Trunk Tales '24/'25 1st Edition - June 2024

TRUNK TALES

DATES TO REMEMBER

14-16 June 2024

15 June 2024

20 June 2024 21-23 June 2024 27-30 June 2024

28-29 June 2024

12-14 July 2024

26 July 2024

26-28 July 2024

27 July 2024

30 Aug - 1 September 2024

6-8 September 2024

13-14 September 2024

13-16 September 2024

27 September 2024

4-6 October 2024

4-6 October 2024

11-13 October 2024

11-13 October 2024

18-20 October 2024

18-20 October 2024

25-27 October 2024

25-27 October 2024

15-17 November 2024 21-23 February 2025

8 March 2025

7-9 March 2025 7-9 March 2025 14-16 March 2025 14-16 March 2025 24-27 April 2025

Namibia Winter Conference

Barnacle Ballads (Alex/Kenton 210)

Solstice Swim (Alex/Kenton 210)

Northern Cape Winter Conference

Kirkwood Wildsfees

South Cape Winter Conference (Mosselbaai 32)

EP Winter Conference (Alogoa 108)

Manne Aand (PE West 142)

KZN Tri-Area (NSCA)

Festival of Fire (Alex/Kenton 210)

Jam Jar Rally (Algoa 108)

NK/FS/STNOFS Tri-Area (Northern Cape)

EP Area CVC (Kirkwood 78)

Border Area Mid-Year

Jail or Bail (PE West 142)

BMG Tri-Area (Gauteng)

Drakensburg Summer Conference (Estcourt 74)

River Ramble (Alex/Kenton 210)

NSCA Summer Conference

WP Summer Conference (Saldanha 226)

Namibia Summer Conference

NNCA Summer Conference

South Cape Summer Conference (Oudtshoorn 33)

EP Spring Conference (Zwartkops 195)

Namibia AGM (Coastal)

Gauteng AGM (Edenvale 63)

WP AGM (Caledon 185)

Border AGM

Free State AGM

NNCA AGM

ARTSA 2025 (STNOFS)

BE PART OF THE PUZZLE

PREEMIE PROJECT

Howisitthatasmall crochetedoctopushasbecomea symbol of hopeforsomany parentsof prematurely born children?

It’sastory thatstartsinDenmark,assomany wonderful storiesdo.A hospital thatoftentreatedprematurebabies, orpreemiesasthey’refondly known,foundthatby introducing asmall crochetedpreemieoctopusinto incubatorswiththebabies,theirstatsimproved. Oxygenationlevelswentup They hadmoreregular heartbeats.And,critically,they werelessinclinedtopull onthewiresthatwereattachedtothem

You see,inutero,babies‘play’ withandpull ontheirmother’sumbilical cord Thetentaclesof a preemieoctopusresemblethesecords,encouraging preemiestopull onthem insteadof the equipmentaroundthem Thisensuresthatthey receiveoptimal monitoring andcareduring this crucial developmentphase.

Butit’snotonly octopithatpreemiesneed.Clothing madefornewbornsisoftenfartoobig for theirtiny bodies.Andduring aphasewherethey arekeptinincubationandisolation,thereare fewopportunitiesforpreemiestorecognizetheirmother’sscent– anotherstep thatis importanttotheirdevelopment.

That’swhy theRoundTablePreemieProjectfocusesoncreating PreemiePacks.Theseinclude anoctopus,ablanket,abeanie,ajersey,apairof crossoverbootiesthataresmall enoughto stop eventhetiniestof toesiesfrom being exposied(asweliketorhyme),andtwopairsof scent hearts.

Oneof theseheartsiskeptwiththemotherforaweek atatime,theotherwithhernewborn Afteraweek,they getswappedout,andthebabiesaregivenaheartthatremindsthem of their mother,whilethesecondheartiscarriedaroundtogatherherscent.

Visit https://preemieproject.co.za/ formoreinformationandkeep aneyeoutforupdatesonthe GrahamstownRoundTableNo 11Facebook pageforupdatesandeventscoming soon!

Elrico de Bruyn | 11 PRO

Gqeberha Round Tables Winter Knights Hand-Out

WinterKnightsisaprojectthatanyoneandeveryonecangetbehind,Tablerornot Itdoesn’t takeabillionairetoprovidewarmthtothelessfortunate,ittakesapersontoseethatthereisa needforthisinourcommunitiesandthat’sexactly whatRoundtableAlgoa108,P EWest142 andZwartkops195 didonthe8thof June2024.

OurWinterKnightscollectionbeganinApril,knowing thatwehadtodomore,weasAlgoa108 knewthatthisyearweneededtocollectmoreclothesthantheyearbeforeasthisWinterwas going tobeacoldone WithShaneTaitourViceChairmancontacting local schoolsacross Gqeberhatogetthem involved,theball wasstarting toroll.DewaldNiemandfrom Roundtable P.EWest142 andDavidAllanfrom Zwartkops195 along withShaneTaitall decidedthatthisyear weastheP EtablesshouldjoinforcestomakethisWintersKnightsonetoremember

OnSaturday the1stof June2024 wehadaWinterKnightscollecti atP.EWest142 clubhouse.WithGqeberhabeing thegreatcity itis rainhadtocomedown,andboy diditcomedowninbuckets Butthatdidn’tstop usTablersfrom collecting clothesandbuildin ouralready strong brotherhood Thegeesandcomradery webuilt lastalifetime. Nowitwasourturntofeel thecoldasthemember from all 3tablesstrippeddowntotheirvery summerclothestoge feeling of whatit’sliketonothavetheluxury of warmth Iforone tell you thatIwon’tbedoing thatanytimesoonasthecoldairand showedusjusthowlucky weare

On the 7th of June 2024 we received a message from Cornel Strydom, P.E West 142 Chairman, to inform us that he has received an enormous amount of clothes that needed to be stored. We quickly found out from Willie Opperman, Algoa 108 Chairman, on just how much clothes there was. Taking up about ¾ of our clubhouse in space. It was going to be a long night sorting this out.

Thefollowingdaywashandoutdaywherewewouldallmeet-108,142and195strong-to distributewarmclothestothelessfortunate Atapproximately10:00Ireceivedaphonecall fromWilliesayingthattheguywhowasgoingtohelphimwithacattletruck,ohyesyouread correctly-CATTLETRUCK,wasunabletoassistus.Williethenexplainedhehadaback-upplan andthatweasmembersshouldnotworryaboutit,hewillsortitout.SooffWillieandShane wenttoAlexandriatogoandcollectthetruck,whilsttherestofthemembers,pipeliners,41ers, legsandguestsallcontinuedtosortouttheenormousamountofclothing

Atabout16:00WillieandShanepulleduptoAlgoa108Clubhousewitha3rdpersonsittinginbetweenthem,itwasanotherTablerMrDwainGoldsmithfromAlex/Kenton210totherescue A bigthankstoCapeEasternLivestockforprovidinguswiththeCattleTruck,itwasgreatly neededandappreciated.Wethenallputbagsinthebackofthecattletruckandembarkedon ourWinterKnightshandout,all3tablesstronginnumbersandDwainfromAlex/Kentonreadyto makeanImpactfulChangeinthecommunityofGqeberha.

