The Rotary Club of Algoa Bay

Diaz Digest No. 23– 6 December, 2011

                                    Diaz Digest No. 23– 6 December, 2011

                                                            Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:

                                                                                                                                                                With make ups 79 %

Editorial.

                Times change. When the once so called White schools opened their doors about 20 years ago the Rector at Grey was asked by an inquisitive reporter how many Black boys had enrolled at his school.He replied he did not know as he only had Grey boys ! It is a quote that has been well recorded from a time of a then unsure South Africa.

                Today we inducted five new Rotarians and we welcomed them into our fellowship. They are Rotarians, nothing more nothing less, despite that one through her gender may have only been welcomed as a visitor a little more than ten years ago. As we say times do change and only for the better.                  

Events we can look forward to in anticipation:

13 December     Christmas Party                                                Hermes in Newton Park

20 December                     Unofficial Lunch for the Stayers TBA – at a pub! 

10 January                           First Meeting of the New Year   Lunch venue

Welcome and Announcements

                President Gianna welcomed us and made special mention of our District Governor, Kevin Dersley, who graced us with his presence. She announced our Board for the year ahead but before doing so paid a special tribute to Natalie Stear who had a done a sterling job in taking over the duties following the sudden passing of our Secretary, Christopher Holmes.

                At the Christmas Party we will be handing over a rather substantial sum to Susan Holmes. This very charitable idea was launched by Richard Stephenson in appreciation of our good friend and to ensure that his family is provided for at this time.

                Caroline Ferreira who runs the Centre and ensures that we are well accommodated was presented with a cheque for her staff in appreciation of the good service that they provide for us during the year. She expressed her sincere appreciation and wished us well over the festive season.

                We were informed by Trevor Wells that we have a full house for our Christmas Party next week and it promises to be great evening. President Gianna reminded us that our first meeting in the New Year will take place on 10 January and before closing the meeting wished Les and Alicia Kirkland a safe trip to the United Kingdom where they will be meeting with family  

 Attendance – Ian Pringle

                Your Scribe was on duty today. He welcomed visiting Rotarians Gay Best of PE West and Colin McWilliams of the Lincoln Downtown Club of Lincoln, Nebraska. Colin is of the well known Port Elizabeth family and is on a visit to his family. Our District Governor, Kevin Dersley, was also present and had earlier been welcomed by President Gianna

                Christine Oshry and Leanne Naidoo accompanied their husbands and Soudah who is so well known to all of us was introduced by Cameron Scott who reports to her. She sells a vast majority of Cameron’s Big Draw tickets!

                There were 11 make ups recorded at the Board Meeting on Monday night and these have been forwarded to the Attendance Officer. Other make ups included

1 December                                       Port Elizabeth Club                                                          Gavin Gilmer

5 December                                       Electronic make up                                                          Lindsay Diehl   

Our new Board for the year ahead.

                President Gianna announced the composition of the new Board. The President will be Gary Woodhead, our President Elect is Ross Kobus and Trevor Wells is the the Vice President. Our Secretary will be Malcom Andrew and Treasurer is Bernhard Rupp. The remaining Board members will be Michele Lehy, Jeff Ilsley, Nick Wilmot, Vernon Naidoo, Marcus Oshry and  Peggy Saunders

Heartiest congratulations. Our Club is in good hands    

The Sergeant – Arthur Ahlschlager

                Arthur reminded us of a fine Rotary tradition that has been overlooked in recent years.That is to applaud the new President when the Chair is taken for the first time at the start of the Rotary year. The same applies at the end of the last meeting of that year. Let us remember it for future use.

                He wished Thelma Theron a very happy birthday for 7 December and also John and Heather Rauch who together with Les and Alicia Kirkland celebrate their anniversaries in the week ahead. Congratulations!    

Carols by Candle Light – 15 December

                Michele Lehy gave us a final update on arrangements for the evening. A tremendous amount of organization has gone into the event and to ensure a break even on the project it is imperative that 1000 tickets be sold. She stressed the importance of this and requested our commitment. Michelle Brown, in support of the event, expressed her concern that some had shown little interest despite the fact that it had been adopted as a project and that we should all be fully behind Michele and her Team. Enough said!

Induction of New Members

                Five new members were inducted today and we welcomed them into our midst. President Gianna completed the induction formalities for each new member before our District Governor pinned on their badges and congratulated them on their induction.

                Vernon Naidoo introduced his three colleagues and nominations. These were Ryan Bowers, Younus Amod and Shuaib Rahim. They hold the vocations of Interior Design, Chartered Accountancy and Human Rights Law respectively

                Cameron Scott introduced Adrian Bleske whose expertise lies in Specialised Banking and Bernhard Rupp introduced his wife, Mimi, who is joining the ranks of Rotary. Her speciality is Concrete Products.  Richard and Birgit Macke are our other Rotarian couple in our membership.           

Monthly Draw – Vaughan Giles

                Vaughan presided over this monthly ritual with his usual efficiency. Barry Upton was first out of the hat and won the Attendance Award and then Malcom Andrew won the big prize money! Well done to all.   

Vocational Reading – Ken Munro

“Action is the foundational key to all success “– Pablo Picasso

Some thoughts ahead of Christmas that you may wish to ponder on!

• 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.

