Tri Area 9 – 11 September 2022 @Aldam
Douglas Round Table 224 het die naweek van 9 – 11 September 2022 ons jaarlikse Tri Area bygewoon te Aldam Holiday Resort & Conference Centre. Noordkaap, Vrystaat en SNOFS area het bymekaar gekom vir vergarderings en vele kameraadskap.
Dit is wonderlik om te sien wat hierdie organisasie doen vir ons land. Ons sal nie kan bestaan sonder die ondersteunings netwerke binne ons gemeenskap nie.
Dankie Vrystaat vir n uitsonderlike Tri Area en die manne van die Noordkaap sien uit om julle volgende jaar weer te sien in Potchefstroom. NKFJ
Douglas 224 – Skuurskoffel
Die 13de Augustus 2022 het Douglas 224 en die Young Guns die dorp behoorlik laat skut…Dankie aan Douglas se Young Guns en Jac Philips. Douglas 224 Round Table en die gemeenskap het die aand en vroeg oggend baie geniet en sien uit na die volgende dans. #skuurskoffel
Douglas 224 Voorsitters Dinee 2022
Op die 8ste April 2022 het ons die geleentheid gehad om ons mooi-moois aan te trek vir die inhuldigings-dinee van Jacques Engelbrecht as Round Table Douglas 224 se voorsitter vir 2022/23 te Villiera Gastehuis.
Ons was geëerd om lede van ons 41ers-klub daar te hê saam met n paar van ons ondersteunende Stoele. Ons was ook bederf met lede van Hartz 186. Dankie Michael, JP en Louis, julle was die cherry op die koek die aand.
Die aand was ‘n guldige geleentheid gewees vir die uitgaande voorsitter, Chapo Cilliers, om sy amp te oorhandig aan Jacques Engelbrecht, asook om ‘n paar trofees uit te deel.
Stirrers Spoon – Kobus Visser
Kakmakers Ketting – Jacques Engelbrecht
Stuurman – JJ Albrightson
Stoel van die jaar – Barend Cilliers
Sterkte aan Jacques vir jou jaar, ons staan almal agter jou.
Douglas dans vir brande
In April 2021 begin Douglas 224 die beplanning om ‘n “Herfs Dans” te hou. Die datum word gekies as 22 Mei. Die ‘band’, Jan Rhaap, word geboek, store gereël posters gedruk en die besprekings maak oop. Daar is beperkte kaartjies beskikbaar aangesien lockdown reels geld, en al is die dorp uitgehonger vir ‘n massiewe partytjie moet gesondheid top prioriteit vat. Die kaartjies verkoop goed en besprekings stroom in. Die projek beloof om ‘n groot sukses te wees.
Hierdie geesdrif sou ongelukkig nie lank hou nie. ‘n Week voor die beplande datum tref die 4de vlaag Covid-19 vir Douglas hard met ‘n 70 nuwe positiewe toetse in een dag. Die verwagting is ook dat die president nuwe lockdown maatreëls sou aankondig en ons neem toe die moeilike besluit om die dans tot verdere kennis uit te stel. Soos verwag tree die nuwe lockdown reëls in werking ‘n paar dae voor die dans.
4 Maande later, in September en Oktober 2021 word Douglas en die nabye gemeenskap hard getref deur veldbrande. Vure word geveg reg rondom die dorp, al die pad vanaf Prieska en Hopetown, deur Douglas en tot in Kimberley. Die skade beloop duisende hektare en baie boere van die Douglas gemeenskap loop self deur. Daar is groot nood in die gemeenskap.
Die 4de Covid vlaag is ook terselfdetyd besig om te bedaar en Douglas 224 besluit om weer die herfs dans op die been te bring, maar hierdie keer ten gunste van Douglas se Jongboere Vereeniging om sodoende verligting te bring vir die wat skade gelei het onder die brande.
Die idee kry groot inkoop vanaf die gemeenskap en ons word oorweldig met skenkings vir die veiling op die aand. Alles van bul-kallers, jagpakette, toerusting, en ‘n vuurvegter word geskenk vir die saak. Teen die tyd wat die aand aanbreek word daar ook amper 400 mense verwag. Douglas het bitter lanklaas so saamtrek gesien by ‘n dans en Jan Rhaap get gesorg dat die geesdrif hoog loop. Die veiling was ook ‘n reuse sukses met baie gewilligers wat die goeie doel raaksien.
Dit was heel moontlik Douglas 224 se mees suksesvolle projekte ooit en ons bedank graag al ons vrouens, tafelaars, stoele en borge wat die aand moontlik gemaak het. ‘n spesiale dank gaan ook uit aan elkeen van die gemeenskap wat die geleentheid bygewoon het. Dis ‘n eer om te tafel in ‘n dorp soos ons s’n.
Douglas Amazing Race
Op Saterdag 28 Augustus hou Douglas 224 ‘n Amazing Race ten bate van Outreach kleuterskool.
Familie-spanne met kleiner kinders spring 10am weg vanaf Douglas Hotel. Die res van die spanne, wat insluit ouer-kinders, volwassenes en besighede vertrek op hul beurt 3pm ook vanaf die hotel. Spanne spring in hul voertuie en neem deel aan speletjies, aktiwiteite en kompetisies regoor die dorp. Daar is altesaam 10 stasies, elk met ‘n ander kompetisie. Die algehele wenner van die dag is nie noodwendig die span wat eerste klaarmaak nie. Daar is pryse vir elke aktiwiteit sowel as algemene pryse vir gees en besondere prestasie soos besluit deur die beoordelaars.
Na afloop van die kompetisie kom al die spanne bymekaar by Douglas 4×4 klub se baan vir die prysuitdeling en ‘n kuier waar hul geesdriftig stories en “tricks” uitruil van die dag se aktiwiteite. Al het die frats koue front sy bes probeer het dit nie ‘n demper op ‘n suksesvolle dag gesit nie. Die dag is gereël met die hulp, en ten bate van Outreach kleuterskool in Breipaal Douglas. Hulle is ‘n geregistreerde NPO en die enigste formele kleuterskool in die nabye gemeenskap. Outreach ontvang geen toelae vanaf die staat nie en is sedert 2013 eksklusief finansieël onderhou deur ‘n plaaslike kerk. Die kerk kan ongelukkig nie meer die verpligtinge nakom nie wat beteken dat sonder borge of bystand hulle nie langer hul deure kan oophou nie. Hulle het dus Douglas Tafelrondte genader met die idee en saam het ons dit ‘n werklikheid gemaak.
Daar is groot, voortdurende nood by die skooltjie en daarom sien ons uit om nog projekte saam met hul te doen. Indien jy in ‘n posisie is om ‘n bydrae te maak kan jy vir Colleen kontak by 087 187 7335. Besoek gerus ook hul Facebook blad by https://www.facebook.com/DouglasOutreach en sien vir jouself watter waardevolle rol wat hule in die gemeenskap volstaan.
Douglas 224 huldig nuwe voorsitter in
Op Woensdag 24 Maart 2021 huldig Douglas 224 hul nuwe voorsitter, Francois Cilliers in vir 2021 – 2022 tydens ‘n glansryke geleentheid by Villiera Gastehuis in Douglas. Die samesyn was hoog en die aand het gesorg vir menigte skaterlag sowel as ‘n traan of twee – trots geborg deur die einste inkomende voorsitter tydens sy intreërede. ‘n Onbeplande hoogtepunt was ‘n besoek vanaf Wesley Klopper van RT Golden East 181 wat toevallig by die lokaal gebly het en besef het hierdie statige ouens moet tafelaars wees.
Eregaste sluit in een van ons oorspronklike stigterslede, Garth Megaw, sowel as Francois Cilliers Sr., ‘n oud-tafelaar, in bywoning vir sy seun se inhuldiging as voorsitter.
Trofee wennners:
Stoel van die jaar – Barend Cilliers vir sy harde werk om ons skietdag projek te reël en ‘n reuse sukses te maak.
Kakmakers ketting – Francois (Chapo) Cilliers vir verskeie redes.
“Stirrers spoon” – Jacques Engelbrecht vir sy relevante en wel-deurdagte bydraes tydens vergaderings.
Stuurman van die jaar – Franco Geldenhuys wat deur ‘n moeilike jaar bitter hard gewerk het as tesourier en kontakpunt vir menigte van ons welsyn uitreikings.
Douglas 224 portefeuljes 2021/22:
Voorsitter: Francois (Chapo) Cilliers
Ondervoorsitter: Jacques Engelbrecht
Tesourier: Franco Geldenhuys
Sekretaris: JJ Albrightson
Projekte sameroeper: Kobus Visser
Klubhuis: Danie Posthumus
Douglas 224 loop vir CANSA
Soveel van ons is al direk of indirek geraak deur kanker. So toe Douglas 224 genader is om te help om ‘n plaaslike “CANSA Relay For Life” op die been te bring was ons dankaar om te help.
