Bay Rotary celebrates four decades in style
THE Rotary Club of Richards Bay celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding at a gala dinner held at Blue Marlin Guest House in Meerensee on Saturday evening.
Among the dignitaries and guests present were founder members Gert van Rooyen and Terry Chrystal who, along with long-serving members
Hans van Koert and Ingrid Edelson, shared many a humorous and touching story of the ‘good old days’.
What was clearly evident was that, while the club has enjoyed much fellowship and camaraderie, they have also contributed immensely to many community upliftment projects over the years, touching the hearts and lives of the needy and vulnerable.
All this was encapsulated in the congratulatory message from district governor Jacques Venter, who said the Richards Bay club had embodied Rotary International’s motto of ‘Service above self’.
“We are part of 1.2 million Rotarians in 37 046 clubs in 210 countries, who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities around the world.
“For more than 118 years, our guiding principles have been the foundation of our values: service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership.
“We are people of action, connecting passionate people with diverse perspectives to solve problems, using our professional experience and personal commitment to find effective ways to enhance health, stability and prosperity across the globe,” said Venter.
“Rotarians are opportunity creators and community builders, collaborating with other leaders who want to get to work on projects that have a real, lasting impact on people’s lives.”
Other honourable guests welcomed by Richards Bay president Francois Fourie were Gideon and assistant DG Laurie van der Merwe, Empangeni president Andrew Killick and eShowe president Richard Chennells.
The formalities and fine food dispensed with, it was time for hilarious homemade entertainment, with Rotary’s own Abba ladies (Kathy Truter, Yvonne van Rooyen, Alta Malan) and Three Tenors (Willie van der Heever, Terry Chrystal, Gert van Rooyen) and then dancing the night away to the impressive tones of Daleen Bruins-Lich.
Rotarians are opportunity creators and community builders