Induction of new Rotary president a jovial affair
Questions were being asked about both the international and local Rotary club, most of which were discussed during the course of the evening. Needless to say, some of the attendees failed to pay attention in class and were fined hefty cash sums for getting the answers wrong.
More than 30 people attended the Barberton Rotary Club’s induction dinner recently. The event was held at the Barberton Golf Club for the induction of president elect, George Pearse, by president Nic Eksteen.
Honoured guests included former presidents of the Rotary and Anns as well as current members of the Rotarians and Anns with their partners. After the acknowledgement of the South African flag, president Nic Eksteen welcomed everyone and George Pearse said grace before the starter was served. The whole affair was jovial with MC, former president Ben Theron having the guests in stitches with his jokes, mainly about getting old.
Toasts aplenty followed the starter. Rotarian Roland Jones proposed a toast to South Africa while former president Flicka Goslett toasted Rotary International. Former president Chris Rippon made a toast in honour of the female guests and the Anns.
After the main course Eksteen presented the annual report and after dessert, the induction of the new president of Barberton Rotary took place. The occasion was an intense as well as touching affair when Eksteen handed over the reins to Pearse. The same could be said of the speech by Elsie Eksteen who wished Veronica Pearse well on the road ahead as first lady of the Anns.
The Rotarians also handed over R10 000 to Umjindi Victim Empowerment (UVE). This cheque was accepted on their behalf by Lt Col Deon Höll. UVE is a non-profit organisation providing counselling, education and training for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
These caregivers are stationed at the police station, Barberton General Hospital as well as the Magistrate’s Court. Survivors also receive precourt briefing to familiarise them with court procedures and follow-ups by caregivers take place at their homes, thus providing ongoing counselling.
“The organisation was previously known as GRIP and has now opened an NPO. However the caregivers are unable to conduct training at present as GRIP is not receiving the overseas funding which had been keeping them going.
They are also experiencing challenges in visiting survivors outside the location for a lack of funds. “The R10 000 donation received form the Barberton Rotary Club will assist in overcoming some of these challenges, so as to ensure the recovery of the survivors and also to ensure adherence for those that are on treatment,” said Olga Nkosi, board chairman of UVE in a thank you letter addressed to Barberton Rotary.
However, all the formalities in the world couldn’t keep the party solemn as sergeant at arms, former president Jaco Landsberg, took his turn to entertain the guests. Questions were being asked about both the international and local Rotary club, most of which were discussed during the course of the evening. Needless to say, some of the attendees failed to pay attention in class and were fined hefty cash sums for getting the answers wrong.
After the quiz, Landsberg declared Roland Jones stirrer of the year and handed him a huge wooden spoon which annually goes to the mischief-maker. Jones, who was quite taken aback, insisting that he was not a stirrer at all but only liked proper planning. However, he accepted the enormous spoon graciously.
Barberton Times would like to thank former president Nic Eksteen and his wife, Elsie for always being available during their reign as president couple. It was at all times a pleasure to deal with them.
Good luck to president George Pearse and his wife, Veronica. May you take Barberton Rotary Club from strength to strength and may the 2015/16 Rotary theme – Be a gift to the world – become a way of life.