Diaz Digest No. 21– 22 November, 2011

Diaz Digest No. 21– 22 November, 2011

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

                                                                                                  With make ups  100%

Editorial.

               We will not attempt to expound on any favourite theory, topic or theme this week. We are all quite frankly very busy and in little over four hours on Thursday evening we will generate the kind of revenue that enables us to make the difference in the lives of others. Not to provide prawns, calamari and Scotch whisky but rather more important things like funding eye cataract operations, providing wheelchairs, computers, books and chalk. The kind of stuff a caring government should provide?

               A well known brand has the motto, “Just do it  “We will do it on Thursday!                          

Welcome and Announcements.

               President Gianna welcomed us all. Regrettably your Scribe was delayed and arrived late for the meeting. We understand that Cameron Scott laid down the ground rules for The Big Draw and that it was all systems go for our big event on Thursday.

               Jill Harris was wished a speedy recovery pending her visit to hospital and Wendy Long is recovering from a sudden appendix removal. Mike Howell is about to depart for Thailand to take part in an Iron Man competition and he was wished all the best and a safe return.

               A gentle reminder. If you are seated at the Top Table it is best that you take up your place at this table. Corporal punishment has only been banned at schools!   

Events we can look forward to in anticipation.

29 November                 Dane Doubell – Making use of The Internet                           Lunch venue

6 December                   Business Meeting                                                                    Lunch venue

13 December                 Annual Christmas Party @ R130 per head                            Hermes in Newton

                                                                                                                                       Park

13 January                     First Meeting of the Year                                                        Lunch venue

Attendance – Keith Baylis.

               Keith welcomed us all. We had no visiting Rotarians but we had a number of guests who have been regular in their attendance over the past few weeks. These included Adrian Bleske, Ryan Bowers, Younis Amod, Gareth Chamier and Shaib Ramin. They were all warmly welcomed.

               We had 15 members attend the Fellowship Committee meeting and these make ups have been recorded. Others reporting make ups included

17 November                             Port Elizabeth Club                 Ed Gutsche and Keith Baylis

17 November                             Electronic Make Up                Lindsay Ziehl

18 November                             PE East                                   Marcus Oshry     

Our Projects- Vernon Naidoo.

               Vernon lead us on an an excellent presentation on our Club projects. This took the form of a slide presentation and Trevor Long who organises our Matching Grants spoke about the many slides which covered a wide variety of activity. President Gianna had produced a very descriptive colourful brochure which encapsulated all that we support.

               Our projects range from our Eye Wellness Programme, the provision of Christmas hampers, support for Lake Farm, disadvantaged schools, the supply of wheelchairs and the Sea Rescue Institute to a number of others. Vernon in conclusion stressed that it was important that we visit and see for ourselves the results of our efforts. It is heart warming to see the reaction from those who have less and it was proposed that in the New Year a tour will be organised to take in a visit of these projects. 

The Sergeant – Mike Wood.

               We found out that the Fellowship Box is with our President and that the Memory Box is with John Allen and that the boxes are indeed circulating!

               Mike wished Roy Calder a very happy birthday for today and Natalie Stear celebrates hers on Wednesday. Every year Natalie buys a round of drinks at The Big Draw for the membership! Congratulations as well to Alan and Cathy Young and Antoine and Jill Maasdorp who celebrate wedding anniversaries at the week ahead.            

Vocational Reading – Nick Wilmot.

               Nick read to us a long epistle on “Enthusiasm” which was all very worthy stuff. His closing message was  that we should remember that a closed mouth gathers no feet!           

Doing the washing !

One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweatshirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me,

 “What setting do I use on the washing machine?”
“It depends,” I replied. “What does it say on your shirt?”
He yelled back, “The Boks – World Rugby Champs “
And they say blondes are dumb!

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PROJECTS

ROTARY CLUB OF ALGOA BAY

PROJECTS

Our Club has a long and successful history of projects that benefit the needs of a wide range of beneficiaries and service providers to those in need.

How best to summarise what we have done over the last 10 years

1.  What fields or sectors of the community in need have we reached and supported.

Projects completed have been various as our investment shows:

EDUCATION:

SCHOOLS

  First large school was Sapphire Road primary School in 2005

  Have supported schools every year since then: Colleen Glen,

  Dumani, Alpha and currently Kamma school to name but a few of the 8

  schools Malcolm Andrew has identified and assisted

      Other educational projects include:          

  Dictionaries for Star School Project

      DAY CARE CENTRES

               Kwazakhele Creche (2002 / 2005)

               Early Learning centre at Vistarus

               Early Learning Centre at Emmanuel Haven

      SPECIAL CARE/EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN

   Protea Place (School) of Safety 

                           Quest School for Autism

      SKILLS TRAINING FOR ADULTS

                Reality Training Centre

    E Zethu Training Centre (2004)

    Lana’s Lodge training project  (abused women)

      LITERACY:               

                             Literacy Project at Reality (this year)                   

                             CLE Literacy project (1999 -2003)

       ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

       WASTE MANAGEMENT:

                               Current paper recycling project

       Motherwell Recycling project

                               Invader Bush Clearing equipment to Lake Farm in 2001 – 2002

        AGRICULTURAL:               

                               Agricultural equipment and Irrigation of vegetable plots at Missionvale

                   Elunthandweni Centre – garden implements and water tank

         MEDICAL PROJECTS   

                              Choc project (Support of Children with cancer)