WithanestimatedvalueofR264000and440blackbagsfullofclothes,ourfirststopwasin GreenbusheswherewedistributedwarmclothesandspoketopeopleaboutRoundTable We thengotbackontheroadstoppingatvariouspointswherewesawanyhomelessperson/people Itwaseyeopeningandheartbreakingtoactuallyseetheamountofpeoplesleepingandtryingto staywarmonthesideoftheroad,inparksandunderanyformofshelterthattheycanfind.Ifelt thatweweremakingasmallchangeintheirlives,justseeingthesmilesontheirfacesmademy day

Iwouldliketothanktheschools,ourcommunities,members,41ers,guests,pipelinersandmost importantourlegsforassistingusinprovidingblanketsandclothestothosewhodesperately neededthem.IcantrulyandhonestlysaythatthetablesofGqeberhahavebuiltanunbreakable bondthisyearandwelookforwardtokeepbuildingonit.

YoursinTable

Fellowship through Stewardship

Inearly 2024,Grahamstown11focusedonserving thecommunity andincreasing thebrand presenceof theTableinMakhanda.

Ratherthanrunning projects,wehaveaimedtoassistorganizationsinfacilitating theirprojects throughmanpower!InMakhanda,RoundTableandRotary areoftenstill confused;in2024,we strivetochangethat

InlateMarch,theTableassistedPick nPay during theirannual Pink Walk forCancerby braaiing andselling over300steaksinanattempttoincreasefunds.All profitsfrom thebraaiwent towardsPick nPayscancerproject.

Tablersand41ersalikespenthoursenjoying eachother'sandthecommunity'scompany inthe GraemianCentreatGraemeCollege,withlotsof interestbeing shownforwhatRoundTableis about

Theproject,albeitsmall,hasseenalargeincreaseinsocial mediaengagementwithRoundTable 11'scontentandaninflux of furthersuchrequests.

InlateApril,onesuchrequestwasmadeby theAlbany Museum inanattempttoraisefundsfor theObservatory Museum onHighStreet Tablersandtheirfamiliestook totheroadsandroutes of MountainDrivetomarshal andmanwater(andcoke) stationsfortheproject. Althoughsmall,itonceagainprovideduswithanopportunity topushtheRoundTablebrand outtothecommunity.

Whilesuchprojectsareoftenfrowneduponby Tablersduetothetimeallocationandlow profits,they alsoprovideagreatopportunity toincreasefellowship inasetting differentfrom thatof ameeting orlate-nightproject Theselittleprojects,wherethehourscanoftendrag on, arefilledwithhonest,hard,andneededconversationsmixedwithjokesandlaughterandare wheretruefriendshipsareformed.

Elrico de Bruyn | 11 PRO

WehavethehonourtoannouncethatAdelaide194isturning50thisyear.Establishedin1974,it isanabsoluteprivilegetobeabletoparticipateintheactivitiesoftheTableandtokeenthe long-standingtraditionofcommunityservicegoingthroughourcontinuedeffortstodrive impactfulchange.

Weareplanningafunctionintheyeartocelebratethisachievement.

Belowas

Keeping our soup kitchens going

Adelaide194hasbeencontinuouslycontributingtoourtown’ssoupkitchenprojectsfor5years ensuringthat3soupkitchensinAdelaidecankeepservingthevulnerableresidentsinour community Thesoupkitchenisgivingfoodtoanestimated400peopledailyandthisismaking amassivedifferenceinourcommunity.

Bysupplementingtheirproteinandfreshvegetablerequirementsweareensuringthe sustainabilityoftheseprojects.

Thisisaninitiativewearetrulyproudofandonewewillcontinuouslysupport

cradock 37

Golf Day

On 6 April 2024, Round Table Cradock 37 hosted their annual Golf Day at the Cradock Golf Club. The aim of the project was to raise funds for Round Table Cradock 37 as to further the Aims and Objects of Round Table.

With the date set and the sponsorship list drawn-up, the Cradock Tablers approached the business community of Cradock, requesting donations and sponsorships. At first it started off slow, but as the time progressed and the golf day neared, the interest in our annual event grew and so did the support.

The Saturday morning started off with me having to rush to Bloemfontein and relying on my fellow Tablers to make the day a success without me, the organizers arranging the prize table, setting up banners and welcoming the players.

Tee-off for the 40 players started at 08:00. The day progressed well with golfers entering the clubhouse after the first 9 holes for some welldeserved refreshments.

The prize giving evening started at 18:00 with Wium Hagen (VC) welcoming all on behalf of Cradock Golf club and thanking them for a wonderful day of golf. Mr Jaco Marais thanked Round Table Cradock for a well organised event and the assistance which Round Table gives to the community and those in need.

Round Table Cradock 37 wishes to thank all the sponsors, golfers and Cradock Golf Club f for all the assistance and support which we have received prior and during this successful g golf day, but also during the rest of the year. We will not be able to assist those in need without the continued support they receive from the community. Round Table Cradock 37 is looking forward to seeing all at next year’s event.

ASK YOUR FELLOW TABLERS - THIS IS THE BEST TEAM YOU CAN HAVE ON YOUR SIDE!!!!

John Tom Cradock 37 Chairman

Euromeeting - Sweden

CradockhasbeenpartoftheRT37Euromeetingsince2000and lastyearwehadtheprivilegetohostitagain.Thisyearitwasheld inAlingsås,SwedenandIwaschosenbymyTabletoattend Wow,whatanamazingexperience.Thiswasmyfirst-timeleaving SouthAfrica,andtogotoSwedenwasablast.

IflewoutonSunday26MayandstayedwithOlaandNinni Jonsson,a41rthatvisitedusin2010

OnTuesdayItookatraintoStockholmandvisited6Museums, Nordiska,Vasa,TheVikingMuseum,Skansen,Fotografiskaand TheRoyalArmoury.

JustwalkingthroughStockholmwasastonishing,acityonariver

OnWednesdayItookthetrainbacktoAlingsåsandwenttodinner withOla,Ninni,2TablersandtheirpartnersfromLewes,England.

