You may have heard of the Blouberg Rotary Club and the good they do in the community and surrounds, but what you might not know is the club has been around since Table View’s early days, and is celebrating its 30th birthday.
Rotary is known globally for its Interact clubs in high schools and Earlyact clubs in primary schools and its efforts in promoting peace; fighting disease; providing clean water; and supporting education.
The Blouberg club is one of 35 247 worldwide and came into being shortly after Table View itself took root.
“Then, families were moving into the suburbs, so starting a club in Table View was a good idea,” said Rotarian Fran Slabber.
“We named it the Blouberg Rotary Club, because we didn’t want to limit it to Table View. Back then, Table View ended behind the Bayside Centre at Echium Road.”
Ms Slabber and her husband, who both joined the club in 1986, helped to get it off the ground, although back then Ms Slabber and other women could only join what was still a men’s organisation as “Rotary Anns”, the name given to the wives of the members.
However, as the years went by the term “Rotary Ann” fell away and these days both men and women enjoy full membership.
The members meet every week to socialise, listen to talks and plan community projects.
The club recently opened the Blouberg Remedial Centre at Blouberg Ridge Primary School after raising R300 000 at bingo nights held at the Italian Club in Rugby on Tuesday evenings.
“It is wonderful, and people really enjoy the bingo nights, many people look forward to it. They are enjoying the evening and giving to a good cause,” said Ms Slabber.
The club will soon hold its annual Christmas party at the Italian Club as well its “Spoil Party” for the elderly, blind and physically challenged, at the same venue.
The club celebrated its 30-year milestone at the Italian Club on Thursday November 17.
“The evening was attended by people from far and wide, both young and old. The speeches, ambiance, personal attention, photographs, camaraderie, fellowship, sharing, fun and dinner made it a glorious event to remember,” said Blouberg Rotary Club president Deidre Crouser.
* Call Marius Boraine at 021 556 1141 to find out more about the club.
