Rotary Club of Newlands

01/10/2026

An Unforgettable Evening with Chris & Monique Fallows

We were truly privileged to spend Monday evening with the incredible artists and conservationists, Chris and Monique Fallows. Their down-to-earth presentation was the perfect contrast to the extraordinary story that unfolded—Chris shared his deep passion for the giants of our world and highlighted the heartbreaking impact of greed and neglect on Earth’s magnificent creatures.

The room was mesmerized as stunning images of humpback whale pods and great white sharks illuminated the screen, bringing to life the awe-inspiring wonders of our oceans—and revealing just how much we still have to learn about them.

Our heartfelt thanks to Chris and Monique for sharing their journey, their powerful message, and their breathtaking photos. This experience will remain a highlight of our Rotary journey!

If you would like to know more about Rotary and the exciting projects in which we are involved:

https://www.rotary9350.co.za/join-now/

17/09/2026

What a special moment it was for these Grade 10 and 11 maritime students....meeting Siviwe Gwarube, our Minister of Education, earlier today. Thank you Cape Town Press Club for making this special moment possible!

09/09/2026

On Monday the 7th September we had the privilege of hosting DG Anton Lubbe and his delightful wife Nettie. President Richard House and John Winship spent the afternoon with them showing them a few of our current CSI projects, notably a library which is being built for Dryden Street Primary School and the site of a new project which is about to commence in Salt River. DG Anton Lubbe spent an hour with the Board discussing his vision and interacting with each portfolio chair as they presented their first few months and spoke about the plans going forward.
The Meeting began with warm welcomes and the MC, Ian Pursch, was his usual entertaining self, peppering his duty as MC with humorous one liners as he navigated the evening. The 4-way test was extended to include 'Was it good for the Environment?' and the Peace quote from Nelson Mandela and the Toast to RI, District 9350 and Newlands Rotary set the scene for DG Anton's address.
The overall message from DG Anton Lubbe was centered around three areas of focus. He said that The Rotary Club of Newlands projects are well aligned with RI theme of 'Create Lasting Impact'. The CSI projects which John Winship oversees are focussed on building a future for the young generation and will continue to bring value to many lives for decades to come.
The second focus in the District was New Membership and Membership Retention, something which Newlands has brought to the center of their vision for the 2026/7 year.
The third focus of District 9350 is Unemployment which is critical with only 40% of school leavers finding jobs in South Africa. Newlands Vocation and Entrepreneurial Portfolio has shifted its bursary funding from Tertiary Academia to Artisan Training and is partnering with education facilities which focus on creating opportunities for young learners to be trained in vocations, one of which is the General Botha Bursary Fund which offers students the opportunity to learn the skills which will equip them to find careers on the oceans in ships, boats, sailing boats, and support.
DG Anto Lubbe spoke about the shift in clubs from the historical format to new and innovative clubs such as motorbiking clubs and Rock Music Clubs. He warned that clubs which are unable to change with the times run a risk of aging and the incredible projects in which they are involved slowly coming to an end as members pass or leave.
The evening was a vibrant and energised interaction with a great fellowship and plenty of laughter and banter. DG Anton Lubbe left members feeling inspired and informed as to how to move forward with confidence using new technology and support of a dynamic District team.

05/09/2026

District D9350 – Day 15: Photo a Day Challenge

Favourite Outdoor Rotary Activity

August was Membership Month at the Rotary Club of Newlands, and what a month it was! Among the many wonderful moments was an invitation to members of the Rondebosch Common ParkRun to share their history with us. Their visit sparked wonderful conversations, and the meeting that followed was filled with inspiration, connection and incredible fellowship.

It wasn’t long before Teresa Thomson, who was holding the ‘Social Plate’, came up with the perfect way to keep the connection going – an invitation to join Andrew Thomson on Saturday morning to volunteer at the ParkRun.

And so, on a cool and rather damp Saturday morning, a group of NewRots turned up ready to **run, volunteer, encourage and have fun!

Afterwards, we gathered with the ParkRun team at the Rondebosch Cricket Club for breakfast – and what a fabulous morning it was!

There was inspiration, camaraderie, laughter, banter and, above all, that wonderful Rotary fellowship that makes belonging to a club so special.

Sometimes the best Rotary activities happen outdoors – where we meet people, lend a hand, share a laugh and build friendships along the way.

This is Rotary. This is fellowship. This is why we belong.

01/09/2026

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

The Rotary Club of Newlands welcomed Spring in true NewRots style at our meeting on Monday, 31 August – with fabulous hats, even more fabulous fellowship, and enough laughter to fill the WCCC!

Members arrived in glorious Spring spirit, and the chatter and laughter could be heard all the way from the stairwell. A productive business meeting was happily interspersed with a little light-hearted competition, as members battled it out for the coveted titles of:

🌷 **Most Outrageous Hat**
🌸 **Most Beautiful Bloom**
🐝 **Most Likely to Frighten a Bee**
🎨 **Most Creative**
🐝 **The Bee’s Choice Award**
👒 **Best Overall Spring Hat**

The competition was fierce, the creativity spectacular and the judging highly questionable! 😂 But in the end, there was one clear winner – the GEES!

At the Rotary Club of Newlands, we hold the Four-Way Test close to our hearts, but we have added one small question of our own:

'Was it fun?'.

Last night, the answer was an emphatic YES!

Because while we come together to serve our communities, it is the friendship, laughter and fellowship that make the journey so special.

“We may join a club to serve our communities, but along the way, we find our people.”