CANSA Relay For Life is ‘n landswye inisiatief van CANSA en bied gemeenskappe die geleentheid om op nuwe en opwindende maniere ‘n verskil te maak in die stryd teen kanker. Menigte weergawes van die gebeurtenis is word gehou in 2021. Elke gebeurtenis het sy eie formaat maar deel drie hoof doelstellings:
“CELEBRATE”:
Die wat kanker oorwin het word verwelkom en erken deur die opening van die “Relay” waar hulle ‘n Survivors-lap aflê. Kanker-oorlewendes is dikwels gassprekers by CANSA Relay For Life-geleenthede en deel hul stories van hoop en inspireer diegene wat hul reis met kanker begin en verdien erkenning en respek uit hul gemeenskap.
“REMEMBER”:
Die Luminaria seremonie is die hoogtepunt van die aflos en word gewy aan diegene wat hul stryd teen kanker verloor het, ter ere van diegene wat gewen het en diegene wat steeds die siekte veg.
Persoonlik versierde Luminaria-sakke word om die baan uitgesit ter herinnering aan, of as ‘n toewyding aan ‘n baie spesiale vegter wat die stryd verloor het of ter ere van ‘n moedige kankeroorwinnaar wat nog veg of die stryd teen kanker gewen het.
“FIGHT BACK”:
Individue ontmoet nuwe vriende en maak nuwe herinneringe deur stories te deel. Hulle leer ook oor die gesondheidsbewustheid, voorspraak, kankerondersoek plus sorg- en ondersteuningsprogramme wat CANSA bied aan diegene wat deur kanker geraak word, en onderneem ‘n belofte om die bewusmaking te bevorder.
Dankie aan Cecilia Schreuder en Elmareth le Roux vir al die reëlings sowel as al die vrywilligers wat uitgehelp het.
Besoek gerus https://relayforlife.org.za/ vir inligting hoe jy persoonlik betrokke kan raak
Ghaap RiverXtreme 2020
Die Ghaap RiverXtreme is oor die jare Douglas 224 se grootste projek en finansier n groot gedeelte van ons welsyn bydraes. Douglas 224 is een van die begunstigdes van die fees saam met Douglas vir diere, Huis Spes Bona, Hoerskool Douglas en Outreach wat almal baat by die harde werk wat die fees-kommitee jaarliks doen om die geleentheid te maak werk asook die getroue ondersteuning van die gemeenskap en die nasionale “Lotto” wat dien as die hoof borg.
Hierdie jaar was die fees nie sonder sy uitdagings nie. Op die einde is die fees oor twee dae aangebied op Michael Jacobs, n oud 224 tafelaar, se plaas “Luneburg”. Vrydag aand se hoof vermaak word verskaf deur Ramey Short wat met bitter kort kennis vanaf Johannesburg moes jaag aangesien die oorspronklike kunstenaar op die dag moes onttrek weens siekte. Meeste sal hom beter ken as “Dr. Quinton Meyer” van Binneland en as jy nie geweet het hy sing ook nie is jy nie alleen nie. Nietemin sorg hy vir n paar aangename verassings en het die skare behoorlik op hul voete gehad terwyl die tafelaars moes bont-staan om die glase vol te hou agter die kroeg. Saterdag is dit “Fatman” se beurt om sy ding te doen en daai ding doen hy toe met oorgawe.
N groot dankie gaan uit aan die fees-kommitee vir al hul harde werk, die kunstenaars en al die tafelaars wat hul tyd opgeoffer het.
Ons maak volgende jaar weer so!
Douglas Dryf! 2019
Douglas se jaarlikse dryf is nie n ingewikkelde affêre nie. Jy bring jou dryf apperaat, of dit nou n tjoop of swaan of haai of stuk uitworp is, solank dit meer water verplaas as wat dit weeg (Dankie gr6 skeinat) sal dit moontlik die knoop haak. Jy en daai apperaat word dan n hele paar km teen die rivier op vervoer, en moet dan maar terug duimgooi saam met die stroom. Tussendeur moet jy jouself probeer geniet, gehidreer bly, en sovêr moontlik vermy dat die Noord-Kaap son jou nie skroei nie. Eenvoudig.
Tog is Douglas se jaarlikse dryf is vinnig besig om Douglas 224 se gewildste projek te word en hierdie jaar was daar ongeveer 120 vrywilligers wat saam met die 224 lede die dag geniet het. Al die elemente het goed saamgespeel en gesorg dat ieder en elkeen n goeie tyd gehad het. Hierdie is die 3rde jaar wat ons die dryf aanbied en die getalle het elke jaar sterk gegroei. Hierdie jaar moes ons selfs n tweede vragmotor inspan om die mense te vervoer. Die sukses van die dag was dan ook nie perongluk nie. Douglas 224 sou dit nie kon doen sonder ons getroue stoele nie en n spesiale dank gaan uit aan hulle wat gehelp het met die vervoer asook die vlot wat die dryfers vergesel het om te kyk dat niks te ernstig skeef loop nie.
Ons het groot planne vir die projek en sien onself dit stelselmatig uitbrei oor die jare wat kom. Hierdie is definintief een om dop te hou!
Ghaap riverXtreme 2019
Die Ghaap riverXtreme is n groot dag op die Douglas kalender en Douglas 224 se grootste jaarlikse fondsinsameling projek. Die doel van die fees is om fondse in te samel vir gerigistreerde nie-winsgewende organisasies in Douglas. Die huidige begunstigdes is Douglas vir Diere, Huis Spes Bona, Hoërskool Douglas, Outreach asook Douglas 224 wat op hul beurt weer die fondse verdeel aan behoeftiges in die gemeenskap. Talle feesgangers sak oor die loop van die naweek toe op die feesterrein en meeste van hulle reguit na die biertuin toe waar dit die tafelaars se verantwoordelikheid is om hulle te beskerm teen hitte-uitputting en dihidrasie.
Die fees is die laaste 7 jaar gehou by Broadwater River Estate maar nadat die fees die terrein ontgroei het is daar besluit om die fees te skuif na n ander terrein asook na vroeër in die jaar in Februarie. Aangesien daar nie twee feeste in een jaar gehou kan word nie en met die borgskap van die Lotto kan daar nie n jaar oorgeslaan word nie, is die besluit gemaak om hierdie jaar n kleiner weergawe van die fees aan te bied op die skoolgronde in die vorm van n “mark-naweek”.
Al was die fees nie so groot soos vorige jare nie het die tafelaars nogsteeds oorgenoeg entoesiasme aan die dag gelê en hulself beywer om dit n groot sukses te maak. Daar was weereens groot kameraadskap agter die kroeg toonbank wat dan ook Saterdag omskep is in n onbeplande “sports-pub” sodat feesgangers kon toekyk hoe die Japanese rugbyspan onverwags vir Ierland ore aansit asook hoe die Springbokke afreken met Namibië. Later die aand vermaak Thys die Bosveldklong die skare waarna die partytjie woed tot laat in die nag.
Baie dankie aan die feeskomitee vir julle harde werk, die bywoners vir julle ondersteuning en ook vir die tafelaars vir julle onbaatsugtige bydraes tot die gemeenskap. Ons sien uit om almal vroeg volgende jaar weer te sien by ons nuwe tuiste.
224 groete.
Douglas 224 boer vooruit
Douglas is n plaasdorp in die klassieke sin en groot deel van die ekonomie draai om boerdery. Dit is voor die hand liggend dat n area wat snoesig tussen die banke van die Vaal, Oranje en Riet riviere lê n groot element van besproeiingsboerdery sal handhaaf. In daai sin is Douglas n ware oase in die res van die tans dorre Noord-Kaap. Nietemin hoef jy nie te vêr van die rivierbanke te gaan om te sien hoe die huigide droogte dit ondraagbaar maak vir vee en wildboere nie. Ons is almal bewus dat die Noord-Kaap nou al vir 5 jaar droogte ervaar en daar is steeds geen einde in sig nie. Round Table Noord Kaap het al menigte projekte geloods wat uitstekende werk doen om n bietjie verligting te bring aan moedelose boere.
