Past president Maurizio Pellizzon opened the gathering by thanking all for attending as they celebrated the Oak jubilee of Nigel Rotary Club. A special welcome was extended to Springs Park Rotary Club president Lisa Davis, Springs Rotary Club president Anton Froneman, Assistant District Govender Siobheanne Landsberg, Assistant District Govender Anns Pat Dewee and Past Assistant District Govenders Martin and Linda Stokes.

The evening started with a cherry reception, followed by a three course dinner and was highlighted by a special recognition to the longest serving member. A short program on the history of the club was delivered by past president Joe Warrins, while Annie Steijn delivered a message and congratulatory remarks from Rotary International.

Nigel Rotary Club’s longest serving member Gerry Jordaan has served the club for 45 years, but has recently retired. He joined Nigel Rotary Club in 1974 and was elected treasurer for 1975/76 and from 1982 until 1983 he served as president. He was again elected as treasurer in 2002 and served in this capacity until June 2019. During the ceremony, Jordaan was presented with the Paul Harris award. This prestigious reward recognises individuals who have contributed immensely towards The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International throughout their service period.

“Tonight we are saying farewell to our long serving treasurer, but it gives me great pleasure on behalf of Nigel Rotary Club, to present Gerry with this award for his unbroken service. As a qualified chartered accountant he managed our finances diligently, but had one bad trait – if we proposed an amount for a project, Gerry would have it,” Nigel Rotary Club president Con Keyser said humorously, but described Jordaan as unselfish, trustworthy and admirable.

The jubilee concluded with a cake cutting ceremony, leaving fellow Rotarians and guests with a sweet taste of good things to come.