As I said last week I think Dalewood produce the some of the best French-style soft cheeses in South Africa primarily because every cheese is produced from their own Jersey herd and Rob Visser, who established Dalewood, specifically went to study cheese making in France.
They subsequently branched out into developing local cheeses of which Huguenot was the first, I think. Huguenot was a huge advance for South African cheese at the time not only because of its flavour but particularly because of the texture.
As a result of the Covid lockdown they have developed many more products which I am sure we will hear about.
Rob's daughter, Georgie, is in charge of marketing and she will be talking to us.
Last Week
Fr Joe Pich spoke about the difference between working in Australia and New Zealand. His observations on social interactions in both countries was particularly interesting.
Next Week
It's the 5th Wednesday and the club decided they wanted a break from Rotary so there will be no meeting.
Father Joe is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei from Barcelona. He studied Civil and Canon Law before he became a priest. He has worked as a school chaplain in Spain but lived in New Zealand and Australia for many years. Father Joseph comes from a big family and has many years experience in working with parents, teachers and students. He is currently working in Johannesburg as a parish priest at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Kensington and is Dean of the Central Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg. Amongst his many activities he has established the Thusanang Programme to mentor school leavers who will be going to university.
He plays golf and sometimes football, likes hiking and goes for a run every morning
He has had a long and varied experience working in Australia and New Zealand and it will be interesting to hear what he has to say comparing working in those countries to South Africa.
Last Week - Adi Badenhorst of Badenhorst Family Wines
It was a really interesting talk that covered many aspects of winemaking at all levels and included many other aspects of farm life on Kalmoesfontein in the Swartland. including his love of parrots and his philosophy of life and the need for sharing and cooperation between wine farms and the responsibility towards those who are employed.
Next Week - Georgie Visser of Dalewood Fromage Estate Cheese
It's a change to have a talk on cheese and though nothing in the food line can be 'authentic' if produced in another country because obviously the milk, the water and the climate are different, I would say that Dalewood produce some of the best soft cheeses in the Brie and Camembert style.
The following week is the 5th Wednesday and there has been no indication as to what we will be doing.
International - Vietnam
When a primary school teacher in Vietnam’s highlands explained that many of her students’ families struggled to afford warm clothing, the Rotaract Club of One Million Lives Saigon mounted a collection drive. In December, Rotaractors delivered 1,000 garments to villages that are home to indigenous ethnic minority groups in Dak Lak province, more than 150 miles from the club’s home base in Ho Chi Minh City. “Despite the challenging journey, we are committed to providing support to improve their living conditions,” says Thi Duong, the club’s president. Over 100 adults and children received the gently used clothing, including coats, shoes, gloves, scarves, and other accessories, which were shipped to the school along with food staples.
Kalmoesfontein, the Badenhorst family farm in the Swartland is well worth a visit. It's owned by cousins Adi and Hein Badenhorst and they were at the forefront of developing the Swartland as a wine area. I remember when it was just wheat and dairy. The family has a history of wine making as their grandfather was the winemaker at Groot Constantia.
Adi's interest in wine really began when Jean Daneel, then winemaker at Buitenverwachting, let him make his first wine when he was 13. After working at many farms in South Africa, Europe and the Antipodes, Adi and Hein bought Kalmoesfontein in 2008 and turned it into an ecologically friendly farm and began making wines using traditional methods. I am sure he will expand on that!
His latest venture is the Saldanha Wine and Spirit Company that I only discovered when my son bought me a fino sherry made by them which is excellent. I had wondered what had happened to the Monis Solera because its destruction would not only be tragic but almost the demolition of a National Monument. Having tasted the fino, I wondered if Adi hadn't acquired it.
Last Week
It was a Business Meeting with much discussion on fund raising because we have to look at new ways of doing it, particularly as demands from the various charities we support are ever increasing as government funding for NGO's is whittled away. A new committee has been established to make recommendations to the club.
