50th Charter Anniversary Dinner

This Poem was composed and presented by Past President and PHF Gordon Dally

During my younger years in Rotary time
I always attempted to tell tales in Rhyme
But now that I am that much older
Forgive me if my verses appear somewhat bolder.

The Rotary Club of Kimberley is 50 years old
And there are many stories to be re-told
But as the Presidents during the past 20 years have all been swell
It is mainly on them I shall dwell
My talk will also be at random
And I will start with Past DG Mike Bradnum.

On three occasions Mike has been Club President
Surely a record for a local resident
He also has the single honour
Of being the Club’s only District Governor
And when he wore his Governor’s jacket in "OK" red Style
We could see him approaching from a mile
He has served on the International Legislation Committee
Helping to sort out rules and other nitty gritty
Mike often likes to rule the roost
But when he does we must admit he gives Rotary a boost
Then always giving of his best
He helped Kimberley in getting a Community Chest.

Beryl his dear wife must reign as queen
As five times an Ann President she has been
She too has given of her best
Living to the principles of the four way test
And when she travelled our District with DG Mike
She won the hearts of all the Rotarians and Anns alike.

Our Secretary and Past President Barry Downs
Must also wear some of the crowns
Or should I say be made a Lord
For having served so many years on the Board
However, he can be glad that Gill has not given him grief
For making his visits to their home so brief.
Barry has another small failing
His Afrikaans is somewhat ailing
But if you search the net on www.bdb
The Glory of your Club is there for all to see.

Over the years the club has always helped charity
By holding events compared elsewhere with parity
At the annual golf day each Ann would bring a snack
To watch Rotarians their golf balls wack
Rotarian golfers always enjoy this day
And yet with no Retief Goosen on the way
Those with scores over par
Are hardly ever beaten on the 19^th at the bar
At the attendance desk Poddy’s presence was always felt
Often telling jokes below the belt
And when at the desk you paused to think
His would lock one eyelid in a permanent wink
When he played his marbles which he often called balls
Some of the things he said we shall not repeat within these walls.

Edgar always the gentleman reaped benefits from his labour
By becoming a dedicated & distinguished City Mayor
He believed education was a must
So in 1989 the club formed the Education Trust
And then from some of his earlier invested earning
Many students now receive grants to improve their learning
Peggy his wife with her great charms
Was always there to greet one with open arms.

Leo Geyer was often considered a little rough & tough
But in 1988 gently did his President’s stuff
He told us that about our country we should brag
And always display our national flag
He said Black Tie and ceremony for an Afrikaner was not really normal
So introduced some of our functions more informal.

Our Rotarians are of a special brand
Always there to give a helping hand
And Rotarians are considered just great
When they help at The SPCA, Nazareth House and Yonder Fete.

Peter and Marlene with great vision
Guided the club with much precision
And with the experience gained from working for their mission
Were able to solve a club division
Tragically we lost Marlene on the way
But it so wonderful now that Charlene has come with Peter to stay.

Lawrie another mayor of the Diamond City fought one and all
To save the demolishing of our famous City Hall
He has chaired many committee meetings albeit rather long
But the results he achieved were good and strong
And if you walk down Shuttleworth lane
A youth hostel you will find which many do acclaim
It is rumoured that he takes a longevity pill
And is still winning the hearts of many ladies at will.

One of the highlights of a Rotary year is not to miss
The Group Study Exchange whose teams are full of bliss
It is so nice to hear the participants from various professions
Impart their knowledge and leaving lasting impressions.

Dear Fr Roy had that distinct clerical wobble
And did not take kindly to unnecessary twaddle
He said we must find speakers from all around
That would hold their listeners speechless and spellbound
But it was the sexologist who got first prize
When she assured Rotarians that it was not a matter of size
This was the second time Beryl a President Ann had been
And she always arranged Roy’s tables fit for a Dean.

Our brilliant Dr Richard Liversidge
Can talk from a tom tit to a partridge
He has delivered papers far and wide
And in his book on birds he can take much pride
He can also with authority relate
When its time for Springboks to mate
However he nearly a luncheon did abort
For wearing trousers a wee bit short
But now with his gracious Vivienne at his side
His knees he does often hide.

Go Kart racing down Dalham road
Was an outing for both young and old
The Thomas family was always near
Dressed in suitable racing gear
And with karts designed from outer space
Invariably won nearly every race.

Ralph Kelly at meetings always waived the rule book
And if infringements were made he’d never let us off the hook
But for many years due to his financial planning
Our club was left in very good standing
Deryn taught children in speech
But was always there to help in any out reach
In 1993 the Presidents chain was worn by Noel Kriel
And with the Club’s legal matters he often would deal
Although May his wife suffered with a painful back
In her Ann duties she never did lack.

On Tuesday mornings Rotarians would rotate
To call on the coffee club for a tete a tete
While to Belgrave Lodge on Regiment Way
They would go to wish any inmate having a birthday.

