This Week - Robert Fischer on Furs.

 

Since his return to South Africa in 1994, Robert became the driving force and the next generation of the Fischer Furs history. Fischer Furs, is now the new official, name of the business, the name which honours itself to three generations of Specialist Furriers and known to many very satisfied customers, in South Africa and globally as the “absolute best Furriers”.

“I am absolutely honoured and humbled that my family has spent 114 years to date (2024 ). We are known as one of the last specialist Furriers in the world, who have continued for over 114 years to make high end absolute top quality Fur, leather, and cloth garments made to order.

All our garments are mostly hand crafted and made in house from individually ultra top end, selected pelts and hides only exceptionally brilliant enough for our clients. 

Modern fur sourcing emphasises responsibility, with strict standards for animal welfare and sustainability. It is natural to have ethical questions about fur, and today’s fur industry has evolved to address these concerns with rigorous standards. Responsible fur farming practices and sustainable wild harvesting are now core principles of reputable fur suppliers. In many countries, fur farms operate under strict regulations that ensure animals are treated humanely and kept in healthy conditions. For example, farmed mink and fox are raised with oversight of veterinarians and are provided proper food, shelter, and care to minimise stress. Industry certification programs like Furmark have been established to guarantee that any fur entering the market meets stringent criteria for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and traceability . This means that when you purchase a certified real fur coat, you can be confident it was sourced in accordance with well-defined humane standards – from the rearing of the animal to the dressing of the pelt. Traceability initiatives allow consumers to know the origin of their fur, adding transparency that helps ensure ethical practices throughout the supply chain.

Wild-sourced furs (such as beaver, coyote, or fox from regulated wildlife management) are obtained through tightly controlled programs as well. North America, for instance, abides by the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards, which mandates humane trapping methods and supports sustainable wildlife population management . Sustainable fur harvesting in the wild can actually contribute to conservation efforts by preventing overpopulation and habitat damage . Balanced ecology is key – only a portion of natural surpluses are harvested, so species remain abundant. This counters a common misconception that fur use endangers wildlife; in reality, responsible use of fur can go hand-in-hand with wildlife management and biodiversity protection. Moreover, virtually no part of a harvested animal goes to waste: meat may be used (or animals in the wild are part of food chains), and by-products from fur processing can become organic fertilisers or biofuel , aligning with sustainable use of resources. The fur industry of today is a far cry from the unregulated past – it is a professionally governed sector with ethical codes of practice. By choosing fur from ethical sources, you are supporting those farms and communities that prioritize animal welfare and environmental stewardship. In doing so, you can enjoy the unparalleled luxury of real fur with peace of mind, knowing it was sourced responsibly and with respect for nature.

Last Week

It was our final briefing on Tuesday'a Golf Day.  We will know later how successful it has been.

Next Week

It's the 5th Wednesday and there will be an evening meal.  Ilesh will say where and when and put up a poll on our WhatsApp Group.

International - Italy

 There may be no better way to spotlight (literally!) polio awareness than through the can’t-miss illuminations of global landmarks. Those monuments have included the Sydney Opera House, London’s Houses of Parliament, Rome’s Colosseum, the Egyptian pyramids,
Scottish castles, and more. For World Polio Day 2024, the Rotary and Rotaract clubs in the Pisa area teamed up with community leaders to turn the floodlights on the Leaning Tower of Pisa. “This is a commitment that we wanted to share together precisely to reach a wider audience,” the club presidents noted in a statement. They’ve showcased historic buildings for about 25 years and the city’s signature tower over the past five. The clubs also had a video about polio eradication shown on monitors at the Pisa Airport.

This Week - Final Golf Day Briefing

 

Bill Brunjes will update us on the state of the Golf Day next Tuesday and what needs to be done.

Last Week

Jean-Noell Dollet, the Marketing and Commercial Director for France & International of Le Club des Marques, spoke to us on the history of Armagnac and how it is made.  He also
spoke of the difference between Armagnac and Cognac.  It was an interesting illustrated talk as Armagnac is not well known in  South Africa.

Next Week

Robert Fischer of Fischer Furs will talk to us about furs today.  It should be an interesting  talk on what many would consider to be a controversial subject.

