While everyone was welcoming spring day on September 1, Rotary Club celebrated its 80th birthday at the Boksburg Civic Hall.
The 80th charter anniversary dinner was attended by 164 guests, including 34 members from the Jeppe Pipe Band, Jeppe Boys Marimba Band and the Smuts Tenors from General Smuts High School in Vereeniging.
These talented young people set the light celebratory tone of the evening and their music was hugely enjoyed by everybody present. The Smuts Tenors sang some anniversary songs, including a Rotary song from 1997, adapted for this event by Dave Beattie.
One very well-known Boksburg citizen among these women is Edie Malcomson.
Special guests were current District 9400 governor Charles Deiner who was the main speaker and district governor Ann Colleen Deiner, who came all the way from Middelburg.
They were marched and piped into the venue by the Jeppe Pipe Band.
Eighteen Rotary Clubs joined in the festivities and they exchanged club banners with Rotary Club of Boksburg.
A number of retired Rotarians from way back were honoured including former Boksburg mayor Gerrie Wolmarans.
Presidents from the 10 clubs each had a task on the programme.
Past President Noel Wauchope was duly recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Rotary exchange students Marci Goch from Hungary and Hannah Seitlinger from Austria (both incoming and outgoing) enjoyed the event as part of their stay in South Africa.
Last but not least, the candles on the anniversary cake were blown out and cut by Boksburg presidential couple Derek and Claire Fox for guests to enjoy with their coffee.
Congratulations messages streamed in for the club.
Rotary International president for the year 2018 to 2019, Barry Rassin from the Bahamas, sent a letter of congratulations to the club and said: “By reaching this milestone your club has made a commitment to represent Rotary in your community, as well as doing good in the world through sustainable and meaningful service.”
ALSO READ: Rotary clubs in Boksburg now led by new presidents
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