Met al die behoefte sal mens verskoon word dat ons dink die besproeiingsboer se lewe is net groen deurnat weivelde. Moenie dink dit is maklik om n besproeiingsboer te wees tydens n droogte nie. Dit is n daaglikse stryd met staantye wat aanhoudend aangepas word en watervlakke wat net nie meer wil klim soos vroeër jare nie. Dit gepaard met alewig stygende insetkoste, bogemiddelde temperature, lae reënval en dan nog El Nino en La Nina wat ontydige wind en hael en ryp bring, vereis dat die moderne besproeiingsboer n paar innoverende planne moet he om nie net sy eie kop bo (die gebrek aan) water te hou nie, maar boonop dit wat hul kan spaar te gee vir die bure wat nie daai voorreg het nie. As daar ooit n vereiste was vir “aanneem, aanpas en verbeter” is boerdery definintief dit.
Omdat hulle weet wat dit vereis, vereer Agri Noord-Kaap jaarliks n uitmintende boer wat floreer onder hierdie uitdagende omstandighede met hul “Jongboer van die jaar” toekenning. Dit is dan vir ons as Douglas 224 n eer dat ons eie voorsitter, Mr. Hilton Megaw aangewys is as die wenner in die besproeiings kategorie vir 2019. En asof ons nie trots genoeg is nie, volg Hilton in Mr. Danie Fourie se spore wat dieselfde toekenning laasjaar verower het in sy onder-voorsitter jaar.
Ons as Douglas 224 is trots om industrie-leiers soos julle in ons midde te hê. Ons en die res van RTNC wens julle hartlik geluk.
Douglas 224×4
Douglas Round Table 224 het hul jaarlikse 4×4 dag gehou op Saterdag die 27de Julie op Stratford net buite Douglas. Soos die son sak Vrydagaand begin die tafelaars en hul families stuk stuk by die baan bymekaarkom vir die laaste beplanning langs die braaivleis vure waar die samesyn hoog loop. Bang dat die onlangse Duoglas area konferensie homself herhaal word daar dan ook besluit dat daar oorgeslaap word om te verseker dat sommige van ons lede nie kan laat wees nie. Adopt, Adapt, Improve soos die slagspreek loop.
Saterdag oggend begin die inskrywings opdaag en word die mobiele kroeg in n stof/sports bar omskep soos daar saamgedrom word om al wat lyk of dit moontlik kan stream om te kyk hoe Herschel Jantjies die All Blacks tem. So is die pas vir die dag gestel en vertrek die die konvooi op n hoë noot vir n dag op die baan wat op die einde gesorg het vir ewe veel vermaak.
Al was die formaat hierdie jaar meer gefokus op pret as kompetisie het dit nie die drywers gekeer om n paar “vriendelike uitdagings” te maak nie. Die manne wat wel die duine kon uitklim is bederf met n wonderlike uitsig oor die Douglas vlaktes vol V8 cruisers wat dit nie kon maak nie. Tussendeur word daar n paar Douglas tafelaars soos oudergewoonte baie vriendelik verwelkom tot die Buffalo bende. Jy kan hulle van vêr af uitken deur die glimlae op hulle gesigte en borste wat swel van trots en moontlik infeksie.
Die dag sluit af met n prysuitdeling waar ons eie Michael Jacobs wegstap met die eerste prys. As hy kon wegry met hom sou hy maar mens moet seker maar weet wanneer om op te gee.
Baie dankie vir al die ondersteuning. Dit was weereens n dag vir die boeke en ons sien uit om julle te sien op ons volgende projek.
Tot dan toe, tafel-groete
Douglas 224
Winter knights 2019
Die hare het letterlik gewaai by Douglas Round Table se Winter Knights 2019. Ons het hande gevat met Nicola Fourie om n gesamentlike fondsinsameling vir Cansa te hou wat ontaard het in n reuse sukses. Tussen die kosverkope en haarsnye wat opgeveil is staan die totaal ingesamel in die omtrek van R80k.
Baie dankie vir almal wat kos, klere en komberse geskenk het. Met julle hulp sal Douglas 224 sorg dat dit n groot verskil maak vir mense van die gemeenskap hierdie winter. Spesiale dank gaan ook uit aan almal wat deelgeneem het aan die shaveathon. Ons verstaan dis n groot opoffering om te maak en ons as tafel raak self nog gewoond aan die “nuwe” gesigte by die vergaderings. Douglas 224 is bevoorreg om n gemeenskap soos Douglas agter ons te hê. Dis werklik n eer om met harde werk en julle hulp iets te kan teruggee vir daai eintse gemeenskap.
Additionele fotos op facebook
Winter area 2019
Die RTNC winter area-konferensie skop af op Vrydagaand 7 Junie. Tafelaars vanaf die hele Noord-kaap en sommiges van so vêr soos Windhoek drom saam vir n hele naweek se sin praat en besigheids besluite neem. Gelukkig kon daar n tydjie afgeknip word vir samesyn en lekker kuier.
Die naweek skop af met n skaap spit op Vrydagaand. Saterdag vertrek die manne op n uitstap saam met die plaaslike Douglas 4×4 klub terwyl die dames die dorp behoorlik omdompel met hul “ladies tour”. Dit terwyl die menige afgevaardigdes die vergadering behartig. Soos dit ‘n goeie demokrasie betaam stem almal soos oudergewoonte met alles saam, die vergadering is voltooi en al die delegate vang die bus om die agtermiddag by die plaaslike 4×4 baan deur te bring.
Saterdag aand word daar gebraai en gekuier met die tema “Back to school / Prom night”. Hartswater 186 maak skoonskip by die prysuitdeling maar hul koevoet is net te klein en skandes te min om die “Stirrer” trofee by Douglas 224 af te vat. Dankie vir almal wat die area bygewoon het en moontlik gemaak het. n Spesiale dank gaan uit aan Douglas 224 se “legs”. Dames, julle is ons steunpilare en ons sou dit nie sonder julle kon doen nie. Ons sien uit om almal by die volgende area raak te loop, nuwe tafel bande te maak en bestaandes weer te rek tot op breekpunt.
Fotos beskikbaar op facebook
Douglas 224’s new clubhouse
Its a landmark year for Douglas 224. Aside from all of exciting yearly projects, this year marks the 10th year since its recharter and the first RTNC area conference for 2019 is being held in Douglas early June. It is fitting then that Douglas will have a new clubhouse to call home shortly. The tablers have been hard at work renovating old farm-laborer housing generously provided by Michael Jacob’s on his farm Nuweland just outside of Douglas towards Prieska.
Electricity, paint, doors, windows, blinds, counter-tops and furniture are already in progress with the rest to follow shortly. We are very excited about the prospect of our new home and the opportunities it affords us to host not only our own business meetings, but because we are situated on the bank of the Orange rivers excellent amenities for entertaining tablers from all over the country and world. We are even thinking about moving the finish-line for our popular “anything that floats” event held in November to the clubhouse lawn which has the makings of a massive party.
Bear with us, its early days yet but we look forward to you hanging your banners on our newly painted walls during your visit in the near future.
Douglas 224 help by toer dans
Douglas hoërskool het Vrydag 17 Mei n kuier-aand gehad ten bate van die graad 6 rugbytoer. Daar is om en by 300 kaartjies verkoop wat gesorg het dat die vliegtuigloods waar dit aangebied is tot volle benut is. Die manne van Douglas 224 is ingeroep om die kroeg te verskaf en beman en soos oudergewoonte het die vele hande gesorg vir ligte werk – al was sommige van die tafelaars dalk effe fikser Saterdag. Die bar toon ten einde n goeie wins wat n vêr pad sal gaan.
Dankie vir elkeen wat gehelp het en n spesiale dankie aan Hilton en Johanita dat ons weereens op julle kon staatmaak vir die reëlings, verskaffing en aanry van die voorraad.
Tafelgroete
Douglas 224 Chairman and Honorary Member attends 4 F’s
Douglas 224 Chairman, Hilton Megaw and Honorary Member, Werner Labuschagne, attended this year’s 4F twinning arrangement between Northern Cape Area and North Natal Coast Area.
Unfortunately, I had all my dates mixed up and departed for Natal a whole week earlier and once I realised this, my bookings and arrangements had been finalised, however, I did manage to raid Ballito 221 monthly business meeting as well as Durban 2’s monthly business meeting on the same night, while waiting for the Northern Cape Area contingent to arrive in Durban. After a few hours of waiting, the Northern Cape Tablers arrived, after being treated by Pietermaritzburg 12 to a pittstop for a few cold ones and a great afternoon of Fun, Friendship, Fellowship and Fraternity!!!
Next day, I joined the rest of the Tablers from the Northern Cape for something to eat at Mozambik in Ballito, before they departed for Richard’s Bay for the NNCA AGM.
Low and behold, while waiting for my dear wife, (Mamma Llama) to pick me up, I bumped into Jaco “Kossie’ Steyn and Rudi Prinsloo and the fellowship picked up on a new level again. Meeting old friends for the first time!!!
Thank you to Ballito 221, Durban 2 and Sheppie 83 for making me feel welcome in your beautiful province. Julle is ysters.