Next Week
Fr Joe Pich will be talking to us on the contrasts of working and living in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand . He has spent considerable time in all three countries. It promises to be interesting and entertaining. When I asked him about South Africa he said "Ah! But here you have freedom."
International - Bermuda
In October, Girl Scouts joined their parents and Rotarians in a beach restoration project along Bailey’s Bay in Hamilton Parish. “They collected over 1,000 pieces of microplastics, several tin cans, paper, large plastics, and rope that were on the beach near the mangroves,” says scout troop leader Cathy Bassett, a longtime educator who is president of the Rotary Club of Hamilton. The girls, ages 7 to 10, are studying the preservation of mangroves in Bermuda, Bassett says. The scouts have also conducted a geographical study of sand to learn what gives Bermuda’s beaches their distinctive pink colour.
The mangroves, shrubs, and small trees that dot shallow waters along parts of the 75-mile coastline support biodiversity.
A Business Meeting is all about the agenda which is why I add a cartoon!
It was a pleasure to see the completion of the additional water tanks at Bethany Home for Abused Women & Children last week. The fruit of last month's Business Meeting and also the refurbishment of all the bathrooms following our visit and realising what needed to be done, the baths re-enamelled and taps that went off when the handle was released.
Here you can see the link between the two tanks. The tanks are filled from municipal water when it is available and when it is not the pump automatically switches on to supply the building when a tap is turned on. We have added an additional 10 000 litres to the system.
The baths were another story. Here is Before and After in one of them.
Last Week
Linsay Engelbrecht of Retina SA updated us on the Dischem SA Ride for Sight in February where we provide marshals. Our recent discussions with the Scottish Constitution of Freemasons who strongly supported our Burns Night has resulted in mutual assistance. The first example of this is the Masonic Bowls Day on Sunday 27th April where they have agreed that a group of sight impaired bowlers from Retina SA would be able to participate and we will sponsor them. We are encouraged to to attend even if we are not bowlers. A Scottish friend of mine said that bowls is very popular in Scotland as Bowls Clubs are the only bars that can be open at 07:00!
Next Week
Ati Badenhorst will be talking to us about The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Company and no doubt he will talk to us about Badenhorst Family Wines, in the Swartland as well.
International - New Zealand
Members of the Rotary Club of Waikato Sunrise are flying high thanks to an annual hot-air balloon festival where they raise money and community awareness of Rotary. The 2025 Balloons Over Waikato event, slated for 18-22 March in the club’s hometown of Hamilton, will feature about two dozen balloons along with fireworks, music, amusement rides, and food tents, says Willemien Wennekers, a club member and past manager of the festivities. Rotarians serve as crowd ambassadors and help staff the information tent and VIP area. They also sell merchandise and run a “walk-through balloon” that’s inflated but moored flat along the grass, allowing visitors to walk inside, Wennekers says. The $5,800 raised by the club during the 2024 event was donated to True Colours Children’s Health Trust, another of the event’s charity partners.
Linsay Engelbrecht of Retina SA will be talking to us about this year's Dischem Retina SA Cycle Race where we have always provided marshals. She will also talk about the Masonic Bowls Day on Sunday 27th April where partially sighted bowlers will also be taking part.
As she is a very successful sports person it promises to be an interesting talk, particularly as she is no stranger to the club.
Last Week
Podiatrist Gerald Rubin gave us such an interesting talk on what podiatrists do. The most interesting and horrifying thing was what can happen if you ignore medical advice where your feet are concerned and what can also happen if the most basic nursing care is ignored if you are elderly in hospital.
He showed us some horrific photographs of what had happened, for example, of a diabetic who had completely ignored medical advice and ended up with an amputation owing to gangrene and an elderly lady who was obviously incapacitated and the nursing staff had not turned her in bed and deterioration of her heel was just caught in the nick of time. Many of the situations he talked about were preventable.
Next Week
It's a Business Meeting.
