Meeting and greeting DG David

While the rest of the club enjoyed a lie-in, 5 members attended Morningside Club's breakfast for DG David Grant and DG Ann Margie Grant, prior to their visit with the clubs and projects. From left is Frayne Mathijs, AG Jean Bernardo, David and Margie, President Jankees Sligcher, Carol Stier and Linda Vink. Paul Kasango also attended.

Last Wednesday's visit from District Governor David Grant gave the board an opportunity to revisit the goals that we have set for ourselves for this Rotary year. After a light lunch at Twickenham Guest House, it was time to tackle the items on the checklist for the DGs annual visit. DG David Grant was accompanied by DGR Steve Margo and AG Jean Bernardo.
     The report covers everything from incoming club officers to Club Issues (diversity, gender, ethnicity and age) with stops in-between for a whole host of issues such as projects and fundraising efforts, membership and growth, member involvement and Foundation contributions.
     Much emphasis was placed on the latter and we were reminded that giving to Foundation is what Rotary is all about. Fellowship and club projects feature very high on the list, but the interests of the Rotary Foundation remain paramount. Let's never forget that.

AG Jean Bernardo gets to know one of the kids at
 Hotel Hope Ministries a bit better.

Oliver Quambusch, founder and moving force behind
 Hotel Hope Ministries, with some of the 18 kids.

     After the meeting the board and DG met with Oliver Quambusch in Melville, where Oliver took the opportunity to explain the work of Hotel Hope Ministries, and introduce us to some of the clearly happy and well loved kids.
     Their lives have not been easy, but in this safe haven they have an opportunity to get a good start in life, often with families overseas.
     He also spoke of his vision of starting up his own Montessori pre-school for the Hotel Hope and other kids, to give them an even better start in life.
     Their work with pregnant schoolkids and their parents in Alexandra in Sandton, where they counsel girls from five high schools, is proving to be groundbreaking.
     Some dates to remember: On Wednesday Ian Widdop is bringing Meagan Maynard to speak to the club about The Link Literacy Project, an initiative with which the club would like to get involved.
     Friday is the Christmas dinner. Be there and be prepared for fun!
     Wednesday, 9th December is a social meeting. Bring a gift worth no more than R50, marked his and hers, and we'll swop them out. Details to be discussed on Wednesday.
     The first meeting in the new year will be on January 13th.
     A thought for the week: I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. - Winston Churchill (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965)