OnThursdaytheEuromeetingstarted,andImetlotsofpeoplethatcametoSouthAfricalast yearandloadsofnewTablers TherewereTablersfrom8countriesattendingthisyear’s meeting,butthereare12countriesinvolvedcurrentlyintheRT37Euromeeting

Fridaymorning,werodeona100-year-oldtraintoGräfsnäscastleruinsandhadsomeherring onarrival,thenweplayedsomegames.Belgiumwonafterarematchtosortoutsomecheating. FridaynightwetookabustoGöteborgandhadourGaladinneronaboatwhiletravelingonthe coast Itwasafantasticnightwithlotsofseafood,fellowshipandthestaffentertaineduswith songseveryhour AfterthisweheadedbacktoAlingsåsandcontinuedthefellowshipatSkåål Restauranttillclosingtime.

Saturday,wewalkeddowntothepierandtooksomeboatsouttoandislandwhereweswam, hadsomebeersandsomegreatfood.

SaturdaynightwasthesketchnightandeachTableputonsomefunshows Wealsohadaquick meetingtogivefeedbackonourTablesandtodecidewherenextyear’sRT37Euromeetingwill takeplace.Alivebandentertainedustilllate,butitwasabittersweetnightbecausethe weekendwascomingtoandend.

Sundaymorning,wehadafarewellbrunchandtheneveryonetookthetraintotheairport Itook atraintoGöteborgforsomelastsightseeingandvisitedawarshipmuseum.

MondaywasthetripbackhomeandIspentsometimeattheAirportinZurich,Switzerland,just walkingaroundandseeingthesites.

Overall,itwasanextremelyenjoyableexperience,greatpeople,awesomesocialeventsand loadsoffellowship.

IjustwanttothankCradock37forgivingmetheopportunitytotravelandseetheworld.

IfanyofyouevergetthechancetotraveltoaTableeventoversees,grabitwithbothhandsand giveityourall!

YoursinTable

StefanMaré

RoundTableCradock37

Restoring Restoring Dignity Dignity

Small Gesture Small Gesture

Big Impact Big Impact

Here's a heartwarming community project you need to hear about!

The shopping bag handout at LIFE Nkanyisa Mental Hospital was about so much more than just bags – it was about dignity. This incredible facility is home to individuals facing varying mental health challenges, and some are fortunate enough to be able to take personal outings in Kirkwood.

One favourite activity of the patients is walking to the local grocery stores, but there was a big problem: the plastic bags provided weren't strong enough for the trip home. Imagine groceries spilling all over the ground before getting back to the hospital!

Enter the heroes of Kirkwood Round Table 78! They stepped up and donated durable material shopping bags that are a game-changer. These bags are stronger and help ensure patients can safely bring their groceries back.

A small gesture with a huge impact! Let's celebrate the power of community support.

Yours in table, Murray Middleton

Raid!!!

Kirkwood78raidedFortBeaufort62overtheweekend11th ofMay.

Agreateveningwasenjoyed.Afterthemeeting,allmembers presentsharedabraaithatwentlateintothenight Kirkwood78washostedovernightandtreatedtobreakfast thefollowingmorning.Thegeesdidnotstopthereassome membersheadedofftoenjoyaroundofgolf.

ManythankstoChairmanofRTFortBeaufort,BenjiPodges forbeingsoaccommodatingandmovingyourmeeting FortBeaufort62wereexcellenthosts. Tableislekker!

Murray Middleton

Fellowship at Kirkwood 78

Our monthly social was held at the Kirkwood Rolbal Klub. Hosted by Johann and Marlé Van Der Vyver.

On the day we had 5 teams of three competing for bragging rights. The teams included at least one of the children—a proper family affair.

The social was great fun with Johann, Marlé and Phillip emerging the victors!

Families coming together form the foundation of our organisation. Kirkwood is strong

Thank you Van Der Vyver’s for a lekker day out

Murray Middleton | 78 PRO

easter egg collection

A while ago, during one of our meetings, our Chairman, Willie Opperman put it to the table as to who wants to run which project during the year. As the first project of the year, the Easter Egg Collection was up for grabs. Everyone remained silent. Then I thought, as one of the first projects I attended while being a Pipeliner, it seemed pretty straight forward and I put my hand up. This was to be the first project for me as a Tabler, I thought, “Okay cool, should be fine, seems simple enough.”

I had absolutely no idea as to what really went into it. Yes, it is a very simple non-profit project, but there were many things that I had not considered. These are the small things that one can only learn through experience. That said, and at a little close to the last minute, the dates were set and the plan was in motion!

It was decided that the venue would be Newton Park SuperSpar. This was an exciting and also tense time as Algoa 108 had never been there, as so we all waited with bated breath for the approval from management. Thankfully, we did not have to wait too long, and the approval was given. The next few steps were organising the posters, transportation of the gazebo, banners and collection box for the collection days. Of course, no Easter Egg Collection would be complete without the ever-famous Easter Bunny! And so, a bunny suit was hired! Everything was in place.

The first collection day, on the 16th March went very well! It was very windy though, to the point where the gazebo had to be tied down to Warren’s car. The rest of the banners had to be taken down as well! At least, the wind provided some much needed cooling for those wearing the bunny suit, which at the time, were our 2 newest Pipeliners, Dylan and Wesley Yates. Well done to them for taking it in their stride and with such great spirit.

After a very successful day, we packed up everything and headed back to the clubhouse for some fellowship. I must say, after the first day, a lot of the stress had been relieved! But there was still the second collection looming. Fast forward through a hectic work week and we were back at Newton Park SuperSpar the following Saturday morning. Sadly, this was not as busy as the first one. Despite the weather being much better, it was very quiet.

. With the combination of both collection days, Algoa 108 managed to collect over a thousand Easter Eggs. The value of these eggs, combined with . the cash donations, brought the total value of our collection to just over R4300! The . . cash was used to buy non-perishable foods to add to the Easter Egg handout. Our named . beneficiary, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Care Home was invited to our clubhouse for the handout on the 28th March. We had even set up a mini-Easter Egg hunt for the children. Even the easter bunny made a guest appearance! Needless to say, the children were all very excited and extremely happy. It was a fulfilling occasion.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to my brothers at Algoa 108 and of course Newton Park SuperSpar. Without your help, we would have never been able to give the less fortunate children of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star such an awesome Easter. The planning, collection days and the handout totalled 64 man-hours.

Yours in Table

Craig Falconer

Round Table Algoa 108

Project Convener

My First Year as a Round Table Member

MyfirstyearasaRoundTablememberhasflownbysofastitfeels likeyesterdaythatIwasatmyfirstmeetingattheAlgoa108 Clubhouse.

MeetingnewpeoplethatarenowbrothersforlifeissomethingI owetothisincredibleorganization.

IwasbroughtintoRoundTablebypastAlgoa108Chairman MichaelWard,whounfortunatelymovedabroadhalfwaythrough myfirstyear.IfIhadknown10YearsagowhatIknownowabout RoundTableIwouldhavebeenamemberalotsooner.

