Rotary Club of Boksburg will soon be 83

The Rotary Club of Boksburg was chartered on August 31, 1938, under Rotary International Charter number 4821.

The club was chartered with many famous Boksburg residents as members, such as attorney Harry Massel, businessman Valois Terblans and photographer Jack Van Der Spuy.

According to public relations officer for the Rotary Club of Boksburg Elsa Venter, the club still prides itself that many street names in Boksburg are also the names of members of the Rotary Club of Boksburg.

“One of the club’s proudest achievements is the charter of its sister club, Rotary Club of Boksburg Lake, which is now going on for 44 years, with charter member Past President and Paul Harris Fellow Nicky Savvides whose still a proud active member,” Venter said.

The club has assiduously kept its history book updated with information from that date until now. Venter said the first volume of the book was filled to absolute capacity just before the club?s 80th charter anniversary in 2018.

“A second book was then opened under the watchful eye of senior club member Past President and Paul Harris Fellow Dave Beattie who died shortly after the club’s 80th charter anniversary. The history book is the club’s proudest possession and is continually made available to all interested guests, whether they are rotary guests or not. A great amount of pride is exhibited by district governors and other officials every time they view the updated book,” Venter said.

When the club turned 80 in 2018 an unforgettable Rotary dinner was held in the Boksburg Civic Hall.

Eighteen clubs attended the festivities, exchanging club banners. Current incoming club president Derek Fox was also the club’s president that year. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the most prestigious recognitions in rotary internationally, and a Rotarian of the Year too.

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Venter said he is also ready to lead the club for the 2020/21 period and is aiming to work hard, especially with membership and fund-raising for the benefit of the community, and to make the world a better place in terms of rotary values.

“Derek has the support of his family, his club and his worldwide organisation, after having recently recovered from serious cancer-related illness and esophagectomy and thorocotomy surgery.

“He is fun-loving, high spirited, a motivated planner and organiser and generally a ‘making things happen’ kind of person. He gets along with most people and this characteristic has found him being voted into leadership positions in school, in business and in Rotary, where he is a service-above-self award winner and known for being passionate about making a difference in the lives of others with huge success,” she said.

Meanwhile, another unique asset the club can boast with is its oldest member Past President and Paul Harris Fellow Jack Gray, who is 93 years old and still an active member.

Gray was inducted in 1970 and recognised for his varied services to rotary by Rotary International two years ago.

Charismatic member Dana Oosthuizen, Past President and Paul Harris Fellow, has been with the club since 1999.

Anybody who would like to see the club’s history book can call Venter on 082 858 1271 and if you would like to join the Rotary Club of Boksburg call Derek on 082 886 0651.

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