International - Canada
Fourteen clubs in Ontario are participating in a District 7070 initiative to sew reusable menstrual pads for girls in the Dominican Republic led by Janet Thorsteinson, a member of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise. Among the most prolific is the Rotary Club of Campbellford. Since it introduced “Sewing with Janet nights” in September 2023, club members and friends have sewn more than 1,000 pads using sewing machines and fabric that Thorsteinson provided. Nearly two dozen people participate in each session. “The idea of allowing more members to be involved in an international project was very appealing,” says Rob Pope of the Campbellford club. Thorsteinson agrees. “Sewing events create opportunities for fellowship, creating a Rotary buzz and a draw for new members to get involved,” she says.
I don't know what Gerald is going to talk about but I am sure that the above will feature in the talk and subsequent questions.
I was wondering what the difference is between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The answer is nothing, they are interchangeable terms though chiropodist is old fashioned and I always think of a man on a bicycle cycling round to visit old ladies and cutting their toe nails. Maybe I am influenced too much by Michael Palin in "A Private Function".
Gerald, of course, has the latest technology at his finger tips and Wits is his alma mater. He has three practices and is involved with many people with sports injuries. It will be an interesting talk.
Last Week
Stefan Neubig spoke to us about The Sonnenglas Project. A very practical approach to providing light, especially for children doing homework where there is no electrical power. It was fascinating to hear how this small South African enterprise exported small solar lamps all over the world, primarily for decorative reasons.
I really think that we should look at these lamps for the reason they were originally created. I am sure that overseas clubs would be interested in being involved and there would be a strong possibility of a Rotary Global Grant. This is something that could grow far beyond our borders.
Next Week
Linsay Engelbrecht of Retina SA will not only giving us feedback on the Dischem/Retina SA Cycle Ride where we always provide marshals but will also talk about other aspects of support that we can provide. I have heard nothings so far about the possibility of sight impaired people participating in the Masonic Golf Day and other possibilities.
International - South Africa
It may be local but it's nice and someone many of you may know was involved.
You never know what kind of proposals will land in a club’s inbox, says Bev Frieslich, a past president of the Rotary Club of Cape of Good Hope. She and her club took to heart an email from a Ugandan Rotarian with an admittedly audacious ask: to help him spring a surprise marriage proposal on his significant other, Barbara Nyakato, while she was touring Cape Town. “When I thought of a romantic proposal to my dear girlfriend, Rotary was an obvious and automatic choice,” says Richard Kalungi. He and Nyakato are members of the Rotary Club of Kampala South. On 3 December, Frieslich brought Nyakato to Fish Hoek Beach under the guise of a club function. “Once she overcame her shock that Richard was there, she wept tears of joy and love,” says Frieslich, who helped Kalungi with the shopping, organized a dinner reception, arranged a professional photographer, and provided Kalungi with lodging for the escapade. “Whoever said Rotary is boring?” says Frieslich.
Stefan Neubig founded Sonnenglas in 2013 and now the products are exported all over the world creating more and more jobs in South Africa and winner of many international awards. It promises to be a fascinating talk.
In the heart of South Africa, where daily power challenges were the norm, our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: To provide a sustainable light source. Inspired by the frequent power outages affecting countless communities, we created Sonnenglas, a solar-powered glass lantern. This innovative solution not only brightened homes but also transformed lives.
The impact extended globally, making Sonnenglas® a stylish, versatile addition to interior decor and an eco-friendly choice for various activities like camping and DIY projects.
Our production facility in Johannesburg isn't just where the Sonnenglas® is crafted – it's the pulse of our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Nestled within Victoria Yards, a vibrant creative hub, our factory aligns with the ethos of our neighbours. Victoria Yards, with its collaborative spirit among local artisans and artists, serves as an inspiring backdrop.
As active community members, we champion social responsibility through our support of local charities and projects, striving to foster a positive impact in our neighbourhood.