01/09/2026

Day 13: District 9350 Photo a Day Challenge – Connections made through Rotary

Three years ago, I walked into a room filled with strangers and took a chance on Rotary.

I had no idea that one decision would open the door to a world of friendship, fellowship, adventure and purpose.

Along the way, I have been welcomed, encouraged, challenged and inspired. I have met extraordinary people, discovered new parts of myself and formed friendships that stretch far beyond the boundaries of our club.

Some connections have been made over a project, others around a meeting table, on a starting line, at an event or simply over a cup of coffee and a good conversation.

And that, for me, is one of the great gifts of Rotary.

We may join a club to serve our communities, but along the way, we find our people.

Three years on, I am incredibly grateful for every connection, every friendship and every adventure still waiting around the corner.

Service brings us together, but connection makes us stay.

27/08/2026

Rotary District D9350: A Photo a Day Challenge – A Memorable Rotary Social

Christmas parties come and go, and after a few years they can sometimes blur into one another. But every now and then, there is an evening that stays with you — not because of where you were, but because of how it made you feel.

Our year-end celebration at the beautiful home of John and Lorraine Winship was one of those memorable occasions. From the warmth of the welcome to the laughter, music and wonderful sense of *gees*, the evening was filled with fellowship and friendship.

Entertained by Jenny and James, we sang along to those wonderful songs from our youth, shared stories and laughter, and simply enjoyed being together. It was one of those special Rotary moments that truly filled my cup and reminded me of the power of fellowship, friendship, service and belonging.

Rotary is, of course, about the difference we make in our communities — but it is also about the connections we build along the way. Evenings like this remind us that when we come together, celebrate one another and strengthen our friendships, we are living the spirit of Rotary.

A wonderful example of what it means to Unite for Good — and to enjoy the journey together! 💙💛



https://photos.app.goo.gl/JZJ2kLmbUSzGnXKN7

24/08/2026

District 9350 - A Photo a Day: A Rotary Experience I would never have had otherwise.

During the past three years, the Rotary Club of Newlands has had the privilege of welcoming some truly extraordinary people to share their stories with us.

Our Keynote Speaker evenings have brought legends, adventurers, thought leaders and changemakers into our Rotary family — including Leon Kluge, John Maytham, Hein Wagner, David Grier, Professor JP van Niekerk and Clem Sunter.

Each speaker has taken us on a remarkable journey.

We have marvelled at Leon Kluge's extraordinary creativity as he takes the beauty of South African flora to the world stage and brings home gold from the Chelsea Flower Show. We have been inspired by David Grier's incredible adventures, running across countries, along the Great Wall of China and around the borders of Sri Lanka — often overcoming obstacles that would have stopped most of us in our tracks.

And then there is Hein Wagner, blind from birth, whose determination and courage have redefined what is possible. From the Cape Epic and the Antarctic Marathon to the Cape Town Cycle Tour and some of the world's greatest marathons, Hein has shown us that limitations are often only the barriers we place around ourselves.

The stories of Richard C**k as he invited us onto the podium to reveal the intricacies of conducting an orchestra were fascinating and intriguing.

These remarkable individuals — legends in their own time — have stood before our club and shared their journeys with humility, honesty, humour and enormous generosity of spirit.

They have reminded us to think big, be brave and step outside our comfort zones.

To dream boldly.
To overcome obstacles.
To make a difference.
And, most importantly, to 'be the change we want to see in the world'.

That is one of the great gifts of Rotary. It brings extraordinary people and extraordinary experiences into our lives, allowing us to learn, grow and be inspired by the superheroes walking among us.

20/08/2026

20/08/2026

Day 10 – A Rotary Challenge I Overcame

District 9350 – A Photo a Day Challenge

One of the incredible fundraising events in which the Rotary Club of Newlands is involved is the Cape Town Marathon. Behind the excitement of race day lies months of preparation, countless meetings, detailed planning and the training and coordination of around 800 marshals.

Then comes the magic: two days filled with gees, teamwork and Rotary spirit, all focused on ensuring that every runner experiences the excitement, encouragement and energy of this world-class event.

Being part of such a massive undertaking is both challenging and inspiring. It requires knowledge, organisation, commitment and an extraordinary team effort—but it also leaves one in awe of the incredible capacity of the human spirit.

My personal Rotary challenge came on the Saturday during the Peace Run. I was responsible for the route from Mouille Point to the Sea Point Swimming Pool: placing marshals, checking that the route was clear and ready, keeping an eye on the runners and, occasionally, gently encouraging walkers and other early-morning users to make way!

There was just one small complication: no vehicles were allowed on the route.

The solution? A bicycle!

Having not ridden a bicycle for about 20 years, climbing aboard my daughter’s bike at 4:30 in the morning came with a fair amount of trepidation. But after that first slightly nervous launch, the apprehension quickly turned into exhilaration as I cycled the route, passing early-morning strollers and soaking up the growing anticipation as the event prepared to come alive.

It reminded me that Rotary has a wonderful way of taking us beyond what we think we can do. Sometimes a challenge requires us to step out of our comfort zone—or, in my case, climb onto a bicycle! 🚲

The opportunity to be part of an event like the Cape Town Marathon is an extraordinary experience: challenging, rewarding and filled with adventure, friendship and purpose.

I am incredibly grateful to my Rotary Club of Newlands for trusting me and believing in my ability to take on this role. Here’s to many more years of teamwork, gees, early mornings and adventures with the Cape Town Marathon!