Tutty's Story laced with rugby anecdotes, Rotary Ann's July Club 100 winners, Countdown to the Clem Sunter fundraiser, Vocational Service Award nominations and grateful blanket recipients.....

 From the Pen of the President....

The relaxation of some of the Covid lockdown regulations is most welcome and will allow us to restock our wine and beer supplies. It will also allow us to consider having another in-person Rotary meeting soon.  The freezing weather we have had will have made the recipients of the blankets we distributed thankful to have some means of warmth.   A big thank you to all members who assisted in the blanket drive and distribution.  Keep up your efforts in getting friends, family and associates to participate in our Clem Sunter event.

Costa Qually
President

Tailpiece

Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting

Last Friday, Tutty's Story.....

This Saturday, the 24th of July, as the Springboks were facing the British & Irish Lions, Tutty Faber would have watched the game with a touch of nostalgia as he remembered his personal encounter with the Lions 59 years ago, nearly to the day. He had been  chosen to be part of the 1962 Northern Universities 1st rugby team to play against this formidable team, a game they drew 6 - 6.

Tutty, proudly showing us his Northern Universities Rugby jersey.

It was because of this anniversary date that Tutty was keen to share his life story with us last Friday.

He was born and bred in Linksfield,  Johannesburg at the bottom of the Ridge. He only ever knew his father in a wheelchair, but despite his disability he was a mine manager and then went on to running a successful construction company, which Tutty was destined to join one day.

He was schooled at King Edward School (KES) from 1947 - 1957, and  was a sporting all-rounder.

He played 1st team rugby, 1st team cricket and was part of the 1st athletics team (he was crowned shotput champion), but Tutty obviously also had a good voice because he was awarded the leading part in an operetta staged by the school.

He managed to  fail his first year varsity due to his extensive extra-curricular activities like learning how to fly, but then managed to balance his civil engineering studies and his rugby career, although he admits that he had dreams of being part of the 1963 Springbok tour to New Zealand which sadly did not materialize.

He did however manage to play both rugby and cricket in the year he spent at Stanford University USA doing his MSc in construction . His beloved dad passed away while he was at Stanford, but the family made the decision that he should not return home but complete his tour of the States.

On his return he joined the family business and in 1965 he married Julie, the girl that he had taken to his matric dance. In 1966 they had a daughter followed by two sons. 

In 2002 he retired from his chosen career, mainly because most of his construction work had been generated by the mines, which had slowly petered out.

He joined the Rotary Club of Orange Grove in 1975 and over the years served on numerous district committees and was awarded a Paul Harris + 2 by his old club, which eventually was incorporated into the Rotary Club of Rosebank 

His rugby coaching career began with a rugby clinic at Wanderers in the same year  and in 1982 he started coaching rugby at his alma mater KES. It was three afternoons a week and on Saturdays and after 39 years he will finally be hanging up his rugby boots at the end of this year. 

He is a passionate Old Boy and has served on the School Governing Body and even has a rugby field name after him.

Tutty is very proud of his 8 grandchildren, particularly his namesake, who captained the 1st rugby team at St.Stithians and matriculated with 7 distinctions in 2018. As they say in the Classics: the apple does not fall far from the tree.

Every free minute that Tutty has he will head out to their much loved farm, close to the Botswana border which has been in their family since 1953. 

Tutty told his story with his quiet sense of humour and deep humility and would it not have been fun to be a fly on the wall at the Faber household on Saturday evening to hear his running commentary of the Springbok/Lions game.

Clem Sunter countdown.....

For those who have still not booked, please click into the link below and secure your seat.

We need your support.

 

 

 

 

When: 4^th August 2021 at 7 pm.

Where: Relax in the comfort of your home – the link will be sent to you on email when you book your ticket.

Tickets:  R100 per login available on Quicket  

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/145206-thinking-the-future-with-clem-sunter/

 

Funds raised will be donated to the Alexandra Education Committee (AEC).

Alexandra Education Committee – Creating opportunities for children of promise from Alexandra since 1996 (alexeducation.org.za)

The AEC exists to provide bursaries for academically promising learners from low-income families in Alexandra for the full

five years of education at well-resourced high schools.

 

Vocational Service Award Nominations....

