Guest Speaker Alison Groves on "green" buildings, Our Indian Quiz opponents win by a margin, the Anns hold a successful Jumble Sale, and Bookings are open for our Charity Quiz evening with the Music Guru

From the Pen of the President.....

A quick transition from a disappointing summer to winter weather that is both wet and cold highlights the need to assist the many underprivileged people in our community.  We will be involved in another blanket drive in the near future.  You will be able to assist in this drive by volunteering for a shift at Pick and Pay, Republic Road or by approaching people and enterprises to donate money to buy blankets – or both.  You can serve to change lives!

Costa Qually
President

Tailpiece

He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions. (Confucius)

Last Friday....

.....our guest speaker  was Alison Groves, a Sustainability Consultant and environmental activist who had been invited to address us about "greening" of buildings.

Our technical director Ann Hope-Bailie was faced with some challenges because our meeting had been relegated from our usual venue at Wanderers to some less than adequate room, but in her unflappable manner Ann connected the Zoom participants with the meeting and somehow made it work.

Alison, who has been part of the "green" movement in South Africa since its inception in 2007, and a recipient of many environmental awards proudly told us of her involvement with the Emira Property Group, whose Knightsbridge, Block A Building in heart of Bryanston had just received a net zero, energy performance certification - the first one in South Africa. 

The anchor of a "green" building depends on the materials it is constructed with. Alison mentioned fly ash, which is a waste product in coal-fired power stations which offers an energy saving substitute to Portland cement; also aluminium and gypsum, both of which are recyclable and are extensively used in the building industry.

"Passive" buildings use maximum daylight, keep out the heat in summer, yet bring warmth in during winter months.

The heat emissions of buildings can be reduced by clever shuttering and creating shade by planting trees and establishing gardens around them.

Environmental difference can be achieved by making incremental changes in our homes: using LED lighting, taking shorter showers, turning off lights and taps.

Alison makes mention of the 5 R's - Recycle, reduce, re-use, refuse (straws, plastic bags and promotional gifts) and reclaim (by using recycled goods).

Food for thought an a topic that fits in very much with our seventh area of focus.

The Rosebank Rotary Quiz Team versus a formidable Indian Opponent....

Last Wednesday five Rotary Clubs from the Indian city of Cochin, in the province of Kerala -  RC Cochin Smartcity, RC Cochin Beachside,  RC Cochin Periyar, RC Cochin Uptown and RC Tripunithura Royale put together a formidable team who took President and Quizmaster Costa's challenging questions in their stride and we were no match against their collective brain power. 

Well done Cochin, this calls for a rematch.

Have you booked your Dream Team.....

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/145191-quiz-evening-with-the-music-guru-sean-brokensha/#/

Avoid disappointment, only a limited amount of seats available and tickets are selling out fast.

Next Friday...

...have a blessed and peaceful Good Friday and Easter weekend.