       Eye Wellness

       Medical Equipment for TB treatment (2000)

       Jose Pearson Oxygen Concentrator

       Operation Smile

         CHILDREN AND YOUTH

                               EP Children’s Home

         Khayalethu (St Christophers) for rehabilitation of street children

                               Promotion of Music for young people  (Bloemendal Orchestra)

         ABUSED WOMEN

         Lana’s Place Prospect Hill

         OLD AGE

                                Algoa Bay Council for the Aged (perimeter fencing project)

          Ekuphulameni Old Age Home

          CuylerHolme

         DISABILITY

           Lake Farm

          Cheshire Home Summerstrand

          Aurora

          Carehaven

          HIV /AIDS Projects

            House of Resurrection

            Emmanuel Aids Haven

          SEA RESCUE PROJECT

                                   Support NSRI

          POVERTY ALLEVIATION

                                   Blankets for Redhouse Benevolent Society

          HUNGER AND FEEDING                

                                   Robin Good Initiative

                                   Feeding Project St Saviours Church (Walmer)

          COMMUNITY PROJECTS

                                   SUMCAY Centre

                                   Care Ministry

OTHER ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

Most projects are through the provision of funds within MG parameters

Smaller projects are funded directly and solely through Club Funding

Provision of gifts in kind:                                                  

                 Medical equipment to eye wellness project through Romex

                 Distribution of “diapers” (Ann’s project)

Hands on Projects

                 Riding for the Disabled

Khayalethu renovations

Assistance to Organisations with their fundraising

                  Fete braai’s for Lake Farm and Cheshire Home Summerstrand

Wheelchair Project Distribution of wheelchairs in community

Support Of Rotary Ann’s Projects eg Enthembeni

       3.          Challenges for Projects Committee

                    1.    Change Club perception that projects is just for “Projects Committee”

                           All members challenged to:

• o   Find and submit to the Committee suitable projects for the Club
• o   Attend “Handing over” functions at the end of a project

               2.    Determine security of beneficiary

                     3.   Determine accountability of the beneficiary

    4.   Help find Rotary Club partners to sponsor projects

Diaz Digest No. 20– 15 November, 2011

Diaz Digest No. 20– 15 November, 2011

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups  % 91

Editorial.

The Big Draw is upon us. Let us simply go out there and make it a great success. We have a splendid record and this occasion is the highlight of our fundraising year. We all have a part to play. Whether you are a barman, assigned to washing glasses, or you may have sold a good number of tickets your role is as important as the last Rotarian who is left on the evening to sweep up the cigarette ends. Grey Junior boys do not like stompies!

It all comes together on the evening and our guests will once again enjoy a fine evening of good food, fellowship and refreshment. We must remember that we are duty – it is not our party. Dress and play the part and go the extra mile to ensure that the event is remembered by all. We will have our turn at the end to raise a glass and to reflect on our efforts!    

Welcome and Announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us all. She thanked all those who accepted their duties in regard The Tree of Joy project where upon she called on Cameron, Ross and Arthur to address us on three issues. Cameron Scott advised us that The Big Draw was on track and Ross informed that more than 90 persons had indicated their attendance at the Christmas Party. President Gianna thanked Michelle Brown, Tony Oshry and Keith Baylis for procuring some great Big Draw Prizes.

Arthur Ahlschlager gave us a brief history on our traditional walking sticks which are presented to “new grandfathers” in the Club. The stick is presented by the Club to a member and the stick carries the name of the first grandchild. What of our lady members was posed the question? They certainly qualify though some wags thought that a mop or perhaps a walker would be more appropriate!

Our Guest Speaker – Alec Riddle on “Failure is not The End of the Road”.

Alec gave us a very sincere and thought provoking talk evolving round his career which encompassed his role as family man, a successful financial advisor and athlete of note. He stated that one should not fall asleep as it was so easy to do and to allow life to simply pass you by. He quoted that the “Greatest time wasted is the time getting started” which is so true. We are inclined to always procrastinate and allow things to be done at another time.

He encouraged us to always remain positive, to set goals, to encourage others especially young children and not to set a ceiling on our ambitions. The tragic loss of his stepson, the flooding of his home and business and the unfortunate injuries he has suffered at critical times of his running and Iron Man competitions have only served to try harder to achieve ultimate success. He was thanked by Glen Mukheibir.

Attendance .

Vernon Naidoo welcomed us all today.We had no visiting Rotarians but a number of visitors. These included Mimi Rupp who accompanied Bernhard and Gareth Chambier who was hosted by Peter Long. Cameron Scott had Adrian Bleske as a guest and we once again welcomed Ryan Bowers. Megan Jones was with Roy and Peggy Saunders introduced her neighbour Noel Perry

The following make ups were recorded:

7 November                   Pinelands                                Malcom Andrew,

8 November                   Fundraising Comm.                Michele Lehy, Jean-Marie Lombard, Cameron                                                                                      Scott, Peter Long, Randall Prins, Peggy                                                                                               Saunders and Antoine Maasdorp

Events we can look forward to in anticipation.

22 November                 Projects Report Back Session                                               Lunch venue

6 December                   Business Meeting                                                                   Lunch venue

13 December                 Annual Christmas Party @ R130 per head                            Hermes in Newton

Park

13 January                     First Meeting of the Year                                                         Lunch venue

The Sergeant – Tony Oshry.