An exemplary collaboration with our partner Timbuktu in the Valley highlights our commitment to this cause. Located in this dynamic environment, we oversee production meticulously, ensuring top-notch quality, sustainability, and fair working conditions for our 65 employees. Collaborating closely with suppliers, we prioritise environmentally friendly materials and processes.
Last Week - Business Meeting
The major issue was to find a solution to the water problem at Bethany Home where we had already installed tanks in the past both for rain water and normal consumption using municipal supply when available with an automatic pumping system when needed. It was decided that a number of Rotarians would visit on Monday to see what the situation is and how water is conserved and what it's used for. A donation of R70 000 had been received specifically for this project. It was realised, by the visiting Rotarians, that some maintenance was required in some of the bathrooms as well and there will be a report back to the club.
Next Week - Gerald Rubin, Podiatrist
I have a feeling he wants to ensure that our feet are firmly on the ground!
Sport problems are one of his specialities.
International - Rotary in Ukraine Part 2
Part 2 has mysteriously vanished so instead I will give an insight into the projects of the Rotary eClub of Ukraine. Here are just two of them. Unfortunately I am unable to download any pictures.
Empowering Internally Displaced Families: Film School for IDPs Children Project
Club: ReC: Ukraine
Rotary Area of Focus: 5. Supporting education
Project category: Internally displaced people
Realization Stage: Financed and in process of realization
Budget: >55,000$
Donors: Rotary Club Save Our Planet, Rotary Club Las Vegas WON, Rotary Club of McMurray
Partners: Ivanna Sakhno, Ukrainian actress and activist. The National Filmmakers Union of Ukraine
Files:
Webpages:
Short Description: The Ukrainian Children Movie School project provides creative arts and skill development to address the urgent mental health needs of internally displaced children in Ukraine, fostering resilience and well-being through film production and therapeutic interventions.
The Film School project addresses the complex mental health needs of internally displaced families in Ukraine. We presented this impactful project during an Open Meeting on April 16th, 2024, and are happy to share more information here.
The Film School for IDPs children is dedicated to provide a comprehensive approach to psychological rehabilitation through creative arts and skill development. Our project is designed to restore and stabilize the mental health of internally displaced children who have experienced the trauma of war. Through a holistic psychological rehabilitation program, we aim to alleviate conditions such as PTSD, various phobias, panic disorders, and other mental health challenges prevalent among the affected children.
Central to our approach is the use of creative arts and skill development as tools for healing and personal growth. The Film School offers a nurturing environment where children can engage in activities such as film production, television, music, and theatre. By providing professional encouragement and skills training, we empower children with tools for self-expression and personal development.
Moreover, we recognise the critical role of early learning and communication in a child's development. Our project focuses on creating a stable and supportive environment where children can interact with peers, receive emotional support, and stimulate their intellectual and emotional potential.
As part of the broader community, our project aims to contribute to the overall mental health and well-being of society. By investing in the restoration of children's mental health today, we lay the foundation for a resilient and mentally healthy society in the future.
The Movie School primarily targets internally displaced children in Kyiv Region, constituting 25% of the 7 million displaced population in total in Ukraine. These children have faced significant challenges, including witnessing shelling and bombing, hiding in bomb shelters, and enduring occupation. Located in Vyshhorod city (10 km from Kyiv) and in the capital itself, our project aims to provide these children with the tools and support needed for mental health recovery and future success.
The school has already been open for more than two years and has shown promising results. Within 3-4 months of training, approximately 85-90% of participating children and adolescents achieve significant social and psychological rehabilitation. This underscores the effectiveness of our approach and the potential positive impact on the well-being of the targeted population.
