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MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT FRANC BENTLEY |
FRANC'S FABLES
What a wonderful feeling it is to have so many good things happening in one month.
Handover of three Matching Grants: e’Pap 8th November (R91, 245); Knysna Sports School Trust 19th November (R210, 460) and bus on 23rd to Born in Africa, donated by RI Clubs from Districts 1870, 2170 and 9350, friends of Plettenberg Bay Rotary, and facilitated by Rotary Club of Knysna. Foundation Committee you are commended and particularly, Joan, for hard work and commitment. With great pleasure we received news from Gert Achterveld that members of Rotary Club Nieuwkoop have decided to continue their support of Knysna Sports School project for another three years.
9th November Penny and I met up with touring group of 15 delightful Rotary Foreign Exchange Students being hosted for the year by District 9270. It was great catching up with old acquaintances from KZN who were chaperoning during their short stop-over in Knysna.
Rotary Anns’ activities included distribution of food vouchers and stocking grocery cupboards at various community feeding schemes. Funding was raised at Feet for Food Charity Walk, Heritage Day. 17th November Anns donated Victim Empowerment Packs to Dr Laurel Giddy at Knysna Hospital to assist rape victims.
Thanks Club Admin for arranging Breakfast Skottel Braai at Buffalo Bay 14th November – a marvellous fellowship event and howling winds, raging for days, co-operatively abated with precision timing on this perfect Sunday morning.
Outstanding dinner for Rotary International Friendship Tour (No.34) was hosted at Knysna Yacht Club 23rd November and thanks go to Rob Clark and his team for organisation and also to all Rotarians who home-hosted our 31 visitors from five different countries!
Ear Nose and Throat Week is in its 9th year and gratitude to Ian and Joan for initiating and carrying on with arrangements for this annual project which is of enormous value to the community. Thanks to Anns for providing refreshments and lunches to medical team.
Congratulations to Ina Thompson for being nominated and accepting office of President Nominee – you’ll make a great President in 2012/13.
On the Family of Rotary side, Hans continues convalescing after surgery and we hope to see him and Doke back with us early in the New Year. Sympathy goes to the Greenwood family at the loss of Joyce’s dad.
What a month! Thanks and appreciation to all Rotarians. Without a team like you we would never achieve our goals and may our minds be broadened that we have words of encouragement for others who may be misjudged and misunderstood.
Franc |
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| MINI CONFERENCE IN SWELLENDAM |
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Seven Rotarians set off to Swellendam for the Mini Conference on 30 October. Various topics were dealt with and were received by the more than 100 attending.
Some of the members stayed for a delicious braai and some fellowship before they returned home to be in time for the Springbuck rugby game.
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President Frank Bentley, PDG Elwin Thompson, Damian Lahoud, Rob Clark, Ina Thompson and Mike Mills attended the conference. Irmela Pakendorf arrived later.
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The youngest and newest member of the Rotary Club of Knysna, Damian Lahoud, gave a talk on his year as an Ambassadorial Scholar in Sweden which was very well received. |
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Rotary Ann Eleanor Pawson turned 70 on 5 November and celebrated the day with friends and family. She is a very active member of the Anns’ Club and has served with distinction as president. |
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MORE FOOD FOR HUNGRY KIDS |
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When Patrick Fleming of the UK based charity Garden Route Children’s’ Trust gave a talk to the Rotary Club of Amersham nearly a year ago, he could not have expected the ripple effect seen in Knysna on Monday. He emphasized the widespread use of E-Pap and the advantages of this food in combating malnutrition in the impoverished areas of Knysna and the Amersham Rotarians immediately decided to do a fund-raising event for this worthy cause.
The Rotary Club of Knysna contributed, the International Rotary Foundation added more and eventually, this week, the President of the Rotary Club of Knysna handed over a cheque for over R91 000, the result achieved in this Matching Grant. This is to be spent both on E-pap for the many needy youngsters in our schools as well as 500 kgs of dried soya granules for stew for the many hungry older ones.