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224 huldig 10de voorsitter in
Op Vrydag 1 Maart is Hilton Megaw ingehuldig as Douglas 224 se 10de voorsitter. Tafelaars, familie en vriende was teenwoordig by die glansryke dinee. Hilton tree in as voorsitter in sy laaste jaar voordat hy in 2020 n 41er word. Gelukkig was daar twee van Douglas se 41 span, Werner Labuschagne en Garth Megaw, byderhand om vir Hilton en die gaste te verduidelik dat daar lewe, en selfs soms rustigheid is na tafel.
Uittreedende voorsitter Andreaco Le Grange het die meerderheid van die verrigtinge hanteer wat die prysuitdeling ingesluit het. Danie Fourie ontvang die “Stirrer spoon” vir sy roerende bydraes tot vergaderings en projekte en Werner ontvang die 41er kierie. Beide se toekennings baklei egter onmiddelik terug. Soos oudergewoonte raps Schalk vir Danie met sy eie lepel en Werner se bors gaan van trots tot brand met n straf knerts toegedien deur sy eie loop-apparaat. Chapo Cilliers en Jacques Engelbrecht word dan ook gesamentlik aangewys as die tafelaar(s) van die jaar.
Ons wens vir Hilton alle sterkte toe vir die jaar wat voorlê.
Herinstelling van Douglas 224 se “Stirrer Das”
Douglas 224 het hul eerste, baie suksesvolle besigheids vergadering vir die jaar 2019, agter die rug en daar is weer ‘n paar goedjies wat die Voorsitter, Hilton Megaw weer laat herleef het.”Back to basics!!” was die Vergadering se tema en na ‘n baie lang ruk, het die “Stirrer Das” uiteindelik weer terug gekeur na Douglas 224 se Besigheids vergaderings. Die doel van hierdie das, is om oorgehandig te word aan die Rampokker lid van die vergadering. Sy straf is om die das op die volgende vergadering te dra, met baadjie en langbroek, terwyl die res van die lede in gemaklike uitrusting vergaderings bywoon. Reëls rondom die das;- Dit mag nooit gewas word nie. Hier oorhandig Chapo Cilliers die das aan JJ Albrightson.
Chapo Cilliers het ook die voorreg gehad om die nuut gevestigde “Sosiale beker” uit te deel en het toe gevoel dat hy sommer sal afskop met die eerste sosiale geleentheid by sy huis. Die beker is om lede beter te leer ken en kameraadskap te bevorder deur elke lid se huis te besoek. Die lid wat die beker ontvang het, het 21 dae om die sosiale byeenkoms te reël. Tot volgende keer. Arrie warrie maatjies!
Round Table Douglas 224 attends 4F’s twinning in Richards Bay.
This year, the twinning agreement of the longest standing tradition in RTSA, went slightly pear-shaped, due to our commitments and duties towards our ARTSA 2018 in Upington. NNCA and NCA decided then to allow for a visit sometime, somewhere during the year to carry on with this amazing twinning agreement.
The weekend of the 19 October 2018, Werner Labuschagne (Honourary member- Douglas 224) and Hilton Megaw (Joe Tabler- Douglas 224) packed their bags and headed towards Richards Bay for the NNCA Spring Area Conference. The Friday evening we met up at the local Ski-boat club and had a great time, socializing and braaing together. In true 4F’s style, the party never ended there and all in attendance ended up at Kevin Boonzaaier’s home for an after party. Well, let’s just say that the Northern Cape counterpart, never had sleep for over 24 hours that day!!!!
The following morning, we headed to the NSRI headquarters in Richards Bay, where the NNCA conference was to be held. Here we had a tour of the sea rescue vessels of which one of them; being sponsored by NNCA, the Spirit Of Round Table II. NNCA also used this opportunity to donate a further R112,495-48 towards the NSRI. A promotional cheque was handed over to the NSRI before proceedings got underway. It was a great privilege for me to open the NNCA Area Conference once again; (Third one in my Table Career), having the honour of seeing new members being inducted (3rd time for Martinand meeting old friends and meeting old friends for the first time. The NNCA hospitality was top Notch!!!
After all the formalities were over, we raided the In-coming NNCA Area Chairman, Kevin Boonzaaier, as per tradition and headed off to a very secluded beach, accompanied by Boela Bekker (4F’s tour Convener) and Peter Harding (41’er’s President). Unfortunately, the weather was really bad and Boela’s plans to go crayfish diving ended up as just a braai on the beach, but not even the weather could keep our Fellowship, friendship, Fun and fraternity bonds from being formed. Thank you to those three gents for making that tour unforgettable.
Time was running out and we had to head off home to get ready for the Sat evenings festivities.
We all got together for the ‘Ship Wrecked” theme party at ‘The Last Outpost” restaurant, owned by past area chairman and good friend of ours; Mr. Carlos Ehlers.
The Northern Cape contingent, unfortunately, did not have the “Paddy Whacker” to hand over to Mr. Francois Minnie and we had to improvise; We thought it good to introduce the 4F’s Quaich (purchased on our way to Richards Bay), where the traditional bottle of Johnny Walker Green label, would be decanted in and consumed as a fellowship drink at the close of the evening proceedings.
Werner and I would just like to thank Francois and Monise Minnie, Boela Bekker, Kevin Boonzaaier, Peter Harding, Hubert Beuken, Jacks Almond and the rest of the NNCA for their warm hospitality and opening their homes and making us feel so at home. Thank you all!!!
We had such a great time, and ended up staying an extra day to celebrate Peter Harding’s birthday in true 4F’s style.
Thanks 4F’s! Until next time; Give it Rondels!!
Friendship, Fellowship, Fun, Fraternity!!
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Gebieds projek word deur Douglas 224 gedryf
Noordkaap Gebieds Projek:- Christina Kiddie Kinderhuis
Hierdie jaar was dit Douglas 224 se beurt om die Noordkaap Tafelronde gebieds projek te dryf.
Ons het nie regtig ‘n idee gehad oor wie ons gaan ondersteun hierdie jaar nie, maar met die gebeure rondom die heropening van Kimberley 5, het Douglas 224 se Voorsitter (Andreaco le Grange) dit goed gedink om bietjie blootstelling in en om die Kimberley kemeente te kry. Hy het toe al vir Christina Kiddies Kinderhuis besoek en dadelik agtergekom dat daar groot behoefte is om elke maand hierdie huis in stand te hou. Voorheen was daar skenkings in die form van kosse, maar die slaap geriewe was in ‘n haaglike toestand. Daar was toe gesamentlik besluit om 30 nuwe matrasse aan te koop vir die kinderhuis. Daar is net ‘n versoek gewees vir 28 matrasse, maar ons het gereken dat 2 bystand matrasse ‘n goeie ding sou wees. Ons het toe vir Herbert Meubel Winkel benader om ons te help met die aankoop en vervoer van matrasse.
Op die 26 September het die vrag in Kimberley aangekom en oorhandig aan Christina Kiddie Kinderhuis. Die personeel was kinderlik opgewonde oor die groot geskenk en tranne van dankbaarheid het gevloei. Selfs die kinders het kom sing en drukkies uitdeel om dankie te se.
Hiermee wil ons ook dan die geleentheid gebruik om vir die res van die Noordkaap Tafelronde te bedank vir hulle bydrae om hierdie projek ‘n reuse sukses te kon maak.
Dankie ook aan Herbert Meubeleerders wat die vervoer en bilike prys vir ons kon gee.
Douglas 224 groete.
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224 takes themselves off to visit Bradley Augustyn during Spring Conference
During the Northern Cape Tri-Area Spring conference in Hartswater (14-16 September 2018) 8 members of Round Tabe Douglas 224 attended the festivities and business of Round Table.
Our Chairman, Andreaco le Grange was at the steer of the business side and sat in as our delegate at the conference, with Hilton Megaw standing in as the Seargent at Arms, for the day. The rest of the Douglas members decided to take a trip to see Brad Augustyn, that was left wheelchair-bound after a freak accident. One of our members, George Jacobs (Also wheelchair bound and quadriplegic), wanted to motivate Brad through his determination and positive outlook on life! Thank you gents for making the effort and taking the time to visit the Augustyn’s. It is really heartwarming to see the compassion showed by our members towards our fellow 41’ers and families. Well done Douglas 224 and especially George Jacobs; Your kind gesture has been noted!!!!
