1

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S

NEWSLETTER

November/December 2014

November is Foundation Month By now, I am sure that most Rotarians understand the possibilities Foundation offers and why Foundation should be

supported. In short, the mission of the Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill,

and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.

PDG Francis Callard will be having a further Foundation Seminar early in 2015 I hope those of you, who have not attended a seminar, will make an effort to attend. Each and every Rotarian needs to understand what Foundation is about. In the meantime you can use the following link for more information https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/rotary-foundation.

When you read this newsletter it will be less than a month to Christmas. Can you believe it! Calvin Coolidge said:” Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” Impossible to believe and I cannot believe it myself, is the fact that I have finished all but one club visit, 82 in total. It seemed like a daunting task at the beginning of July and now it is done and dusted. What a fulfilling experience. It was won-derful and inspiring meeting all the clubs and their lovely members as well as vis-iting all their projects. Some have left such a lasting impression on my mind. Once again thank you to each and every club members hard work in making a differ-ence in the lives of less privileged people. From Hennie and myself a heartfelt thanks again to each and every one for the hospitality afforded to us.

My last visit this month ended on a high note. Hennie and I had the privi-lege to visit the vulture restaurant outside Hartbeespoort Dam. It was quite an experience seeing about 200 plus vultures coming in to land for a well-earned weekly meal. So pleased I am of the Homo sapiens species!

Ha ha… I was informed that they were all invited to meet with the DG and they therefore gave a grand performance coming in to eat and leaving again. They are very well man-nered and as they landed all sat in a row saying grace first. IPDG Anneas however thought that they first did the Fourway Test!

When you read this newsletter it will be less than a month to Christmas. Can you believe it!Calvin Coolidge said:cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.Impossible to believe and I cannot believe it myself, is the fact that I have finished all but one club visit, 82 in total. It seemed like a daunting task at the beginning of July and now it is done and dusted. What a fulfilling experience. It was won-derful and inspiring meeting all the clubs and their lovely members as well as vis-iting all their projects. Some have left such a lasting impression on my mind. Once again thank you to each and every club members hard work in making a differ-ence in the lives of less privileged people. From Hennie and myself a heartfelt thanks again to each and every one for the hospitality afforded to us.

DGR Martin Forsyth-Thompson, DG Annie, AG Butch Kotze & members of Piet Retief Club.

Left: President Alicia handing over a cheque to the Manager, Dave, at Sedibeng Childrens’ Haven

RC Vanderbijlpark

literacy project

2

I had the privilege attending Roodepoort’s 70th anniversary, Three Rivers’ 30th and Barberton’s 60th. Again congratulations

to all on this achievement. Also congratulations to Knights Pendragon on their 25th anniversary and thanks to DGR Robin

Bath standing in for me.

Fred Rogers said:” I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favourite story. The pleasure is in the

familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending.”

ROTARY DAY

A reminder to all Presidents. Do not forget to plan and have your Rotary Day if you have not yet done so. Please let me know

what you are planning alternatively what your Rotary Day was all about if you’ve already had it. Please share your event on

our district website and in our District Newsletter.

As I have visited so many clubs during November the photos will be divided between this newsletter and December’s one.

I wish you all a blessed Festive Season and a prosperous new year. Enjoy the Festive season with your families and drive

safely wherever you are going.

In the words of Jane Clayson: ”There are seasons in life. Don’t ever let anyone try to deny you the joy of one season because

they believe you should stay in another season… Listen to yourself. Trust your instincts. Keep your perspective.”

