Rosebank Rotary Anns

                    Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of April 2023    (Final draw)
 

  

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R1200	98	Diana Serrurier
First	R2000	43	Linda Raaf

 

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of March 2023

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	29	Lynne Baker
First	R300	45	Tessa Harman

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month February 2023

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	55	Barbara Newsome
First	R300	20	Katie Cohen

 

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month December 2022

 

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	19	Pennie Oglesby
First	R300	44	Penny Robinson

  

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month January 2023

 

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	12	John Austin
First	R300	11	Jean Bernardo

 

 

The Rosebank Rotary Anns bringing Christmas Cheer...

The Rotary Anns of Rosebank have been busy spreading some Christmas cheer to those less fortunate. A group of Anns recently visited Gerald Fitzpatrick House and Nursing Home in Bertrams. There are 79 ladies resident there in various types of accommodation, including Frail Care. The Anns gave a tea party and distributed gift bags which included foodstuffs, clothing, toiletries, as well as household items for the “independent” residents. We also had a raffle, having given each lady a ticket – prizes were costume jewellery and table linen. The morning went very well and the residents were most appreciative.

Another recent project was our annual donation of baby hampers to Rahima Moosa Mother and Baby Hospital. These are given to mothers of the first baby boy and baby girl born on Christmas Day and also on New Year’s Day, as well as any other mothers and babies whom the staff feel are needy and deserving. The hampers include baby clothes, toiletries, blankets and soft toys. Once again the gifts were well received in these particularly challenging times.

Winners of the Rotary Anns draw for the month November 2022

 

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	49	Di du Plessis
First	R300	19	Pennie Oglesby

 

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month October 2022

  

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	85	Phil Rankin
First	R300	97	Stu Steenhoff

 

Meeting with the DGA in September 2022

The Anns were delighted to welcome DGA Christina Forsyth-Thompson for an informal meeting before the Rotary meeting at the Wanderers Club.  Time was spent catching up with known Anns and making some new acquaintances.  After Hilary Humphries had reported on the year’s activities and Liz Short  had described the Khanyisela project which was the main beneficiary of the funds raised by the Bridge Drive, DGA Christina challenged the Rosebank Anns with her theme for this year, being ‘empowering young women’.  There was a lot of discussion about possible organisations that we could support or activities that we could undertake.  We ended the meeting with ideas swirling around and the prospect of investigating the community to choose a project in line with the theme.

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month September 2022

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	53	Lyn Bath
First	R300	98	Diana Serrurier

A Rewarding Rosebank Rotary Anns Bridge Drive....

 

The morning was warm and sunny.

The Petria  plant in St. Michael’s garden blazed forth in all its purple glory.

 

It was the first Ann’s Bridge Drive in almost three and a half years.

I have been a regular attendee for a number of years and was delighted to find that the event was still run with its usual slick precision.

I arrived early and found a number of Anns already  in the kitchen preparing the platters of food for the scrumptious tea which is one of the highlights of the morning.

 

The tables were covered in red cloths, all waiting for the 96 participants to arrive.

 

The table in the front was laden with prizes for  lucky draws, raffle tickets and  bridge winners.

One doesn’t always appreciate the effort put in by the Anns to get sponsors for some of the prizes.

 

A wonderful time was had by all.

R24 800 was raised.

The beneficiaries will be the Khanyisela Project in the Northern Drakensberg and and a few others  and it is pleasing to know that all players did their  little  bit to help improve literacy in this rural area.

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month August 2022

 

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	100	Noah (gardener)
First	R300	39	Duncan (gardener)

 

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month July 2022

 

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	25	Hilary Humphries
First	R300	93	Richie Steenhoff

 

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month June 2022

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	96	Nick Steenhoff
First	R300	49	Di Du Plessis

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month May 2022

 

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	92	Celia Hughes-D’Aeth
First	R300	80	Julia Phipps

 

Anns hold a jumble sale

 

COVID has left its mark on the Anns reserves.  Motivated by live-wire Shirley they decided to hold a jumble sale to replenish the depleted funds.  The date chosen for the sale was the 2^nd  April.  The sorting of the items was to take place on 30^th March at Ann Whitehead’s home.  However, the collection of jumble was so sluggish that Shirley texted that the sale could not take place for lack of donations.  The Anns ‘pulled finger’ and by 30^th March there was ample jumble.  So, the sale went ahead on 2^nd April and the result was a very substantial boost to our funds.  Well done Shirley and the Anns. 

Things are becoming more normal and it’s heartening to be able to hold and organise events to make a difference in the community that is struggling in these tough economic times.

February 2022  - The Anns lend a helping hand to people in need...

 

A Visit to Woodside Sanctuary

Recently, 3 Rosebank Anns delivered bulk toiletry items, as well new clothing to Woodside Sanctuary. The Sanctuary has cared for mentally disabled people of all ages for many years. They receive minimal financial help from government and struggle to raise funds in the present economic climate so the goods were gratefully received.

The Anns make the best of the Autumn Weather.....

On Friday May 7^th a group of Rosebank Anns visited The Wilds for a long-awaited get-together and picnic. We were very impressed with the beauty and the general ambiance there and thoroughly enjoyed the morning which consisted of a walk to the sundial at the highest point, which affords magnificent views over the city, followed by a very pleasant picnic on the “giraffe” lawn.

James Delaney’s sculptures are a delight and the work and upkeep at the Wilds which he and all the volunteers have initiated is truly wonderful and we are privileged to have such a tranquil and beautiful place in our urban surroundings.

CLUB 100 2021

Here’s how to buy yourself 11 monthly chances and one for the big draw.

Do an EFT to the Rotary Club of Rosebank Anns for the once=off amount of R300

For the beneficiary reference put in your name and surname and 100 club.

GOOD LUCK!

THE ODDS ARE GOOD AS ONLY 100 TICKETS ARE SOLD

Banking details:

FNB  -   Bryanston

Branch code   -   250017

Account  number  -  50374602884

The Rahima Moosa project

For a number of years the Rosebank Anns have donated hampers to some mothers and babies at the Rahima Mosa Maternity Hospital (formerly known as the Coronation Women’s and Children’s Hospital), at Christmas.

We make up hampers of “goodies” including baby wipes, baby soaps, some disposable nappies, baby cream, a bottle, a face cloth.  Then we add knitted baby and toddler garments, blankets and some soft toys.  All this is placed in eight buckets and the buckets are wrapped in cellophane – colour-coded and labelled.