In 2020 we were unfortunately unable to honour worthy recipients with the annual Vocational Service Awards, but with the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions we are hoping that it will be possible to have a proper ceremony at the end of September.

We are still accepting nominations until the end of  July. Please forward your motivation to Lyn Collocott.

Blankets beat the Big Freeze....

Marilyn Bassin of Boikanyo made it possible that the rural community of Mopani, close to Tzaneen received blankets before the severe cold front set in.

This Friday....

A social meeting. 

A Business Meeting, A Plea to support the Clem Sunter Fundraiser and Rosebank assists in mobilising people....

From the Pen of our President.....

We are thankful that the level of rioting and looting appears to be diminishing, particularly in Gauteng. Let us hope that this is indicative of the state gaining an adequate level of control of the country. The impact of what has taken place will be felt for a long time, particularly with regard to rebuilding the infrastructure, replacing equipment and restocking stores. There are already reports of shortages of food, essential supplies and medication impacting the elderly and vulnerable members of the community.

We can expect an increase in the calls on Rotary for assistance from various institutions and charities.

It is great that Lyn has taken the chair of the environmental committee and has had a number of members volunteering to join the committee. Similarly, several members have volunteered to join the International committee. This will place our club in a good position to identify suitable projects going forward. The possibility of getting overseas Rotary clubs involved in these projects will be explored, and if successful, should enhance the extent to which these can be financed.

A big thank you to all involved!

Costa Qually
President

Tailpiece

Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand

A Plea to support our Fundraiser.....

We are hoping to make the upcoming fundraiser a resounding success, but we need the help of all our members to achieve this. 

Ask your family, your friends, your colleagues and work associates to support our endeavours. And besides, listening to Clem Sunter's view on the World is an opportunity not to be missed.

 

 

 

 

When: 4^th August 2021 at 7 pm.

Where: Relax in the comfort of your home – the link will be sent to you on email when you book your ticket.

Tickets:  R100 per login available on Quicket  

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/145206-thinking-the-future-with-clem-sunter/

 

Funds raised will be donated to the Alexandra Education Committee (AEC).

Alexandra Education Committee – Creating opportunities for children of promise from Alexandra since 1996 (alexeducation.org.za)

The AEC exists to provide bursaries for academically promising learners from low-income families in Alexandra for the full

five years of education at well-resourced high schools. 

Last Friday....

Our business meeting was well attended by our local members as well as those from across the oceans.

Juanette Mc Crindle proudly shared her magnificent gifts she had received from the Rotary Foundation in honour of her becoming a Major Donor.

A truly well deserved accolade.

Report backs in brief:

• President Costa presented the final Club Goals for the 2021/22 Rotary year and you may read them at your leisure on the right hand side of The Ramble
• Club Treasurer John Symons reported back that the annual Rotary subs are now due and the Board had agreed to keep the sum at R2 000 for the year. 
• The Board also agreed to donate R10 000 to Rotary International and a further R5 000 to Polio Plus.
• R5 000 had been donated to the Club by Mark Franklin's previous employer Millstream in his memory.
• Pam Donaldson reported back that our club attendance had dipped to an average of 19 members for the month of June, but had increased somewhat in the last 2 weeks. In future the committee chairs will send through meeting minutes to her, so that she can record committee meeting attendance. She urges everyone to let her know of any other make-ups.
• David Bradshaw lamented the loss of two members at the end of the past Rotary year, but thankfully we had made up the loss by inducting Sheldon Rampanapasi and Roger Wedlake. He is also in discussion with a few potential applicants and is confident that we will meet our target of 5 new members.
• In his role as club almoner he attended the funeral of PDG Peter Margolius last week.

James Byrne and our exchange student Momo, who had both contracted Covid were thankfully on the road to recovery.