We can always expect the unusual from Tony and his classical joke on what four individuals of different religious persuasions had to say on their wealth capacity was a hoot!

There were no birthdays to celebrate this week and Tony wished Alan and Cathy Young all well on their pending wedding anniversary. The Memory box is with Nick Wilmot and President Gianna will shortly be passing the Fellowship Box.

Vocational Reading – Mike Wood

“People do not resist change .They resist being changed “– attributed to Peter Senge

A parting prayer said by a long suffering wife.

Dear Lord,
I pray for Wisdom to understand my man, Love to forgive him; and Patience for his moods. Because Lord, if I pray for Strength, I’ll beat him to death.
Amen.

Diaz Digest No. 19– 08 November, 2011

Diaz Digest No. 19– 08 November, 2011

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups 74 %

Editorial.

We have distributed more than 140 wheel chairs and we understand that we have a waiting list for other probable recipients. Well done to Trevor Long, Les, Peter and all those who have taken on the task of distributing the chairs. It has not been an easy logistical task. However, remember, the job is not done until the paperwork has been completed. All recipients must be photographed for the simple reason that this proof releases another new wheelchair into the system. Without it our credibility goes out of the window.

This project has its origins in the United States. A very wealthy hunter who had no ties to Rotary was asked to deliver some wheelchairs into Rumania on his next hunting trip. He duly obliged and the consignment was delivered by his personal jet – a Boeing! He was present on delivery and when he saw the joy and jubilation that the chairs brought to the recipients he decided to become part of the project. He has set himself a goal of providing a million chairs. How about that for raising the bar!

Welcome and Announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us all to the meeting.She thanked the many Rotarians who attended Rob Russell’s funeral and who were present to pay their last respects. She also thanked those who had provided accommodation for the visiting Rotarians from Castleford in the UK and also for the meals, transport etc that had made this visit so successful. We are sure that this will secure our favoured position in being considered for future donations of  wheelchairs.

We heard from Ross Kobus that the Christmas Party list had been nearly filled and more than 80 persons had indicated their interest. It promises to be a good evening.

Bill Williams is making good progress and Trevor Long is recovering well from his eye operation

Les Kirkland made an appeal for us to assist in manning the “Tree of Joy “project. We are a large club and we have been allocated a significant number of duty hours to fill at on the Duty Table at Greenacres. The project runs from 25 November until 20 December. Les needs your help and we urge you to volunteer for a two hour service of duty.

An appeal was made that we should remember the Holmes family over the Christmas period and that any donations should be made into our Rotary account which is held at ABSA being – Account 9091175710. They will be gratefully received.

The Big Draw is upon us and only 250 tickets have been accounted for – time is running out. How are you doing? We now need action and more than Cameron’s motivational talks to bring in the money. Just do it!

Our Guest Speaker – Paul Lynch.

Paul is the Chairman of the Wool & Mohair Buyers Association and he gave us a most interesting talk on the Wool Trade which is one of our very early industries. He sketched the history of the Industry from early times until the present day describing vividly the trials and tribulations that face the farmers, buyers and manufacturers in a fast moving environment which is being dominated by China. Stock theft, disease and fluctuating financial rates make this a brave industry to be involved in.

Ten years ago RSA produced 1, 5 million bales of wool and today only 300,000 are being produced. The prices have risen dramatically and the average price is more than R100 per kilogram. He implored us to always buy woolen products. The item may be more expensive but in terms of durability, texture and lasting ability it is the obvious choice.

Port Elizabeth is the centre of the Wool Industry. Sales are no longer conducted in Durban, East London and Cape Town and all wool in raw form is exported by container from our harbour. It is a trade from which many anecdotes have arisen and one which is true is that the highest prices are obtained by farmers who farm within sight of the Winterberg. The top price in 2010 was obtained by a Grahamstown producer followed closely by two from the Adelaide district! Gary Woodhead thanked Paul and he was given warm applause by the membership

Attendance

Antoine Maasdorp was on duty today and welcomed Mimi Rupp who accompanied our Treasurer. Chris Theodosiou introduced Dale Cuthbert and Adrian Bleske was Cameron Scott’s guest. Ryan Bowers and Younis Amod are no strangers and Keith Baylis hosted Gareth Chamier .All were warmly welcomed. The following make ups were recorded:

1 November                   Fundraising Committee                                  Peter Long

1 November                   Port Alfred                                                       Trevor Long

4 November                   PE West and the PE Club                              Trevor Long (x 2)

Events we can look forward to in anticipation.

15 November                 Alec Riddle – World Cup Road Running Champs                 Lunch venue

22 November                 Projects Report Back Session                                                Lunch venue

6 December                   Business Meeting                                                                    Lunch venue

13 December                 Annual Christmas Party @ R130 per head                            Hermes in Newton

Park

13 January                     First Meeting of the Year                                                        Lunch venue

The Sergeant – Kevin Mills

Kevin had no one to wish Happy Birthday to and nor were there any Anniversaries which is most unusual. That said Kevin pulled out all stops today and produced a choir chosen from those present to sing that old song “ Let me call you Sweetheart” to the membership. It was an immediate hit and we did not think we had the talent!

The moral was that at some Clubs singing is a tradition and in the early days of Rotary singing took the place of other amusement which could at times be rather risque. Kevin then further explained the duties of The Sergeant and though described in light vein they are actually very real. Thanks Kevin for a great show!

