Nine Yards (13 Jan '12)

Happy Happy Happy!!!! Eish. One cannot help feeling that 2012 will be better than 2011. How much doom and gloom can a man (or woman) handle?

Welcome back to all of those who like lemmings migrated south and east. Joburg, however, was extremely quiet and pleasant if one chose to stay here.

With the Dusi (Drak first) just around the corner, many of you are hard at work training, and with both Bill and Russell’s “schools” going strong, we hope that some of you will do yourselves and the club proud. One cannot help noticing some members who look as if they swallowed the whole Christmas pud in the last few weeks. There are some impressive bow waves on the dam.

Many thanks to Malcolm Stothard for his fine effort in organising the recent Highveld Croc Race. It was a challenging Dusi warm-up, a true simulation of Dusi conditions on Day 1. What was pleasing to see is the number of members who volunteered to marshal and ensure a safe race. Not to forget Bill and Michelle who did the timekeeping and administration. With only 52 starters, one could argue that the race was somewhat disappointing? For me, however, the greatest achievement is the degree to which members were involved. This is largely due to the efforts of Bill who has taken on the role of chief choirmaster in coordinating our races. The members who volunteered at last year’s AGM to take on the race organisation responsibilities have made an impact and are to be thanked for their efforts. I believe this aspect of our club life needs to be promoted even more this year.

Our next effort is the Dusi Dambuster’s on 5th of February 2012. Hulmes Scholes and the original Dambusters have fired up our imagination, we have sponsors in Standard Bank, SAB and others, to ensure that there are sufficient prizes. Boat manufacturers are welcome to donate suitable Dusi craft as well as other goodies for lucky draws. Most importantly, however, we need marshals and other safety personnel, together with wekka’s to ensure that the event is a success. Please contact Hulme and / or Bill to give your support.

ADMIN-

We wish Natasja a speedy recovery after a minor operation last week. She will be back in office on Monday. For those of you who have had access disc problems please report to Natasja on Monday (preferable not all on one day please). The disc problem arose as a result of a software upgrade late last year and things should settle down this year.

FINANCE-

The clubs finances are in a reasonable state of affairs, bearing in mind that we need a substantial provision for the potential electricity bill that may be imminent. The committee has decided to employ an Accounting Services firm to do our books. Should any of you be able to recommend a firm that can do this at reasonable rates we would welcome your input. Please contact Jason Howell or Nick Warren with the relevant contact details. The person or firm must have impeccable skills and integrity.

BAR-

Calvin King has had to move to Sun City to complete his hotel school course and we are looking once more to appoint a barman. Interested parties should also contact Jason, Nick or I.

I thank you!