No wonder some called it a Magic Grant…
Submitted by Joan Huskisson
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Lallie Viljoen, of E-Pap accepting the cheque from Joan Huskisson and President Franc Bentley |
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Seven of the twelve members of the Rotary Club of Knysna who received 100% Attendance Certificates for the Rotary Year 2009-2010.
Unfortunately PDG John Satchel, PP Andre Sandiford, AG Mike Mills, PP James Pannell and Rtn Louise Pannell were not available for the photograph.
Well done to these twelve members. |
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From left to right: PP Lesley Satchel, PP Mendy Weiner, PP Ian Ballantine, PDG Elwin Thompson, PP Peter Southey, P Franc Bentley and Rtn Ina Thompson. |
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| ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENTS’ FLEETING KNYSNA VISIT |
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District Youth Exchange Committee was tasked with taking their Exchange Students on a two week round trip from Durban to Cape Town starting at the Rotary Club of Durban North, District 9270. Fifteen Exchange Students participated and home countries included USA, Brazil, Australia, Germany, Denmark and France. Their road-trip incorporated stopovers at Ficksberg, Colesberg, Oudtshoorn, Montague, Cape Town, Knysna, Jeffrey’s-Bay, Kidds Beach and Leisure Bay. Chaperones Rtn Clive Hull and wife Jenny with Rtn Brenda Swanepoel, of Umhlanga Rotary Club accompanied them.
Immediately after arriving at Monks Holiday Park, Tuesday 9 November, they took off for John Benn/Featherbed cruise. We’ve known Hilary from our Durban Rotary days and as Youth Exchange program is particularly close to Penny’s heart, (its 42 years since her marvellous year’s USA Rotary exchange) we were delighted to join this happy group! Helena was at the Park to welcome the visitors at dinner time and a gourmet meal was provided by Hilary’s sister who lives at The Heads.
This group of charming, cheerful young people are so very fortunate to have had this additional travel opportunity during their year away from home. Hilary and her team did their homework thoroughly before embarking on a truly remarkable journey in spite of budget limitations.
Franc
Rotary Exchange Students with President Franc and Helena Monk in Knysna
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| FEET FOR FOOD CHARITY WALK |
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Proceeds from Rotary Anns’ ‘Feet for Food Charity Fun Walk’ held on Heritage Day have been allocated to the following local feeding schemes which each received a donation to the value of R2 500 to assist them in their praiseworthy endeavours: Badisa Family Care Services, Siphuncedo Support Group, Dam se Bos and M & M Soup Kitchen, Hornlee. Thanks go to all Knysna Rotarians who contributed in serving to make this project a success and enabling the Anns to help feed the hungry.
The Rotary Anns filled the food cupboard at Badisa Family Care Services (using their allocation). From left to right are: Rotary Anns Avis and President Penny, Badisa Social Workers, Alna de Waal and Amanda Botha and their Social Auxiliary Worker, Patience Maguga |
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| ROTARY CLUB OF KNYSNA SUPPORT FOR FAMSA |
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In 2010 FAMSA in Knysna moved to larger premises which enabled them to have an additional dedicated counselling room. They now enjoy a large, welcoming reception area, individual offices, two separate and private counselling rooms, and a loftroom for training sessions and meetings. The Rotary Club of Knysna supported this move by donating four steel cupboards, a computer stand and ten stackable chairs for the loftroom.