On Monday 7^th December Liz, Margie, Debby, Penny and June got together to pack the hampers.  It’s always a joyous occasion and this was no exception.  Debby took the completed hampers home pending dropping them off at Rahima Moosa later in the week.

Who gets the hampers?  It’s the mothers of the first and second baby girls and boys born on Christmas Day and again the first and second girl and boy babies born on New Year’s Day. 

We are so pleased to be able to continue with this project!

FIRST REAL MEETING IN EIGHT MONTHS

Ten excited Anns converged on Su Mills’s house in Bryanston on Wednesday 18 November to attend our first live meeting since March.  There were smiles all round and warm greetings exchanged.  We kept our distances as we sat on the patio overlooking the spring garden.  It was so good to see everyone after the long months of virtual meetings.  Secretary Hilary deserves special mention for the way she and Margie and our Presidents Penny, Diana and Su managed the virtual meetings through the lockdown.  Thank you all!

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of November 2020

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	77	Michelle Knight
First	R300	60	Paul Harvey

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of October 2020

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	79	Di Girdwood
First	R300	26	Tessa Harman

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of September 2020

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	15	Richard Gardener
First	R300	94	Liz Will

 

Anns in Action in September

REPORT ON THE VISIT TO ANGELS BABY SANCTUARY

On Wednesday 23^rd September Anne Whitehead, Shirley Eustace and June Virtue delivered the Anns donation to the Sanctuary.  The donation included baby cereal, baby wash, Marie biscuits, formula and Vidaylin vitamin syrup.    There was also 10 litlres of hand sanitiser donated by Hudson Raath.  All the items donated had been on the wish list supplied by Anne Ebrahim who runs the sanctuary. 

It is a lovely place located in a house in Rosettenville and appears to be well run and maintained.  Ann Ebrahim is a matter-of-fact efficient person and employs carers and makes use of volunteers from the community.  She is struggling with the paper work involved in getting registered with the department of Social Development in order to receive a grant for the sanctuary.  There are six babies there under about 18 months who are adorable and a three-year-old boy who’s adoption by a Danish couple has been delayed due to COVID.  “He was such a cutie and a bright spark!”

The sanctuary is relocating to bigger premises in La Rochelle in the near future but there is a Facebook page  which will be updated when they move.  

Visit to the Lighthouse Baby Shelter

This week saw Su Mills, Hilary Humphries and Margie Austin delivering a donation, from the Rosebank Anns,  of stationery and linen to the Lighthouse Baby Shelter. 

The Lighthouse Baby Shelter was founded in 2008 by Eleanor Dustan to help children that have been abandoned, abused and neglected and for HIV orphans.  The shelter takes care of children from birth to the age of six years.  They have wonderful staff members that are under Eleanor’s guidance and who love and nurture the children. 

Hilary reports that the Anns couldn’t see the children because of Covid restrictions but that the building is lovely and that the school runs very well.

 
Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of August 2020

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	84	Penny Robinson
First	R300	31	Lynne Baker

ANNS IN AUGUST

As per custom we combined our monthly meeting with the DGA’s visit and so we hosted DGA Angela Norris to a most inspiring meeting.  Angela and Janet Callard answered all our queries and altogether were most reassuring around the planning for the Anns conference to be hosted by Rosebank next year in May. 

Later the same morning we held our normal monthly meeting via Zoom, of course.

Some highlights of this meeting were:

Grateful thanks from Gift of the Givers for our donation of R10 000 for Covid relief.

Our thanks conveyed to Lisa Vidulich for her generous donation in memory of her uncle Cesare Vidulich.

Jane Symons’s address on progress towards the Anns conference to be held in May 2021.

The decision by a committee to support children and women in these very sad and difficult Covid times.  We are going to ask Angels Baby Sanctuary and the Lighthouse Shelter each to provide us with a wish list. 

The Anns need to set aside May next year for intensive effort to “pull off” the fundraising Bridge Drive on May 5^th – an event that always stretches the ladies – and then the Anns Conference a mere two weeks later.  

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of July 2020

 

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	35	David Robinson
First	R300	16	Janine Hobbs

 

ROTARY ANNS OF ROSEBANK ZOOM INDUCTION MEETING

It was with eager anticipation that thirteen Anns and three guests waited in the waiting room to be admitted to the Zoom meeting for the induction of Diana Serrurier as President on Friday 26 June at 10am. For some of us this was a first and there was quite some excitement in the “room” as the participants were admitted one by one. Once the last one was in, the formal part of the meeting began.

Su Mills, the outgoing President, welcomed everyone to such an historic occasion. After reading the Anns prayer, she paid tribute to the Anns that we lost in the preceding year – Lilian Dugard and Patsy Dalziell who both passed on after their 100^th birthdays.

She gave a run-down on the achievements and donations of the year, highlights of which are:

• A fundraiser at The View
• A 100^th birthday celebration for Dulcie Floweday
• The purchase and donation of laptops and accessories to students of Tshepo Trust
• A healthy donation of R10 000 to Gift of the Givers
• Knitted items to the work of Gift of the Givers
• Soweto Animal Rescue R13 000 toward equipping the new clinic
• Fencing installation at camp delta

With that she handed over the President’s badge (virtually) to Diana with all good wishes.

Diana started by thanking Su for her welcome and also thanking the committee for all the work they put in to keep the ball rolling during the lockdown. Hilary Humphries is remaining as secretary and Margie Austin as treasurer, positions that they have filled for some years and with great distinction.

Diana pointed out that the way forward is uncertain and there are many hurdles the Anns will have to adapt to and overcome. She then sketched some scenarios and challenged the Anns to “put your thinking caps on”.

We then had addresses by our distinguished guests: our imminent Rotary President Ann Hope-Bailie, our new DGA Angela Norris and Janet Callard our DGAR. Each in her way gave us congratulations, encouragement and some challenges.

Altogether it was a great success. So it’s good luck to President Diana, the committee and all the Anns for the Rotary year ahead.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of June 2020

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	63	Helen Divaris
First	R300	92	Astrida van Zantwijk

Camp Delta Security Fence

Camp Delta, it is a camping facility for the use of the scouts and guides to run courses and have a

camping experience in an outdoor setting. It is located in the beautiful and bird- rich Delta Park,

Victory Park. But its security fence had become damaged and it needed replacing. This came to the

notice of the Anns and we decided to make a contribution to the replacement costs. The scout and

guide movements do most valuable work in the community.