MyfirstmeetingwasaProjectMeetinginMarchwhentheguysweregettingreadytodotheir AnnualEasterEggcollection Anon-profitableProjectthatjustrequiresmanpowerandtime I wasverynewtoalltheformalitiesofthesemeetings-addressingthechairman,puttingupyour handonwhentospeak,standingupwhenyouareaddressingtheroom,introducingyourselftoa wholebunchofnewpeople-itwasratherscaryatfirst,butthemottostatesAdopt,Adapt, Improve

The Table members listened to my ideas and never once shot them down, I thought to myself these men actually listen to what one has to say. The meeting finally came to a close and the members sat around the bar discussing personal life stories and informing me about Table and what it means to them. Willie Opperman, the current Algoa 108 Chairman, told me about how he was a member at not one table but three, one in a different province and one just around the corner from P.E. I never knew how big this organization was until then. And still had no idea of the new brother that I haven’t even met yet.

TheTablememberslistenedtomyideasandneveronceshotthemdown,Ithoughttomyself thesemenactuallylistentowhatonehastosay.Themeetingfinallycametoacloseandthe memberssataroundthebardiscussingpersonallifestoriesandinformingmeaboutTableand whatitmeanstothem.WillieOpperman,thecurrentAlgoa108Chairman,toldmeabouthowhe wasamemberatnotonetablebutthree,oneinadifferentprovinceandonejustaroundthe cornerfromP.E.Ineverknewhowbigthisorganizationwasuntilthen.Andstillhadnoideaof thenewbrotherthatIhaven’tevenmetyet. IwaspartofmyfirstRaidthatfollowingweekwhenMichaelandIattendedaZwartkops195 ProjectMeeting Boydidthingsgetseriousthere IgottolearnthateachTabledoesthings differentlyandnotoneisthesame ImetCarl,DaveGregandthesmallestpersonI’veevermet withthemostpassionforTable,theoneandonlyDuncanMorris.Thesegentlemenwhereso welcomingtome,apersontheyhadnevermetbefore.Ifeltalmostlikefamilyimmediately.

Notlong afterthat,Iattendedmy firstAreameeting inHumansdorp whenTable252 hostedthe CVCMeeting.Igottomeetawholenewsetof brothersacrosstheEasternProvidenceArea.Nico “Sniper’ Schneider,AreaChairmanatthetime,welcomedeveryonefrom farandwide,newfaces andold.BrothersandFriendsforlife.Ihaveneverknownanything thatwassoheartfeltand warm asIf Ihadknownthesemenforyears

Theyearprogressesandfrom GuesttoPipeliner,from PipelinerImetTableveteransinlike Paul “Tablerof theYear” Ferriera,Bhavesh“Bhavi” Tiekam andMarinus“Godfather” Rautenbach 41ersasthey arecalled.A breedof menthatnotonly help you,butassist,listen,guideand teacheveryonethewaysof a108Tabler Forthem Iam truly grateful Itwascoming closetotheendof theyear,Ihad madefriends,brothers,anewfamily thatare irreplaceable Withouttheassistanceof the Algoa108RoundTablemembersIwouldnothave theconfidencetowritethisreport.I’dfeel to embarrassedtoputmyself onpaperlikethis

Fastforwardto2024,anewyearforAlgoa108, anewgroup of like-mindedmenwiththegoalsto driveanimpactful change.A newexecutivecouncil hadtobechosenforthatyear,Inever thoughtIwouldevenbeconsideredtobeontheexecboardof 108,buthereIam,asthe Secretary memberof thecouncil.

Going from aguestinFebruary of 2023toAchieving Algoa108Tablerof theYearinFebruary of 2024 wasanamazing surprise Ididn’tknowhowmuchimpactful changeIhadinmyself until the 7membersaroundourtablebroughtitoutof me.WillieOpperman,ShaneTait,Michael Ward, Mark Ward,WarrenBigara,Craig FalconerandSchalk Rossouwwithoutyou guysIdon’tthink I wouldstill beapartof suchanamazing organizationthatisRoundTableSouthernAfrica Ilook forwardtomany moreyearsaheadwithyou greatbunchof men,friends,brothersforlife.

RoundTable- therearenotenoughwordsthatIcanwritetoshowthegratitudeIhave,andwhat anhonouritistobeamemberof anInternational Originationlikethis ThereisNObetterand will NEVERbeabetterorganizationthanthis. Thank you forallowing metobeapartof thisorganization.

YoursinTable

SheldondeRidder

of a 41'er Reflections

Wise words once shared by Suren Packery

Iwas,andIstillam,honouredtobeTabler,

ButwhatdoesitmeantobeaTabler?

WhenweexplainTabletonontablers,wetalkaboutour charitywork,wetalkaboutthesocialaspectsofTable

Sometimeswerefertotheskillsthatonewilllearninrunning projectsandleadingportfolios.

Weevenalludetothenetworksthataredevelopedforour personalandbusinesslives

Andthisallistrue,Tabledoesimbueuswithalltheseskills… Butmaybeitisn’tonlyaboutthememberships,theprojects, themoney,thesocials

TablerevealsandbuildsCharacter Itmakesyouabetterhuman,abetterperson,abetterfather, abetterfriend.

Abetterpersoninoursocietythatiscryingoutforbetter people!

UltimatelyTableshapesandconstructsyourintegrity,it nurturesyourmorals,itcreatesgritandresilience. MostImportantlyItrevealstheManyouCanbe.

Formepersonally,it’stheimportanceoffamily,friendship, andbrotherhood

Inaworldthatoftenseemsincreasinglydisconnected, thesebondsareouranchors,oursourcesofstrengthand joy Familyisthefoundationuponwhichourlivesarebuilt It'stheunconditionalloveandunwaveringsupport Nevertakeitforgranted.

Friendshipischosen.Itenrichesourliveswithlaughter, camaraderie,andthecomfortthatwe'renotaloneonthis journey Friendshipsofferussolaceintimesoftroubleand joyintriumphs.

TableisBrotherhoodisboth…It'saboutasharedpurpose,sharedgoals,andtheunwavering commitmenttooneanother Brotherhoodteachesusloyalty,resilience,andtheprofound strengththatcomesfromstandingtogether It'snotlimitedbyblood;it'sdefinedbyshared valuesandexperiences.

Theseconnectionsremindusofourhumanity.