This is what Tabling is all about: #alloutfriendship; #alloutcompassion; #totalroundtable
Hoendervleis!!! Trots Douglas 224
Yours in Table
Douglas 224 Voorsitter skenk Winter Knights klere in Bloemfontein
Douglas 224 se Voorsitter, Andreaco le Grange en sy pragtige vroutjie, Helga de Jager, het twee weke terug, ons Winter Knights klere deur geneem Bloemfontein toe, na die Volle Evangelie Kerk Kinderhuis en na Athalia Uitreik versorgsentrum. Tannie Marie Jacobs (Ou Douglasiet)het die klere namens ons afgelewer. Baie dankie aan almal wat deel was van ons Winter Knights projek.
Douglas 224 speel mini krieket tydens hul social.
Woensdag aand, 12 September 2018, het ‘n paar van die Tafelaars van Douglas deelgeneem aan die jaarlikse Douglas Dorp mini krieket toernooi. Hierdie dien as ons sosiale byeenkoms, asook om raak gesien te word deur die gemeenskap van Douglas se jonger mense en dan so ook bietjie Tafelronde te promoveer. Hierdie jaar het ons ‘n gemengde span gehad, met twee Tafel “Legs” en twee gaste wat moontlik by ons wil aansluit en natuurlik ons talentvolle Tafel lede. Die eerste wedstryd was redelik taai gewees, omdat ons die laasjaar toernooi wenners moes speel. Ons het staanvastige boulers gehad en die kolf het gesing soos die sesse gereen het. Franco, Chappo, Danie (DIP), James en Jacques het ons naam hoog gehou met die kolfwerk en Hilton en Andreaco het uitstekende boulwerk gedoen. Ons was die “Underdogs” gewees in die eerste wedstryd en met ons rug teen die muur, het ons geveg tot die laaste bal. Ons klop toe so, die Titel Houers!!! Heel verbaas het ons deurgedring na die volgende rondte toe. Dis toe dat die “Onnies” van Douglas Skool toe vir ons letterlik pakslae gegee het. Ons kolfwerk was uitstekend, maar ongelukkig werk mini krieket se reels op ‘n persentasie basis en ons het te veel paaltjies verloor deur die loop van die wedstryd. So verloor ons die tweede wedstryd en speel toe ons laaste een vir die aand. Die “Rooi vlamme” het ons leterlik gebrand met die hoeveelheid paaltjies wat hulle geneem het; weereens het ons lopies mooi gelyk, maar kon net nie aan ons paaltjies houvas nie. So het ons hee uitgeval in die uitspeel rondte, maar ons het dit baie geniet en die geseligheid geniet rondom die vure. Dankie manne vir ‘n lekker aand van pret en kameraadskap…… My lyf kan voel dat ek nie meer 21 is nie!!!! Sien uit na volgende jaar!!!
Tot volgende keer.
Douglas 224 Vice Chairman supports Prieska 161 4×4 Challenge
Prieska 161 had their annual 4×4 day on the 25th August 2018 and unfortunately many of our members that usually support their day, were unable to attend, but our trustworthy Vice Chairman, Danie Fourie, attended and as far as I know, competed in the event and did pretty well.
Thank you Mr. Vice! Dankie dat jy ons naam so hoog hou!!!!
Douglas 224 Raids Prieska 161 for their Business meeting in July
On the 3rd July 2018, Douglas Chairman, AJ le Grange, Michael Jacobs, and Hilton Megaw, decided to raid Prieska 161 during their monthly business meeting. It was a last minute decision to travel through and we really caught them off guard, as they never expected any raid of any kind so shortly after their Winter conference. Thank you Prieska 161 for your hospitality and friendship. May it grow from here and never cease!
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224 takes part in Rondel Friday
As most of you are aware, Rondel Friday was started to promote awareness of our Association’s Logo and to engage in conversation with the public as to what we do and what our aims and objectives are.
We as Douglas 224 support Rondel Friday every Friday and even our friends of Table have cottoned on to the idea. We are getting more exposure by doing this and the community really backs us up with all of our projects. Great initiative and from now on, we shall be participating in Rondel Friday, every Friday.
Until we meet again! Give it Rondels!
Douglas 224 se Visie Voorsitter word gekies as jong Boer van die jaar
Danie Fourie, Douglas 224 se Visie Voorsitter, was in Augustus aangewys as Agri Noordkaap se Jong besproeiings boer van die jaar. Baie geluk Danie! Ons is baie trots op jou en jy verdien die titel.
Christo Bezuidenhout kuier vir Douglas 224
Tydens ons besigheids vergadering in Augustus, het ons ‘n verassings besoek gekry vanaf Mnr Christo Bezuidenhout van Pretoria 136. Christo (aka “Hoof Koei) het sy hand opgesteek om verkies te word as Visie President en het sy besoek kom afle as deel van sy “Campaign”. Christo was as Searge aangewys vir die vergadering en het die manne in orde gehou terwyl ons voorsitter aan gegaan het met sy vergadering. Dankie Christo vir jou besoek en sterkte met jou campaign. Dit is van kardinale belang, dat Tafelaars in die plateland die bestuur moet leer ken en jy doen dit sommer op ‘n persoonlike vlak.
Douglas 224 Voorsitter en Erelid ondersteun Upington 79 projek
Douglas 224 se Voorsitter; mnr Andreaco le Grange en Erelid; mnr Werner Labuschagne, het die naweek van 28 Julie 2018 vir Upington 79 gaan ondersteun tydens hulle Kalahari Bike Challenge projek.
Dankie mnre dat julle bereid was om buur Tafels te ondersteun tydens hul projekte. This is what Tabing is all about! Friendship and Fellowship!!!!!!
“Searge” straf weer soos in die ou dae.
Nuwe Klubhuis: ou reels!!!!!!
Op die 23ste Julie 2018, het ons Voorsitter, mnr Andreaco le Grange besluit om ons maandelikse vergadering in ons nuwe (Nie klaar) klubhuis te hou. Die vergadering het goed afgeloop en die gevoel van “Tuiste” het sowaar sy kop uitgesteek en vir die eerste keer sedert ons heropening, kon ons in ons eie plek vergadering hou. Die Searge; (Hilton Megaw) het die aand afgesluit met ‘n paar warm versnaperings en verversings, weens weersomstandighede.
Hier wens die Searge ons Voorsitter baie geluk met ‘n uitstekende vergadering.
Ons hoop om binnekort die klubhuis klaar te maak, sodat ons Tafel vriende dit saam met ons kan kom geniet.Watch this space!!!!!!!
Round Table Douglas 224 Thanks Spar for their contribution towards Winter Knights
Douglas 224 Chairman handing over Banner to Douglas Spar.
Douglas 224 Chairman, Andreaco le Grange and two Douglas 224 Members (Chappo Cilliers and JJ Albrightson) hand over a banner to Spar owner, Tertius Nortje as a small token of appreciation for their involvement during the Winter Knights campaign. Every year, Douglas Spar, grants us the use of their facilities to run the R5 project and to interact with the community of Douglas on their premises. Thank you “Oom Tertius” and your team. The community of Douglas appreciates what you do for them.
Douglas 224 woon Winter Konferensie by in Prieska
Douglas 224 was goed verteenwoordig tydens die Winter Konferensie in Prieska, deur 6 van ons lede.
Paarr van die lede het hul self so geniet op die Vrydag aand, dat die vergadering vir hulle soos ‘n ewigheid gevoel het. Daarna het ons as ‘n span die Prieska Dorp rugby gaan ondersteun en kameraadskap opgebou tussen ons buur Tafels. Saterdag aand se tema partytjie was natuurlik; “Brakpan Common” en die manne het nie teleurgestel nie. Die uiterste klere drag was aangeskaf om deel te wees van hierdie wonderlike partytjie. Dankie aan Prieska 161 vir ‘n baie lekker kuier en suksesvolle naweek.
Kimberley 5 re-charter visit
Having to close a Table is never an easy task and not something that an Area Chairman wants to do!
In 2013, during my year as Area Chairman of the Northern Cape, I had the daunting task of closing down Kimberley 5, after which we as Douglas 224 gave numerous attempts to identify potential members to re-open Round Table in Kimberley. Well, on 27th June 2018, three of the existing clubs, around Kimberley made a final attempt to recruit new members. Prieska 161 (Including our Vice Area Chairman, Attie Naude), Douglas 224 and Hartz 186 made their way to Kimberley to meet a few young professional men to discuss the possibility of a re-charter. A night of fellowship and friendship was had by all in attendance and we would like to thank Andreaco le Grange for organizing the “Get Together”. It was great meeting old friends for the first time and being reunited with old friends from days gone by. Great seeing you Christopher Liebenberg!
Watch this space, gentlemen! We truly hope that Kimberley 5 will be up and running soon.