Mr James Vella sent us a joyful letter of thanks for our contribution

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of May 2020

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	34	Sally Anderson
First	R300	33	Pam Donaldson

A word from the Anns

Life under lockdown has highlighted how important a part the whole fellowship aspect of Rotary is. We have missed two monthly meetings. But thank goodness for the Rotary Anns’ chat group on WhatsAapp! We only got it going in 2020 and it has been most useful in this isolated time. We have exchanged business news, but also shared some inspiring videos and writings. The next step is to get going with Zoom as Rotary has.

Reluctantly we have cancelled the fundraising Bridge Drive scheduled for 13 May and in the true spirit of Rotary most of the ‘tables’ have opted to donate the money they had paid to book, to charity. So some of the money will go to the Animal Shelter in Soweto but some will go to hunger relief in this very fraught time among the poor and unemployed.

To any Rotarians who had planned to donate prizes for the Bridge Drive, thank you for your generosity. Perhaps next year. .. . ..

Liz Short has collected a lot of knitted items from various knitters who support the Anns projects and we have decided that they need to be out the warming people who would otherwise be very cold. We contacted the Gift of the Givers who will collect and distribute the stuff where it is needed.

To any who are reading this we send love and best wishes for your safety and good health as we adjust to all the changes that will need to be made to the new ‘normal’.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of April 2020

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150		Shirley Eustace
First	R300		Janet Callard

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of March 2020

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	88	Grant Will
First	R300	27	Dudu Moya

Four projects the Rosebank Anns are supporting

Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital

For many years the Anns have made up gift hampers for the first and second girl and boy babies born on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at the hospital. The hampers include baby clothes, blankets, soft toys and baby necessities like nappies, baby wipes cream and a bottle. The hampers were delivered in early December and gratefully received by the lucky mothers. 

Camp Delta fencing

The scouts’ camping site at Delta Park needed the fence repaired. We came to the party to the tune of R16 000 for 6 panels of strong fencing.

Ikageng

Two Anns organised “I wish” shoe box gifts at Christmas for the children supported by Ikageng.

Soweto Animal Rescue

Jerry Seloane worked for the SPCA for 15 years and became involved in chasing up on cruelty to animals including the inhuman practice of dog fighting. He is building an animal clinic and the building has been completed. Now it needs plumbing installed and other equipment purchased. 

After being addressed by Jerry and after and a visit to the site, we plan to support some of the needs he told us about, out of the proceeds of the Bridge Drive. One of the very heartening aspects of Jerry’s work is the use he makes of young volunteers to spread the culture of caring for animals – goats, pigs, dogs and donkeys.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARDS

The Anns joined with Rotary in honouring a community member for selfless work in improving the lives of the people of Johannesburg.  James Delaney, an artist and sculptor, noticed that The Wilds, that favourite place for walks in days gone by, had become overgrown and neglected.  It was not considered safe to go there as there was no security and muggings had been reported.  James, accompanied by his dog, started clearing overgrown vegetation and weeds.  His efforts were noticed by local citizens, among them Thulani (see picture receiving his award) who began to lend a hand.   At some point James began making owls and other statues which now grace The Wilds and surprise one as on rounds a corner during a ramble.  Over time The Wilds has once again become safe and pleasant.  It is now a popular destination for families and friends for a pleasant outing into nature in the city

James was commended for his selfless work in rehabilitating and improving a neglected and forgotten Johannesburg beauty spot.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of February 2020

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	65	Beryl Anderson
First	R300	22	Margaret Laundy

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of January 2020

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	4	Liz Short
First	R300	14	Yvonne Hillary

Patsy Dalziell’s 100^th birthday tea

Patsy & Debby share a moment.

Patsy Dalziell reached this milestone on 19^th November 2019, but her celebrations spanned the week.  The Rosebank Rotary Anns’ turn to join in came on 21 November.  We gathered at San Sereno where Patsy had organised a lovely room for the tea party.  Dulcie Floweday, who recently turned a hundred herself, came with her daughter, Penny Smith.  Maud Londal came with Debby Steenhof and Hilary Humphries, Liz Short, Margie Austin, Diana Serrurier, June Virtue and Penny Robinson, our newly installed President, made up the rest of the party.  Janet Callard (DGAR)added to the fellowship and we thank her for her attendance. 

Patsy told me of her wartime service in the signals corps in Cape Town – in those days you had to be a graduate to volunteer for the signals and you were sworn to secrecy, the authorities not wanting the German U-boats to know that they were using radar to locate the u-boats’ positions.  Of course all the shipping was going round the Cape at that time because the Suez Canal was closed. 

Patsy makes a point

Patsy met Jack, her husband while a student at Rhodes, but he wasn’t studying for the ministry then.  Later they were married.  One day he just announced that he had decided to become a minister.  Little did they know then that Dulcie Floweday’s husband, who had been at Rhodes with Jack, subsequently followed the same course and gave up his work to become a minister.

When we had lit the ten candles, Patsy blew them out with two hefty blasts!  We sang ‘Happy Birthday” and cake was cut and distributed.  Debby Steenhof made the cake and other eats were contributed by the Anns attending. 

We wish Patsy hearty congratulations and happy returns of her birthday and thank her for being a warm and animated hostess at her 100^th birthday tea party.

An Ann’s view of the Rotary Senior Youth Leadership Camp

A chilly Friday morning at Bryanston High School saw sixty five high school students from a number of different schools assembling for registration.  There was an apprehensive atmosphere and conversations were subdued. But this didn’t last long.  By the time they had done some introductory exercises and been briefed for their shopping in their groups, there was animated chatter all round and the energy levels were right up.  Meanwhile the catering department (Debby, Liz, June and Margie) were busily preparing rolls for lunch managing to get it all done in spite of the water outage that confronted us on arrival!

Then it was time for the campers to board the bus and the Anns to wave them goodbye and tidy up.

It was inspiring to see, on Sunday morning, how the groups had bonded and leaders had emerged over the course of the weekend.  The atmosphere was relaxed and loving.  What a super bunch of kids.  It was a privilege to be part of the project and congratulations to President Jean and Ann Hope-Bailey on the successful camp.

Here are the results of the final 100 Club Draw for this season. We will start a new one next month, assuming enough tickets have been sold

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Third	R500	95	Sue Rhodes
Second	R1,500	81	Debby Steenhoff
First	R3,000	96	Jen Adams

DULCIE FLOWEDAY TURNS 100

Patsy Dalziel (99), June Virtue, Dulcie, Penny Smith, Maud Londal (95) & Margaret Jackson (95).

In perfect spring weather the Rosebank Anns gathered at the home of Penny Smith (Dulcie’s daughter) in river Club to have morning tea and celebrate Dulcie’s 100^th birthday.  Gas balloons mounted by the door helped first time visitors quickly identify Unit 6.  Chairs had been arranged on the ample patio and the tea things were laid out on the table.  Dulcie was seated in a large arm chair that looked very comfortable.  When I arrived she gave me the most wonderful smile.