Theyprovideasupportsystemduringlife'schallenges. Theyshapeourcharacter,influenceourdecisions,anddefine oursenseofbelongingintheworld

Thesearethreadsthatweavethebeautifultapestryofour lives

RoundTableistheloom

Barefoot Bowls Barefoot Bowls Barefoot Bowls

for Winter Knights for Winter Knights for Winter Knights

TheWinterKnightsprojecthaswitnessedremarkablesuccessatRoundTable252,highlightedby ourrecentBarefootBowlseventheldattheSt.FrancisBowlingClub.Theeventexceededall expectations,withafullysold-outvenue,showcasingtheenthusiasticsupportofour community

Eagerlysupportedbythebraveparticipants,cashdonationsweregive reflectingthecompassionandgenerosityofoursupporters.Additiona ticketsaleswerebeyondourexpectations,contributingsignificantlyto fundraisingefforts Thefundsraisedwasusedtopurchasewarmblank andessentialfoodsuppliesforindividualsstrugglingduringthewinter season.

Inadditiontoaidingthoseinneed,ourprojectextendeditsreachtolo animalsanctuaries.Theoutpouringofsupportresultedinsubstantiald ofanimalfood,ensuringthatourfurryfriendsarealsocaredforduring Throughgenerousdonationswewereabletodistributeasignificantnu thoseinneed.Additionally,wepurchasedoverR10,000worthofnon-perishablefoodswiththe fundsraised.Theseessentialsupplieswerehandedouttolocalsoupkitchens,providingmuchneededsupporttoourcommunity.WealsoextendedourhelptothelocalSPCAandtheJBay AnimalSanctuary,ensuringthatbothpeopleandanimalsbenefittedfromtheinitiative Throughcollectiveefforts,wehavemadeameaningfuldifferenceinthelivesofbothhumans andanimals,driving#impactfulchangefurtherandfurther.

Thankyoutoeveryonewhocontributedtomakingthisprojectasuccess!

Pieter du Toit | 252 PRO

LC29 AGM

WehadourveryfirstsuccessfulAGMonthe11thofMayatTash'sCraftBar Welookedbackatalltheprojectswehadthispastyearandwearesoexcitedforthenextyear!

Ahugethankyoutoallwhoattendedandforallthesupportthelastyear.

OurChairladyMelissaMaraiswasre-electedforthe24/25term,wewishherthebestforthis termandwillofferourunwaveringsupport!

Therestofourcouncilforthe24/25termis:

ViceChairlady:

Secretary:

Treasurer:

PRO:

Nicole Riddin

Gwen Schreiber Scheepers

Judy Horak

Sunnette Christelle Kew

MelissaMaraishandedoutawardsandcertificatestoallourmembers, GwenScheeperstookhomethe"BestPlate"awardforthebestmeal preparedforourmeetings

OurViceChairNicoleRiddinandherHusbandKyleRiddin(fromRound Table177)wereawarded"Projectoftheyearaward"forourside-byside

JarsofHopeProject,wecollected360jars,whichfedanestimated 2000peopleinourcommunity

JudyHoraktookhomethe"MostCompassionateCircler"award.

SunnetteKewtookhometheprestigious"Circleroftheyear"award. MoniqueVonWiellightookhomethe"MostInnovativeCircler"award SonjaKriedemanntookhomethe"Stirrer"awardfornotbeingshyto speakhermind

Welookforwardtothenextyearandareexcitedtolendahelpinghand whereverpossible

Sunette Kew | LC29 PRO

Deconstruct To Reconstruct

OntwoseparateoccasionsinApriland Mayweworkedhardatun-pickingand reworkingmaterialmasks,withthehelp ofStendenstudents.Wehadagreat timegettingtoknowthesestudents whooffereduptheirtimeandskills,and enjoyednicehotcoffeeandfoodinthis coldweather.

Thematerialmaskswillbemadeinto reusablematerialpadswhichwewillbe handingouttothelessfortunateinour community. Wehavemadegreatheadwayandare excitedtodoourfirstdonationsoon!

Sunette

Visiting Bosveld WinterCon

Theweekendof the8thand9thof JunesawtheBosveldAreahosttheirannual Winter Conference,betterknownasWinterCon.Myself,andanotherbravemanfrom PortAlfred177, KeananHendricks,decidedtogoandseewhatthiswasall about.Thursday sawusstartthe journey outof PortAlfredheading up toTzaneen.Keanenhadthesmartplanandtook aflight whilstIhittoroadwithmy family.At12 o’clock onFriday afterpicking up somefellowtablers from Pretoria87,wehittheroadtoTzaneen WithSpeenvarkieasmy co-pilotandmusicman and3very skilledchief snack distributorsintheback of thecar,thenearly 400km trip wasover inaflash

Uponarriving everyoneproceededtosetup andgetcomfortable,easier saidthandoneformyself andKeanenwhoareusedtothewarmerclimate of theEasternCape.Gents,itwascold.Thefireswereroaring,andthe conversationswereflowing KeanenandIdecidedtogetstuck inandgetto knowtheothertablers.A tableeventistheonly placethatcanmakeyou feel likefamily inaroom full of strangers.

OnSaturday afteraquick brekkieandacoffee,westartedgetting ready for themeeting Weheadeddowntothemeeting venueandtook ourseatsin thepeanutgallery asthedapperdelegateswereseatedatthetables. Thesergeantintroducedhisammoforthemeeting,andwewereoff Thesemeetingsanddiscussionsform partof ourconstitutionandareavital partof growthandevolutionwithinourowntables,ourareasandRTSA.

Any representationof EasternProvinceareaisnotcompletewithoutafew“OoooooooooP!” chantsandsomeseriousconversationsaroundthe“Don’tcamoYourself” initiativewhichledto 2 Tablersopening up andreaching outforhelp.

Afteraquick lunchmostof theladssettledinforapowernap torecoverfrom thepreviousday andthemorning meeting.A relaxedSaturday afternoonwassoonreplacedwithaspitbraai, musicandsomegoodol’ fellowship!Asyou canimagine,theatmospherewaselectric!Knowing thatwehadalong journey homethefollowing day,weoptedtotakeiteasy andgettobedata reasonablehour.

Sunday morning rolledaround,andwewerepackedandready tohittheroadearly.Wehad wheelsonthetarmacat06:15 andtheonly thing onthebrainwasMcDonalds Afteraquick brekkiewesettledinforthelong trip back ending withaquick stop atthePretoria87clubhouse. Whilsttherewehadsomechatsaboutthehistory andrichheritageof thePretoriatablesand whattheplansareforthefuture.

Thank you totheBosveldareaforhosting us,Pretoria87forshowing ustheropesandbeing our travel buddiesandRTSA formaintaining thisincredibleorganizationandallowing ustosharein memorieslikethis!#OooooooooooP!

194's Newest Member

. Wehadthehour&privilegetoinductournewest memberlastweek,BenduPreez. Benhasanamazingstorythatwewilldoafeatureon inalateredition Hewasgivenasecondchanceinlife andforthatreasonhejoinedRoundTablehopingto useitasaplatformtoalsogiveotherpeopleasecond chanceinlife.