Festive Greetings

DG Annie and Hennie

Right: AG Hans Mostert, Project champion, President Paul Westcott, DG Annie, DGR Anneas at Northcliff’s Zandspruit project

Left: President Paul, DG Annie new inducted member at Northcliff

Right: Manager at Lifeline Shirley showing handwork by ladies from Bella Maria Home

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

EXCHANGE RATE FOR DECEMBER IS R11,15/US$

3

Everybody hard at work planting beetroot at Riverside

Rotary Cub project

DGR/PDG Ernie Hendriks, DG Annie, PDG Robin Liedtke and President Brian of Roodepoort Rotary Club

RC of Roodepoort’s 70th

anniversary cake

A friend and President

Brian of the RC Roodepoort

with DG Annie

4

President Beth, DG Annie with the Three Rivers 30th Anniversary cake

Receiving a banner from President Patrick Rotary club of Riverside

Receiving a banner from President Petro Rotary club of Vanderbijlpark

Receiving banner from President Alicia Rotary Club of Vereeniging

DGR Martin Forsyth-Thompson, Pres. Marco, DG Annie and

President Butch at Ermelo & Ermelo Phoenix’s evening

function

5

Hungry “hanslammer” meeting DG Annie

Presidents and members of the Vaal clubs joining for a lively discussion

Exec meeting with the Rotary Cub of Soweto -

President Lebo

District 9400 congratulates PP Don Decereux on his upcoming 90th birthday. On 20 December, Don

will celebrate this special occasion with his family. The RC Club if Morningside, where Don is a

member, was treated to a special three-course meal at the Thornton’s Family home with club mem-

bers and he was presented with a laptop from the club’s members and some other gifts. PP Don

served as the D9300’s District treasurer for many years. Congratulations Don!

6

Left: The RC of Carletonville—DG Annie and the club

executives

——————————-

Below: Lighting up Rotary with President Nkomo of the Rotary

club of Rustenburg Kloof

6

Below: Meeting with President Gerrie and execs of the Rotary club of Brits Hartbeespoort at

Vulture Restaurant

WISHING THE DGE & DGAE

WELL ON THEIR WAY…..

The Rotarians and Rotary Anns

wish DGE David and DGAE

Margaret Grant a very successful

trip to the USA—they will be

attending the Rotary International

Assembly in San Diego.

They will also spend a few days

with PDG Charlie and Barbs

Clemmons in Houston.

DGE David is a presenter at their

annual Bootleggers conference

where he will address the

delegates on our prestigious

Literacy/Education project in

Bedfordview. The containers

come from Houston, Texas.

7

From the desk of your Rotary District Governor's Ann Elaine Stathacopoulos November 2014 and December 2014

November and December have

been wonderfully busy and really great fun. I have travelled to many Anns clubs visiting and discussing their projects. When leaving each club I felt great joy at the wonderful things these fantastic ladies achieve each and every year. The Rotary Anns of our district certainly go out of their way trying to ensure that so many feel even in a little way, the joy that this season brings.

I take this time to wish you all a safe, happy and joyful Christmas and blessing for the New Year.

“Only your compassion and your loving kindness are invincible, and without limit.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Love and Blessings

Elaine Stathacopoulos

many Anns clubs visiting and

at the wonderful things these

certainly go out of their way trying to

many Anns clubs visiting and many Anns clubs visiting and many Anns clubs visiting and

at the wonderful things these at the wonderful things these at the wonderful things these

I loved these quotes on the notice board of the school library on a visit to the Potgietersrus Rotary

Club Project

happy and joyful Christmas and happy and joyful Christmas and

Enjoying Fellowship with Louis Trichardt Rotary Ann President Di Bannetyne

8

Janet Callard - CV

Born on the day and in the year when the Potsdam Conference end-ed, with Stalin, Truman and Churchill. One month later V-J Day; formal surrender of Japan aboard USS Missouri (WW II ends).

My life started in Johannesburg in that very memorable year. Five years later school life commenced at the Auckland Park Preparatory School. After completing Matric at the Rosebank Con-vent in 1962, I went to the Johannesburg School of Art for two years.

In 1965 I joined Standard Bank in the Premises Department assisting with the drawing of branch layouts and some admin work. Six months later moved to the N.I.P.R. (National Institute for Personnel Research) where amongst other responsibilities I prepared drawings for personnel tests and assisted in administering the tests.

