ARTSA EXPERIENcES

After a good couple of days rest after ARTSA, I thought it to be a good idea to share my experience over the last couple of days in Modimolle.

This year was my first ARTSA as I am a fairly "new" tabler at Bloemfontein 158. I did not really know what to expect, but my fellow tablers shared their past experiences and this had me very excited.

As we entered the lodge, you could feel the ARTSA atmosphere. The Wednesday was a quiet day. Fellow tablers and I had a braai to get into the spirit. Thursday was the opening of the long awaited "Hardcore hut". The opening show and all the tablers and their loved ones seemed to enjoy the evening, along with me. I met tablers from all over Southern Africa, as well as some of our international friends. I could truly see the fellowship side of table.

The Friday I sat in all the forums. As a new tabler, I would highly recommend sitting in the forums. This gave me a broad spectrum of what actually happens in table and how it works. Well worth the time spent. The afternoon we had each areas food tables, an experience in itself. The amount of effort everyone made and how proud the tablers and their wives are something to behold.

Saturday, I sat in the AGM meeting, yet again, highly recommended to sit in. A lot was learned during this session, headache, and all - well worth it.

The evening we went to the induction dinner. It was very nice to see how the tablers got honored for their hard work and efforts. My table won an award, handed over by past president, Werner Swanepoel, for table of the year for "gees". This was unexpected but highly appreciated by everyone. I was also honored and proud to see my fellow tabler at Bloemfontein 158, Louis Radley, being inducted as president of RTSA. We had time after all the formalities to say goodbye to all the tablers from all over and just to have a couple of cokes at the hardcore hut for old times’ sake.

In summary - one of the best experiences I've had in my short time on table and can't wait for ARTSA 2024.

Yours in table

Jeffrey Myburgh Bloemfontein 158

Greetings,

I am Sachin Sooknah, the National Secretary (2022-23) for Round Table Mauritius, and the current Vice-Chairman for Mauritius Round Table 9. It is with great enthusiasm that I share my experience at the ARTSA event held recently in South Africa.

As a first-time participant in an overseas tabling event, I was eager to have a memorable experience, and I must say that ARTSA has exceeded my expectations on all levels. Based on feedback from previous events worldwide, I can confidently assert that ARTSA is one of the best events that a tabler can attend.

I would like to commend our brothers and sisters in South Africa for their remarkable hospitality. During our stay, we have created unforgettable memories, and their generosity has been simply remarkable. I would like to extend special gratitude to Juan & Samantha Botha, Werner Swanepoel, Round Table Sandown 150 & Round Table Gauteng Area, who have been incredible hosts.

The ARTSA event was held in a picturesque location, had a spectacular opening, and was well-planned and executed throughout the entire event. The team behind the event deserves congratulations for putting in a great deal of time, effort, and commitment to make it happen.

We had the opportunity to meet with tablers from across continents and make new friends. It was a collective moment of friendship, bonding, and fellowship.

I am eagerly looking forward to attending the next ARTSA event and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a travel destination. I urge you to add ARTSA to your bucket list.

I would like to congratulate ARTSA and Round Table South Africa for organizing a fantastic event. LONG LIVE ROUND TABLE!

Sincerely,

Sachin Sooknah