Fischer Furs is one of the last specialist furriers in the world.

International - Canada

The annual Pub N Paint event by the Rotary Club of Edmonton Whyte Avenue raises money each November to fight polio. The Alberta club’s regular meeting venue, the Rooster Kitchen, hosts the event. “I do a little spiel about the state of polio and Rotary’s role in eradication,” says Stan Bissell, a past president of the club who inaugurated the project. It’s not unusual for visitors to remark how little they know about polio, he says. “We talk about it so much in Rotary, but people don’t know and think it’s a disease of the past.” After his presentation, an art teacher distributes blank canvases and brushes, guiding Rotarians and guests in replicating landscapes such as Edmonton’s cityscape and a mountain range. “There are some very talented people” among the club’s members, reports Bissell. “But it’s variable — mine is in the garage.”

This Week - Jean-Noell Dollet tells us about Armagnac

Jean-Noell Dollet is the Marketing and Commercial Director for France & International of Le Cub des Marques.

Armagnac is the oldest known type of brandy. It is single distilled, which makes it brown in colour, robust and full-bodied. It is predominantly made from four types of grape, though a total of ten types of grape can be used to make it. Aged for many years in oak barrels, its tasting notes include grape, leather, earth, oak, praline and Christmas cake!

Armagnac is produced in the Gascony region of France, which is located to the south of Bordeaux. The region is split into three areas; Bas Armagnac, Tenareze and Haut Armagnac.

Often made in small batches by local farmers, Armagnac is not well-known outside of Europe. This specific variety of brandy is traditionally an additional product made by local farmers, to top up their annual income from agriculture. For this reason, it receives more care and attention in the production process than its commonly mass-produced cousin, Cognac.

All brandy is made by distilling wine, but Armagnac is distilled only once, meaning that it keeps some of the flavour, fragrance, and body of the original wine. Once distillation has taken place, the liquid is aged in oak barrels, which have the capacity to hold about 400 litres.

Cognac is made to the North of Bordeaux, in the Charente and Charente-Maritime areas.  It's double distilled so it requires less ageing than Armagnac and is produced in far greater quantities.

Last Week

It was a Business Meeting majoring on the upcoming Golf Day.  It was decided that the meeting on the 15th October would be completely devoted to the Golf Day.

Next Week

Golf Day preparation meeting.

International - Ghana

It's World Polio Day on the 24th October so I will be highlighting some of the activities that took place across the world last year.

In the port city of Tema, more than 300 Rotarians, Rotaractors, and partners stepped out in October 2024 for a twilight World Polio Day walk. A campaign surrounding the action included a “polio tower” lighted for the occasion, signage, and a sea of End Polio Now T-shirts donned by participants. The Rotary Club of Tema-Community 25 led the effort, which was supported by the Rotary clubs of Tema and Tema Meridian, as well as the Ghana PolioPlus Committee. The involvement of 25 Rotaract and Interact clubs contributed to the sizable turnout, says club member Elizabeth Ahiagba. “Participants distributed educational materials, engaged commuters and residents, and advocated for vigilance, particularly among families with young children,” Ahiagba says.

This Week - A Business Meeting

 

This may be of some assistance for those taking notes during the business meeting.

Last Week

It was an inspiring talk by Dalene Bishop of the Teddy Bear Foundation on the help they provide for abused children and their parents..  Not only medical and psychological assistance but also role play for court appearances and many other aspects of rehabilitation as well as ensuring that perpetrators are punished.  The Club responded by donating contributions to are weekly "Porky Pig"  collection to go to the Teddy Bear Foundation and it was well supported by members.  Dalene will talk to us again in the future about other projects of The Teddy Bear Foundation.

Next Week

Stephane Sarda of Le Club des Marques in Villeneuve de Marsan will talk to us on Armagnac which was often considered the poor relation of Cognac....not any more!

Le Club des Marques is the largest producer of Armagnac with 400ha of vineyards.  It owns the biggest collection vintages dating back to 1888.

International - Malaysia

My life-changing journey: Rotary Friendship Exchange in Malaysia

by rotaryservice

By Dr. Vishwanath Lele, 2022–23 president of Rotary Club of Pune-Kothrud, India

Dr. Lele (center) participates in a Rotary Friendship Exchange in Malaysia, uniting Rotarians in service and solidarity across borders.

