The Rotary Club of Algoa Bay

Bulletin No. 45 - 8 June 2010

Bulletin No. 45 - 8 June 2010

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

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

Both descriptions are extraordinarily accurate!

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

Attendance at Today’s meeting - Peggy Saunders

Make-ups

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

Fred Roberts                                      D.G Induction Dinner                                                     5 June

Attendance with Make-ups  76 %

Visiting Rotarians

Phil Gutsche                                       P. E. Club

David Counihan                                                Sunrise

Non-Rotarian Guests

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

President Ian’s Announcements

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

No payment will be received at the function

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

It is most encouraging to see Exchange students getting involved!

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

Our Speaker - Vidah Manyana

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

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

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

The book  is published in English, Xhosa and Afrikaans

An  interesting and informative talk

Sergeant -  Ken Munro

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

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

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

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

Other Matters

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

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

Vocational Readings - Les Kirkland

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

Gil Stern

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

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

Wintu woman, California

As a Matter of Fact

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

Morgan of course is a top student at Woodridge.

The error is regretted.

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

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

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

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                                    Port Elizabeth Golf Club

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                                   Humewood Golf

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin

Bulletin No. 44 - 1 June 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting - Richard Stephenson

Make-ups

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

Attendance with Make-ups 89%

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non-Rotarian Guests

Gianna Doubell brought Polo Mavela

President Ian’s Announcements

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

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

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

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

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

Director’s Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Council for Legislation - Trevor Long

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

Enactments from this meeting include:

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

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

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

Sergeant -  Trevor Wells

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“New Zealand, sir,” said the boy

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

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

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

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

The Draw - Vaughan Giles

The following were successfull:-

Attendance - David Browne

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

2^nd place - Vernon Naidoo

1^st place - Peggy Saunders

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

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

ABSA Bank.  Branch Code 632005

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

Other Matters

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

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

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

Vocational Reading - Mel Levitan

Mel provided us with 2 readings:-

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

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

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

3 June                   Project Committee Meeting                                                                                          5.30 Tracker

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

15 June                 Barry Upton and Mike Howell    The Ironman                                                          Lunch venue

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

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                                    Port Elizabeth Golf Club

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                                   Humewood Golf

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Bulletins

Bulletin No. 43 – 25 May 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting – Gianna Doubell

Make-ups

Gavin Gilmer P.E. Club 20 May

Des Willis Uitenhage South 24 May

Attendance with Make-ups 74.6%

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non-Rotarian Guests

Ray Wakefield and Shirley van der Walt

Allan Young brought by Anthony Oshry

President Ian’s Announcements

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

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

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

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

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

Cost R0! Bring your meat and liquid refreshments

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

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

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

Our Speaker- Ray Wakefield

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

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

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

A most unusual but extremely interesting talk!

Sergeant – Bob Wynne

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

There are no wedding anniversaries celebrated this week.

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

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

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

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

Well Done, Denise…………….

Vocational Reading – Ken Munro

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

Canon Richard Tydeman

Community Service Projects

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

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

2009 – 2010 ROTARY YEAR

ROTARY CLUB OF ALGOA BAY MATCHING GRANT PROJECTS

Note:

o Alpha School MG 72218 (await final funds)

o Lake Farm MG 72275 (await final funds)

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

ROTARY CLUB OF ALGOA BAY OTHER CLUB PROJECTS

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

31 May Board Meeting 5pm Old Grey

1 June Business Meeting Lunch venue

3 June Project Committee Meeting 5.30 Tracker

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

15 June Barry Upton and Mike Howell The Ironman Lunch venue

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

29 June Induction Dinner Port Elizabeth Golf Club

14 October Annual Golf Day Humewood Golf Club

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin No.40 – 4 May 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting – Des Willis

Make-ups

Richard Stephenson P.E. West 29 April

Des Willis Ladybrand PRLS 1 May

Fred Roberts Ladybrand PRLS 1 May

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

Attendance with Make-ups 94 %

Visiting Rotarians

Phil Gutsche Port Elizabeth Club

Non-Rotarian Guests

Paul Tiran accompanied Cameron Scott

President Ian’s Announcements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

Monthly Draw

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

Attendance: Kevin Mills

3^rd Prize: Rod van der Welle

2^nd Prize: Lindsay Ziehl

1^st Prize: Les Kirkland

Other Matters

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

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

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

Sergeant – Michelle Brown

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

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

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

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

“Yes, Father, it is”

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

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

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

“I cannot say”

“Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?”

“I’ll never tell”

“Was it Nina Capelli?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot name her”

“Was it Cathy Piriano?”

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

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

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

Vocational Reading – Kevin Mills

“Come to the edge”, he said.

They said: “We are afraid”.

“Come to the edge”, he said.

