE where he continues on his mission to help develop people and make a difference.

They have a family of three daughters

Forthcoming Events

12 December                     Christmas Dinner                                                             German Club

22 December                     Informal Lunch                                                                  Brewmasters

5 January                             Fellowship lunch                                                              Lunch venue

Sergeant - Natalie Stear

Natalie noted that Pres Ian and Pixie celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary on Monday 14 December. All join in congratulating them on this signal achievement

Rob Melvil (12^th) and Taryn Smith (14^th) celebrate birthdays this week. Many happy returns of this special day to both of you.

After referring to the very successful Anns Christmas Party that she and Birgit attended at the home of Fred and Melanie on Monday evening (and the dashing and superbly efficient butler service that operated so effectively throughout the function) she read her poem, which many can identify with:-

THE ROTARY CLUB OF ALGOA BAY:  frivolous verse by Natalie

1.          Although our founder members all have gone -

The club they formed in ‘Fifty-Eight lives on.

December comes - we raise the glass to cheer

Our Rotary Club on yet another year.

2.          And while we reminisce about our Charter,

Let’s turn our thoughts to keen historian, Arthur.

To more than keeping files his talents run;

He’s recognised as Master of the Pun.

3.          And lest we should forget those men of yore -

We have our Father Christo to the fore.

His blessings rain on all good men and true -

More faithful member, no one ever knew!

4.          But - could those worthy men of old foretell

That after 40 years we’d have - MICHELLE?

The battle of the sexes had begun;

Though no one lost and no one ever won!

5.          When Natalie and Birgit followed after,

The jokes were tamed, but surely not the laughter!

And ladies on the Board next year will be

Michéle the Other, Pegs and Gianna D.

6.          That leaves three more to give the club a gloss -

Newcomer Pam and Dr Maureen Klos;

And last, not least, to add to the appeal

Our lively Lindsay brings her special Ziehl!

7.          And would our Club succeed with all its plans

Without the glamorous back-up of our Anns?

At all our functions they reveal their class -

Our Cordon Bleux - that very few surpass!

8.          Headmasters and two Mistresses are found

At every table, if you look around.

With Pam and Nats are seven gentlemen -

Neil, Lindsay, Andy, Trevor, Jeff, Les, Glenn!

9.          PP’s abound and four smart PDG’s.

Bev, Fred, Des, Trevor - share their expertise.

The Projects Team helps those in dire need

And, led by Les, the hungry mouths they feed.

10.        To offer many statements we have Ed,

Who’s never short of words, let it be said.

Young Marcus makes our average-age look good,

And Colin to the poor gives daily food.

11.        And what about the famous kudu braai

That Vaughan, the Master, welcomes you to try?

Or Godfrey’s spinach, fresh for all to eat,

Or Spit-grilled Lamb by Paella-Lord, Sir  Pete?

12.        We’ve Anthony, of Oshry’s-farms, the king;

And Ken, whose ken of birds is staggering;

While Ross attends to creatures great and wee;

And Marcus rescues humans lost at sea.

13.        Rob heals the sick; and sound advice on law

Is offered by the Pagden’s chief, Phil Shaw;

And if Gav cannot track your 4-by-4

Both Chris and Steve will sell you one (or more).

14.        We trust our Nick the money to collect

Succeeding John, our President-Elect.

Randall has told us all about his job

And welcome, Vernon, to our happy mob.

15.        I’d love to sail with Richard on his yacht;

Or paint a house or two with Cameron Scott;

Or work with Terry on some grand designs;

Or watch how Alan decorates his signs -

16.        But Ian, our Pres, is saying, “No more time!”

And so I can’t continue with this rhyme.

Each one of you has made a contribution

But you’ll be tired of endless elocution!

17.        But this the last - and here the secret lies -

It’s fellowship that binds our diverse ties.

We would not gather every week, I say,

Without the fun and friends at Algo’ Bay.

Natalie Stear

Well done Natalie, you have an amazing talent with words!

Vocational Readings -  Jon Allen

At Christmas play and make good cheer

For Christmas comes but once a year.

Thomas Tusser 1580

Tailpiece

A veterinarian-type joke from Ross Kobus:

What do you get when you cross PMS with GPS?

You get a crazy bitch who WILL find you!

Malcom Andrew

Christmas Update!

Hello Algoa Bay

I have been given the opportunity to send you a little Christmas-note, which is wonderful. So much has happened since I left you in June and I can truly say that there has been very little spare time to think about SA! I do of course miss you all very much and my experiences in your beautiful country have marked me for life. (In a good way, obviously!) This I can clearly see from the past 5 months where I have been a terror for my family and general surroundings when I wanted to show them my 16 GB of photos! But I have not only spoken to my friends and family about South Africa, I have also been doing quite a few speeches on the topic. My Rotary Club and our Rotary Anns of course wanted to know everything about it, but also my old school and my new class mates asked me for a presentation. Recently I showed my best shots at assembly at my school, which was wonderful. I’m really advertising your countryJ

I can also tell you that my own club is going to host an exchange student this upcoming year. Her name is Riley, she’s an Aussie and she will be spending her first 4 months in Denmark with me and my family. I’m sure I will be an amazing host sister and I will try to give her as great an experience as my wonderful host families gave me!

Besides this, it is good to be back home for Christmas. I have added a picture from my old school which was closed down for a few days last year, because of snow. Thought it would be fun for you to see. So far we haven’t had any snow, but I’m still hoping for it. It will be quite different from the warm, sunny Christmas in Bluewater bay, but I will still try to make of some Lynda’s amazing mince pies..

My family and I are also planning to visit you next year in July. As soon as the World Cup is over you will be run over by another bunch of tourists, namely me and my family!

It would be great to hear a little from you all, and I really enjoyed writing this little piece for the bulletinJ

Merry Christmas everyone

Amalie

Mr South Africa’s presentation at Lunch!