• Richard Maloney has taken over the International Chair and is still in the process of establishing his committee, and so far Lorenzo and Mike Lamb have put up their hands to join his team. A suggestion was made for Richard to possibly rekindle our relationship with the the UK based Rotary Club of Hatfield who had been involved in past club projects. With Lorenzo and Mike's extensive network they should make a formidable team.
• Due to the ongoing Covid restrictions the Youth committee is experiencing a bit of a lull, but Jean Bernardo was happy to report that Marianne Soal was very enthusiastic about getting involved with the Highlands North Boys High School Interact Club, and she has some exciting ideas up her sleeve.
• The Senior Youth Leadership course has been put on ice this year, but District RYLA is planning  a three day inter-country conference with Germany in October.
• Les Short was happy to report on behalf of Foundation that the two district grants reports had been submitted and accepted. Jeannette Horner did however make us aware that the sewing project is ongoing and that the ladies are in need of an industrial sewing machine.
• The Community and Vocational Services committee are still accepting nominations for the Vocational Awards until the end of July and are hoping that the lockdown restrictions will have been lifted so that they are able to have a physical award ceremony at the end of September.
• The committee is still trying to establish a sustainable and worthy project to get their teeth into, but they will continue to support the White Cane project, the Norwood Spar Christmas hamper collection, Blanket Drive and Charity Begins With Me.  
•  They have also been approached by various institutions to donate wheelchairs to needy persons. Two wheelchairs went to two worthy recipients as identified by the Refilwe Community Project and 12 year old  cerebral palsy sufferer Tumi Rachuene from Tembisa received Sybille's wheelchair, which she had used when her left leg was encased in an external fixator.                                 
  
  
  

• The seventh area of focus introduced this year, the environment, has got a champion! Lyn Collocott has agreed to chair the committee and Gareth Hood has put up his hand to join forces with her. He thinks we can learn a lot from the Chinese when it comes to environmental issues. China has vowed to be carbon neutral by the year 2050.  Sybille remains passionate about Ecobricks and thus it will make sense for her to be part of Lyn's team as well.

 This Friday.....

Hot off the press! Tutty has agreed to share his story with us.

Mark Herbert inspires, Blankets warm hearts from Durban Deep to rural KZN, and book your seat for Clem Sunter...

 From the Pen of our President.....

 

At the time of writing this, we are facing a number of instances of violence, looting and destruction. It is of concern to all of us, particularly as the security forces currently seem to have a limited ability of controlling the situation. It is important that we do not let fear take control of us and that we do not exacerbate the concern of many in the community by spreading negative comments and false news.

Rather, we need to have faith and to concentrate on the principles and objectives of Rotary. The beneficiaries of many of our projects and efforts are likely to be more adversely impacted and threatened than we are. So, take care, exercise reasonable safety precautions, and continue making a positive contribution to our community.

I have no doubt that this too shall pass!

Have a great week and keep warm.

Costa Qually
President

Tailpiece

Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened

Last Friday....

....we had the privilege of spending an hour being inspired by Mark Herbert, a dynamic and creative life coach who assists young people to develop as leaders and guides them to have a positive influence on those around them.

Mark lives in Guildford Surrey with his young family and Marianne Soal's son Joshua had met and worked with him while he lived in the UK. 

Mark's enthusiasm for his chosen career stems from his years as a Secondary School Teacher, working as a Construction Worker, a stint as a Landscape Gardener, from being a Sports Coach to Church Pastor, from Charity Chairman to Leadership Consultant.

It gave him the tools to establish his own company, Leader-full and to publish a book, which is available in hard copy, on Amazon Kindle (UK) and is also being recorded as an audiobook.

In a lucky draw Jerry Bernardo won a hard copy of the book, and maybe if we play our cards right he will allow us to borrow it from him.

Some pearls of wisdom Mark imparted:

• Every person has a unique thumbprint
• You alone are responsible for your actions
• You grow through failure
• Inspire one person to become a leader
• Use leadership to serve
• Do not be afraid to learn from someone who is younger than you.

Blanket Drive Update.....

The collective efforts of the Rotary Club of Rosebank managed to collect a staggering R119 610 towards the 2021 Blanket Drive; granted there was a generous donation of R40 000 from the Bryanston Methodist Church, a further R16 000 from the Bryanston Catholic Church and R19 200 from Rosebank- Initiate Life, but at R80 a blanket it means that this year 1 495 souls will be kept warm.

Because of lockdown conditions we only managed to capture a few blanket hand-overs, but as they say in the classics: every picture tells a story.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society in Kensington also gave the blanket recipients a warm meal.

Charity begins with Me, who have a feeding program for children in the Durban Deep, Krugersdorp made 37 children very happy.