She is quite remarkable at 100, being fit and alert and sharp as a tack.  She regaled us with tales of her pioneering family in Durban and other parts of Natal.  Some of her stories were hilarious and had us all roaring with laughter.  What a great gift she has for story-telling.

Tea was served and delicious eats.  The birthday

candles were lit and the cake, made by President Debby Steenhof, was brought in to the singing of “Happy birthday to you ...”.  The blowing out of he ten candles was a team effort by Dulcie, 100, and Maud Londal, Margaret Jackson and Patsy Dalziell  - all in their nineties!  Patsy remarked to me that it seems if you want to live long you should join the Rosebank RotaryAnns.

Thanks to Penny and Liz Short who organised the party and all the Anns who brought eats.  It was a privilege to be there.

June Virtue

Past President

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of August 2019

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	98	Jerry Bernardo
First	R300	57	Nowa Mtonga

Nomsa donates the blankets

This heartfelt message from Nomsa Siyotula speaks for itself:

“Good day June these grannies some of them are community members, some church members, others they are raising orphans, others no one is working at their homes.  We thank Rotary for the help we get.  May God bless you.”

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of July 2019

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	18	Melissa Jesse
First	R300	34	Shirley Phipps

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of June 2019

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	73	Ann Hiand
First	R300	30	Luke Ziegler

  

Blankets for Nomsa’s Community Project

This is Lenneth, June and Nomsa displaying a blanket handover.  Lenneth and Nomsa run a community project with their church, the MAHON EVANGELICAL CHURCH in Soweto. They help the poor in their community and also run an outreach to a desperately poor community in Standerton.

Blankets for In His Honour

June, Karen & Diane

June and Sandy deliver twenty blankets to In His Honour shelter at Hartebeestpoort.  Thanks to the great success of the Blanket Drive, some residents at In His Honour will sleep warmer in the chilly nights ahead.  Karen lifted the heavy parcel out of the car and Diane brought us up to date with the work at In His Honour.  With school holidays coming up they plan to take the children to their farm, let them have a change of scene and undergo a survival training course.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of May 2019

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	96	Jen Adams
First	R300	99	Judy Powell

Rotary Anns News

On Wednesday 15 May we held our annual fundraising Bridge Drive.  There was a very happy atmosphere and we raised R28 239, thus breaking another record and ensuring the continuation of our charity work in Early Childhood Development.  Well done to the team, pictured here.

Front row:  Shirley Eustace

Back row (l to r):  Penny Robinson, Liz Short, Margie Austin. Helen Divaris, Anne Whitehead

Our Bridge Drive is famous for its great prizes, including those donated by the Rotarians.  See the prize table below.

And then, on Saturday 18^th may we hired a little space at the Randburg Clinic School’s market and raised R1300 towards our projects.  Well done Liz Short and Hilary Humphries!

                              

Tsholofelo Ya Tsholofetso Christian Preschool is our current project and was visited by one of our Anns who was previously the principal of the Nursery School Teachers’ Training College.  She was very impressed by the work being done there.  The children are well cared for, confident and responsive.  The school needs its bathrooms and kitchen upgraded in order to be registered and that is where the Anns can help.

We have experienced some difficulties with the Tsholofelo Ya Tsholofetso Christian Pre school project.  First our builder became ill and ended in hospital for 10 days.  Then the school has had difficulties getting their water supply restored after it was cut off.  Their water metre was stolen from off their pavement and they suspect that it is metering someone else’s water. We hope to get the local city councillor involved to sort out the problem.  I am confident that we will complete the project satisfactorily in time.    

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of April 2019

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	22	Melissa Jesse
First	R300	47	Shirley Eustace

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of March 2019

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	18	Melissa Jesse
First	R300	99	Judy Powell

Anns Fellowship Tea 2019

We had a mixture of veterans and currently active Anns from Rosebank and also visitors from Johannesburg Anns, Randburg Anns,  Northcliff Anns and Charlotte brought her friend Jenny along.  Tea and coffee were provided by Debby Steenhof while various delicious goodies were handed round.  But it was the chat and laughter that really made the morning and it was particularly pleasing to have other Anns clubs with us.  We plan to repeat the function and deepen our relationship with other Anns clubs. 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of February 2019

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	15	Carol Whitfeld
First	R300	49	Sandy Virtue

Footprints combined Rotary and Anns visit

The Group

Margie shares a moment with Daniel

On Saturday 2 February an assortment of Rotarians, Anns and Artists assembled at Footprints Home for a fun afternoon.  Between us we provided sweet treats and savoury snacks and juice enough for the kids, visitors and volunteers who were there.

Mark took us on a tour to see the bathroom improvements we had funded.  .  It was good to see these improvements and hear what a terrific difference they have made.  He also showed us the current project (which we are not involved in – yet?) which involves extending the girls’ dormitory. 

But the highlight of the visit was interacting with the children!  Without fail they are bright and responsive and most articulate for their ages.  

Daniel tells a joke

They are also confident and open and appear happy.  This speaks volumes about the loving care they receive from their ‘parents’ Yolanda and her sister, Mark and the volunteers there. 

The children sang for us.  Then Yolanda invited them to tell us jokes.  The chief joke teller was Daniel who is thirteen and is passionately interested in snakes.  He bought out his pet snake – a non-venomous python – which brought out oohs and aahhs from the little kids.

It was particularly satisfying to collaborate with the Rotarians and Artists and a big thank you is due to Joan Sainsbury for all she did to facilitate the visit.

Lilian Dugard 100 years old

Before the Anns monthly meeting some Anns, who had known Lilian during her active years in the Anns, went to congratulate her.  We took a lovely cake, flowers and a card to mark the occasion.  Lilian sat sweetly in her chair and smiled at all.  She answered our questions and showed pleasure in the occasion. 

She was active in the Anns for many years, well into her nineties, until she became frail.

It was good to see her looking alert and happy on Wednesday.  We sang Happy Birthday.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of December 2018

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	64	Lucy Phipps
First	R300	97	Lynn Collacot

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of January 2019

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	96	Jen Adams
First	R300	97	Janet Callard

Rahima Moosa Festive Season Donation Christmas 2018

The first boy child

Every year the Anns donate eight hampers to the mothers of the 

The first girl child

first and second babies born on Christmas Day and New year’s Day at Rahima Moosa.  It’s always a very happy task to deliver the hampers to the hospital in early December and then receive the photos of the subsequent donation.  