They came.

He pushed them…………and they flew.

(by Guillaume Appolinaire, French poet)

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

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

11 May Kerry-Lynn Thomson Lunch venue

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

25^th May Ray Wakefield Speed Records Lunch venue

22 May Bring and Braai Bev and Arthur Ahlschager’s

home

29 June Induction Dinner Port Elizabeth Golf Club

26 August Annual Golf Day Humewood Golf Club

Duty Roster

Other Matters

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

Well done ladies!!!!!!!

Bulletin No.41 – 11 May 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting – Lindsay Ziehl

Make-ups

Michelle Lehy Sunrise Charter Dinner 5 May

Fred Roberts Uitenhage South 3 May

P.E. Sunrise 6 May

Des Willis P.E. Sunrise 5 May

Attendance with Make-ups 81 %

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non-Rotarian Guests

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

President Ian’s Announcements

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

Our Speaker – Kerry-Lynn Thompson

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

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

Other Matters

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

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

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

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

Sergeant – Terry Baker

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

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

There are no wedding anniversaries celebrated this week.

In lighter vein:

For the logophiles (lover of words)

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

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

Her: “What are you doing?”

Him: “Nothing”

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

Him: “I was looking for the expiry date”

Vocational Reading – Les Kirkland

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

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

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

25^th May Ray Wakefield Speed Records Lunch venue

22 May Bring and Braai Cameron Scott’s home

29 June Induction Dinner Port Elizabeth Golf Club

26 August Annual Golf Day Humewood Golf Club

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Diaz Digest

Bulletin No.39 – 20 April 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting – Glenn Harris

Make-ups

Vaughan Giles P.E. West 8 April

Fred Roberts PETS Training (16-18 April) and PRLS (10 April)

John Rauch PETS 16-18 April

Peter Long Alpha School 20 April

Des Willis PRLS 10 April

Attendance with Make-ups 72%

Visiting Rotarians

Ray Wakefield P.E. East

Non-Rotarian Guests

Archie Charalambous was brought by Michelle Brown, and Mandy Darke by Ed Gutsche

President Ian’s Announcements

a) Next Tuesday 27^th April is a Public Holiday. No lunchtime meeting

b) The 4^th May will be a Business Meeting where John Rauch will be asked to present some thoughts on the recent PETS meeting in Colesberg

c) As this month is Literacy Month Gianna was requested to give her impressions of the handover of dictionaries to disadvantaged students at NMMU on Saturday. Annually these dictionaries, sponsored by this Club, are handed to about 150 students who attend classes on Saturday mornings in English (run by Natalie Stear and Daphne ffolliot), Maths and Science.

Gianna’s view was that this is an exceptional opportunity to assist the education of our youth because these students produce outstanding results in their matric and later their tertiary examinations.

Well done, Natalie and Daphne!

d) Gianna also reported on the extremely successful Charter Dinner held last week at the Humewood Golf Club. She commented on the excellent choice of venue, enjoyable meal, the well run formalities and great spirit evident among the 78 attendees.

She also thanked Michelle Brown for her well-received address, Heather Rauch and Pam Andrew for the stunning table decorations, Fred Roberts for another impressive menu.

Our Speaker – Gerrie Albertyn

Gerrie has an Honours degree in Engineering, is qualified in Financial Management and Property Development and is a Member of the S.A. Institute of Civil Engineers. He was therefore an ideal appointment to ensure our new stadium was not completed in time, evolved into a structure of considerable beauty and was completed under buget.

His illustrated talk, which came with about 50 days before the start of the World Cup, was well received.

Some of the points he made of the stadium included:-

• The structure was carefully orientated with the position of the sun in mind
• The FIFA building guidelines were sometimes vague and they moved the goalposts regularly
• In places the stadium has 6 levels and in others either 3 or 4 levels
• Special attention went into the design of the magnificent roof
• Construction of the B, C and D practice fields are in the pipeline
• Hopefully E.P. Rugby (and soccer) will make this their headquarters at the stadium
• The stadium is large enough to accommodate test rugby
• Attention at the moment is concentrated on completing the access roads a.s.a.p.
• The complete cost of the stadium came in under budget (but gave no idea what the budget is or was)

Sergeant – Ed “Julius” Gutsche

Ed drew our attention to the fact that the following have birthdays over the next two week period: Philippa Stephenson and Michelle Brown (23^rd ), Ross Kobus (27^th ), Judy Giles (28^th ), Terry Baker and Ester Levitan (2^nd May).

Cameron and Pat Scott celebrate their Ruby wedding anniversary on 25^th.

Congratulations and best wishes to all the above.

Gianna has recently been handed the Fellowship Box and will be passing it on shortly.