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224 Pan Run
Op die 11de Augustus 2018, het Tafelronde Douglas 224 hul eie weergawe van die Bull Run gehou in’n pan naby die dorp. Die pan is omgeveer 170 ha groot en was die idiale plek gewees vir ‘n dag van “Oval Track”, Quarter Mile en Rally ry. Die projek was ‘n vinnige projek gewees met die sin van dat ons twee weke gehad het om te adverteer en om die dag aan mekaar te slaan. Met die hulp van ons Bull Run deelnemers (Danie Fourie en Michael Jacobs), kon ons vinnig die baan aan mekaar slaan en ‘n plesierige dag vir die deelnemers aanbied. Soos gewoonlik het ons ‘n mobiele kroeg gehad wat ons staatmaker kroeg manne (Chappo Cilliers en Jacques Engelbrecht) beman het en die dors van toeskouers kon les.
Die dag was ‘n reuse sukses en baie van die deelnemers het aanmerkings gemaak dat hierdie dalk een van ons grootste projekte sal word in die toekoms. Ons het net so onder die R18,000 wins getoon vir die dag, wat glad nie sleg was vir ‘n projek wat ons min gekos het om te loots, asook ons eerste probeer slag. Ons hoop en vertrou dat volgende jaar groter en meer vol pret sal wees. Aan al ons borge; Dankie vir u lojale ondersteuning- Sonder julle sou die dag nie ‘n sukses gewees het nie. Ook ‘n groot dankie aan ons “Friends of Table” vir hulle harde werk as Marshals en tydhouers en kamera manne!
Ysters Duisend!
Douglas 224 Winter Knights
Douglas 224 se jaarlikse Winter Knights.
Soos elke jaar, het Douglas 224 weer hulle Winter Knights aangepak in die Spar parkeer terrein. Die aand het heerlik afgeskop met ‘n redelike warm aand en daar was gebraai en lekker saam met die gemeenskap gekuier. Ons het ook ‘n R5 projek geloots en 4 trollies, nie bederfbare kos ingesammel. Die waarde van die kruideniersware was R7000. Ons het ‘n bakkie vrag klere ook ingesamel, waar ons later die klere by ons Visie- Voorsitter se huis uitgesorteer het en na ‘n behoeftigde gebied in Bloemfontein geneem, onder andere Amalia en die Volle Evangelie Kerk se Kinderhuis in Bloemfontein. Die klere se waarde het ons op R7500 uitgewerk. Die kruideniersware het ons aan Warm Hart geskenk in
Douglas en hulle het dit onder die behoeftigdes in Douglas uitgedeel. Ons grootste uitdaging was wel dat ons in die middel van die maand probeer het om ‘n projek te loots waar ons die gemeenskap vra om borg te staan met ‘n geldeike donasie of om vir ons kos aan te koop. Dit wel gese, het ons nog steeds ‘n geldelike donasie van R1000 ontvang deur die loop van die aand. Ons sal volgende jaar ons datums net reg kies en so ook dan ‘n groter Winter Knights 2019 kan aanpak.
Douglas 224 Donates 19 ponytails to CANSA
Douglas 224 Donates Ponytails to CANSA
On the 20 July 2017, Douglas 224 donated 19 ponytails to the Northern Cape CANSA foundation in Kimberley. This project was a brainchild of one of the Table legs from Douglas 224, Johanita Megaw. Over a period of 6 months, she collected a total of 19 (25cm long) human strands of hair, to be donated to the worthy cause of producing wigs for Cancer patients that have lost their hair, due to chemo therapy. Most of the ponytails donated, were from close friends and family, including her own. This project has gone viral and the feedback from the close knit community of Douglas is unbelievable. There will be a hair donation clinic run at our annual Ghaap River Extreme, as well as a Shavathon and skin cancer awareness lecture during the course of the weekend. So many of the younger folk want to get involved with helping CANSA! We strongly believe that this has been spurred on by the fact that within the past year, we have lost so many beloved folk of Douglas because of this dreaded disease. CANSA’s motto is: RESEARCH, EDUCATE and SUPPORT and we do believe that Douglas 224 can offer the Support that they so desperately need.
Douglas 224’s ties with CANSA and SANBS are getting stronger and we hope to build on a great foundation to assist these two organisations to reach their goal in and around the Douglas community.
Round Table Douglas 224; Serving the Community!!!! 
Douglas 224 kry nuwe lid
Douglas 224 kry Nuwe Lid:
Hilton, Johanita, Andreaco en Helga het die Noordkaap Winter Konferensie in Vryburg op die 9-11 Junie bygewoon.
Na hoeveel maande dat Andreaco le Grange wel as ‘n lid ingeskryf is aan Douglas 224, was dit die enigste gepaste geleentheid om hom behoorlik in te huldig as ware lid van Douglas 224. En wat beter as deur ons eie VETSA President, mnr Andrew Lea, ingehuldig te word. Baie welkom Andreaco. Ons glo en vertrou dat jy diep spore gaan trap in hierdie ongeloofike organisasie. Jy is ‘n passie volle mens met uitmintende ideale. Mag jou tyd in Tafelronde, geseend, vrugbaar en suksesvol wees.
Saterdag aand was weer een vir die boeke en almal het dit verskriklik baie geniet. Die Western Aand het geloop soos ‘n jet.
Dankie Vryburg 72 vir ‘n onvergeetlike naweek. 
Round Table Douglas 224 Winter Knights flows over into Knysna Fire Disaster
Douglas 224 Winter Knights flowing over into Knysna Fire Disaster!
Round Table Douglas 224 had their annual Winter Knights on the 19th May 2017.
This year, due to our busy schedule of planting and harvesting maize, we unfortunately picked the wrong date for our Winter Knights. We once again, parked ourselves in the Douglas Spar parking area, lit the fires and started with our usual routine of fellowship, while doing good for our community, but despite our efforts of advertising on social media (Wattsap and Facebook) as well as putting up posters and advertising on OFM Community calendar, our annual Winter Knights was not supported by the locals as well as previous years. Never the less, we managed to receive 10 black bags of clothing and R300 in cash donations. Great fun was had by all that attended and braved the cold.
All this being said, less than a month later, disaster struck in Knysna with the runaway fires. We as Round Table Douglas 224 decided to act and assist the Knysna Fire victims and offered our service to transport and deliver any donations received. Our plea went viral and we were swamped with cash donations, non perishable foods, blankets, clothing as well as pallets of potatoes that farmers donated towards this worthy cause. Trollies were placed in our local Supermarkets and the Douglas community opened their hearts and wallets and filled these trollies a number of times! Soon we were faced with the daunting task of sorting all clothing and foodstuffs, but again the Community of Douglas pulled together to help. Marzaan and Johnny Brits and Nico Heyneke (Helpende Hand- another charity organisation in Douglas) got a task team together, including High School students to assist with packing and sorting. Soon we had a system running that worked like a well oiled machine!
On Wednesday, 14 June 2017, 5 Douglas 224 Tabers, started loading a 10 ton truck with all donations to head down to Knysna. We had a late get away, as we were waiting for a consignment of 100 blankets to be delivered to us, especially couriered from Johannesburg that morning. We finally arrived in Oudtshoorn, as we could only get transport sponsored to there and no further. We were met by Zelda du Preez (Werner Tome- Oudtshoorn 33 and South Cape Area Chairman’s fiancé) Soon the reinforcements arrived from Oudtshoorn 33 Tablers to help unpack the load. After a tiring 3 hours of unpacking, Gernes Claassen, treated us to a warm B&B, where we had a much needed and much deserved rest.
The Thursday morning, Michael Jacobs (Chairman Douglas 224), Andreaco le Grange (Vice Chairman Douglas 224), Hilton Megaw and wife, Johanita Megaw headed further on to Knysna. We never knew what an emotional experience this would turn out to be. On our way there, we assisted a lady that lost control of her vehicle on the Outaniqua pass and crashed into the side of the mountain. We stayed on the scene until medics had arrived and other officials. Thankfully no one was seriously injured; just a few bumps and bruises sustained, but our service to the community had already started there on the pass!
We eventually got going and drove through to Knysna. Driving through the devastation and seeing and smelling fires still being combated by Helicopters, really hit home. Reality kicked in when we saw homes burned to the ground and seeing the remains of pots and pans still inside burned down homes. A few days ago, these people had a home, warm bed, car, food to eat and now- nothing!! Nothing could keep the tears from rolling down our faces.
We arrived with Goodie bags, made for the Firefighters, in the form of 2 litres of water, Rehydrate, Eyegene and a Bible. The most essential firefighting equipment needed. The goodie bags were delivered to the Knysna Fire Department and distributed to local firemen and women. Seeing the gratitude on the Firefighters faces, while receiving their Goody Bags, made every minute, hour, day, sweat and tear, worth it.
We left Knysna with saddened hearts, but with hope and faith that it will be restored to it’s original beautiful place once again.