It was during this time that I joined the Order of St John and met Francis in 1966. I competed in numerous national competitions and was a member of the winning team and the runner-up team for a number of years as well as winning the individual competition during the same period. I was awarded the Prior Vote of Thanks in 1972 and Serving Sister in 1976 and com-pleted the Demonstrators Certificate in 1978.

I spent 1970 in the UK, working, travelling and having fun. It was the period when South Africans were not welcome but was able to organise a job as well as a work permit. I also had the privilege of working with St John in London.

I returned at the end of 1970 and joined Francis in Kimberley and this is where my career path changed. I joined The SA Perm and never looked back. Six months later we transferred back to Johannesburg and married in 1972. I progressed through various positions in the Building Society which included opening a sub-branch and later managed a much larger sub-branch.

In 1983 we were on the move again. Francis was transferred to Empangeni. This is where Francis was invited to join Rotary – by my ‘boss’. I was transferred as the Banking Hall Supervisor and within a year had been promoted to Training Officer. In 1985 we moved to Durban. I loved our time in Natal but this was not to last and we came back to Johannesburg in 1988. From 1984 to my retirement 18 months ago I covered many areas of Human Resource Development and have very fond memories of the work I did throughout the country and also Namibia.

I am a member of the Church Council of St. Francis Church, Parkview for the period 1975 - 2000 except for the period away from Johannesburg and I was a Churchwarden from 1991- 2000 with an obligatory break of one year.

My Rotary career has been very rewarding and have enjoyed all of it. I have had two full terms as President of the Northcliff Anns as well as some shared years.

I have also served as an AGA/DGA Rep for 8 DGAs; Special Aide to Elaine Margolius and Elaine Stathacopoulos and Secretary to Zurika Nienaber.

I have prepared the training material and trained the Anns from 2002 – 2013

and again this year for Elaine. I completed the initial PRLS course.

I was awarded a Paul Harris in 2006 by Steve Goad from America. I served on the Events Committee in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.

I was the DGA 2010 – 2011 the first year of the combined districts,

My hobbies are varied - sugar craft and a variety of arts and crafts.

9

Pietersburg 100 induct four new ladies—in the photo Magriet Jacobs, Leanne Barrett, Judith, Lara Kirkpatrick P A Ann Prinsloo and DGA Elaine Stathacopoulos.

Pietersburg 100 project - Crèche in Reakgona. The crèche has two classrooms and long drops for toilets. The school's only equipment is plastic chairs. There are no toys, playground equipment or grass or trees, just a clean sandy patch. The Anns supplied balls, classroom posters, food and other necessities.

The Randburg Rotary Anns (our Calendar Girls) have 17 members and they are very active in their community.

Success story: The club adopted a teenager, Patricia in 2008 (DGA Zurika Nienaber's "Educate a teen candidate". The club sponsored her through to Grade 12. Patricia has now officially been accepted on a Deloitte Contract and has a full scholarship from Stellenbosch University.

10

Louis Trichardt - Berg Care School for the disabled

Pupils are taught to cook and cater to raise funds for their school. They cater for municipal meetings held at their school, and do table settings and décor. Scones, muffins are baked daily and sold to the local community.

Northcliff Rotary Anns -DGA visit

11

Benoni Aurora Rotary Anns induct two new Anns: Roshni Naicker and Barbara Davidson

Lighting up Rotary

Solar lights were handed out to the very needy Pensioners at the soup Kitchen. Gwyn, Pam and Ronel from Benoni Aurora Anns went out to the soup kitchen on 25 November.

They had a party with cup cakes and a small parcel of food goodies, and of course their Solar Lights—Much jubilation was had by all.

Happy Anniversary to Mick and Sue

from Boksurg Lake Club who

celebrated 50 years on

7 November