The budget for the Movie School project amounts to a total of 59,120 USD, which will be allocated across various essential aspects of the initiative. The largest portion of the budget, accounting for 55%, is allocated to the salaries of educators responsible for conducting 10 different classes, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship for the participating children. Additionally, 15% of the budget is dedicated to funding family psychological and art therapy courses, providing vital support for the mental well-being of both children and their families. Other significant expenses include the rent of premises (6%), group visits to theatres and other educational activities (5%), and the purchase of necessary equipment such as a mobile professional editing station, licensed software, and a microphone system (6%). A portion of the budget (4%) is also allocated to acquiring professional shooting light equipment to facilitate the production of high-quality films. Administrative expenses, including project management, accounting, and legal services, constitute 9% of the total budget, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the duration of the project.
We're truly grateful for the support and partnership of our Rotary allies, who've been key in bringing the Film School project to life. Thank you McMurray Rotary and Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick for your incredible support of the United Kids Film School Project! Your generous contributions are making a profound impact, offering these children hope, healing, and a brighter future. We cannot thank you enough for believing in our mission and helping us make a difference. We also want to express our appreciation to our sister club and longstanding collaborator, Rotary Club Las Vegas WON and the energy of Chehab Elawar and Rotary Club Save Our Planet and the remarkable efforts of Club President Bricia Elawar.
In summary, the Film School project aligns with our focus on mental health, addressing the multifaceted aspects of well-being. By providing creative outlets and professional development opportunities, we strive to contribute to the mental health recovery of internally displaced families and build a foundation for their future success.
Burn Treatment Bed Shortage in Ukraine
Club: ReC: Ukraine
Rotary Area of Focus: 2. Fighting disease
Project category: Humanitarian, Medical
Realization Stage: Offered, looking for other partners
Budget: 10,000-55,000$
Donors: Rotary clubs of Northampton, Royal Leamington Spa and Pirmasens (Germany)
Partners: Kommuna Lux
Files:
Webpages:
The ReC Ukraine project aims to address the critical shortage of burn treatment beds in Kramatorsk Hospital, by providing multi functional and reusable beds designed for large surface burns, with a total budget of $25,000.
In response to the pressing need for improved medical facilities in war-affected regions of Ukraine, the Rotary E-Club of Ukraine, in collaboration with the band Kommuna Lux, plans to supply much-needed burn treatment beds to hospitals, starting with Kramatorsk Hospital.
Led by project coordinator Oleksandra Mytkalyk, the initiative aims to address the critical shortage of burn treatment beds, particularly in areas like Kramatorsk, located in the Donetsk District near the front lines of the war. This collaboration with Kommuna Lux, who is touring the USA with a mission to raise funds for humanitarian projects, amplifies the reach and impact of the effort.
The project's focus lies in providing multi functional and reusable beds designed specifically for treating large surface burns, covering more than 70% of the body. Each bed includes a frame, adjustable upper body support, and two adjustable armrests, catering to the specific needs of burn victims.
With a total budget of $25,000 (975,000 UAH), the project plans to procure 10 beds of the new design, covering shipping and administrative expenses. The cost of one bed is estimated at USD 2,250 (87,750 UAH), making it a cost-effective solution to address the critical shortage of burn treatment facilities.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Health has identified several hundred beds required across hospitals in Ukraine with burn centres, underscoring the widespread need for such resources. The ReC Ukraine project prioritises fulfilling the immediate needs of Kramatorsk Hospital before extending assistance to other hospitals as funds become available. By focusing on providing essential medical equipment and support to front line hospitals, the initiative aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of burn victims in areas of Ukraine that suffer from constant shelling.
As the project progresses, it seeks to collaborate with local authorities, medical professionals, and humanitarian organisations to ensure the efficient distribution and utilisation of resources, ultimately improving the quality of care for those affected by burn injuries in the region.
Kommuna Lux's USA tour plays a vital role in this initiative. Through our partnership, 30% of the funds collected during each concert event will be allocated to purchasing these specialised burn-unit hospital beds. This concert activity not only raises awareness but also provides a platform for Rotarians and the general public to contribute directly to this cause.
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