194 assists with Bedford Half-Marathon

Adelaide194hadtheprivilegetoassistwiththeBedfordHalfMarathonagainthisyearandwe likealwayshadthegeeswaterpointtomotivatetherunners&walkerstogettothefinishline Wehadaamazingtimewithlotsofgeesandmanagedtoputournameouttheretoshowpeople thatweareassistingourcommunityandprojectsinourarea.

o Music Bingo

Our Music Bingo allows us to connect them directly to the charities we support through a fun-filled evening where they can invite their colleagues, friends and family to join us in celebrating our commitment to our community and their valued involvement in each of our projects, furthermore, so many of our guests are geared toward joining Round Table through their exposure to who we are, what we do and how it affects our lives and the lives of those we work and plan so hard to make just that little bit better wherever we can!

2024 marksour50thyearinoperationand amassiveopportunity forthePEtablesto work togetherandbring forwardourrich historiestoexpandourreach.Asalways, ourthanksgoouttoeachandevery person whosupportoureventstomakethem successful,aswell asourfellowtablers whojoinedusontheevening andcontinue tomakeadifferenceinourtownand nation,wesaluteyou all andlook forward tosharing moresuccesseswithyou inthe future!

David“Dodgy” Allan Zwartkops195 Chairman

TheSandbarFloatingRestaurant,knownforitsstunningviewsandexcellentseafood,recently transformedintoanunderwaterexplorer'shaven.RoundTableAlexKenton210’sThomas Sutherlandcuratedaneveningthatcaptivatedbothseasonedspearfishersandcurious newcomersalike

Dr TerenceBellingan,arenownedexpertinfreedivingandmarinebiology,tookcentrestage, sharinghiswealthofknowledgeandexperiencesfromthedepthsofSouthAfrica'ssouthern coast.Withstunningvisualsandengaginganecdotes,Dr.Bellinganpaintedavividpictureofthe underwaterworld,highlightingthethrillingchallengesandrewardsofspearfishing.

Theaudiencewastreatedtoamasterclassinspearfishingtechniques,fromchoosingtheright equipmenttounderstandingthebehavioursofdifferentfishspecies.Dr.Bellingan'spassionfor marineconservationshonethrough,emphasisingtheimportanceofresponsibleandsustainable practices

Theeveningwasn'tjustaboutknowledge-sharing;itwasacelebrationoftheocean'sbounty ChefChrisOvenscuratedaseafoodfeastthatdelightedthesenses,featuringavarietyoffresh catchesthatshowcasedthediversityoftheregion'smarinelife.

Theeventwasaresoundingsuccess,notjustforitsengagingcontent,butalsoforitsfinancial impact.TheeventgeneratedaprofitofR12,556.64.Thissuccessunderscoresthegrowing interestinfreedivingandspearfishing,aswellastheimportanceoffosteringcommunityand sharingknowledgewithinthesepassionatecommunities

Whetheroneisaseasoneddiverorsimplyintriguedbytheunderwaterworld,eventslikethis oneofferauniqueopportunitytolearn,connect,andsavourtheflavoursoftheocean

KeyTakeaways:

ExpertInsights:Dr Bellingan'stalkprovidedvaluableknowledgeonspearfishingtechniques andmarinelife.

CommunityBuilding:Theeventfosteredconnectionandknowledge-sharingamongdiving enthusiasts.

CulinaryDelights:ChefChrisOvens'seafooddinnerwasahighlight,showcasingtheregion's freshcatches

FinancialSuccess:Theeventgeneratedasignificantprofit,demonstratingthegrowing interestinfreedivingandspearfishing.

Thomas Sutherland | 210 Secretary

On May 4th, 2024, Round Table Alex Kenton 210 hosted a hugely successful Steak Night at Middle Beach, Kenton on Sea.

Convened by Thomas Sutherland, the event brought together friends, family, and community members for an evening of delicious food, camaraderie, and fundraising.

The highlight of the night was the 8-week dry-aged sirloin steak from Kenton Butchery, expertly cooked to perfection by Murray Foster and Ben Kroon.

The event was a resounding success, with 66 tickets sold and a final profit of R14,528.20. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many individuals. Special thanks go to Jene'e du Plessis, Cassidy van Rensburg, Candice Fortuin, Zelri Rossouw, Kara Foster and Jacomien Zaayman for their tireless efforts in assisting to execute the event. Additionally, the club extends its gratitude to Jacques de Wit and Joani de Koning for their continued support of Alex Kenton 210.

Round Table Alex Kenton 210 is deeply grateful to everyone who participated, supported, and contributed to making this Steak Night a memorable success. The club looks forward to continuing its tradition of community engagement and fundraising.

Thomas Sutherland | 210 Secretary

Organization Collaboration Rotary Meetings at the Clubhouse

Rotary Meetings in the Clubhouse

Round Table Alex/Kenton 210 is fast approaching its 50th anniversary, and this has meant that we have a number of past-Tablers living in or around the Kenton-on-Sea area.

As we haven’t managed, yet, to get an official 41er Club going, many of these past-Tablers made the decision a few years ago to charter a Rotary Club in Kenton-on-Sea. The bulk of the current Rotarians are still past-Tablers or official 41ers from not only RT210 Alex/Kenton but many other Clubs across the Association.

For a number of years there have been suggestions and hints to combine our standing in the community and enter a memorandum of understanding between the two Clubs, which would allow us to share our unique Clubhouse.

Finally, after much discussion, voting and meetings on their side, they made the move to start holding their weekly meetings in the Clubhouse on a Tuesday night. We have just held a very successful fifth meeting for them, wherein we set up the Clubhouse in advance, stock and man the bar for them, and then keep the bar takings for Round Table.

What have we learned from the last five weeks?

Their meetings start on time at 5.15pm, and most meetings are finished by 5.45pm, unless there is a speaker. Rotarians sometimes don’t leave till after 9pm, contrary to popular belief. At their previous meeting venue, they were all home by 6pm.

Rotarians can drink a lot of dark rum but only with freshly opened bottles of Coke Zero. Wine is king, as is wine by the glass. They use cash to pay, and don’t carry small banknotes. They don’t trust card machines.

They have 42 members, of which they only ever achieve around 80% attendance at meetings. They have committee meetings for every project away from the group, and these projects are not discussed at their weekly meetings unless the project is coming up soon.

And finally, for the most part, the only difference between them and Tablers is age. They still joke around with one another, enjoy a good party, travel together, and graft when needed.

Till next week Tuesday – cheers!

