Rotary Club Boksburg celebrates 83rd birthday

The Rotary Club of Boksburg was chartered on August 31, 1938, under Rotary International Charter number 4 821.

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 Rotary Club Boksburg Elsa Venter, the club still prides itself that many street names in Boksburg are also the names of members of Rotary Club Boksburg.

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

The club has assiduously kept its history book updated.

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.

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. A Rotarian of the year too. He is also ready to lead the club for the 2020/21 period.

“He is aiming to work hard, especially with the membership and fund-raising for the benefit of the community and to make the world a better place in terms of rotary values. He has the support of his family, his club and his worldwide organisation. He recently recovered from serious cancer-related illness and surgery for esophagectomy and thorocotomy. He is a fun, loving, high spirited, motivated planner and organiser and generally making-things-happen kind of person. Derek 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, 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 book can call Venter on 082 858 1271. Anybody who is interested in joining the rotary is welcome to call Derek on 082 886 0651.

Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/boksburg-advertiser/388410/derek-fox-thrilled-to-lead-rotary-club-o

Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/boksburg-advertiser/320568/rotary-inductions/