The accompanying photos record these happy events.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of November 2018

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	76	John Austin
First	R300	81	Melissa Jesse

Itlhokomeleng donation shopping

Marjorie Manganye with trollies
at Makro

In response to our appeal to other Anns clubs in Region 2 for support for the Christmas Party and Hampers, the Rotary Club of Johannesburg very generously donated R5000-00 of their money raised from a recent bric-a-brac sale to this cause

It was my pleasure to go shopping with Marjorie Manganye at Macro to buy basic groceries for the hampers.  Marjorie is a remarkable 87-yesr-old woman who knows how to get things done. She is the CEO of Itlhokomeleng Association for the Aged and Disabled.   In a very short time she had organised an extra pair of hands to assist with “pulling” the goods from the various aisles and placing them in two big trolleys. 

At the end of the shopping we had purchased masses of brown sugar, rice, mielie meal, and pilchards.  She said they also try to put in jelly and custard as a special seasonal treat. 

I know the Christmas party is a major event on the calendar for Itlhkomeleng and I am proud that we have contributed to the hampers that are given to the guests to take home. 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of October 2018

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	6	Victoria Ziegler
First	R300	27	Melissa Jesse

On 10 September Anne Whitehead, June Virtue, Patricia Kuhlmann and Charlotte Croswell spent the morning “touring” Alexandra, conducted by Tricia Lockwood and driven by Mpho in the Rays of Hope combi.  This is how we were introduced to what the Rays of Hope intervention undertakes in the Alex community.  We had indicated that we were focusing on Early Chlidhood Development and they had identified the Thabelang Kgotso Early Learning Centre which has a ceiling that needs repair.  The children came rushing out and hugged us happily, endearing themselves to us at once.  We saw the sagging ceiling and the rest of the centre which incorporates three rooms and a kitchen.  They also have four functioning toilets.  The space for play and exercise is very limited and this is cause for concern. 

The rest of the tour exposed us to the spectrum of what Rays of Hope does in Alex.  The whole visit was thought-provoking.  We have resolved to assist the Thabelang Early Learning Centre with repairs to their ceiling.  A committee will attend to this.

Birthday and 100 club

Today, September 18^th, is Dulcie Floweday’s  99^th birthday.  Hearty congratulations Dulcie and may you continue to thrive and drive your scooter round Pembury!  See you at the Seniors’ Tea on 18 October.

Photo taken when Dulcie was only 89!

100 Club news

Thanks to those Rotarians: David Bradshaw, Les Short, Jean Bernardo, Jane Lagaay, and Bernard Neuhaus who are supporting the Anns fundraising 100 Club.  For R300-00 you get entered in a monthly draw for your stake money or a portion thereof and the annual draw for R3000-00 or R1500-00 or R500-00.  Have a flutter and support the Anns projects.  

Anns visit Footprints

Patricia Kuhlmann, Hilary Humphries, Penny Robinson, June virtue and Shirley Eustace took to the road on Thursday 2 August to “inspect” the place in which we hope to invest some of our hard-earned  funds.  We were made welcome and provided with tea while we waited for Yolanda Zafi to join us.  When she did come we were bowled over by her warmth and fascinated by her description of what Footprints is all about.  At the moment they are providing shelter for some 50 teachers who have had to flee Pemba, in northern Mozambique where they had come to do missionary work from many foreign countries and witnessed terrible bloodshed perpetrated by Al Shabib.  Their flights are tomorrow. 

But the normal work of Footprints is caring for and raising children who have no parents.  They have a particular philosophy of the importance of relationships and the children stay there as long as they need.  This runs into years in most cases.  The children we saw were confident and happy and everyone there smiled!

Yolanda and Mark showed us where our parts of the building improvements are located.  We will be pleased if Rotary will oversee our part when they are looking after their project there.  Our impression was that Footprints is doing important community work with little more than faith and industry.  We will recommend that the Anns support the building of the toilets as proposed.

DGA’s visit on 20 July 2018

Inside the Safe House

Four Anns met with DGAR Janet Callard and DGA Colleen Deiner in the Wanderers Club parking ground at 9am sharp.  We loaded the donated goods into one vehicle’s boot but couldn’t fit six people in the seats, so we took two cars.  We were headed for In His Honour Foundation’s campus where they have a Safe House for vulnerable children.  The traffic was heavy and we eventually arrived at 10:30.

Diane Cronje showed us around and was inspiring with her tales of the challenges and joys of the work that they do.  Mike is an ex-parabat and they use some concepts from the parabat training to instil discipline and structure among the young people that they care for.

With the meeting at the Wanderers in mind we eventually left after emptying the car of donations – dry goods, E-pap, towels, soaps and books for the growing library.  We arrived in time to hear reports of some committees and an inspiring address by DG Charles Deiner and some encouragement from Colleen.

It was good to spend time with our DGA Colleen and learn more of what they are doing in Middelburg.  That is truly inspiring.  We wish them both a happy year in office and thank them for their visit.

THE 2018 FUNDRAISING BRIDGE DRIVE

Wednesday 16 May was a chilly day, to say the least, 9⁰C as we parked our cars at St Michael’s Church.  
However, the hall air conditioning was turned up to a comfortable temperature ready to welcome
the players, and the Anns' team were in high spirits eager to play their parts to make the day a success.
And that’s what it turned out to be with complimentary comments and thanks expressed by many
as they left at the end.

Liz Short is a master organiser and delegated superbly and as a result everything ran like clockwork.  
She was so grateful to those Rotarians who donated prizes and came to play on the day.
Their contribution was significant, and she thanks them all.  
The raffle alone raised R9000.00 and the total amounted to R27 444.00!

Players

Yummy eats just before the players descended on them!

The tea table just before the rush

The prize table

                                                100 club final draw April 2018

Drawn	Amount	Ticket number	Name
6	5000.00	11	Lyn Baker
5	1500.00	34	Leslie Needham
4	750.00	7	Grant Zigler
3	500.00	14	Jude Rich
2	250.00	30	Leslie Needham
1	150.00	35	Jill Tucker

Winter's on the Way! 

Beanies

Jerseys

Blankets

The result of many happy hours of knitting and crocheting by some Anns and other loyal volunteers.  We are distributing them to Cotlands, Rays of Hope, the Avril Elizabeth Home and Nomsa's community project in Soweto.  Just in time for the onset of the cold weather.  Brrrrrr!

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of March 2018

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	39	Penny Robinson
First	R350	28	David Bradshaw

Jumble sale

On Saturday 3 March the Anns held a successful jumble sale in George Hay Park and raised R9152.10. 