Alan Malan | 210 41'er

Onthe24thMarch2024Alex/Kenton210ranacollaborationwithRustenVredewineestate wherewerecreatedtheawardwinning“winemakers”lunch WithtwoitemsontheMenu,a ChalmarSirloinsteakandacrispyskinSalmondish,wewereabletoserveandentertain65 guests.

WiththehelpofmyTablemembers,wewereabletorunabackyardkitchenandproduceoneof thehighlighteventsofthefestival OurfocusfortheweekendwastoraisemoneyforBushkenapre-primaryschoolinourareawhoisunderfinancialconstraint Astheschoolwasoriginally openedbyTablerswedecideditisstillourresponsibilitytoensureitcontinuestoprovidea servicetothefamiliesofKentononSea.

RustenVredeallowedusaccesstotheirdeliciousrecipeswhichareperfectlyparedwiththe award-winningwines Thesteakwasservedwiththeirflagshipwinethe“Estate”andthefishwith theDonkiesbaaiSteenwhichjustmakesthedishestasteevenbetter IntrueA/K210fashionwesetupinourClubHousedownonMiddleBeachwiththebestviewI believeofanytableIhavevisited.Wehadhoweveroneissue,thewidfromtheeastdecided todayofalldaysitwouldblowat65km/h.However,Tablealwaysmakesaplan,whilefighting halfthebeachjoiningourpreptableswithourbackyardkitchen,wewenttowarwithanygap armedwithplasticandductape.

Iamveryproudofwhatourteamachievedontheday,weservedperfectsteakstoorder,and fishcookedandservedasifwewereina5-starrestaurant.

Iwouldn’t havebeenabletoachievethiswithoutthem

TotaltobedonatedtoBushkenisR12250 YoursinTable

ChrisOvensA/K210

Thomas Sutherland | 194 Secretary

Easter

egg collection Easter egg collection Easter egg collection

RoundTableJeffreysbay/Humansdorp252extendsheartfeltgratitudetoourincredible communityfortheiroverwhelmingsupportduringourannualEastereggcharitycollection! Thankstoyourgenerosity,betweenourstallsatFountainsMallandEquinoxMall,we've gatheredover2800Eastereggs!

Thesesweettreatswillbedistributedamonghomesfortheelderlyandchildren'shomes, spreadingjoyandbrighteningupEasterforthoseinneed.Everysingledonationhasmadea difference,andwe'redeeplythankfulforyourkindnessandcompassion Together,we'remaking ourcommunityawarmerandhappierplace

Pieter du Toit | 252 PRO

ep area PRO

Gooddayeveryone

Wearealreadyhalfwaythroughthisyear,sowherehavethetimewent.

Everything in the beginning was still new to me and i wondered what I have got myself into to say yes to the PRO role. As time goes on it gets better and now, I’m enjoying every moment of it.

I'm glad to have Thomas Sutherland as a right-hand if i get stuck at some point and need advice.Thomasisalwaystheretohelp.

So far there went out loads of social media post on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and started with Tik-Tok also. The year kicked off with the Area Induction/AGM weekend in Kenton, what a greatweekendoffellowshipandcamaraderie.

WehadourChairmansmeeting13April2024viaadigitalmeeting.

The post closest to my heart is ARTSA 2024 in the South Cape Area in Mossel Bay. To be part of the Round Table Eastern Province is a huge honour as we were crowned the WINNERS of theAreafoodtablechallenge.

Eastern Province Area member Stefan Maré won the Stan Anderson Challenge for the best bulletin or magazine, while the Eastern Province also had 2 nominees for RTSA Tabler of the year namely Nico Schneider and Thomas Sutherland. Furthermore, we had a very constructive RTSA AGM where Vos Botha was announced as the new RTSA Vice President and CoisvanderMerweasthenewIRO,whichalsowasonavotingsystem.

YoursinTable

ep area treasurer finances for beginners...

Good day fellow Tablers

It feels like yesterday when I stood nervously in front of you at the EP Area AGM to present the budget for the 2024 / 2025 year, now we are already approaching the Winter Conference and three months have passed.

Before I get into what my plan for the year is, here’s a bit more about me:

Name:

Age: Occupation:

Wife:

Son:

Table: Nick name: Preferred beverage:

Carl Hendre Oliver

38

Tax Consultant at Ernst & Young

Lienke Olivier

Nico Du Toit Olivier (just over 2 years now, so 12% of Tabler pretraining have been completed)

Zwartkops 195

Picky

Brandy and Coke Zero (I’m watching my slimming figure)

I only joined Round Table towards the end of 2020, even though I have experienced Table long before that as I am a second generation Tabler and spent most of my school days at various Table projects and socials. My dad was a Zwartkops 195 Tabler for almost 16 years and therefor it was just logical that I joined Zwartkops 195. I have a strong focus on proper process and management as well as ensuring finances are properly done (Hence the nick name Picky).

This year I decided to put my hand up for EP Area as I believe I can make a difference by using my experience in my field to make the EP Area the leading area in proper financial management and reporting.

Nowformyyearsofar:

Beginning March, Lienke and I attended the first combined induction dinner and AGM weekendinKenton.IhadtheprivilegeofacceptingtheZwartkops195ViceChairman’smedal for a second time. The next morning I accepted the roll as EP Area Treasurer as well as presenting the budget for the following year. Well done to Alex / Kenton 210 for a lekker weekendandawell-runconference!

Early April we had the first virtual chairman’s conference where I had an opportunity to presentmyplanfortheyear.EndofAprilLienkeandIattendedtheSuid-KaapARTSA.WOW asalwaysRoundTabledidnotdisappoint!WelldonetotheARTSAconvenoronholdingan excellent ARTSA in Mossel Bay! Now we are at the end of May preparing for the Winter Conference.

Nowbacktomyplanandgoalsfortheyear.Ihavesetthe followinggoalsformyyearasEPAreaTreasurer:

BringingtheEPAreaFinancialsuptodate.

EnsuringalltheTablesintheEPAreahavesignedFinancial Statementsasat29February2024.

Designingaprocessforfinancialmanagementandpreparing acomprehensivebuteasytofollowguidethatTablescan adoptfortheirfinances.Theaimistogetaguidethatcanbe usedbyanyTablerwhetherheisthebiggestCitrusfarmerinKirkwood,orthebestsurfer inJbay.

FacilitatingSAGEaccountingrolloutthroughtheEPAreaTables. AssistingTablestoadopt,implementandtraintousethefinancialmanagementprocess. SofarIhaveachievedthefollowing:

The EP Area Financials have been prepared up to 29 February 2024 and is ready for adoptionatthe2024WinterConference.

Thefinancialsstatementshavebeenpreparedfor6ofthe10TablesintheEPArea,with theresttobefinalisedandpreparedbeforethe2024WinterConference.