Marilyn Bassin from Boikanyo (the Dion Herson Foundation) has been distributing blankets crocheted by an ex-Rotarian of the Welkom Flamingo Club and towels received from the Humanitarian Centre to a needy community in the Mtunzini KZN district.

Marilyn reported that a truckload of 600 blankets donated by Rotary and Warm the World was shipped into the far-flung parts of South Africa and another load of blankets is going up to Tzaneen this week where they will be distributed by the Choice Trust. 

Have you booked your ticket for Clem Sunter's Presentation yet?

 

When: 4^th August 2021 at 7 pm.

Where: Relax in the comfort of your home – the link will be sent to you on email when you book your ticket.

Tickets:  R100 per login available on Quicket  

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/145206-thinking-the-future-with-clem-sunter/

 

Funds raised will be donated to the Alexandra Education Committee (AEC).

Alexandra Education Committee – Creating opportunities for children of promise from Alexandra since 1996 (alexeducation.org.za)

The AEC exists to provide bursaries for academically promising learners from low-income families in Alexandra for the full

five years of education at well-resourced high schools.

Protect yourself with a Rotary Face Mask...

David Bradshaw has a stock of Rotary face masks which you are welcome to purchase from him.

This Friday....

Our monthly Business meeting.

Ringing in the new Rotary year with the Induction of President Costa Qually, Another international Quiz this Week, Mandela Day Quiz and Save the Date for a very Special Fundraiser, Ann's Club 100 June Winners

 From the Pen of our President.....

At the virtual induction meeting on Friday, there were several awards to members for their exceptional contributions to the club’s activities during the past year. Congratulations to the recipients - the awards were well deserved. I am also aware that most of our members have participated in various projects and events of the club. A great big thank you to all of you!  In addition, several members have made donations of their time, talent and treasure to worthy causes in their personal capacities and that were not necessarily linked to Rotary.

It is humbling and uplifting to witness the community involvement and compassion that our members demonstrate; particularly when many in society are concerned only with themselves.

Thank you to Past President Ann for her effective and efficient leadership that resulted in a successful year for our club.

I look forward to the continuing involvement of all members in the coming Rotary year.

Costa Qually
President

Tailpiece

He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at

Upcoming Events....

Weekly Quiz

This Wednesday 7th July at 19:00 our intrepid quizzers are one again venturing across the border when they take on the e-Club of Harare. Everyone is welcome to join.

About the club :- 

The Rotary E Club D9210 was charted 5 years ago on 30 June 2016. It’s goal was to bridge the gap between members who had migrated to other countries but still wanted to be a part of the district’s activities. In understanding that we wanted our members to remain active, no matter where in the world they found themselves, we set out to charter the first E-Club in the district. Currently we have members from all corners – Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, D.R.C., Tanzania, South Africa and U.A.E. We meet on Thursday’s on various virtual platforms and make it a point to do international outreach projects and social events.

Mandela Day Quiz:

The Rotary Club of Rosebank  would love to invite you to our first Mandela Day Online Quiz, coming up on Saturday, the 17^th of July at 19:00

This is a chance for the Mike Lamb’s and James Crosswell’s  to defend their title, and for the rest of us to try and take it from them! Space is limited, so do get your booking in as soon as possible! The quiz will take place on ZOOM from 19:00, and will last (about) 67 minutes and there will be 67 questions.

 

How to book:

Pay R67 per person into the Rotary  account, Reference Mandela Day Quiz - your name

We will then send the ZOOM link and other details next week so that everyone can join in!

Do not miss this event.....

Please invite as many of your friends, colleagues and associates to this not-to-be-missed event.

 

And now:

Last Friday....

Lockdown restrictions did not dampen the spirit of this year's Presidential Induction and it was heartwarming to see that so many of the Zoom attendees made an extra special effort and donned their glad rags and certainly looked the part.

Thank goodness our incoming President Costa was able to attend the ceremony in person.

DG Stella honoured us with her presence, and made a very special announcement that our very own Juanette McCrindle and her partner Rainer Bartram have both become Major Donors (Level 2).

This generosity was applauded by everyone and Stella emphasized the importance of Giving back to Society.

I have taken the liberty of publishing outgoing President Ann's speech verbatim (mainly for those members that missed the occasion)

She made special mention of the members we lost to Higher Service this year and they are immortalized in the in the In Memoriam section above.