When I began my year as president of the Rotary club, one goal stood out: to participate in Rotary’s Friendship Exchange Program, a unique opportunity for members and friends to travel abroad, stay with fellow members, and experience different cultures through the lens of service and fellowship. Open to anyone with a spirit of adventure and a desire to build international connections, the programme fosters lifelong friendships and often leads to collaborative service projects across borders.

That dream came true with a 10-day journey from India to Malaysia. My application received a prompt response, and every detail of my visit was planned with remarkable care and generosity.

First Impressions and Warm Welcomes

Initially, many thoughts came to my mind—how the host families would be, how I could spend such a long time with them, and how I could travel to Malaysia without knowing the cities.

I arrived at Kuala Lumpur Airport after a delayed flight, missing my bus connection. Yet even waiting at the bus stop felt pleasant — clean, well-equipped, and peaceful. The scenic ride to Ipoh, a city in northwestern Malaysia and my first destination, revealed lush mountains and serene landscapes. That evening, I attended a Rotary club installation ceremony, marking the start of a whirlwind adventure.

My host family made me feel instantly at home. Their kindness and hospitality erased my initial worries about spending time in unfamiliar surroundings. I felt as if I was staying with one of my relatives!

Exploring Penang and Sharing Rotary Wisdom

Next, I travelled by bullet train to Penang, a coastal gem surrounded by beaches and mountains. My host came to pick me up from the station, and a Rotary club hosted a dinner for me.

The next day, we visited Penang Hill — a place with dense forests, fresh air, and vibrant wildlife. Then we travelled to unexplored villages, beaches, and interacted with some fishermen. 

I delivered a session on High-Performing Teams at one Rotary club meeting. The club’s diverse membership — Indian, Chinese, and European — was enthusiastic and welcoming. We exchanged flags and discussed potential collaborative projects. Their appreciation reaffirmed the power of shared learning across cultures.

Leadership and Legacy in Bandar Sungai Petani

Another Rotary member then accompanied me to Bandar Sungai Petani, where I stayed with a senior Rotarian and former government minister. His energy and humility were inspiring. He lives by The Four Way Test, which he credits for his integrity in public service.

The next day, we travelled to see a river, a mangrove forest, and unexplored archaeological sites.

I delivered a session on High Impact Leadership at the local Rotary club, and once again, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The journey back to Kuala Lumpur was filled with meaningful conversations and laughter, deepening the bonds of friendship and shared purpose.

District Conference and Final Reflections

Due to a last-minute change in host arrangements, I was graciously accommodated in a hotel for the final leg of my trip. We dined at a prestigious club and attended the host district’s conference for three days. The event was impeccably organised, and I felt proud to represent my district and club.

On my final day, one of the key organisers of my friendship exchange personally drove me to the airport. This new friend’s sincerity, care, and humility left a lasting impression. She spearheaded an initiative to display the Four Way Test at major railway stations, a powerful symbol of Rotary’s values in public spaces.

A Journey That Changed Me

I consider the Rotary Friendship Exchange program a life-changing experience for me.  I got an excellent opportunity to travel to unexplored places, met extraordinary people, and all the Rotarians extended hospitality beyond imagination. These memories will stay with me forever.

Rotary truly opens doors — not just to new destinations, but to deeper understanding, shared purpose, and global connection.

This Week - Dalene Bishop of The Teddy Bear Foundation

 This introduction just scratches the service that the Teddy Bear Foundation supplies.  i am sure that Dalene will tell us about other areas where they assist.

The Teddy Bear Foundation’s Medico-legal Clinic is a specialised medical facility for children who have been abused or neglected and a training service for medical professionals working in the child protection field. It is based within the Charlotte Maxexe Academic Hospital, and is run by a multi-disciplinary team of Paediatricians, Doctors, Forensic nurses, Social Workers and volunteers.

Forensic assessments form the basis of court proceedings in convicting perpetrators of violence against children. They take the form of a structured process where the child is engaged through various techniques by our qualified Social Workers. The aim is to elicit information from the child victim regarding the details of an alleged crime and verify these through collateral sources, such as witnesses and other people known to the victim.

