Born in the far south of Norway in Kristiansand, Are and his wife Wenche first came to Africa in 1973 where Are represented the Norwegian Government. They returned to Africa, specifically Zambia, in 1985, before heading south to Cape Town in 1992.
Every year learners from two schools – Haugaland VidergĂĄende Skole in Haugesund and Oddemarka Junior School in Kristiansand ,Norway raise funds by working one day of the year and donating these funds to a project called Action South Africa.
The funds raised are managed by a committee of Wynberg Rotary led by PP Are Hovstad for the benefit of 5 primary schools and 2 secondary schools in the Grassy Park, Lotus River and Zeekoevlei communities. In this year alone the Norwegian Committee gave out bursaries to the value of R940Â 000!
The Bursary Evening is one of the most important events of the year for the Norwegian Liaison Committee (NLC) of the Rotary Club of Wynberg. Even more so, it is the highlight of the school year for 7 schools on the Cape Flats. On that evening, learners from 5 primary schools and 2 secondary schools are given bursaries to assist them to cover for expenses through their school year.
Friday 7th November saw one of the highlights of the calendar for the Wynberg Rotary Club and six schools in the Grassy Park – Lotus River area:-Â the annual Bursary evening. At this event bursaries worth R455 000 were handed out to learners in need – those from families who could not otherwise afford to maintain the child at school.
On 9th October 2014 Wynberg Rotary had a ‘members evening’, an evening to celebrate US, who we are and what we do. It turned out to be a fantastic event, with a visit from an old friend, an induction, a re-induction, a certificate from a grateful recipient, and a new idea, a ‘Me-talk’.
[see also Wynpress Vol 66 Issue 13_16 October 2014 ]
Probably the most significant occasions at Rotary are the inductions of new members. Tonight we had two, or is it one and a half.?
President Jackie inducting Keela
The first was Keela o’Driscoll, ex Wynberg Rotaractor and long time friend. After many months waiting Keela finally joined us bringing another youthful element to the club, with prospects of many years Rotary service.
As for the second: John Vivian, a long time Rotarian and honorary Rotarian, decided that he was too active to be honorary, and wished to be re-activated. We welcome John back to the club as full, active member.
Jackie re-inducting John Vivian
There were a couple of other membership changes. Ken WIlliams, a stalwart on any Youth Service resigned and the club was pleased to grant him honorary status. Ken gave a moving tribute to his wife Bertie, who helped out at any time of the day or night when people needed fetching, or feeding, or just company! We all thank him for his service over the years, and assure him the change in status is in name only.
President Jackie and Ken
Catherine Bailey from RC Taverstock, the daughter of retired member and friend – Peter Bailey – visited, and swopped banners with our president.
Jackie and Catherine Bailey swopping banners
Are, the chairman of the NLC, passed around an award certificate presented to Wynberg Rotary Club by Perivale Junior School as part of their 50th Anniversary, in appreciation of the financial and other support given by the Club through the NLC.
And finally, Dirk, one of our newer members, gave a ‘Me-talk’. This is a new idea for the club, a member sharing tales about about their life, their loves, their career and any other interesting information. Dirk set the bar high, with a most enthralling talk, and video, and song, and photo show.