President’s address

I have had a great year as President and I would like to thank everyone for your patience while I got used to the protocols and while we all got used to the online meetings.

It was very different – hybrid, virtual, online, challenging, sad, educational, emotional, but made one count your blessings and be grateful.

My looking back over the year is all about celebrating the members of Rosebank Rotary Club and saying many thank you’s – please bear with me.

We have such wonderful members in our Club. I would like to share with you a list of our longstanding members – you can only be in AWE of the number of years these gentlemen have served Rotary and the community – they are AWESOME>

Years in Rotary	Name	Date joined Rotary
47 years	Tutty Faber	Oct 23 1975
45 years	David Bradshaw	Dec 01 1976
44 years	PDG Ken Stonestreet	Jan 01 1977
44 years	Howard Johnston	Jun 28 1977
41 years	James Croswell	Jan 18 1980
36 years	Bernard Neuhaus	July 02 1984
36 years	Roger Lloyd	Aug 23 1984
33 years	Les Short	Dec 11 1987
32 years	Richard Tonkin	Jul 01 1988
32 years	Costa Qually	Oct 24 1988
32 years	Richard Moloney	Oct 24 1988

 

Many of our members have served in District in the past – currently we have Kevin Wolhuter, Jean Bernardo, Costa Qually and James Croswell flying our flag. You all do us proud.

I would like to thank most especially our Assistant Governor Jean who I have on speed dial for her mentorship and support – she is a very special friend.

I would like to give the thanks of the Club to PP Peter James Smith who has transferred to a club closer to home. Peter thank you for your years of doing the Ramble, building up to what it is today – a winner in District. Thank you for all your hard work, leadership and friendship. We will miss you, your stories and hope you will visit us.

Although we had to adapt to new ways of working and thinking we have achieved a lot in the past year thanks to the efforts and generosity of club members.

My year started in the midst of lockdown – we made July ‘Mandela Month’ and collected food and money for hampers, some of which went to Charity Begins with Me. Everyone was doing their bit to alleviate some of the hardship resulting from lockdown and lack of work – donations to charities and persons both privately and through the club. And not all the donations came from members, but families of members too.

We cottoned on to online events and had 2 very interesting talks by Rob Caskie – Spionkop and Ernest Shackleton in Antarctica – fascinating story teller and some welcome money raised for our projects.

During the year Africa was pronounced Wild Polio free and the push is on to eradicate Polio from the last few countries – Rosebank donated R5000 to Polio Plus.

Rosebank Rotary Club donated R10000 to Rotary Foundation – there are also members who have made personal donations.

Our quiz night at Parkview Golf Club was a resounding success and we made R22350 – thanks to the fund raising committee and especially Sonja for her hard work. Thank you Sonja, not just for that evening but for all your hard work. Just a quick heads up, Sonja has got Clem Sunter to give us a talk in the near future – watch this space…

We have become the Quiz Club – recently we hosted our 50^th online quiz. Every Wed evening, thanks to David’s excellent organising we have a quiz, mostly against other clubs – I will not say we have got cleverer, but we are getting better at it!! It is a lot of fun. Thank you to our excellent quizmasters Gareth and Sonja – who have done the lion’s share of the questions.

2020 was the year of the Nurse and because we could not have our normal Rotary Family Health Days, we were able to give recognition to nurses – and there was never a better time than during the pandemic to be honouring nurses!! We recognised the Nursing Department at Wits Medical School and the nurses at the Palliative Care Centre. It is heartwarming to see what it means to people to be recognised and thanked.

We gave the annual Lester Connock award to a very interesting and deserving nursing student at Wits – R25000 to further her studies and share what she learns and implement her research.

Marianne has taken over the Interact Club at Highlands North High School. Thank you Marianne, having someone like you will benefit the young Interactors as you have such compassion and understanding when it comes to young people.

PP Les Short always looks like a softy but when we get out of line, we hear about it – thank you Les for keeping me on the straight and narrow.

Pam is active behind the scenes keeping tabs on attendance, with the assistance or Lenore and Les at times – Pam does travel a lot!!

Jeannette Horner never ceases to amaze us all. She has made over 5300  masks and 255 dozen rusks since lockdown began and COVID took hold, She also got people in her complex to provide soup packages when they were needed.

