Presidents Time
President John welcomed members back following the recent Covid lockdown and reminded all of the current Level 2 rules of Scan the QR code, no mingling at the bar (some had trouble with this at the start), and tables spaced out. President John reminded us the Chair for the evening was Jay Lovely and speaker Dr Anton van den Bergh.
Reflection on David Slade
President John reflected on the recent passing of David Slade by reading out a summary of David’s life produced by his wife Joy after David moved to Elloughton Gardens. David’s introduction into Rotary was in 1958, having grown up in Timaru and attending TBHS. David’s father was also a Rotarian. Many of us may not have known David and Joy spent time in the USA and Australia based on Rotary contacts and a scholarship at the age of 20. Rotary was very important to David, and he will be sadly missed. We all sat for a minute’s silence to reflect on David’s memory.
President John reflected on the recent passing of David Slade by reading out a summary of David’s life produced by his wife Joy after David moved to Elloughton Gardens. David’s introduction into Rotary was in 1958, having grown up in Timaru and attending TBHS. David’s father was also a Rotarian. Many of us may not have known David and Joy spent time in the USA and Australia based on Rotary contacts and a scholarship at the age of 20. Rotary was very important to David, and he will be sadly missed. We all sat for a minute’s silence to reflect on David’s memory.
Carols by Candelight:
President John confirmed that Carols by Candlelight is now booked for 19th December.
President John confirmed that Carols by Candlelight is now booked for 19th December.
Three-minute speaker
Our three-minute speaker Trevor Johnson gave us his views in a very succinct way!
Our three-minute speaker Trevor Johnson gave us his views in a very succinct way!
The robbery
Serjeant Bill Weir ably assisted by Gavin Craig, lightened all our pockets, noting that we had all got away with our misdemeanours over the lockdown, and it was time to catch up!
Serjeant Bill Weir ably assisted by Gavin Craig, lightened all our pockets, noting that we had all got away with our misdemeanours over the lockdown, and it was time to catch up!
Guest Speaker
Jay Lovely puzzled us all by talking about an iPhone and all the tasks it is capable of when we expected him to be introducing the speaker; however, all became clear when he likened the life of Anton van den bergh to being a human iPhone!
Jay Lovely puzzled us all by talking about an iPhone and all the tasks it is capable of when we expected him to be introducing the speaker; however, all became clear when he likened the life of Anton van den bergh to being a human iPhone!
At various times of his life, Anton was a gipsy, commissioned army officer, pilot, business person, artist, and Doctor. Anton started his talk by reflecting on his Christian faith and the impact it had on him. He then described his early life ( 22+ primary schools), his finding a love of art and how Karate taught him discipline.
Compulsory military training in South Africa led to fighting in the Angola war and seeing close friends die. His ability to rise in the ranks and become a commissioned office led him to realise he was not stupid, and after finishing his service, he trained to be a Doctor. If that was not enough, he completed his pilot training, became a commercial pilot, and obtained a helicopter licence.
He is a now Fellow of the college of GPs – a proud moment for him.
Alister Mackay commented on how interesting and inspirational Anton’s life had been and thanked him for taking the time to speak to us, which we all heartily endorsed.
President John rounded off the meeting by commenting on this day in history – the 1905 rugby tour of the UK – The originals!