Noel helped promote the Tour of the Diamond Fields
When scholars were taught the workings of mining yields
Other Kimberley attractions we also did them show
With the hope in years to come tourism here might glow
Sadly due to the cost on travelling one must now spend
This programme the Club in the meantime did suspend.

Barry Katz was one of the youngest to hold office
But in his presidential duties he was no novice
Over indulgence at his braais was certainly felt
When the next day we battled to close our belt.
Unfortunately his membership we lost for a time
But gladly he is now back in his prime
Barbara of her mother’s breed
Is always willing to assist those in need.

At many District conferences we have been the host
And from the delegates compliments we certainly can boast
Our train rides with a merry sing a long
Encouraged us to consume liquor both light and strong
And when we stopped at Modder River siding
We served our home-made soup which we always take pride in
Then a tram ride to the Australian Arms
Excited delegates as our Can-Can girls displayed their charms
With elaborate flowers to brighten our City Hall
And Carol’s candle sticks on the tables standing tall
Our banquets were grand occasions for one and all.

With sadness Rob Gatonby did not long with us stay
As in Rotary he was dedicated all the way
However, he has left many memorable marks
Especially by his loving work on our City’s parks
The times we spent at Elsmere Lodge with Patsy and him
Are now treasured so warmly within.

When in office we had President Les Lemmer
The designs of his bow ties caused some dilemma
As members would gamble lots
On guessing the colour and the size of the dots.
Marie with her musical voice so strong
Would always be willing to help functions in song
Their fellowship evenings were after dinner treats
When we were invited to their home to enjoy delicious sweets.

Of course family fun was never merrier
When we spent weekends at Rob Ferriera
The games we played were touch and go
And thus enabled our Fellowship to grow.

Ray Evans would take us to Beaconsfield Park
To play bowls and what a lark
Seeing Rotarians in their stride
Delivering bowls both short and wide
Until someone would sing that familiar ditty
For heavens sake put some hair around the kitty
When Ray at our quizzes did hold the gong
Our opponents answers were belled whether right or wrong
His Beryl at school was known as Marm
Because of her caring that no pupils came to harm.

The Newsletter of our Club is an added addition
And we do look forward to its weekly edition.
Of course our treasurers have also done their stint
By trying to build balances to take over the mint.

During his term of office Jim Foster
Did his best to increase our membership roster
Everyone thought he was upright and grand
Until he left us for Swaziland.

When Gordon and Shirley their President badges did wear
The theme "Enjoy Rotary" we all did share
Their early morning songs on our anniversaries were a treat
In spite of Gordon missing the odd beat
Their monthly breakfasts also went down well with one and all
But they are best remembered for their Music Hall.

The Corps de Ballet was a great event
They thrilled their audiences wherever they went
Their Developpe was full of grace
As across the stage they would race
Their Pas de Cheval a picture to see
Ending up with a curtsy on one knee
Chris the Blue Bull was ever so dainty and light
While Jack always got everything right
Barry counted every step as he glided around the floor
While John in spite of being six four always got an encore
When Jack dropped out Mark filled the breach
And did excel when his petite point he did reach
Problems were not that many
Except perhaps when in pink tights they went to spend a penny.

Shirley and Marion the tapping grannies
Should certainly have won some Grammies
With freckled Noses and Bows on their head
They danced all round town till "Pretty baby" was dead.

The club also had another great story teller
He is past President Adam Muller
His stories of Kimberley in days gone by
Have left many a listener with a tear in their eye
While his lovely lady Madeleine had this unique flair
Of appearing in the latest wear with matching hair.

Under George and Vonnie Thiel
The many vibes of Rotary we did feel
Their ambitious carnival at the Caravan Park
Kept us going from dawn until dark
At their President’s party Rotarians showed clever streaks
By designing Roman costumes from ordinary sheets.

The Anns in fund raising also did their share
With their popular Hobbies fair.
This was an opportune time for members to display
Their home crafts and toys of play.
The Anns also held other great winners
Like those enjoyable Chinese dinners.

En nou wat van die Blou Buller met ‘n pakkie Krisp van Willard
Jy ken mos ons President Chris Fullard
He built a lapa large and wide
And had screenings of the Boks in their stride
Fortunately Jackie also enjoyed the ruggers at play
And welcomed all members who came their way.

Many exchange students of different nationality
Lived in our homes and enjoyed our hospitality
This did much for their future grounding
As it brought them closer to world understanding
And from Canada we have with us tonight
Alix Ersman looking all smart and bright
Our outgoing students also good ambassadors have been
And when they returned told us all they had seen
I shall mention but two as in rhyme it must be
Tony Lankester an announcer on SABC
And Michael Thiel the principle of CBC.

Our Club has had many members who the cloth did wear
And recently my eyes had tears when on TV I became aware
Of seeing Salvation Army Captain Robby Mair
Handing blankets and clothing to the desolate to wear.

Atholl Fischer another upright Kimberley resident
Was appointed in 1987 to be our President
He was always sure of his facts
And spent many years fostering the Interacts
Always assisting at our functions Atholl in his distinctive car
Would call on bottles stores to load supplies for our bar
During his office he had two Beryls in his life
Beryl his Ann President and Beryl his friendly wife.
Atholl is now a distinguished honorary member of the Kimberley Club
And with this honour we shall continue with him shoulders to rub.