We missed out on SYLC, Careers Day, Art Festival, Vocational Service awards – but hopefully if and when, we get back to them in some format, they will be bigger and better than ever.

Momo – our Rotary Exchange Student returned last year in November from Thailand. She was already there when COVID began and opted to stay – she had a great year and proved to be a great ambassador for South Africa. Since returning she has given us some insights into what she learnt and also a demo of Thai cooking – a very entertaining evening. She is sick in bed right now with COVID.

Sybi and her Community Services committee have had the most to do over the past year – Spar food collection went ahead and we supplied our charities with food vouchers and groceries to the value of R27000. Thank you to those who manned the trolleys and donated.

We spent some of our money on a Jojo tank for Charity Begins with me for their food garden. Money was donated to White Cane Project for educating people to teach the blind.

Our new members – Lorenzo, Chrispin, Gareth, Anne and Charmaine. Ringing in the changes, we now have 2 e’members – in China and Italy. Chrispin had no sooner joined us and he was selected to train as a Peace Co-ordinator (one of 100 in the District). Anne and Charmaine were quickly in spanned by Sonja to fund raising!! Welcome to all, we love getting reports from around the globe – sometimes we have Germany, Italy, China and South African representation on our meetings!!

Thank you to Jean for making sure we feature in Rotary publications and the media. Both Jean and Sybille are responsible for us our name out there. The Rosebank Ramble being numero uno in District when it comes to newsletters!! YAY!!

The club had 2 District Grants which we have closed and completed. James Croswell did an amazing job obtaining a container for the Palliative Care Group at Bara, managing the logistics around moving it more than once and keeping the records. Jerry Bernardo did a sterling job refurbishing the container with the help of John Hope-Bailie. Thank you James for your efforts. The thanks of the Club to John Hope-Bailie for his time and effort.

A huge, huge thank you to Jerry, not only for the container work but also for the Madiba buggies which he worked on. Thank you to Costa for your assistance with them as well. Madiba buggies are wheelchairs which have been retrofitted with a shelf to assist the disabled. They had been donated to deserving disabled children who had travelled for many miles from their rural homes with their care givers.

I had the pleasure during lockdown of visiting Bernard Neuhaus on the occasion of his 90^th birthday – if I can be like that when I am 90 I will be very happy. We do not see much of Bernard but he is there in the background.

Our other District grant was used to set up a group of ladies to sew masks and later other items in order to sustain themselves and their families. Thanks to Jeannette and Jean we have such a group of 5 ladies and it looks like it could be something which will grow.

Our youth programme took a dive due to COVID but we did manage to do some school awards and took part in the online RYLA event which went around the world for 24 hours, as well as the District RYLA.

We have had a great variety of very interesting speakers this year thanks to David – topics and characters too many to mention – always a favourite is the MY STORY told by Rotarians.

Fellowship an important part of Rotary – that always sounds very proper – it is actually just fun!! We spent a night playing kegel, we auction marmalade, we drink, eat pizza, we party and luckily our new DG is a person who believes in dancing and singing so roll on the next Rotary year!!

 Every year at this time we collect money to buy blankets for the needy. If you have ever stood around and asked for money from people you will understand that it is not easy – Roger will tell you!! Our collective collection efforts this year were very fruitful and we have been able to fulfil many blanket requests, close on 450 – and after tonight hopefully many more. Thanks to all involved in the blanket drive.

Thank you to all the members of Rosebank – I know I have not mentioned everyone by name but everyone plays their part. During this time there have been some members who for one reason or another have not been seen – but thanks to David we know where everyone is and how everyone is.

Thank you to the members of the board – Costa, thank you.

We say farewell to Judy Powell who has been with us for a long time and enjoyed many memories.

 I love being part of this club – Rotary projects are sustainable, we are not a charity and we do not just give money away BUT we listen to what people ask for and rally around when we get requests for food, clothes, wheelchairs, used furnishings – when there is a need no one questions it. You are all so generous and kind – that is why you are Rotarians.