Vocational Reading – Gary Woodhead

“You are not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on”- By Dean Martin

Common Sense!

A man saved his girlfriend’s phone number as “LOW BATTERY” – So, whenever she calls in his absence, his wife takes the phone and plugs it into the charger!  Give that man a Bells!

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MEMORIAL

MEMORIAL
FATHER CHRISTOPHER HOLMES

Father Christopher Holmes joined the Rotary Club of Algoa Bay in1977. His sponsor was Vaughan Giles
He was a president of the club in 1995/1996
He became secretary in 2008 and was still serving as secretary at the time of his death.
He was a Paul Harris Fellow – received in 1998
He was well known for his passion for Rotary and his profound knowledge on Rotary Info.
He had a cheeky wit and a very compassionate spirit.
He leaves a wife Susan and three children , Nakita, Kathryn and Nicholas

MEMORIAL

DR ROB RUSSELL

Doctor Rob Russell joined the Rotary Club of Algoa Bay in 1986. His sponsor was Gunther Kickhofel
He was a Paul Harris Fellow – received in 2001
He was a very caring , compassionate and friendly member of our club.
He enjoyed hunting and riding his motorbike.
He was a fine general Surgeon.
He leaves a wife Sally and four daughters

Diaz Digest No. 18– 01 November, 2011

Diaz Digest No. 18– 01 November, 2011

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups            104 %

Editorial.

The loss of Christopher Holmes and Rob Russell is a very sad loss. Chris, as a Past President and Secretary, was a wealth of knowledge on all things Rotary and his presence added to the decorum of any meeting. Rob, the surgeon, mindful of his commitments to both his patients and to Rotary always made a meeting whether he arrived a minute late or had to leave two minutes early. What an example to set ! We do hope that those whom we will in time welcome as new members will live up to the examples of Chris and Rob.

Welcome and Announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us and especially the late Rob Russell’s three brothers,  being Geoff, Mark and Richard. We all stood in memory of a dear friend whereupon Vernon Naidoo read a very moving prayer in memory of Rob. Cameron Scott in a final act praised the life of Rob and recalled the good times that he had spent in the company of Rob and on their happy hunting trips. Rob was a fine surgeon and in much demand. He was a quiet, kind and absolute gentleman whom we will miss dearly.

We welcomed two couples from the Rotary Club of Castleford. They were Milton and Elaine Frary and Alan and Marjorie Drewitt. This Club has donated 140 wheelchairs plus the container in which they arrived. The latter will now be used as a library and the chairs have all found worthy recipients. Trevor Long introduced our visitors and in reply Milton informed us that they had distributed 26,000 chairs in 24 countries. An awesome achievement. Milton added that they had confidence in Rotary in South Africa in general as they were assured that their donations would be put to good use.

At the recent District Conference  President Gianna received an award on behalf of Pam Ellis for all the good work that Pam had done for the Youth. It was her pleasure today to present this to Pam who has made a welcome return to club activity. We were informed by Marcus Oshry that

the final selections for the outgoing GSE Team have been delayed to allow Clubs that were not notified in good time of the closing date to submit their nominations. Marcus requested that nominations reach him without delay as closure is 18 November.

Attendance – Ian Pringle

We had no visiting Rotarians today but Gareth Chaumier was Keith Baylis’s guest in the absence of Ed Gutsche. There were a number of make ups recorded at three Committee Meetings. Of these seven were at the Fundraising Committee, one with Fellowship and eleven at the Board meeting on Monday evening. These make ups have been sent through to our Attendance Officer. Roy Jones was the only one who visited another Club and he did a make up at the PE Club on 27 October.

The Monthly Draw- Vaughan Giles the Draw Master

Herby Jenkersen collected his winnings from Vaughan for having won the Draw in August. He then duly obliged and drew Antoine Maasdorp’s name for today’s Attendance Award. The numbers were then given a very good shake and Peggy Saunders’s name was drawn miraculously out of the hat to win the Draw. She was the only lady sitting at Vaughan’s table!

Business Reports

Fundraising – The Big Draw is on track but only 17% of the tickets have been sold. The money must now come in and not be left to the last week before the event. Michele Lehy gave us an update on “Carols by Candle Light”. The Stadium is being provided at no cost as are the three Choirs . Magnetic Storm have been very generous in their support, Algoa FM are giving us full publicity and it appears as if the project is ready to fly. We will need to be prepared to do a lot of work to ensure the success of the evening and duties will be made available for all Rotarians to take up. Watch this space!

Projects – Vernon Naidoo informed us that on the 22 November the Committee will be doing a presentation on all the projects that we have been involved in and will also possibly be organizing a tour to these completed projects

Membership – Gary Woodhead reported that there was a possibility of six prospective members being considered for membership and that a “Fireside Chat” would be organized to inform prospective members  what Rotary is all about and as to what is expected of a new member

Fellowship – Ross Kobus reminded us that the Christmas Party will take place on Tuesday 13 December at Herms Restaurant (Old Butcher’s Block). The cost is R140 per head which includes a cracker which is being provided by Cheshire Homes.

Club Administration – Peggy Saunders had little to report and Birgit Macke expanded on the need for newer members to be on duty at the door. It would give them the opportunity to get to know the broader membership.

