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October 2014 Newsletter

Chairman’s Corner

During the course of the last month two of our members celebrated their 100th birthdays.

These are remarkable achievements even in 2014. What is more remarkable though is the fact that between them

these two members have belonged to the Wanderers Club for a combined period of more than one hundred and forty

seven years.

At the time of reaching the milestone both were still members, not surprisingly, of the Bowls Section of the Club. Sadly

neither is able to play any longer.

George Cohen was born on the 7 October 1914 and must have a World record for membership of a Club having joined

the Wanderers Club on the 6 January 1928 more than 86 years ago. George has been a member of the Club for more

than two thirds of its existence.

Paul Taylor was born on 9 September 1914 and joined the Club on the 20 May 1954. Paul was “Mr Johnnie Walker”

in South Africa being the holder of the rights to the sale of Johnnie Walker in South Africa and he cut a figure that

matched the famous corporate logo we all know so well. A great supporter of social bowls at the Club, he was a

member of the longstanding “Skollies Brigade” at the Club and ensured that Saturday morning bowls started with a

good breakfast of whisky and milk.

George played league for the Club in four different sports, namely, soccer, tennis, snooker and bowls. He was for many

years the scribe of the Snooker Section’s regular magazine “In Off”. Until recently George was still coaching bowls and

playing in a Friday afternoon game. There are not many bowlers in Johannesburg who have not been coached by

George. George played tennis and soccer at the “Old Ground” at the Park Station site where the Club started life long

before the Club moved to its present location at Kent Park in Illovo.

We say hearty congratulations to these stalwarts of the Club and happy birthday from all of our members. It is the

members like you who have kept the Club in existence for all these years and it is a great honour and privilege for us

to be associated with you.

Bruce Burt

Chairman

Membership Corner

GEORGE COHEN - 100 NOT OUT

George Cohen sets a great example not only as a Club member, but also as an exceptional human being. He has a sharp mind and a terrific sense of humour. He keeps in touch with current affairs and what goes on around him, plays Sudoku, is an avid gardener and when already in his 90’s, he started learning Spanish because he was going to visit Buenos Aires. George’s wife Pam passed away a few years ago but his daughter, son and 3 grandsons are very involved in his life and look after him. George resides at Rantjieslaagte and although he recently had to go to frail care, he still goes to the Club for the monthly draw and a glass or two of whiskey whenever possible. He is always interested in other people, sees the best in them, never complains and finds something to make him be positive and laugh. He always has a word of encouragement or praise for others and his positive attitude is contagious. George is an icon and a legend at the Club and sets a wonderful example of what an outstanding person and a loyal Wanderers Club member should be. It is indeed an honour to pay tribute to him.

IMPORTANT NOTICE Members are once again reminded not to leave their personal items unattended. With the Christmas season approaching, crime is once again on the increase in and around the Club and everyone needs to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem “In Flanders Fields”.

These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war. The RAF will be holding a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Wall of the Wanderers Main Clubhouse on Friday 07 November at 12:50 and would like to invite all members to come along and commemorate the 100th Anniversary of this memorable day.

Squash After the gloom and doom of the last newsletter where I reported on the dismal state of the construction industry, it has now come to pass that, if you wait long enough, things will get done. And so it is with our new Sports Shop (just waiting for the tenant to stock it), and the new roof which they squeaked-in just before the rains….…phew. Additionally, Squash SA have a new entrance around the corner if you need to see them. Thank you Darren Dignam (Club Manager) and Bill Yeaman (Architect) for chasing this whole process. I’m told the hairdryer in the “Ladies” has lasted a month without growing legs…….must be something to do with the chain attaching it to the wall! League News: As you know, we have 6 teams competing in the Central Gauteng League and 6 in the Gauteng Masters. The current standings as of October 22nd are as follows :

Tournament News :

The Annual Club Championship is underway right now with the finals on the 1st Nov. It’s looking like Jacek Lyzwa is on track to win it again this year, but anything can happen in the next 2 weeks as the 32 entrants battle it out for that top spot. The top four seeds are Jacek, Nuno Xavier, Rick Terhoeven and Tyrone Salgado, all of whom seem to be holding position. The Gauteng Open Doubles was held from the 8-12th October at Parkview where a number of Wanderers took part, including Chris & Alan Hughes, Mish Wentzel, Phil Louw, Kevin Eborall and myself…….have I forgotten anyone? Our second match was against the two youngsters shown below…Josh is the son of Craig van der Wath, and we were a little nervous of him given his pedigree, but Phil had his number, so no problems there. Phil and I were runners-up to the “Berry Brothers” from Old Eds in the “C” Section after a humdinger of a final which we lost 3-2. Clearly a triumph of youth over a hundred years of experience and arthritis ! See pics below…………..

Phil – Alan – Dave – Chris Phil – Josh – Kyle - Dave

Central Gauteng League

Gauteng Masters League

Wanderers 1st 4th in 2nd League Wanderers A 5th in 2nd League

Wanderers 2nd 6th in 3rd League Wanderers B 4th in 3rd League

Wanderers 3rd 5th in 4th League Wanderers C 2nd in 3rd League

Wanderers 4th 9th in 4th League Wanderers D 5th in 4th League

Wanderers 5th 9th in 6th League Wanderers E 5th in 6th League

Wanderers 6th 9th in 8th League Wanderers F 7th in 6th League

Showing movements since last month

Phil & Dave & The Berry Brothers Andrew – Phil – Alan – Chris Unfortunately I didn’t manage to get a pic of Kevin’s massive “shiner” which he got from a ball heading for his eye. Fortunately, the protective specs did their job and saved him from a very nasty outcome. A wake-up call for all those who don’t wear protective eyewear when playing doubles. Chamber Challenge on World Squash Day The World Squash Federation deemed October 18th as being the day when squash players around the world should do something exceptional in support of that wonderful game. We chose to play our Annual “Chamber Challenge” on this day which was hosted by Chamber Exiles led by Dave “Feathers” Peacock. We were the current holders of the trophy and expected a strong challenge from the ‘home’ team; and sure enough, they put-up a mighty effort to wrest the trophy from our clutches. However, owing to us hastily loading our side with a few non-members, we were able to retain the trophy for another year. Doubtless, the bleating and complaints will drag-on till next year, but possession is 9/10ths of the law! We will host the Challenge next year, and we will bring-out the big guns to maintain our premier place in the Joburg squash circuit. Our thanks to The Chamber for a great morning’s squash and lunch.