 JERRY BERNARDO Just because we do not see him does not mean that he is not hard at work on something to do with one of our projects. Over the past year alone Jerry has spent countless hours on the refurbishment of the container and the Madiba buggies. There are many projects we have done as a club which depended almost entirely on Jerry. I cannot name them all but we all know that without Jerry his passion, innovation, perfection, unwavering effort many a project would not have succeeded. For just being you Jerry – the person you are and the person we love and value you for.. you are awarded a PHF +1. Richly deserved.

 DAVID BRADSHAW I keep saying Thanks to David, David did this and David did that – actually there is only ONE David in the club. As you saw, David has been a Rotarian for a very long time and for most of that time with Rosebank. David is currently THE membership committee, he is the Club Almoner, he organises the quizzes, he is involved in the Youth Committee and the Community Services Committee. 200% attendance – what can I say? Oh and the Speaker program co-ordinator – I have mentioned what great speakers we have. But David is the person who calls on all the members we do not see often and makes sure they are OK. David keeps up with the family of past members. David volunteers for everything the club does – he collects money, cleans rivers, delivers, fetches, carries. David you have such empathy for your fellow man – you are so kind, gentle and always happy – the board voted unanimously for you to get a PHF. A PHF +1 goes to you with all our thanks, love and respect.

 SYBILLE ESSMANN For the past year you have camped at my house, we have done the Ramble together, you join me for Zoom meetings and you became a regular for Monday dinner. You had your sadness during the year and never let it get in the way or get you down – you are caring, dedicated and hard working. Sybi you have so many hours in your day for Rotary since you became a member – your enthusiasm is inspiring. Nothing is too much trouble and you are willing to do what is necessary to get stuff done. Anyone interested in recycling and making EcoBricks – Sybi is your person – just make sure you have a few hours!!

The success of the Ramble has been noted and we are so proud. You richly deserve this recognition – please do not go away too soon!!

 

JEAN BERNARDO.

Thank you for being my mentor, my support, sounding board, friend. It is almost impossible to walk in your shoes, I will have have to follow in your footsteps if I can!! – you are one in a million. Sorry I did not clean the silverware!!

  

COSTA QUALLY

With this collar, which bears the names of all the Presidents of our Club, including your own, I induct you as President of the Rotary Club of Rosebank for 2021 – 2022.

President Costa Qually, I present you with your President’s badge and the Club Charter.

On behalf of the members of your Club and all the visitors & guests assembled here tonight, I congratulate you and wish you a successful & rewarding year.

Fellow Rotarians, I present to you our new President, Costa Qually.

  

My Role as president

4 past presidents were ladies - that is a hard act to follow

I have to admit that I am somewhat apprehensive

o   many long-standing members of the club

o   many members are past Presidents

o   I am going to need ongoing support and commitment of the board and of club members

The club is working well and our existing club activities will continue

Thinking of the year ahead

The nature of Rosebank Rotary

A good number of our members are retired/semi-retired and have ranked for vaccinations

Fortunately, our newer members are younger and are still active in their careers

I hope that these new members will each have a long and distinguished role in the club and in Rotary

Our members have a mix of characters, skills and varying amounts of time available for Rotary activities

Our members also have varying beliefs, motivations and objectives in life

So, what is Rotary?  In my view:

Rotary is not a political organisation, but all Rotarians are vitally concerned with everything pertaining to good citizenship and the election of good people to public office

Rotary is not a charitable organisation, yet its activities exemplify the charity and sacrifices that one should expect from people who believe that they have a responsibility to help others

Rotary is not a religious organisation, but it is built on the eternal principles that have served as the moral compass for people throughout the ages

Rotary is an organisation of people pledged to uphold the highest professional, ethical and moral standards

Rotarians believe that worldwide friendship and peace can be achieved when people unite under the banner of service.

The current RI theme of “Serve to change lives” is one way of expressing this.

This Rotary year's goals - which is a work in progress - and Board members can be readily found on the right hand side of the Ramble.

On the night we also inducted two new members into the club:

Welcome to Sheldon Rampanapasi and Roger Wedlake. 

This Friday....

Promises to be another meeting highlight. Our guest speaker will be addressing us from across the Pond all the way from the UK

Mark Herbert is a former teacher and church pastor.

His company seeks to help release untapped leadership potential.

He is the author of the book: I’m (not) a Leader.

He is married to Steph and has  a son called Rafe.

They live in Surrey, South East England.