New Generations – Jeff Ilsley advised us that Woolhope had lodged an application to officially found their Interact Club and that the Interact Club at Priory had paid over a cheque of R2500 towards the purchase of a Shelter Box. This followed a visit made by Jeff and Des Willis to this School where they had an opportunity to address the Assembly. A junior form of the RYLA Camp concept is being investigated for primary schools and we heard that Morgan Lehy is very happy in Australia and will be returning home within the next two months

Finances – Bernhard Rupp reported that 71% of the subscriptions had been collected and these were due in full by mid December.

Events we can look forward to in anticipation.

8 November                   Paul Lynch – The Wool Trade                                                Lunch venue

15 November                 Alec Riddle – World Cup Road Running Champs                 Lunch venue

22 November                 Projects Report Back Session                                                Lunch venue

6 December                   Business Meeting                                                                    Lunch venue

13 December                 Annual Christmas Party @ R130 per head                            Hermes in Newton

Park

13 January                     First Meeting of the Year                                                        Lunch venue

The Sergeant – Jeff Ilsley

Jeff gave us a brief resume on the aspects of the two types of discipline that he had encountered at two schools in the Sundays River area and the rationale was interesting. Being firm and kind is far better than being firm, strong and loud!  He concluded with some good stories to tell and did not forget to wish Lynda Woodhead a very happy birthday for today and that Chris and Moira Theodosiou celebrate a wedding anniversary on 3 November. A visitor, Marjory Drewitt, celebrates her birthday tomorrow.

Vocational Reading – Lindsay Ziehl

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work “– with thanks to Thomas Edison

Common Sense

“If you want anything said ask a man. If you want anything done ask a woman! “–with thanks to Maggie Thatcher.

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Diaz Digest No. 17– 25 October, 2011

Diaz Digest No. 17– 25 October, 2011

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups            82 %

Editorial.

The Dalai Lama .This person has been in the news of late and we thought we would pass onto you what surprised him most about humanity. He said,

“Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And he is then so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present. The result being that he does not live in the present or the future. He lives as if he is never going to die and then he dies having never really lived”

Makes you think does it not?

Welcome and President’s announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us to the meeting. The news of Rob Russell is not good and he is very much in our thoughts and prayers but the really good news is that we welcomed Pam Ellis back into the fold after a lengthy stawaway. She was warmly welcomed by the membership.

Glenn Harris was congratulated for arranging an excellent Vocational Awards event last week as was Lindsay Ziehl who won a Merit Award in the Citizen of The Year programme. Congratulations! We received a very nice letter from Claire Williams who was a recipient of a Vocational Award and she expressed her appreciation on the receiving the honour.

Trevor Long still seeks assistance with accommodation for the two couples from the Rotary Club of Castleton who have donated the wheelchairs to us. Please contact him as arrangements need to be finalized.

Cameron did his motivational talk on The Big Draw that takes place in less than a month. Get out there and sell your tickets and bring in the money. Time flies!

Events we can look forward to in anticipation.

1 November                   Business Meeting                                                                    Lunch venue

8 November                   Paul Lynch                                                                              Lunch venue

15 November                 Alec Riddle – World Cup Road Running Champs                 Lunch venue

13 December                 Annual Christmas Party @ R130 per head                            Hermes in Newton

Park

Attendance.

We had no visiting Rotarians today but welcomed a number of visitors.Ed Gutsche introduced Gareth Camier and Cameron Scott looked after his banking friend, Adrian Breetzke. Vernon Naidoo introduced now familiar Ryan Bowers, Younis Amod and Shaib Ebrahim.

Miemie Rupp and  Shena Wilmot graced us with their presence and accompanied their Rotarian husbands.   Seven make ups from the Projects Committee were noted and have been forwarded to the Attendance Officer.

Our Guest Speaker – Samantha Venter – Operational Director of the Nelson Mandela Business Chamber.

Sam has a passion for her job and she told us all about the good things that are happening in our City. Her employer’s job is to facilitate opportunities and to ensure that Port Elizabeth attracts more than its fair share of investment and publicity.

The new Casino is being rebuilt at a cost of a Billion, energy efficient bulbs are now being produced and half the cars in Europe are fitted with catalytic converters built in Straundale. The Ford and General Motors engine plants have full order books and Volkswagen continues to grow its export orders of new vehicles. A new refinery is being planned for Coega and a smelter plant will accompany the development. These will create much needed new job opportunities.

Our new stadium was rated the best following the Soccer World Cup and it appears as if it will be the first to show a profit on the investment. We have much to be proud of and we are certainly not the so called “Ghost on the Coast’. Samantha was thanked by Michelle Brown

The Sergeant – Glenn Harris.

Glenn looks like a Sergeant who takes no nonsense! That said he has a great sense of humour and had some good stories to tell us including the one of the cuckoo that stays in a clock!

Herby Jenkersen has the Fellowship Box and there were a number of birthdays to celebrate Best wishes to Colleen Mills (27th), Dorienne Baker and Michele Lehy on the 28th, Adele Allen on the 30th, George Tzemis the 31st and Lynda Woodhead on the 1st November.

Vocational Reading – Bob Wynne

“ Education is an admirable thing but it is well to remember that from time to time nothing that is worth knowing can be taught “

Some amusing lines!