Well done Shirley, Anne and the rest of the team.

The Anns at work

This weekend the Anns did shifts selling Wedding Inspirations magazines at the Wedding Expo at The Dome.  

The deal was that the Anns would get a percentage of the takings in exchange for giving their time.  The proceeds will go towards Anns’ charities.  

Forgive the poor quality of the photo of Liz Short and Margie Austin on Sunday morning.  

Those apron pockets were bulging with money! Well done to all who participated.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of February 2018

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	13	Patrick (gardener)
First	R350	68	Anah Mozikedi

Rotary Anns D9400 Mini Conference 2018

Eleven Anns from Rosebank attended the conference on 17 February at the Greek Hall, Benoni.  No one was disappointed and all left feeling happy and inspired.

Some arrived by various routes using their modern apps that divert motorists away from traffic jams.  Others took extra time because of a hold-up at Gillooly’s.  But however we got there we were delighted by the beautiful décor on the tables and warmed by the friendly welcome on registration.

After the formalities had been observed and honoured guests welcomed we got onto the “nitty gritties” – the presentations.  Boksburg Lake Club informed us about their support for and involvement with a project called Urban Ruins.  The Vereeniging Club entertained us with details of a unique and fascinating fundraiser called Picasso which involves people paying to attend a painting day and then buying their own works of art!  Finally we heard about Benoni Van Ryn Club’s support of Reach for Recovery’s Comfort Bag and Pillow drive.  This dovetailed with the existing project of the club namely the Knitted Knockers for women who have had mastectomies.

Then followed a hilarious talk by a psychologist, Samantha Holle, on love relationships.  Although we laughed heartily, we also learned about ourselves and reflected on relationships in our lives. It was enlightening. 

Next, we had lunch after a short break.  The food was quite delicious – perfect for a hot summer’s day. 

It was with mixed feelings that we received the news that Rosebank  Anns will not be hosting the Mini Conference in 2019.  That falls to Boksburg Lake Club.  After the closing formalities, there was time for chatting and networking and then people started drifting off.

Congratulations to Benoni Van Ryn Club for an outstanding Mini Conference.

Rahima Moosa Hampers

It was most pleasing to see the photos sent from Rahima Moosa  Mother and Child hospital, of mothers  and their babies, who received their hampers in due course.

This was the first girl baby born on Christmas Eve
 with her mother and her Rotary Ann hamper . .

. and the first boy with his mother and proud granny

 .

                    Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of January 2018

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	28	David Bradshaw
First	R350	22	Hayden Colombo

Rahima Moosa hampers

One of the loveliest things the Anns  do is the surprise hampers for Rahima Moosa moms and babies.  We package knitted and crocheted garments and blankets, soft toys, a feeding bottle, bum cream and some nappies into useful size buckets – eight in all.  These are presented to the moms of the first and second girl and boy babies born at the hospital on Christmas Day and again on New Year’s Day.  Attached to each hamper is a good wishes card.

This week it was Debby and June who delivered the hampers to Matron Olyn at Rahima Moosa Hospital.  It was a very happy occasion as the picture below shows.

Debby and the matrons with hampers

 

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of November 2017

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	44	Margie Austin
First	R350	02	Janet Callard

Rotary Ann's October Seniors' Tea

Margaret Jackson and Maude Londal were the guests of honour at our delightful Seniors’ Tea on Friday 27.  It was quite a decorous occasion and we had some relaxed bonding time.  We missed Dulcie Flowerday who had to attend a memorial service and Patsy Dalziell who was not well that day.  Geraldine van der Spuy was attending a family birthday celebration.   Hopefully we’ll have all the seniors next time.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of October 2017

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	20	Hilary Humphries
First	R350	61	Pam Donaldson

"President Shirley and PP Liz paid tribute to Anne Titze at Ekklesia Park, Blairgowrie on 28th September.  Anne has been crocheting beautiful blankets for the Anns for many years and she was presented with gifts and a card to thank her for her wonderful work for all our beneficiaries.  Her daughter, Angie, knits and crochets prolifically for our projects and she translated for Anne, who speaks only German and Afrikaans.  What makes this all so special is that - believe it or not when looking at the photograph - Anne is 93 years old!  She has no trace of arthritis and after the presentation she sped up the steps of the home to get her lunch!  So once again we prove that having anything to do with the Rosebank Rotary Anns is guaranteed to give you a long life!"

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of August

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	10	Jean Venter
First	R350	46	Liz Delmont

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of September 2017

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	13	Patrick Mpofu
First	R350	98	Duncan Ziegler

ANNS VISIT TO IN HIS HONOUR FOUNDATION OUTREACH SAFE CARE CENTRE

L to R:  Glen, Su, Debby , June, Maureen, Shirley, Mike, Diane, Judy, Janet

On Thursday 10 August three Rosebank  Anns, DGAR Janet Callard and DGA Judy Sligcher travelled to Hartebeestpoort to meet up with Rotary representatives from that Club and “tour “ the Safe Care centre.  Mike and his wife Diane run the Centre which provides care for 23 children under 18 and there are 26 full time older residents.  

In His Honour Foundation act as foster parents for the children.  The adult residents are encouraged to seek work and become independent.  While they stay there, they give of their talents and expertise in maintenance, cleaning and cooking.

We were able to deliver 30 blankets that had been collected by Sandton Rotary through their Blanket Drive to the Safe Care Centre and these were accepted with gratitude.

Rotarians Maureen Maclean, Glen and Debby were most generous with their time and Maureen hosted us to coffee when we arrived and lunch after the visit.  We hope to undertake some support for the In His Honour Foundation and its work and will be liaising with our new friends in Rotary at Hartebeestpoort.

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of July

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	46	Liz Delmont
First	R350	17	Linda Masters

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of June

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	2	Janet Callard
First	R350	30	Leslie Needham

iKageng – the new Anns project

iKageng is a community-based organisation founded in Orlando West, Soweto where the HIV and AIDS scourge has decimated families, leaving several children orphaned and vulnerable.  Its CEO is Carol Dyantyi who has been involved since its inception and has a never-give-up attitude.  The present challenge is around the withdrawal of a major funder and is far beyond our scope. 

The main programme areas are: health support, nutritional support, education support and psychosocial support.  Activities include

·         Providing for the basic needs of orphaned and vulnerable children – including a monthly food parcel delivery, clothing, water, electricity, school fees, school

uniforms and stationery, transport

·         Visits to each home at least three times a week

·         Applies for bursaries for children for tertiary education

·         Assists with job applications for children moving into the workplace

·         Facilitates events and activities to help the children in their holistic development

·         Assists with the acquisition of ID documents

·         Provides after school care, homework support, including a drop in centre.

