KNYSNA NEWS - A group of 12 Canadians recently descended upon Knysna as part of a Rotary Friendship Exchange. Initiated by Rotary in 1984, this is a programme which affords Rotarians the chance to visit other countries and stay in the homes of local Rotarians.
It's a great way to make new friendships across international borders, learn about a different country and gain insight into local community projects run by the host Rotary Clubs.
This group came from four clubs located in Rotary District 7815, which is situated in the Eastern Maritime area of Canada. The clubs are:
• Rotary Club of Kentville, Nova Scotia;
• Rotary Club of New Minas Sunrise,
Nova Scotia;
• Rotary Club of St John's East,
Newfoundland and Labrador; and
• Rotary Club of Florenceville, New
Brunswick.
Their tour started in Cape Town where they visited some of the beautiful sites of the Mother City before departing for Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and George and then coming on to Knysna.
South African hospitality
They were met on the afternoon of Monday 11 November and enjoyed an alfresco supper at the home of local Rotarian Mike Mills and his wife Sue.
They even had a taste of home on meeting Knysna Rotary Past President Herb Hunter and his wife Janet, who hail from the same area of Canada. The visitors were impressed with South African hospitality!
Lunch at Zoox attended by the visitors and Knysna and Plett Rotarians.
Tuesday saw the Canadians and their hosts heading off on a township tour, led by Gerald Sigcu from Thole Tours. The first stop was the Learning Tree Pre-School in Khayalethu, a Rotary-supported project.
Xhosa dishes
Sigcu then invited the group to his home in Concordia where he had laid on tastings of various traditional Xhosa dishes. This was followed by a drumming session at the LoveLife Centre, much to the amusement of the local EPWD workers.
The regular Tuesday Knysna Rotary lunch meeting at the Knysna Yacht Club enabled the touring group to gain insight into the structure and activities of Knysna Rotary and to engage with a broader group of local Rotarians, while enjoying views of the estuary.
On the bus for a township tour under the guidance of local tour operator Gerald Sigcu from Thole Tours.
Historical tour
A trip to Plettenberg Bay was arranged for the next day. It began at the Wednesday market at Old Nick Village and included a tour of the Mungo weaving mill.
This was followed by lunch with members of the Rotary Club of Plettenberg Bay at Zoox in the Bitou River valley and a guided historical tour, which the Plettenberg Bay Club had helped demarcate with plaques and QR codes.
On their return to Knysna the Canadian group then split up to head off in different directions and further explore South Africa.
The Canadian group at the Knysna Rotary lunch.
'Great experience'
In a message to Knysna Rotary President Andy Muir, tour leader Elva Heyge from the Rotary Club of Kentville stated, "On behalf of the RFE team, thank you again for the tremendous hospitality your club offered us. This RFE has been such a great experience that you may see some members make a return visit.
"I also hope that you some of your members will consider a visit to Canada."
'Bigger picture'
In response Muir stated, "Thank you for bringing International Rotary to our Club! It is important to be reminded, especially when we are so wrapped up in local projects, that we are part of a much bigger Rotary picture."
Canadian Rotary Friendship Exchange to Western Cape:
· Elva Heyge (tour leader): Rotary Club of Kentville and Sheila McCurdy (Friend of Rotary);
· Heather and Doug Hennigar: Rotary Club of Saint John's East;
· Miriam Macleod and Bob Martin: Rotary Club New Minas Sunrise;
· Claudia and Greg Coldwell: Rotary Club of New Minas Sunrise;
· Darlene Lescaudron and Bruce Simmons: Rotary Club of Kentville; and
· Carol and Joe Brennan: Rotary Club of Florenceville.
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