1.  My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn’t.
2. I don’t suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
3. Some people are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them.
4. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

Diaz Digest No. 16– 18 October, 2011

Diaz Digest No. 16– 18 October, 2011

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups            %

Editorial.

Valedictory Services and other farewell events are being held at many schools. About forty years ago on matriculating one was always assured of a job with the either banks or with the local motor companies. Only the very clever went onto university.It is just an idle thought but we wonder if you had your life over again if you would repeat your choice?

Farewell to Father Christopher Holmes.

St. Mary’s Church was filled to capacity on Saturday on the occasion of the Requiem Mass held in memory of Father Christopher. He had been a member of our Club for 34 years and at the time of his sad passing had been our long serving Secretary. Many of our members were present among the vast congregation who had gathered to pay their last respects to a good friend.

Many Anglican Clergy were present and the Service was led by the Right Reverend Bethlehem Nopence who delivered a thought provoking sermon. The burial of a priest is a significant occasion and this was borne out by those representing the diversity of people to whom Father Christopher attended over the many years he gave in the service of God. His daughter, Katharine, paid tribute to her Father and she did it so well. Speaking with great confidence and assurance she spoke as a daughter who had been given so much love and understanding by a parent. Who could forget her relating one of Chris’ favourite jokes – of what lies on the bottom of a parrot’s cage!

Among the hymns selected were the familiar “Now thank we all our God” and “Be thou my Vision” which were sung with much feeling and participation. We had, after all, come to give thanks to Chris and to be part of his final vision.

Welcome and President’s announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us all (Gianna is pronounced like in spanner!) .We heard that Rob Russell and Pam Ellis are making steady progress and that Bill Williams is stable after having had a heart procedure. We wish all a speedy recovery

Cameron Scott informed us that The Big Draw is in hand and that we are looking forward to a great event. Trevor Long made an appeal to members to assist with hosting two couples from the Rotary Club of Castleford. This club has been responsible for the wheel chair donation and our guests will be spending some time in the City. ( See details on the separate attachment )

A request was also made for the return of the flower bowls, complete with glass chips, following our last formal function. Kindly contact Trevor Wells in this regard. Richard Stephenson made an appeal that we should remember the Holmes family and advised that an allocation had been made within our banking system to receive donations. These will be handed over to the family possibly before Christmas.

Bernhard Rupp was thanked for the birthday ice cream. Next week it is your Scribe’s turn to do the honours .Those that have a sweet tooth will enjoy the double helpings!

Attendance.

We regret that we do not readily have the records for the meeting at hand. That said we had a very good turn out with a number of visitors who were on hand to receive Vocational Awards

Vocational Awards.

This is a highlight in our Rotary calendar and Glen Harris who officiates over this duty does a fine job in assembling the nominations and preparing for the occasion. The nominees were all called forward and presented with their certificates and we pleased to recognise no less than eleven recipients. These awards are classified into three categories and they are for Community Service. Service Excellence and Friends of Rotary. We acknowledged the following.

1.    Corinne Clack – For the part played by her at the Reality Training Centre

2.    Brian Driscoll and John Summerton – For their generous 15 year support at our Big Draw

3.    Kim Keen – For her good works with the Santa Shoe Box Project

4.    Pam Visagie – For her floral arrangements that she provides for The Family Matters Committee

5.    Mark Lawler – He runs the Ubomi Obutcha Centre and provides for and feeds the poor

6.    Ian Shaw – Who does so much for Cheshire Homes

7.    Roger Simon – The man who is ever so helpful at the self help check in centre at our local airport

8.    Patsy Wagener – For all her field work for the Animal Anti- cruelty Society

9.    Claire Williams – A stalwart  of the Grey Junior teaching staff for 37 years.

10.  Lester Witbooi – Chairman of the Chatty Community Police Forum

Events we can look forward to in anticipation.

1 November                   Business Meeting                                                                    Lunch venue

8 November                   Paul Lynch                                                                              Lunch venue

15 November                 Alec Riddle – World Cup Road Running Champs                 Lunch venue

13 December                 Annual Christmas Party @ R130  per head                           Hermes in Newton

Park

The Sergeant – John Allen

John mentioned  that it was thanks to the Grey boys that we beat the Australians in the 20/20 Fixture – perhaps we should have had a  few in the Bok side that played against the Wallabies !

It was a happy birthday for Bernhard Rupp and Ian Pringle who celebrated birthdays to day and there were no anniversaries in the week ahead.

John related the to us the story of the Ant and the Grasshopper. Be careful how you vote in 2012.

Vocational Reading – Malcom Andrew

Malcom had two readings for us

“Do not drive faster than your guardian angel can fly “and from Sir Winston Churchill

“It is great when you have enemies.That means you have stood up for something in your life time”

Out of the mouths………..

Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She’s

not my friend any more. (Kylie, age 6)

When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean.

Sometimes when the wind didn’t blow the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would have been better off eating beans. (William, age 7)

My dad was a sailor on the ocean. He knows all about the ocean. What he doesn’t know is why he quit being a sailor and married my mom. (James, age 7)

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Diaz Digest No. 15– 11October, 2011

Diaz Digest No. 15– 11October, 2011

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups            84%

Editorial

At the Opening Ceremony of our recent District Conference a video clip was played featuring our Rotary International President. He delivered an excellent speech. There were many words of wisdom but we would like to especially remember one phrase, in which he stated,

“Do many small things but do them with a lot of love”

We, as Rotarians, work hard and achieve wonders. We raise big money and do much for others but let us not forget the small things. A number of our club members have fallen ill in recent weeks and to simply pick up the telephone and to make the call to one is a small effort. It does however show your concern and that is what Rotary is all about

Our Rotarians receive due recognition.