Being unmarried Ed decided to move into deep waters and tell a few short but humorous stories about marriage:

• Getting married is very much like going to a restaurant with friends. You order what you want, and when you see what the other fellow has, you wish you had ordered that! (Gianna’s comment: Remember that works both ways!)
• There was a man who muttered a few words in church and found himself married. A year later he muttered something in his sleep and found himself divorced
• It is true that love is blind, but marriage is definitely an eye-opener.

Other Matters

a) Nick Wilmot’s Financial Report as at 31^st March is great news. The Club is more than solvent! Your efforts on our behalf are greatly appreciated, Nick!

b) Bev Radue is presently in Johannesburg and, if the infection that has bedevilled the previous operations has disappeared, he will go under the knife again on the 30 April. Our best wishes are with him for the end of the constant pain that he has had to endure for the last 18 months.

Vocational Readings – Ken Munro

Do not follow where the road my lead

Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trial.

A worthwhile challenge for all of us! Thanks, Ken

Duty Roster

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

27 April Public Holiday. No meeting

4 May Business Meeting (John Rauch) Lunch venue

11 May Kerry-Lynn Thomson Lunch venue

18^th May Ray Wakefield His unusual hobby Lunch venue

22 May Spit Braai TBA

29 June Induction Dinner Port Elizabeth Golf Club

26 August Annual Golf Day Humewood Golf Club

Malcom Andrew

Diaz Digest

Bulletin No.38 – 13 April 2010

53^rd Charter Dinner

A black tie occasion held at the Humewood Golf Club last night:-

Attendance

Visiting Rotarians

Assistant District Governor Andy Crowe, and his wife Lesley

Non-Rotarian Guests

Alf Levinthal was accompanied by Lesley Cummings

Our Speaker – Michelle Brown

“Ayoba – I was there”.

This may be the MTN slogan for the World Cup starting in less than 2 months time, but it is also Michelle’s slogan after her appointment as Assistant Venue Media Officer for our new stadium for the duration of the football festival, aptly billed “the greatest sporting event on Earth”.

Her job?

To help look after and assist the international Media contingent that will converge on PE for the 8 games (A staggering 600 print media and 150 photographers and 65 Media volunteers will arrive per game!).

A daunting task to say the least.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium organising committee is composed of no less than 20 people (plus 4 FIFA Media Officers seconded to them from Spain, Estonia, Ecuador and Tunisia). This team will co-ordinate our media visitors to ensure maximum positive coverage of the matches, of our city and the country and do it through the 4 official languages of the World Cup, namely English, French, German and Spanish.

It is encouraging to learn the steps taken already by FIFA to familiarise the officials with their duties. Michelle has attended numerous training courses including a 2-day workshop at Sun City in February, a 1-day course at Ellis Park, a 3-day Volunteer Training weekend at Vista University etc etc. The final briefing will take place on 3 June at Soccer City after which the action will start.

As a reward for her efforts and her expertise Michelle is one of the volunteers who will be flown up to watch the final at Soccer City on 11 July. (Of course if she can’t make it she will pass her tickets on to me!)

Congratulations Michelle, and really enjoy the opportunities of associating with the household names in world football.

Ayoba!

Thanks

The following were thanked by President Ian for their valued contributions to a very successful evening:-

a) Gianna Doubell and Trevor Wells for the overall dinner arrangements

b) Gianna for the innovative idea of mounting some of the club’s thousands of banners to ensure an impressive display

c) Fred Roberts for another stunning menu

d) Heather Rauch and Pam Andrew for exceptional table flowers

e) Arthur Ahlschlager for his eye-catching photo display of past presidents of the Club

f) Trevor Wells (to our Anns), Fred Roberts (Rotary International) and John Rauch (appealing for leadership in the Country) for proposing the toasts

Vocational Readings – Mannering Osborn

It is a pity we can’t forget our troubles the way we forget our blessings.

If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s we would grab ours back!

Diaz Digest

Diaz Digest

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Bulletin No.35 - 23rd March 2010

Bulletin No.35 - 23 March 2010

Duty Roster

Today’s Attendance - Vernon Naidoo

Make-Ups

Trevor Long, Fred Roberts and Des Willis at the COSEA conference in Kimberley 19-21 March

Attendance with Make-Ups  85 %

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non- Rotarian Visitors

Alana Wyss  (Gianna Doubell’s ex- P.A.), a qualified pilot, will be flying out of Algeria, Kuwait, Sudan or Afghanistan in the near future.  Maybe Afghanistan is not that good an idea, Alana! You take the Club’s best wishes with you.