I’m planning to have the financial management process and guid ready by the Winter ConferencewhereIwillpresenttheguide.

The aim is to have all the EP Area Tables on the unified process and then hopefully if successfulhavetheprocessreplicatedtotherestofRTSA’sTables. Thisconcludesmyreportforthefirstquarteroftheyear. ThankyoutoalltheTablesTreasurersforthehard workandtogetherwecanmakeEPAreathe flagshipareawithregardtofinancialmanagement. LEKKERINDIEOP!

YoursinTable

Carl“Picky”Olivier

EPAreaTreasurer

ep area

Vice chairman

IfirstwanttothankmywifeKarlienMeiring andourtwodaughtersLienkeandLeanéfor givingmetheopportunitytobeinvolvedin suchagreatorganization.Mymomanddad (boss)whoalsosupportsmealotwitheverything.

SecondlyIwanttothankalltheTablersinEPforentrustingmyselftostandforViceChairman 2024.Ihopethatwehaveagreatyearandcanbuildonitnextyear.

BeingacitrusfarmerfromKirkwoodintheSundaysRiverValleytherewasneveranoption nottojoinRoundTable78.Fromayoungageyouonlyhearofthegoodtimesandgreatthings theorganizationhasdoneforthecommunity.Thaturgesyoutobenoticedandpossiblybe invitedasaguest.

MyTablecareerstartedin2015.SayingyesatourmeetinginFebruarytobeinginductedat ourInductionDinner,withthelikesofEugeneCatherine, AdriaanPotgieter,Fabrizio Altichieroalsobeingthere,andAlanMalanwithhiswhitegloveswhichcaughtmyattention veryquickly.Ithoughttomyself“yoh”theseguysmustbethebigdogsoftable. And theyprobablywere…

BeingunderJohan“Cheetah”BruwerformyfirstyearIwasverysublteinmymovementsin andaroundTableevents.Ididn’tthinkthatitwasneededofmetogoout,travelandmeet fellowtablers.(IwasyoungandsaidIwillwaittillIgetolder).

Thatchangedin2018whenIstartedmyroleasViceChairmanatKirkwood78.ThepleasureI got(andstillget)outofhavingfellowshipwithothertablersissomethingthatIstillenjoyand isoneofthebigreasonsthatITable.Givingtoourcommunityiswhatweareaboutand seeingthingshappenmakesyouproudtobeassociatedwithRoundTable.

WeinEPAreahaveenoughskillandunderstandingtodogreatthings.Weneedtoget togetherandmake#impactfulchange.I’mpositivethatwearegoingtomakebigstridesin ensuringthatourAreaalwaysstrivetogrowandbebetter.

Vredeopdieaarde.

ep area chairman

FromthedeskofyourEPAreaChairman

Canyoubelieveithasbeenalmost10monthssincewehadourareastrategysessionin Graaff-Reinet?

Weshapedadiscussiontoco-createaconcepttobuildonandhadsomekeyconceptsthat wewantedtoexploretheyearthatfollowedlike:

1) GrowingInfluence

2) GrowingMembers

GrowingInfluenceincludedsomeconceptslikebuildingonestablishednetworkslikeourpast Tablerstohelpactasfeederstothemarkets.Lookingtootherorganisationstoworktogether withussuchasRotary,Ratepayers’associations,sportclubsetc.

GrowingMembersincludedusingoureventswiththepublictoshowcasewhoandwhatwe are,andtherebysparkinginterestintousasRoundTable.GrowingMembershipalsotook anotherfocusinthatweaimtodevelopourcurrentandexistingmembersthrough campaignslikegiveaskill.

RoundTableisoftenunderratedforgivingorganizationalskillssooftenoverlooking. BymovingourmeetingtoGraaff-Reinetwewerealsoabletoenticeawholetocommunity intodiscussionsofhavingRoundTableinthetownagain.Thisledto41rsreachingouttous aswellastheKarooWineFestivalwhowanttopartnerwithroundtableforfutureevents.If wekeepthemomentum,weshouldcontinuetoreapbenefitsfromourpastactions.

FastForwardtothe13thofApril2024toour1sttimeeverEPChairman’smeetingoccurring priortoARTSA.

Thiswasdoneindigitalformattoallowtimesavingwhilealsoallowingeachmemberandclub tohaveawholeextramonthtoconsiderandadaptthestrategyfortheyear.

Ourmainfocusistobeabletoclaimandback-upthestatementthatwearethe‘Number1 YoungMan’sOrganizationintheWorld’.

Wewilldothisbyshapingourstoryandjourneyaroundthosethatbelongandthosethat belongedtoRoundTablebut,beforeweareabletoclaimsuchatitleforourselves,wewould needtosticktothespiritofourmottoand“Adopt,AdaptandImprove”,andrethinkand reworksomeelements.

Thoseelementsare;

1) Process

-UniformFinancialreporting

-SecretarialreportingutilizingthetoolsavailabletouslikeTablerWorld -PROandTrunkTales,takingpastlearningsintoconsiderationandblendingitwithnew dynamics,includingchangingtheresponsibilitiesofeachportfolioin theyearstocome.

2) Teamwork

-BuddySystemtopromoteinterclubcollaboration.

-Building“Gees”orfunelements,likeanofficialSargeantfortheyear. -Fellowshipfocussed.

3) FamilyVibes

-Bringingthefamilyalongtooureventsandfunctions

Wehavehadsomesuccesses,ishavinghadoneofthebiggest percentageinattendanceforandEPAreaAGMweekend,havinga largepercentageofladiesandkidspresentthroughoutvariousstages oftheAGMweekend.

Realisticallyspeakingwehadafew“bumpsintheroad”too,thisisto beexpectedwhentryingsomethingtotallynew,butIamconfidentthatthereisatleast enoughofanideaofwhatisachievableandwhatcanbeimprovedupon.

Wehavecontinuedtorequestfeedbackfromattendeesandhavehadsomevaluable feedbackoverwhelminglypositiveandopentotheconceptofbuildingsomethingbetterfor thosetofollow.

I,togetherwiththeexecutiveteamwillcontinuetolooktogrowtheplatform,throughour3 YearAreaActionPlanand3Yearmembershipplan.

Ifirmlybelievethatittakesmanyhandstomakelightwork,andeveryoneneedstocontribute towardsthefutureofRoundTableforthosethataresettofollow.

WeareonlybutcustodiansoftheRondelandshouldactinthebestinterestsofitforthoseto come.

Someonewiseoncesaidtome,RoundTablecangiveyounothing,orRoundTablecangive yousomethingtrulyimmeasurable,thedifferenceliesinthewaysofeachofus. Ilookforwardtotheimpactswecanmaketogether.

YIT

JacquesvanWyk

“BigBird”