At the District Conference our Past District Governors Des Willis, Trevor Long and Fred Roberts received Certificates from Frank Baffoe who is our immediate Past District Governor. The awards were made in recognition of all the assistance that the three had offered to him in his year in office. Pam Ellis was recognised for her contribution to the District Youth Committee and Fred Roberts received a Ruby 2 Award.

Our Club received a Presidential Citation with Distinction under John Rauch’s leadership last year. Congratulations to all on receiving these awards and well done to entire our membership on the Citation. We would have expected nothing less!

Welcome and President’s announcements.

President Gianna welcomed us to the meeting and Christopher Holmes’s seat, as Secretary, was vacant. It was with great sadness that we remembered Christopher today and a number of stirring memories were evoked of this fine Rotarian by our senior members. In standing in his memory Cameron repeated the very words that Chris used to say at times such as these and Fred said a very touching prayer.

Vaughan introduced Chris to Rotary 34 years ago. He was then the young parish priest who was responsible for the churches in the Zwartkops Valley and whose congregations he swelled in the time of his tenure. He was very much part of the community during his association with many friends at the Rowing Club, acting as Father Christmas and being of comfort to the sick and needy. He was to later serve in a number of centres and at the time of his passing was the serving priest in Middelburg.

Chris was a fine Rotarian. He had been our Secretary for a number of years and was a Past President. He always had a ready smile and wit and we have lost a valuable member. His funeral will take place from St.Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday morning at 10, 00. We should all be present to pay our final respects.

Pam Ellis is making slow progress and has a carer and would welcome visitors. Rob Russell has developed shingles and we were advised that his condition is largely unchanged. We wish both a full recovery

On a more positive note we welcomed back Richard and Birgit Macke who have returned after spending six months overseas with family and friends. Bill Williams supplied the ice-cream today. Thanks Bill and well done to both you and Joy on 50 happy years together!                            .

Attendance.

Peggy Saunders was on duty today.We welcomed Colin McWilliams of Lincoln, USA, as our only visiting Rotarian.In addition Rod van der Weele introduced Greg Wilmot and Lorine Smit was our President’s guest. Vernon Naidoo introduced Younis Amod and Ryan Bowers and Jean-Marie Lombard had her son as her guest.

The following make ups were recorded.

30 September                District Conference- Assigment         Fred Roberts

6 October                       PE Club                                               Keith Baylis, Gavin Gilmer,David Browne

10 October                     Anns Meeting                                      Birgit Macke

Events we can look forward to in anticipation.

18 October                     Vocational Awards                                                                  Lunch venue

8 November                   Paul Lynch                                                                              Lunch venue

15 November                 Alec Riddle – World Cup Road Running Champs                 Lunch venue

Our Guest Speaker – Daron Mann

The well known Daron Mann represented Algoa FM in New Zealand over Rugby World Cup. He gave us an interesting insight into the time he spent in Wellington reporting on all the rugby activity and being in the company of the Springbok team. He described that City as being much like Port Elizabeth 30 years ago and he felt very much at home in the lovely surroundings. The local folk were very supportive of the tourists and he was able to get out and to see the highest mountains of the country.

He also had some advice for us. He advised us to move on following our defeat on Sunday. We had all the possession and territory and yet failed to convert it into points. Let us not blame Bryce for that inability! He predicted that Schalk Burger would be the next Springbok Captain and that the Wallabies would win the World Cup. He had no opinion on a future Coach! He was thanked by Michelle Brown

The Sergeant – Trevor Long.

Trevor wished Jean – Marie a very happy birthday in the week ahead. There were no anniversaries. Cameron Scott has the Fellowship Box and we hope Bryce will not blow him up for holding onto it for too long!

Trevor referred to the four principles by which we as Rotarians measure ourselves. These are recited in more than a 100 languages every week and should form the basis of our daily living. If you are not familiar with these then refer to your Gold Book. It is all there!

He had some good stories to tell. Badly written signage can be most amusing. One we recall was on an offer to visit a second hand shop to find a bargain. Bring your wife as well it added!

The GSE Team hosted by ourselves – Marcus Oshry reports.

Marcus reported with serious concern on the attitude, indifference and serious lack of participation by this Team. He hosted a spit braai for the party on Sunday night where the team members showed little enthusiasm and energy to socialise with those present and kept to themselves. The hosting experience was certainly no hosting experience. It was decided that a report be submitted to the Co-ordinator of the GSE Programme as the Algoa membership is quite frankly not impressed with this visit. The issue must be dealt with soon as delays will not encourage visits of this nature in the future

Vocational Reading – Michelle Brown- with thanks to Steve Job, Co-founder of Apple

“Your time here is limited- do not waste it by living someone else’s life “

How to start a fight.

One year I decided to buy my Mother-in-Law a plot in our local cemetery. The next year I did not remember her birthday and when she enquired as to the reason I told her that she still had not made use of the gift that I gave to her in the previous year.

And that is how the fight started!

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