The Psychological & Assessment Service was established specifically for children with cognitive disabilities to provide them with fair access to the criminal justice system. In the context of sexual abuse cases, the psychological assessment depends on the psychological questions posed by the court. In most cases, psychological assessments are aimed at determining the victim’s mental age as opposed to their chronological age, their capacity to testify with regard to an alleged crime, and the impact of the trauma on the victims.

Child abuse causes trauma and emotional scars that can have a negative impact on a child’s development and result in long-term consequences. Every victim of child abuse and their family is provided with the opportunity to receive therapeutic counselling and support. This enables the child and family to assume a sense of mastery to cope with the trauma.

We also provide supportive counselling to the caregivers of children who have been abused. In our experience, the better equipped the caregivers are to cope with the trauma, the better equipped they are to support the child through the process.

Last Week

Konrad Kruger, President of the Land Rehabilitation Society of Southern Africa gave us a fascinating talk on what the Society achieves with advice an assistance on land rehabilitation to mining houses who are legally obliged to rehabilitate land after mining comes to an end.  Nowadays it becomes increasingly difficult to enforce the law where this is concerned.

Next Week

We have the excitement of a business meeting.

International - Myanmar

After an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Myanmar in March, killing more than 3,700 people and injuring many more, the Rotary Club of Yangon coordinated a relief effort both at home and at the epicentre near Mandalay, about 400 miles away. The club gathered supplies donated by its members, Mandalay Rotarians,
and other Rotary clubs in neighbouring countries, notably the Rotary Club of Bangkok South in Thailand. In May, a District 3350 delegation to Myanmar brought water purification systems, temporary shelters, and thousands of hot meals. The district committed to providing long-term recovery assistance, including a tube well in Sein Pan, a hard-hit ward in Mandalay. “The project reminded us that Rotary’s strength lies not only in delivering aid but in showing up together across borders with compassion and commitment,” says Thordur Adalsteinsson, a member of the Bangkok club that helped. “The partnership between our club, Rotary Myanmar, and District 3350 brought tangible relief to those in urgent need, but even more importantly, it brought hope and human connection in a time of crisis.”

Our speaker is Konrad Kruger of The Land Rehabilitation of Southern Africa

 As a group of qualified, experienced and enthusiastic land rehabilitation specialists, LaRSSA identified an opportunity to improve, facilitate, support, grow, consolidate, accelerate, evaluate, and communicate land rehabilitation stories. The Land Rehabilitation Society has become the way to channel this energy.

LaRSSA was founded on the 8th of August 2012 and publicly inaugurated and constituted on the 15th November 2012. LaRSSA is a non-profit organisation with a current membership of 250 and growing rapidly. LaRSSA has a potential member database of more than 2500.

Last Week

It was the District Governor Maria Angélica Salomão's official visit though it was virtual as opposed to actual.  Unfortunately owing to unrest she was unable to visit one of our projects but she was shown what we had achieved at Cresset House.

President Lauwrence and I met her at Doppio Zero in Rosebank and then Lauwrence took her through  to Cresset.

Next Week

Dalene Bishop will talk on the Teddy Bear Foundation.  What really interested me during the conversation that we had was her emphasis on Rotary seeking out children that need their assistance.

It is estimated that a child is abused every 8 minutes in South Africa

Our mechanisms of intervention and prevention facilitate quick disclosure by educating children about what abuse is, helping them know where to turn, and reassuring them that they will be supported and cared for. 

International - USA

Southwest Florida Rotary Club members present Chef Vikas Khanna (center) with the Service Above Self Award, honorary club membership, a Certificate of Appreciation, and induction as a Paul Harris Fellow for outstanding culinary leadership in community upliftment. New York, USA. 2025.

4 May 2025 was a day I’ll never forget.

In an inspiring display of Rotary’s values in action, my fellow Rotarians of the newly formed Southwest Florida Rotary Club and I travelled from Florida to New York City — all to honour someone whose work epitomises Rotary’s mission: Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna and his latest culinary endeavour, Bungalow NYC. The occasion was nothing short of extraordinary — a celebration of service, culture, and the profound power of food to unite people across borders.