Lauren Stretch, our guest speaker

President Ian’s Announcements

a)       Club members who wish to volunteer to host Laura Bonnet, an Exchange Scholar from Switzerland, during the 2010/2011 Rotary Year need to contact either Pam Ellis or Lindsay Pearson a.s.a.p.

b)      The Charter Dinner, a black tie affair, will be held at the Humewood Golf Club on 13 April. Cost R100 per person.

c)       Les Kirkland reported on the hand-over of drums and music stands to the Bloemendal Youth Orchestra last Sunday afternoon. Heather and John Rauch, Birgit Macke and Les are thanked for representing us at this function.

Other Matters

The Fellowship Box seems to have disappeared. Who has it?

Our Speaker -  Lauren Stretch

Lauren is a highly educated,  articulate and passionate  young lady who matriculated from Collegiate in 2003 and NMMU with an Honours degree in Early Childhood Development in 2008.

She presently awaiting results of her Masters  degree from UNISA.

Director of K.I.C.K. (Kids in Christ’s Kingdom), an NGO operating in the PE area, she is fully involved in empowering, equipping and educating disadvantaged youngsters.

The organisation has launched a rather unusual campaign raise a minimum of R25 000, called “In Their Shoes”.

Ten young men will live as street children for a week from 5-9 April.  They will be provided with R5 per day,  live on the streets and  sleep in a cardboard box!

These men  are not permitted to beg,  nor may they compete with the poor for jobs (e.g. car-guarding, selling newspapers etc). Instead they will attempt to generate income from the three items they have selected to take with them onto the streets ( a soccer ball, tattoo stencil and a guitar)!

To raised the anticipated R25 000 the 10 men are each looking for 10 sponsors @ R250 per week.  All money raised will go towards helping children in need.

More information and sponsorship details may be obtained at info@intheirshoes.co.za

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

29  March            Board Meeting                                                                                   5.30pm                Old Grey

30 March             Prof Peter Loyson            Medicine and Pharmacy in Ancient Egypt              Lunch venue

6 April                    Donovan May, President of the EP Cricket Board                                             Lunch venue

13 April                Charter Dinner                                                                                                                 Humewood Golf Club

22 May                 Spit Braai                                                                                                                             TBA

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                              Humewood Golf Club

Sergeant -  John Allen

Only two birthdays are celebrated this week, namely Glen Mukheiber (25^th) and Birgit Macke (30^th). Happy Birthday to both of you.

There is  a distinction lack of wedding anniversaries this week!

The man was getting into the shower just as his wife was finishing her shower, when the door bell rang.

The wife quickly wrapped herself in a towel and ran downstairs.

When she opened the door she saw Bob, their next-door neighbour.

Before she could say a word, Bob said,” I’ll  give you R800 to drop that towel.”

After thinking a moment, the women dropped  the towel and stood naked in front of her neighbour.

Bob handed her R800 and left.

The woman wrapped herself in her towel and went back upstairs where her husband asked her who was at the door.

“It was Bob, our next door neighbour,” she replied.

“Great,” said her husband, “did he return the R800 I loaned him?”

Moral of the story:

If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Any  bankers, investment specialists, money launderers etc please take note!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John also wished our Christian members well over Easter and our Jewish members well during the Passover .

Vocational Readings -  Kevin Mills

Irish Blessing

May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live!

May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent!

May the roof above us never fall in and the friends gathered below it never fall out!

May you never forget what is worth remembering nor ever remember what is best forgotten!

Thanks Kevin. Maybe some of us need longer than a year to repent!

Final Thought

I am indebted to Tony Oshry’s article “Food for Thought” for the following few ideas:

It is generally accepted that with a present population of between 6 and 8 billion the world is running out of resources.

It is estimated that in 40 years time we will have to feed, educate, find jobs for, house  etc over 12 billion people. This is obviously unsustainable!

Over the last 50 years the developed countries have regularly sent food and medical aid to developing countries. Unfortunately these generous acts have created a culture of dependence and entitlement. They have destroyed local agriculture and entrepreneurship (why buy the local farmer’s produce when you can queue for free handouts?) and has perpetuated the problem of communities reproducing beyond their level of sustainability.

To rush in Aid is essential, BUT we should also be concentrating on education, empowerment of teachers, engineers, doctors etc and also on family planning, so that more food and fewer babies are produced.

In Nature no species produces beyond it level of sustainability. Nature takes care of that. But the human species is ready to breed beyond its level of sustainability.

In the words of Dr Ian Player, one of the great conservationists, “I know that humans have a right to exist, but so do other species. I also know that Nature will re-establish its balance and, if we won’t work with her, she will do the job on her own. Nature is in no hurry and as we know can be completely ruthless.”

Many believe that Rotary, because it is a  non-denominational  and non- political  international organisation,  is ideally placed to address the issues of educating about the consequences of unsustainable families, the need for family planning and voluntary and free sterilization …………….in Africa for a start.

Your views?

Malcom Andrew