Thank you to Oudsthoorn 33 (Gernes, Werner, Zelda, Lourie and Morne) for your assistance and taking care of the distribution of donations. We, the Douglas community, really do appreciate it. It is an honour to be associated with such amazing, caring people such as yourself!
Then a huge thank you has to go out to the Northern Cape Communities, for opening your hearts towards this worthy cause. South Cape area assisted us in the 1988 floods and it was our turn to lend a hand!
Yours in Table.
ARTSA 2018: 12-15 April 2018; Upington
Dearest Friends in Table
Round Table Northern Cape Area, in collaboration with Round Table Southern Africa, is extremely proud to present and host ARTSA 2018, to be held at Protea Hotel and Oasis; Upington
This prestigious event will take place on the 12-15 April 2018.
We as Round Table Northern Cape Area, aim to host the most enjoyable, most affordable and most memorable ARTSA that RTSA and RTI has ever seen. We are known for our hospitality, friendship, fellowship and having a good time, so I am sure that we could look forward to having a dazzling time in Upington.
This is the time where we as fellow Tablers catch up with old friends, meeting for the first time.
This is the time for fellow Tablers and Friends to exchange ideas, regarding their community, their Country and International relations.
This is the time for Tablers to sit back and relax and be given a small something in return for their commitment, sacrifice and service towards their country and community throughout the year.
This is the time for all Tablers, from every walk of life, colour, creed and race, to take a stance and make a difference in Southern Africa.
This is OUR ARTSA Gentlemen! Only You can make it happen!
We call on all Tablers, Nationally and Internationally, to come and enjoy the warm hospitality and friendship at ARTSA 2018 in Upington and receive the benefits of belonging to the most amazing organisation in the world; RTI and RTSA
See you at ARTSA 2018
Yours in Table
Hilton Megaw
ARTSA 2018 Convenor
www.artsa2018.co.za
Douglas 224 attends ARTSA 2017
This year, Douglas 224 had two delegates attend ARTSA 2017 in Vanderbijl. Having Hilton Megaw as the incoming ARTSA 2018 convener, it was decided to attend all activities at ARTSA, to observe and learn! All Forums were attended, AGM and obviously the evening festivities at the Hardcore!
Our newly inducted Chairman, Michael J Jacobs, has returned with new energy and insights as to what and how he should run his Table for the year! The forums are a vital part in the day to day running of Table business and we urge all delegates to attend these discussion forums at ARTSA 2018 in Upington.
We just want to use this opportunity to thank Spidey and his team for putting together such an amazing and unforgettable ARTSA! In our opinion; Artsa 2017 has topped the charts and has gone down as the most memorable ARTSA’s ever. Wel gedaan Vrystaat! Julle manne is Ysters!
Bloem 25 Raids Douglas 224
On the 16 March 2018, 7 Bloem 25 Tablers, under the Leadership of Des Williams and Lihan Kriek, set out to raid Douglas 224 for their monthly social get together. With this whole raid being of short notice, it soon turned into a mass cross border raid, as Douglas 224 invited neighbouring Tables to join in on the fun. Prieska 161 and Postmasburg 153 replied and fellowship was on the top of the list for that evening. It is really encouraging to see that guys form different areas are willing to do cross border raids and we hope that this is the start to many social get togethers between Bloem 25 and Douglas 224. The night started off with getting to know each other, but it soon turned out to be a joyous occasion with a lot of laughter and singing! Thank you JC!!!! Despite Bloem 25 having to attend their AGM weekend the following day, they still managed to make time for their fellow Tabers! Bloem 25! We salute you and thank you for your friendship!
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224 hosts Namibian Tablers for the 3rd Croc Tour
On the 2nd of April, 9 Namibian Tablers from Windhoek 34, Hoghland 154 and Walvis Bay 36 arrived in Douglas enroute to ARTSA 2017- Vanderbijl. After travelling for over 13 hours (1350km, they finally arrived) and kept to their tradition of including Douglas 224 on their Croc tour. This year was the 3rd time that Douglas 224 has hosted the Croc tour guests.
This year the croc tour decided to stay a little longer and experience what the Douglas 224 Tablers had to offer.
Sightseeing was the order of the first day (Confluence of the two largest rivers in South Africa; Vaal and Orange), visiting the largest Friesian Stud farm (Pela Graca) and glacial pavements, followed by a lot of fellowship, with sundowner cruises on the Vaal river and of course the typical Northern Cape bonfire and braai!
The following day was spent relaxing along the banks of the Vaal river, Go- carting, Skiing and learning the hard way; How to play “Rat Tails” I think Jens van Vuuren still bears the scars!
We also had the opportunity to induct our Chairman as a Buffalo Member! Welcome to the buffalo club mr. Michael Jacobs!
Before embarking on their final journey to Vanderbijl, we spent some time and watched the sun set from a Koppie, overlooking the Douglas Valley. Thank you to the Namibian Tablers for taking time to stop over and expand the friendship bond between us!
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224 attend a “Tour de Europe” & the Finnish AGM in Seinajoki
.Douglas 224 Hosts Windhoek 34 en route to ARTSA 2016- Margate
Douglas 224 hosted Windhoek 34 en route to ARTSA 2016 in Margate. They set out to do a Croc tour and decided to travel down through Namibia and visit Tables along the way.
This trip came to me as quite a surprise, as I was only expecting them to arrive on the Monday. I had all my dates messed up and got their whole stay over organised within 2 hours.
It was well worth it, rushing around, finding accommodation and organizing food and drinks, because what followed, was an amazing start to ARTSA 2016. We showed them all the tourist parts of Douglas and low and behold, there was a local rugby tournament on the go, just as Windhoek 34 arrived. They were treated to real local hospitality and got to get to meet some of the Douglas folk. Later we traveled to my farm, where we all jumped aboard the barge, for a very late “Sundowner”, as the sun had already set about two hours ago. Never the less; It’s the thought that counts and fun was had by all.
It was great catching up with NARTSA Convener, Philip Barnard and his wife Jolize and as well as Ernst “Ertjie” (Incomming Area Chair- Namibia) Even our In-coming Area Chairman, Tjop de Vries, was pleasantly surprised, when we happened to bump into him in Douglas. (Dankie dat jy saam met ons gekuier het Tjoppa)
What great people these Namibians are; To Jakes, Ian, Shanti and Tammy. It was great meeting you all and I do hope that this is the first and not the last time that we see you guys in Douglas. You guys are always welcome!
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224 raids Augrabies 273 & Upington 79 for their AGM and Induction dinners
Werner Labuschagne and I traveled up north to join in on Augrabies 273 and Upington 79 AGM and Induction dinners.
What a stately affair! Augrabies outdoing themselves once again with a 3 course meal and great fellowship at the Augrabies Falls Hotel. Paul and Jandri Dippenaar were our hosts for the evening and treated us like Royalty once again.
Thank you Paul and Jandri for your hospitality!
Congratulations to AD on being elected as Chairman and to Coert for being elected as Vice Chairman.
The day after, we found ourselves heading towards Upington, not only to raid their AGM, but also to look at possible venues for ARTSA 2018. I was pleasantly surprised as to what Willie Gresse and Louis vd Waldt had in store for us. Well done chaps on a great presentation.
After looking at all possible venues for ARTSA 2018, we headed of to attend Upington 79’s AGM. After a great meeting, we dressed in our best and found ourselves on the banks of the Orange River for their Induction dinner. I have to admit that it has been the smartest Induction dinners that I have ever had the privilege to attend.
During the dinner, Jan van Heerden (Outgoing Area Chairman) inducted Chris Voges into this incredible Association.
Welcome Chris and Marelise. May this be the start to many great years in Table and thank you so much for your hospitality while hosting us during our stay in Upington.
We also said goodbye to two great Tablers, as they leave as 41’ers. To Ockie Thomas and Pieter Dippenaar. Thank you for your time and dedication. RTSA will sorely miss you. Enjoy your retirement!
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Spring Area Conference hosted by Douglas 224
SPRING AREA CONFERENCE: 18-20 SEPTEMBER 2015
Round Table Douglas 224, had the privilege to host the Spring Area Conference in September 2015.
The intention was to organize a relatively cheap Area weekend for all and so the venue was held on the Megaw’s Farm. Venue for free and accommodation was reasonably cheap. This led to an unbelievable weekend, enjoyed by all and a relaxed atmosphere filled the banks of the Vaal River, until the sun set!!!
Bon fires were blazing and much laughter and joy full music filled the valley. The sheep “Spit braai”, was soon finished and all were set for a great party. So much so, that the party lasted until the wee hours of Saterday morning.