Carol would like to expand the facilities at the centre to include a computer room.  There are rooms available and not being used at present although SASSA occupies some space in the buildings.  If some unused rooms could be made available, the Anns could fund the fitting out of a room for a computer centre.

If this proves impossible we have a wish list from which we can select needed items of a sustainable nature, like cooking utensils for the support groups, chairs for the children and grannies who come there for support and fellowship, school stationery, or school uniforms, and comfort bags. 

Visit with DGA Judy to iKageng and the Mighty Evolution Kids in Kliptown

On a chilly Friday 7 July, seven Anns and DGA Judy  Sligcher and DGAR Janet Callard set off for Orlando West to visit the iKageng project.  We were addressed by the dedicated and dynamic Carol Dyanyi who steers iKageng.  Her address was at the same time inspiring and challenging as she told us of the ongoing needs of child-headed households and those headed by Go-Go pensioners.  All of the beneficiaries of the project live in the community.  Besides physical needs like food, toiletries and school stationery there are emotional needs that are not being met in the community.  A look at the faces as we listened to Carol’s story left one in no doubt that the Anns were deeply touched.  We met some impressive young women who are employed by iKageng and who mentor growing girls in the DREAMS project providing emotional support and life skills that would normally be supplied within a family.  Boys are reached through a soccer initiative. Tea had been prepared and  while we had tea we heard the stories of Vusi and Emma, both products and success stories of iKageng.  Vusi now works there as the receptionist and Emma, who is studying law through UNISA, works in the office.   I was more convinced than ever that we will be supporting a most worthwhile endeavour when we help them kit out a computer centre for the children to use for their homework in the afternoons.  There is already a good-sized library and a reading initiative run by a volunteer.  Some seventy children pitch up there most afternoons.
Next we travelled to Kliptown to visit The Mighty Evolution Kids crèche.  We took them some groceries, paint and some knitted goods.  Candice runs the crèche and is trying to get government funding to help with expenses.  She has had to undertake some building to comply with the regulations for a crèche.  Candice is attending an Early Childhood Development course at St Stithians on a Saturday morni1ng.
The children were singing heartily as we left and looked eager and well, and this assured us that the crèche is doing good work in a severely impoverished area.
Then it was back to the Wanderers to meet up with the Rotarians and share lunch with them.

BRIDGE DRIVE 17th May, 2017

“Thank you, Liz, for a lovely morning! “ This was the happy parting remark from one bridge player, but it expressed the sentiments of the group who turned out at Bryanston St Michael’s church to play bridge, have a smashing tea and stand to win some splendid prizes if they bought raffle tickets, made a Grand or Small slam or were dealt a Yarborough.

The Bridge Drive organising team had met a number of times to track preparations including selling tables, getting donations for prizes, planning the goodies for tea, and then being there for the actual event.  Many Anns were involved in different ways, but special thanks and congratulations go to Liz Short and Margie Austin.  

The whole event passed off like clockwork, thanks to all involved.  We raised R25 000 

Well done the Anns!

Winners of the Rotary Anns 100 club draw for the month of May

Prize	Amount	Ticket number	Name
Second	R150	1	Barbara Newsome
First	R350	22	Hayden Colombo

Book Sale

On March 25 the Anns held a book sale at Bright Water Commons.  They set up shop early and, before the stall became busy were charmingly entertained by a fledgling pigeon that had occupied a corner just where the stall was located.  His mother was keeping a concerned eye on her baby and kept flying down and landing near him only to be pecked and nagged by her famished offspring.  The last we saw of the two was the baby making its way across the car park with his attentive mother swooping down to him as he waddled along.  We hoped he managed to avoid being run over!

The Anns enjoyed interacting with the public as people paused to peruse the boxes of books.  Some Rotary information flyers were handed out if people showed any interest in what Rotary does. The sale went well and raised over R4000-00 which will be allocated to a deserving community project at our April meeting.

Rotary Anns Mini Conference 2017

Colleen, Judy & Nadine

On Saturday 11 March nine Rosebank Anns found their way to Kariba Ranch in Meyerton for the D9400 mini conference hosted by the Rotary Ann Club of Vereeniging.  We sailed into the spacious parking ground and were  efficiently processed, welcomed, given name badges and treated to tea or coffee and delicious crunchies.  A lot of happy greetings occurred as people spied old friends and some useful networking took place. 

Promptly at 10:30 we were called to order then welcomed by President Myrtle Stringer before the conference was officially opened by DGA Nadine Daly.  The peace candle was lit, we prayed the Anns prayer, and were reminded of the objects of the Rotary Anns.  This was followed by the Inner Wheel prayer and objects and lastly the roll was called.

We were encouraged and motivated by hearing Zurika Neinabers amazing’ story of being struck down with ill-health and her courageous and persevering struggle to return to full functioning.  She is a living example of the possibility of overcoming adversity.  A quote from Becca Lee sums up Zurika’s  approach:  “The purpose of this glorious life is not simply to endure it, but to soar, stumble and flourish as you learn to fall in love with existence.  We were born to live my dear not merely to exist.”

Next came the presentation of projects by Rosebank Club, Benoni van Ryn’s Club and Randburg Club.  We could admire and learn about what other clubs are doing and offer to join in, in some cases.

Lunch was light and cool – perfect for a hot day - and was followed by a thought-provoking talk by Lynda Parsonson about The Beauty Myth and the role the beauty industry plays in defining what a woman should look like.  It overlooks all her qualities of character, and in this way undermines her position of increasing power in a man’s world.

After dessert and thanks, the conference was declared closed. But not before the occupants of lucky chairs were given beautiful pottery bowls full of succulents.  Many Anns lingered and took the opportunity to wander around the large grounds and get acquainted with the animals of which there is a menagerie at Kariba Ranch.  Some visited the shop and came away with charming hats and scarves they found there.

It was a most pleasant and inspiring day, well managed and congratulations go to all who participated in the organisation of it.

Rahima Moosa Hospital, Westbury

On Monday 19th December Debbie and June visited the Rahima Moosa Hospital in Westbury to deliver the annual Christmas and New Year gifts – hampers for the mothers of the first and second girl babies and boy babies born on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  

They contain lovingly knitted baby clothes and blankets, a soft toy, a feeding bottle some nappies and baby wipes and some Vaseline.  