FAMSA grew from the South African National Council for Marriage Guidance and Counselling which was formed in 1954. The rationale for FAMSA’s commitment is based on the belief that the family is the nucleus of society and when it weakens or is challenged, the stability of the entire community is threatened and affected. Social workers with specialised skills and training form the core of the organisation. They work closely with volunteers in the community who are selected and trained by FAMSA. Ongoing and refresher training are imperative if skills and knowledge are to remain relevant to the needs of the community. The Knysna team, under the directorship of Lou van der Merwe, is dedicated to providing excellent service which is based on confidentiality, a non-judgemental attitude and respect for others. FAMSA thus counsels members from all segments of the community, irrespective of gender, creed, race or economic sector. |
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Ruth Maseko (Coordinator of Women in Need) using the computer stand recently donated by the Rotary Club of Knysna. FAMSA’s director, Lou van der Merwe, can be seen in the background. |
In addition to working directly with FAMSA, there are other areas in which Rotary connects with FAMSA. An example is Lovelife’s GoGoGetter programme. Ruth Maseko, the coordinator of FAMSA’s Women in Need Project, serves as the facilitator for Lovelife’s GoGoGetter programme which has also received some assistance from Rotary.
The Knysna Rotary Anns have also supported FAMSA’s Victim Empowerment and Support project, recently by donating support packs for victims of rape and abuse.
Barbara Ikin
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| WELL DONE, XANDER! Good luck for 2011 |
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Dear Members of the Rotary Club of Knysna
Thank you so much for the financial support since 2007. As seen on the photo, I obtained my B. Accounting degree and I hope to do my honours in 2011. Without the help of Rotary, it would not been possible for me to complete my studies.
Thanks again and please call on my duties if you need help in the future.
Xander Olivier
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Xander Olivier, one of the successful Bursary Students of the Rotary Club of Knysna. |
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CLUB FELLOWSHIP BRAAI AT BUFFALO BAY |
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| Members of the Rotary Club of Knysna enjoyed a breakfast at Buffalo Bay in the sun next to the sea. Recipes, fishing stories, experiences and food were shared with much fun and fellowship taking place. |
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| Ann and Howard Waters |
PDG Elwin and Damian Lahoud |
Rotarians enjoying breakfast in the sun next to the water |
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| MIMIO BOARDS FOR KNYSNA PRIMARY |
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The Rotary Club of Knysna donated seven Mimio Boards to the value of about R45 000 to Knysna Primary School. The boards are used daily by the teachers and the learners in all the different subjects. |
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SUPPORT TO THE KNYSNA SPORT SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME |
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Rotary President Franc Bentley and Past President Joan Huskisson handed the cheque to Chick Ramsay of the Knysna Sport School Trust.
| A Donation of R210 460 was handed to the Knysna Sport School Trust to further the Sports Development programme. This was a Matching Grant between the Rotary Clubs of Knysna, Nieuwkoop and Rotary International. The Rotary Club of Nieuwkoop has undertaken to continue supporting the Sport School over the next three years
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A LETTER OF THANKS FROM KEITH, DIRECTOR KNYSNA SPORT SCHOOL |
Dear Rotarians,
Your visit on Friday evening and the wonderful contribution you presented us with were of course a highlight not to be forgotten; and added to that, the news of the prospect of yet another term of generous assistance!!! Well, it has taken me a while to get my mind around the scale of the role you are playing in our efforts and we are all very grateful!!!
I know that Colin, Eleanor and Les too, our Trustees who were not able to attend, will join us, [Chick, Lynn and I], in saying yet another sincere `thank you' for your assistance and kindness over the past few years. Our special thanks to you Hans for initiating and clinching this `miracle' deal ..... and to you Joan for all you have done in getting it through each time!!
We will do all we can not to disappoint you in our endeavours and will make sure that the `development program' goes from strength to strength.
Our program of events closes on Saturday 27th November and you would be most welcome to join us at any stage of the morning program, if you are able to. I attach a program of the activities should you be interested. Venue: Abbottsfield in Rheenendal.
It is our intention to provide all our supporters with an electronic version of a report of the events of 2010 and look forward to sending that to you early in December.
My personal thanks to each of you in your personal capacity, and to you all as a Rotary Club.