The Saturday set off with the start of the meeting in a much less formal way, and in my opinion, must have been one of the most successful meetings held in the Northern Cape Area. The ladies embarked on their trip and the gentlemen were left to discuss matters.
After a very successful meeting, the Area prepared themselves for the potjie kos kook off!
The Tables were divided into Areas, namely: Eastern, Central and Western
Vryburg and Hartz were in the Eastern Area
Douglas and Prieska were in the Central Area
and Augrabies and Upington were in the Western Area
The whole idea for this initiative, was to build the fellowship around a camp fire, while the guys battle it out to see who is the champion Potjie kos Chef, in the whole of the Northern Cape Area.
Once the “Chefs” were at it, it was time to take a leisurely trip on the Vaal river with the Barge. Some of us were brave enough to dive in and test the “Not so warm” water.
After our sundowner cruise, it was time to judge the potjies. Great food was presented and a huge congratulations goes to Augrabies and Upington for their great effort on their Chicken Potjie. Well done chaps
The evening kicked off with a beautiful sunset and so too the Kickoff to the Rugby world Cup and the Springboks first game against Japan. Although we lost the game, our spirits could not be dampened by the “Lumo” party that lasted until past 03:00am on Sunday morning. It was a great evening!!
Round Table Douglas 224 would like to thank each and every one that traveled so far to join in on the festivities.
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224 “Wheels for Friends” Projek
“Wheels for Friends” Projek
George Jacobs saam met die Knepscheld gesin
George Jacobs (Voorsitter: Douglas 224- 2015, 2016) se rolstoel het deur die loop van die jaar ingegee en Douglas 224 het toe besluit om ‘n projek te loots om geld in te samel vir ‘n nuwe stoel vir hulle Voorsitter.
Die uitdaging was om ‘n rolstoel aan te skaf wat spesiaal gemaak is vir George en om sy ma te help, met die daaglikse sorg van George.
Die projek is voortgesit en ‘n getekende Griekwa rugby trui is uitgeloot om geld in te samel teen R50/kaartjie. Die projek het vinnig vlam gevat en binne die kwessie van twee maande het ons genoeg fondse in gesamel om vir George nuwe kussings vir sy stoel, ‘n nuwe bed, rolstoel en nog vele meer mediese hulp middels aan te skaf.
‘n Groot totaal van R 114,250-00 is ingesamel tydens hierdie projek. Ons as Douglas 224 wil net vir almal bedank wat ons ondersteun het. Ons waardeer dit opreg.
George in sy Nuwe Stoel en nuwe bed!!! George saam met een van Douglas 224 se vriende, Pieter Louw
Tydens ons laaste vergadering van die jaar, het ons Inkomende Area Voorsitter, Tjop de Vries, die trekking gedoen vir die Griekwa trui. Barberton Tafelronde 67 het die loot gewen en Hilton Megaw het die Trui op ARTSA 2016 te Margate, persoonlik oorhandig aan Andrew Lea (Inkomende Visie- President, asook ‘n lid van Barberton 67)
Hilton oorhandig die Griekwa rugby trui aan Andrew Lea (Barberton 67)
Baie geluk Barberton 67 en dankie vir die ondersteuning.
Die Trui Die aand van die trekking
George en Franco by die Septemeber Area Konferensie te Douglas
George le sy Voorsitters verslag voor op Douglas 224
se AJV 2016
“Memories are made of these”
“A Trip Down Memory Lane”
When I think back on how Round Table Douglas 224 started, I sit with a smile on my face and with such pride flowing through me. These photos depict only the tip of the iceberg what Douglas 224 had to go through to be as successful as they are now. What a journey it has been! Making friends and memories for life; Losing loved ones; saying goodbye to dear friends while they moved on to greener pastures. We as Douglas 224 Table Family had to bear a lot during our trial years and what a journey it has been. Schalk Germishuys, George Jacobs, Johan “Broer” Mans and I are the privileged few to see this Table through it’s growth period until now. From the day of our recharter, back in 2009, we never expected the outcome to be so overwhelming.
Well done Douglas 224. I am proud to be associated with such extraordinary group of gentlemen.
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Past Area Chairman’s thoughts on Inter Area Raiding
Since my term as Northern Cape Area Chairman (2013-2014), I have had the opportunity to raid 3 other Area Conferences (Actually 6, if you consider the Tri Area to be three Area Conferences in one) and this is my personal thoughts, about inter Area Raiding.
After my outgoing speech last year March, I decided to travel to some of the RTSA Area conferences that were going to be held during the year 2014-2015. This was kicked off by one of the oldest twinning arrangement between two areas in RTSA. The 4F’s between the Northern Cape Area and the North Natal Coast Area. For those of you that don’t know what the 4F’s stand for, here is a brief description; Fellowship, Friendship, Fun, Fraternity. That’s basically what Round Table stands for. If you read our aims and objects, we as Northern Cape Area do exactly that through this longest standing twinning agreement. The comradeship experienced on such a trip, is unbelievable and the friendship bonds between two Areas are strengthened beyond all recognition. This was the first step to fuel the burning fire of Fellowship, Friendship, Fun and Fraternity between myself and the rest of RTSA. I figured; “Why stop here?” “Let’s kick it up a notch” Low and behold! This is what happened. I placed a few more tours on my menu for the year. The Croc tour, en- route to ARTSA in East London, Eastern Cape Area Winter Conference held in Middelburg and the Tri Area held in Eshowe.
![2014-03-15-0840[1]](https://www.rtnc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2014-03-15-08401-300x169.jpg)
Hilton Megaw, JP vd Berg and Johan (Bless) van Staden on the 4F’s Tour
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The Croc Tour at Kenton on Sea (En-route to ARTSA; East London
I do believe that my passion for extending the fellowship and friendship barrier, was fueled by my ASSCO year, where I met such unbelievable Tablers and partners and I obviously did not want this to end. (I think each and every Past Area Chairman would agree with me on this one) This is where I would like to voice my opinion about “Cross Boarder Raids” and attending ARTSA’s.
A few years ago, I was saddened by a comment from a fellow Area Tabler; “Why should he attend an ARTSA, if he’s not a “Top Brass” Tabler? It means nothing to him as Joe Tabler!” My dear friends. This is where you have it a wrong. ARTSA is there for any Tabler, whether he be President or the latest inductee into this amazing Association to live out the Aims and Objectives of the Association. How can you further these aims by being a hermit? I personally have made friends for life (Nationally and Internationally), through attending these functions. Getting to know how an Area operates, asking questions about the day to day running of Table etc. etc. Not only the business side to Round Table, but most importantly, the fun part. (Who would’ve thought that playing guitar in the wee hours of the morning, would bring Middelburg’s locals to join in on the fellowship?) This is what we want to achieve, in order for our association to survive. Promoting our Association, through fellowship and fun. We need the public to be jeoulous of us and wanting to be a part of it.
![2014-07-04-1071[1]](https://www.rtnc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2014-07-04-10711.jpg)
Hilton Megaw, Johan Mans and 41’er from Middelburg 133 in Hanover Hotel (En-route to Eastern Province Area in Middelburg)
![IMG-20140725-WA0001[1]](https://www.rtnc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG-20140725-WA00011-300x225.jpg)
Ernest (Ninja) Lampbrecht, Hilton Megaw and Leon Roux on their way to Eshowe for the Tri Area 2014
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Hilton Megaw and one of the “Legs” on the Ladies tour in Eshowe (Tri Area 2014)
![10557402_10152638194867803_7628056869382644935_n[1]](https://www.rtnc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10557402_10152638194867803_7628056869382644935_n1.jpg)
The “Master Chaperones” with the ladies about to embark on their tour
Through friendship, I have had an invitation extended my way, to attend the German AGM in June this year and start my international Friendship chapter of my Table career. If it is meant to be, I will be attending this prestigious event and hopefully setting up a twinning agreement between my own Table (Douglas 224) and Rottweil 224 in Germany.
Our immediate Past Area Chairman (Michael Donaldson), mentioned in his outgoing speech, that Round Table is the University of life. Wow, What a statement; I truly believe this gentlemen! No other association grants us the opportunity to build such strong bonds between friends and complete strangers. I always revert back to my recharter speech for Douglas 224: We as Tablers meet as Strangers; Grow up together during our Table Career as best friends, but at the end of our career, we leave and part as Brothers. I don’t know about you gentlemen, but family means the world to me and the Brotherhood experienced among ourselves, is something that no one can take away from us. Make it count while you can.
In closing, I would like to leave you with a final thought. Too many times, I have heard 41’er say that they wish they had spent more time, getting to know his fellow Tablers. How can you respect and love someone, if you don’t get to know that person first. Go out gents and embrace these opportunities and make every moment count.
YiT
Hilton Megaw
Douglas 224