The acceptance of ladies in our ranks
Left some with fears of hanky panks
But since the Club took the stand
The two lady members have just been grand.
And one such lady named Aster used her fame
By helping our Club matching grants to gain
In 1992 our President was John Lankester
Sometimes a bit of a prankster
It was noticed that while the club he did steer
He was always clutching a cold beer
Yet with his winning beam
He was considered any girls dream
But we all knew that his darling was Pat
So that was that
And as we continue to rack our brain
Who can forget the Rotary train
In period costumes at the station we all would meet
With bagpipes playing and waving flags fellow Rotarians to greet
Then to the Kimberley Club the history of our City to tell
And receiving cheques that our bank balances did swell.

At the home of Jack and & Eileen Foster
Fellowship did prosper
Here we played pool and ate venison stew
And on many occasions had a lot of fun too
I understand the lady concerned is not here tonight
So I can a tell the story of her plight
An Ann in old fashioned bathing costume did tell
She playfully jumped into the pool and Help! Help! did yell
Rotarian Tony Ball was on the spot
And between her legs he quickly shot
But frightened by the sudden response to her plea
Tony’s shoulders felt the warmth of an uncontrolled wee.

During December festivities of every year
We would join Rotary South to share good cheer
Then when the turn of the century was clocked
Many Rotarians to the Yacht Club flocked
Here they fired crackers galore
With the crowds cheering from the shore.
Oh there are so many I would liked to have mentioned by name
But can assure them their contribution to Rotary is valued just the same
I also do not know all the present members that well
So wrote a silly story on their classifications which I will tell.

Once upon a time two Senior Active Accountants Lawrie and John shared a plot on
Farmer Tony’s land
But were puzzled by the behaviour of their Katz on the Builders Supplies and sand
So they asked Philip an Automobile Distributor
To arrange to replace their bakkies carburettor
Then riding to town feeling very opulent
Took them to Richard an IT Consultant
When Richard heard their story and saw their worried frowns
He immediately searched the net for Software designed by Barry Downs
But with the knowledge he thus gained he simply remarked Oh! Oh!
It is to Peter the Optometrist they must go
Peter gave them one look in the eye and did insist
That the problem could only be solved by Andries the Dentist
Andries remarked they were long in the teeth and with some suspense
Wrote out a long prescription for Paul the Pharmacist to dispense
When they reached the pharmacy John Office Equipment was installing
While Peter was replacing Office Machines that had become appalling
This meant there was just no room to swing the Katz so they decided to go
And take some refreshments with Liquor Distributor Joe
But it was not long before they had that happy feeling
And merrily agreed that the Katz should go to Berry for Dry Cleaning
But when the machines had completed their cycles
The Katz came out all stiff and covered in icicles
Then a little worried and showing some tension
They approached Ken the Pension Fund Administrator for a Katz pension
When the Pension Fund Financial Manger Andy overheard their mutter
He firmly said For heaven’s sake this is not a pension matter
So off they went with a fake claim for an insurance
Hoping to draw something from Andrew’s Life Assurance
But alas waiting for them was Sharon the Public Prosecutor her face full of gleam
Proudly holding the meowing Katz all bright and clean
Oh dear said Mike Human Resources make so many faulty strives
Surely, these accountants should have realised that Katz have nine lives
When the story was heard by District Governor Brian Giller
He said he would have enjoyed it more had it been a thriller
But Asst Governor John Jackson said he could not believe his ears
It was one of the worst stories he had heard in many years.

President Ken and Ann President Gill I will soon be ending my story
And congratulate you both for holding the reins during this year of glory
I know you will guide the Club in your skilful way
So that in 2051 the members will look back and say
Those chaps in the first fifty years of our History
Built foundations that will carry us to perpetuity.

Rotary International Themes began in nineteen forty-nine
Some I have combined and a greater message I did find.
And now as a lasting and thought provoking filler
I dedicate it to all in District 9320 under the leadership of DG Brian Giller.

Follow Your Rotary Dream - Kindle The Spark Within - Live Rotary - Rotary Brings Hope - Take Time To Serve - You Are The Key - You Are Rotary; Live It; Express It; Expand It - Let Service Light The Way - Reach Out - Be A Friend - Goodwill Begins With You - To Dignify The Human Being - Review And Renew – Participate - Look Beyond Yourself - Share Rotary Serve People - Create Awareness Take Action - Bridge The Gaps - Help Shape The Future - Mankind Is Our Business - Serve To Unite Mankind - Develop Our Resources - A Better World Through Rotary - United In Service; Dedicated To Peace.

And now that my Rhyme I have read
I would ask you all to bow your head
To remember those who have crossed your path and with some sway
Might have influenced you in a loving or caring way
And now I think it is both justifiable and right
To drink a toast to those who are unable to share this memorable night.

Fellow Rotarians Anns and guests
Please raise your glasses and drink a toast
To absent friends.

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