We handed them over to Matron Jooste and they were safely stored away.  There was an atmosphere of joy around the handing over and a general bustle about the whole place which spoke of good management and care.  It was a happy task for us!

Baragwanath Palliative Care Project

In support of the Renal Palliative Care pilot project at Baragwanath Hospital funded by RI and delivered through  the Rotary Clubs of Rosebank Johannesburg and Hatfield in the UK. 

The Rosebank Rotary Ann Club contributed with recycled  bed linen, towels and slippers  donated by hotels.  Magdalina Selepe  assisted by mending, cutting down and packing the sheets into various sizes.  Palliative Care nurse Gloria Mokwatle is part of the Outreach Palliative Care Team who visits terminally ill renal patients in their homes. Others in group are President of Hatfield Rotary Club Mukesh Patel, Charlotte Croswell representing the  Anns Club of Rosebank Rotary and James Croswell, Project Leader.

Anns’ Jumble Sale

We gathered at the George Hay Park, opposite St Columba’s Church from 7 am on Saturday 29 October.  The tables were already erected in the shade of a large spreading tree.  Before we could unpack  the clothing, people were assembling around the site.  Despite our pleas to wait, rummaging began and we relied on our “security”- various gardeners and church workers  -  to minimize any possible pilfering.  When boxes of shoes were opened, there was a scramble for those. 

President Liz had kindly brought along all the equipment for coffee and a bag of muffins and these proved great revivers for flagging jumble sellers.  Ann Whitehead and her son Lawrence were responsible for the cash box and managed that side of things with great efficiency.

At 10:30 we packed bags with the small amount of leftover clothing for donations to some charity shops and soup kitchens and left with empty cars but the satisfying knowledge that another good sum of money had been secured for our projects.

Prue Tough when she was only 94!

Rotary Ann Maude Londal and Liz Short made a very special visit on Monday 24th October to someone who has to be the oldest Rotary Ann in the District (or in the world?).  It was Prue Tough's 103rd birthday and she received us with joy although she is blind and confined to a chair.  

She hears all right and she smiled constantly as she was updated on the Rotary Anns club, reminding her of those Rotarians and Anns who she had known in her many years with the Rosebank club and other members who have long since departed.  

She assured them that she was having a very happy day and that she would love to join the Rosebank Anns at their next Seniors Tea - sadly that would never be possible but does it hurt to dream at 103?  Liz Short said,"We left feeling humbled - and very young Maude is 92!".

Geraldine van der Spuy's 90th Birthday

Friday 30 September found the Anns and three precious seniors assembled at Debby Steenhoff’s for tea and a celebration of some major birthdays – Geraldine van der Spuy (90), Patsy Dalziel (97 in November) and Margaret Jackson (92).  Wow!

Patsy Dalziel, 96 Margaret Jackson, 92 and
Geraldine van der Spuy , 90 with Janet Callard
 in the background with some catching up to do.

Margaret gave a talk about her experiences during the deterioration of her eyesight – of the highs and lows of using Tape Aids for the Blind using tapes and then the Daisy machine that plays CDs, from the Grahamstown School for the blind.  Both these services are free for those who need them.  She related her surprise at one book (you choose your books by category, such as Romance) which contained the most lurid sex scenes – they had sent her Fifty Shades of Grey. One Ann pondered on the experience of reading it aloud for recording!  The Anns decided to donate the proceeds of the recent book sale and split it between Tape Aids and the Grahamstown School for the blind.  
It was a most pleasant fellowship event.  Thanks to Debby for hosting it.

Rotary Anns' Book Sale
Saturday 24 September found trestle tables and many beer tray boxes of carefully sorted books being set up outside the entrance to Brightwater Commons.

The Anns were doing a steady trade at around 9 am when security announced that the whole set-up would have to be moved to make space for a Tupperware seller, who, it seems always has this spot.
 It was explained that this move would be very difficult and appeals were made to the Tupperware seller, brightly decked out in Xhosa traditional gear, it being Heritage Day, to yield up her spot just this once, but to no avail.

 After exhausting their persuasive skills with no result, the Anns allowed themselves to be relocated, inside the centre where there turned out to be more space to display the books and the trade picked up to such an extent that R6100 was made on the day, a good R1000 over what had been anticipated.  All was well that ended well!
18 September

We are so pleased that Carol Lawrence is recovering and well enough to be at home.  We are sending Carol and Mike our good wishes and prayers.

Seniors:  Congratulations to Dulcie Floweday who turned 97 on the 18^th September.  She will be joining us at our Seniors’ tea on the 30th September, along with Margaret Jackson (92 and when we see her we can hear all about the 702 Walk the Talk) and Patsy Dalziel who will be 97 in November!

Friday, 19 August 2016

The Rotary Anns extend their best wishes to Carol Lawrence at this difficult time.

Loving greeting to Honorary Ann Dulcie Floweday on her birthday on 18 September.

Visit of DGA Nadine Daly to the Lesedi Project

On Friday 5 August, the Anns assembled at Broadacres Spar and condensed into two cars for the last part of the journey to Lesedi.  Janet Callard and Nadine Daly were among those gathered.  In her usual fashion, Shirley Eustace had gifts for the children at Lesedi – nursery type books – and some trays for Susan, the “aftercare cooking lady” whose whole demeanour has changed from one of stoic acceptance of the two-plate table top electric cookers, to animated pride in her new gas hob, fridge and working table.

Matilda, the headmistress of the Kwena-Molepo school and Pastor Phiri showed us round and Shirley explained the procedures that would be undertaken to secure and renovate parts of the  building.  The children were full of life and affection and this being a pre-school, the hugs given to Debbie Steenhoff and Hilary Humphris and Penny Robinson were at about knee level.  One learner took a particular shine to Charlotte Croswell.

Outside in the sun, Nadine gave a little talk about growing vegetables and the value of making compost to ensure the best crop and recycle organic matter.  Charlotte warned against rats, which make serious inroads into garden crops!  We noticed that most residents have a veggie patch and we saw an interesting ‘scarecrow’ made of various things including CDs glittering in the breeze.

We congregated in the church hall, which doubles up as the weekday aftercare, but which was empty that morning, for Nadine to address us about what was in store for the year ahead.  This included a reminder of the theme: ROTARY SERVING HUMANITY, information about the centenary  of the Rotary Foundation and the request for clubs to donate to it, an appeal for a donation from the Polio eradication group which still must eradicate the scourge in Afghanistan and Pakistan.                                                             

Nadine showed the group her booklet of activities and things to make with preschool children, from waste, like egg boxes, toilet roll inners and cardboard.  She kindly gave the Rosebank  Anns a booklet