Great year achieved and another to come for PA Round Table
Round Table Port Alfred 177 met at their clubhouse behind the Port Alfred Ski-boat Club last Thursday for its AGM, where new chairperson Jacques Scheepers took on the responsibility of leading the Tablers through another year of service to the community.
Outgoing chairperson Julius Horak said it took special people to undertake this job and thanked the Port Alfred Tablers for all their support over the previous year.
In addressing the Tablers, Horak reminded them of the commendation given recently by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who thanked Round Table for assisting him at the start of his career by providing him with his first knife set.
In 2019, the Universities Boat Race was almost a disaster when the organisers responsible for entertainment pulled out, leaving the prestigious event high and dry.
But the Port Alfred Tablers, with just 20 days’ notice (and who also organise the opening meal for the competitors at Port Alfred High School) jumped into the fray and saved the day.
Although it was too late to organise a temporary liquor licence, attendees were allowed to bring their own booze to the party.
Round Table (Port Alfred and Kenton) will organise 2020’s entertainment and Horak commended his fellow Tablers for all their hard work. “We will do it again this year, but with more than 20 days’ notice this time,” Horak said.
“Fellowship is the objective of this year, there is no point in being a member of the Round Table if we don’t enjoy ourselves and being together.
“In the three-years I have been a member, Round Table has changed my life.”
The Round Table is a nonpolitical, non-denominational organisation for men aged between 18 and 40 years of age, who have a genuine desire to assist those less fortunate in their community.
As such, Round Table takes on projects throughout the year to benefit the community.
Upon reaching the age of 40, Tablers become 41ers, and these past members can still be involved in projects and offer their experience and advice when requested to do so.
Horak spoke of the projects that Round Table had initiated or participated in during his term of office that included joint fish and chip evenings with the Port Alfred Lions Club at the Round Table clubhouse, along with Winter Knights, the Boat Race Festival entertainment and many other events.
“All in all this was one fantastic year. One thing I realised is theTable can do anything if we work together as a team, I’m super proud of you guys and the effort put in this year,” Horak said.
“Let’s keep on Tabling and all the best for 2020.”
At the meeting, Horak handed over the chairmanship to Jacques Scheepers and Brendon Marais was appointed vice-chair for 2020.