At Bungalow NYC, we presented the Service Above Self Award to Chef Khanna and his restaurant, recognising their relentless dedication to community upliftment through the culinary arts. Bungalow is more than a restaurant — it’s a tribute to heritage, compassion, and the forgotten stories that deserve to be told through food.

With immense pride, I also recognised Chef Khanna as a Paul Harris Fellow. This honor acknowledges Chef Khanna’s immense global impact. His Feed India initiative fed millions during the pandemic, and his culinary journey elevates Indian cuisine not just with authenticity, but with heart and purpose. His story, rooted in resilience and service, deeply resonates with Rotary’s mission to create lasting change.

To celebrate this connection, we welcomed Chef Khanna and restaurateur Sameer Bhatt, managing partner at Bungalow NYC, as honorary members of our club. Their induction reflects the vision of our young club: to bring service to life across Southwest Florida and beyond through dynamic, cross-cultural engagement.

This event marked a milestone for our club and a reminder that acts of kindness, innovation, and shared meals have the power to ripple across the world. And what started with a vision to recognise and celebrate those who share our values and do good through their craft has led to an ongoing collaboration with Chef Khanna’s new children’s book, which will be released later this month to support cultural literacy around the world.

Here’s to service, culture, and the power of food to bring people together.

This Week - District Governor Maria Angélica Salomão's official visit.

 It's the District Governor's official visit to the club this week when she speaks to the Board and then subsequently attends our meeting which this week is a Business Meeting.

She will be visiting Milly Monyane's House of Self-love Youth Programme and also Cresset  House from where the Zoom meetings will probably take place.

Dr Maria Angélica Salomão lives in Maputo, Mozambique and worked at district, provincial and national levels in charge of clinical and managerial functions within the Ministry of Health system and later at regional and international level. Between 1976 and 2000, among other functions, she has been a clinician, National TB Manager, lecturer, Director of Health Services and Director and facilitator at CRDS-Maputo a WHO/Ministry of Health Public Health training institution for professionals of the Portuguese Speaking Countries in Africa

(PALOP). TB Advisor to the TB and Communicable Diseases Programmes in the Ministry of Health from 2000 to 2004, she joined WHO Country Office in 2004 and WHO AFRO from 2007 to 2013 when she took retirement and returned to the country. Experienced TB/HIV Officer, Public Health specialist and Epidemiologist worked in Africa Region, as Medical Officer for TB, TB/HIV and Health Systems assisting countries to develop policies, build capacities and strengthen health systems for the delivery of health sector response to TB and HIV through the implementation of TB and HIV recommended international high standard norms during her Afro Region period. Retired from WHO in 2013, became Independent Consultant from 2013 to 2015. From 2015 to 2018 she worked for FHI. In 2019 she joined the Mozambican College of Physicians to train Public Health specialists to facilitate and integrate the team in charge of reviewing the training curricula. In 2020 became again Independent Consultant.

Saturday saw the Spring Braai at Modderfontein Dam.  Unfortunately I was unable to attend but everyone who made it had a good time.

Last Week

Margie Kostelac gave a very interesting talk on the Santa Shoe Box Project and how it had expanded into other aspects of early childhood education.  It was amazing what she and her team have achieved.  It was also interesting that her contact with Rotary goes back a long way as she was a Rotary Exchange Student.  Many thanks, Margie, for a stimulating talk.

Next Week

Our speaker will be Konrad Kruger, President of the Land Rehabilitation Society of Southern Africa.

I imagine it's an organisation that rehabilitates open cast mines, quarries and such.

International - Croatia

The Rotary Club of Zagreb International organises regular treks for members and friends. The club, says immediate Past President Petra Pungerčar, had “noticed our members were not as connected and focused as they once were.” So the group conceived of the hikes as a way to reconnect and motivate members while also raising money for the club’s signature project, a mentoring initiative. Their inaugural hike took members of the country’s only English-speaking club through the Slapnica Valley near Zagreb in October. They walked in Budapest during a trip to Hungary, and in June they strolled beside the Kamačnik River in Croatia’s mountainous Gorski Kotar region. “Relaxed, happy, and laughing, it was an incredible experience,” the club posted on Facebook.