NEXT month, the selfless members of The Rotary Club of Durban North will celebrate 56 years of dedicated service to the Durban community.
Over the last five decades, the members have striven to uphold one common goal, ‘Service above self’, through feeding schemes, clothing and blanket drives, local blood drives, computer literacy and life skills programmes as well as prefect leadership courses, to name a few.
The club was officially chartered on 10 February, 1960 with 27 initial members. This after the Rotary Cub of Durban wished to expand the Rotary footprint into the greater Durban area. Rotarian, Walter Meryers, was announced as the club’s charter president.
The club soon thrived and within 20 years was able to boast with 56 members. Then, in 1997, the club’s perception of being a ‘stuffy old boys’ club’ changed. Members saw the induction of the club’s first female Rotarian, Eleanor Hough.
According to Alma Maxwell, the club’s current president, the trend of female presidents has successfully continued and has been a major boost in membership efforts. Currently, the club has 11 female members with the immediate past, present and incoming presidents all being females.
“Being a part of Rotary International is like being a part of a worldwide family. Like any family, it is made up of very different characters, but the Rotary family members have one common goal – service above self. Club members use their individual talents and vocational expertise to support the projects our club gets involved with and enjoy lots of fun and camaraderie while serving the community,” said Maxwell.
In an effort to co-ordinate the club’s initiatives, weekly meetings are held at Northwood Crusaders Sports Club on Thursday evenings from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The club welcomes any new members, added Maxwell.
To celebrate the club’s birthday, members have invited the general community to join them for a Barnyard Birthday Bash on 10 February at Gateway’s Baryard Theatre.
Show-goers are encouraged to wear colourful attire. All funds raised on the day will be used for the many community projects that the club supports.
Tickets to the show cost R155 per person. Contact 084 652 8040 or info@rotarydurbannorth.org.za.
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