Regards
Keith
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| RUIGTERVLEI RECEIVED AN AWNING |
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The very much needed awning at the Ruigtervlei School is up and in use. This project was a combined effort by the Rotary Club of Knysna and U3A. |
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| ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP AT ITS BEST |
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The Rotary Club of Knysna had the privilege to host a group of 31 Rotarians and friends for two days who were on an International tour. This is the 34th Tour with the visitors coming from Alaska, England, Finland, UK and Turkey. The group met in Pretoria and visited game parks and other tourist attractions throughout South Africa
On the first day in Knysna the group enjoyed a trip to Featherbed Nature Reserve on the western head. During the afternoon they visited many of the projects of the Rotary Club of Knysna. That evening they attended the Rotary meeting at the Yacht Club. The visitors and Rotary members enjoyed an evening of fellowship and good food.
The tour group left the next morning in high spirits for Cape Town
It is another successful Fellowship tour organised by Past President James and Louise Pannell. |
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Nick and Sue Mason from Chichester and
Richard Colman from London |
PDG Elwin Thompson with Eunice Maris and
PDG Ken Haverland from Alberta, Canada |
Kim and Pat Knight from Canada |
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| EAR, NOSE AND THROAT WEEK IN KNYSNA |
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Five doctors, surgeons and anaesthetists, from Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town arrived in Knysna to assist Dr Martin Young to catch up on the backlog on ear, nose and throat operations for the underprivileged patients.
Nine years ago Dr Martin Young and the Rotary Club of Knysna started working together in getting these doctors to Knysna every year. Over the past eight years they have performed between 450 and 500 operations of different levels of difficulty during the ENT Week.
These operations are performed at the Provincial Hospital from Monday to Friday with the very capable theatre staff assisting them. The team of doctors use newly developed instruments from different companies.
The Rotary Club of Knysna provides accommodation for the team. Mrs Jooste lets her house on the Leisure Island at a very special price to the Rotary Club and Southerbeys donates the cleaning staff during the week.
The Rotarians supply breakfast and supper to them. On their arrival they enjoy supper with a group of Rotarians at the home of Rotary Past Presidents Ian and Joan Huskisson. The Cruise Café treats the team to dinner on the Monday night and on Tuesday night they are entertained at the home of Dr Martin Young, the local ENT specialist. The Rotary Anns provide all the teas, eats and lunches for the week. The Rotary Club of Knysna hosts the group of doctors and nursing staff for a “Thank You and “Farewell Braai” at the Knysna Sport School on the Thursday evening.
The Rotary Club of Knysna, Dr Young’s team and the nursing staff of the Provincial Hospital are to be highly commended for the voluntary work being done for the community of Knysna. |
Dr Martin Young (on left) with the team of surgeons and
anaesthetists from Cape Town
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Dr Tashneen Harris operating |
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| NEW BUS FOR BORN IN AFRICA |
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The Belgium volunteers in the new bus for Born in Africa donated by the Rotary Club of Knysna and six Belgium Rotary Clubs
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The Rotary Clubs of Knysna, Antwerpen, Amerloo, Elsloo, Maaskant, Dusseldorf, Scolossturn and Rotary International all contributed towards the new bus for Born in Africa.
Born in Africa is a charity based mainly in Belgium supporting hundreds of children throughout their educational lives. They have a system of "adoption" where Belgian "grandparents" support a specific child in the Plettenberg Bay, Crags and surrounding area.
They have a constant group of young volunteers from Belgium who teach life skills and give extra attention to those who need it. They also visit homes and deal with social and domestic issues. They take the children on camps and teach them to swim.
The big advantage is that they are there to encourage and pay for the children with potential throughout their tertiary education.
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President: Franc Bentley; Past President: Ian Ballantine;
Secretary: Graham Waterston; Treasurer: Adrian Auckland;
Club Administration: Rob Clark;
Service Projects: Alan Warne;
New Generations: Mendy Weiner;
Rotary Foundation: Peter Southey;
Public Relations: Ina Thompson;
Anns President: Penny Bentley
Venue for Tuesday Meetings: Yacht Club at the Knysna Waterfront at 12:30 for 13:00 |
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