Other News :

The Squash Club’s Annual Dinner will be taking place at the Centre Court Restaurant on the 4th November where the various awards and accolades are dished-out to their worthy recipients. We are hoping for a fun-filled evening. Inter-Provincial Doubles in Port Elizabeth 5th – 8th November :

A few hardy doubles players will be jetting-off to the windy city to partake in this prestigious event. So far, I’m only aware of Mish and myself as the lone entries from Wanderers. We really must inculcate a passion for the doubles game at the Wanderers. In my opinion, it sharpens your reflexes and is a very tactical game which is good for your singles game. Additionally, it is a very sociable game which can only enhance your Club friendships. Remember, it’s Movember this month where we all allow our whiskers to grow in support of cancer research……! Yours in Squash, Dave Grant

Tennis WANDERERS-CTC/EFG CLUB MATCH On Saturday 4 October a Wanderers 8-player team narrowly lost to Bedfordview in a closely fought match. It was certainly enjoyable and exciting. After the 6 men’s singles Wanderers was ahead by 4 games; after the ladies singles we dropped behind by 4 games; in the men’s doubles round Wanderers lost by 8 and in the mixed doubles round by 20 making the final result BV 104 W 72. Below is a picture of the two teams.

Wanderers: Howard Espley-Jones, Michael Rigotard, Oscar Marino, Richard Stocken, Danilo Picolo (not in picture) Barry Spinx, Emma Whitehead and Christine Paulig. Bedfordview: Demetri Caripi, Fausto Pietrobon, Bruce Gray, Dennis Hutchings, Bruno Maraschino, Nico Scheepers, Sharon Coetzee and Jenny Ross.

Wanderers CTC/EFG Match teams 2014

Our plan for next year is to again have 4 teams in the competition, 2 of which will be from the coastal cities of Durban and Port Elizabeth or Cape Town. ________________________________________________________________________ SPRINGBOK PLAYER - OSCAR MARINO RETURNS

Oscar Marino was one of the S A team members playing in the ITF Super-Seniors championships in Aytyala Turkey. The tournament was dominated by the USA and France who won most of the divisions. Oscar did not do as well as he usually does but he represented the team well and we welcome him back.

Oscar Marino _______________________________________________________________________ YEAR-END PRIZE-GIVING AND BRAAI – NOVEMBER 15 – SATURDAY AT 4PM

All tennis members plus family and friends and especially all winners of championship events are invited to our year-end braai and prize-giving. Cost will be R50 per plate, which will comprise meat (steak & boerewors), salads and a roll. It will certainly assist catering if you RSVP your numbers as soon as possible to John Galatis (0824516326) or Howard Espley-Jones (0825457745). SOCIAL TENNIS CONTINUES STRONGLY

Our social tennis sessions of Saturday afternoons, Sunday Mornings and Thursday evenings continue to be popular and well attended. All members and visitors are always welcome as long as the standard of play is above that of beginners. We encourage all our members to participate in one or other of these social sessions during the year. If you are a beginner, contact our coaching academy through our head coach Howard Espley-Jones (082 465 7745) who will quickly lift your standard to enable you to enjoy social tennis.

________________________________________________________________________ CALENDAR PROGRAM FOR 2014

1. EGOLI LEAGUE (5 weeks) Ladies – Saturday afternoons 8 Feb to 8 Mar √ Men – Sunday mornings 9 Feb to 9 Mar √ Juniors – Sunday afternoons 9 Feb to 9 Mar √ 2. WANDERERS CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS 5 Week-ends 29 Mar to 27 Apr/7 Jun √ 3. COMBINED (MIXED) LEAGUE (5 weeks) Saturday afternoons 10 May to 7 Jun √ 4. JUNIOR UNDER 14 LEAGUE (5 weeks) Sunday afternoons 11 May to 8 Jun √ 5. VETS LEAGUE (5 weeks) Sunday mornings 11 May to 8 Jun X Not entered 6. GCTA SPRING LEAGUE (5 weeks)

Ladies – Saturday afternoons 16 Aug to 13 Sep √ Mens – Sunday mornings 17 Aug to 14 Sep √

7. AGM (Saturday afternoon) 30 Aug √ 8. WANDERERS/CTC/EFG ROUND-ROBIN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS Week-end, Sat & Sun 4 Oct to 5 Oct √ 9. GCTA SUMMER MIXED LEAGUE (5 weeks) Sunday mornings 19 Oct to 16 Nov √ 10. GCTA SUMMER NIGHT LEAGUE (5 weeks) Thursday evenings 16 Oct to 13 Nov X Not entered 11. YEAR-END FUNCTION (Sat – 4 pm) 15 Nov

________________________________________________________________________ John N Galatis Chairman – Wanderers Tennis

Snooker It is a bitter sweet moment for snooker bidding farewell to an entertaining and fun filled Snooker season. With the increase in membership from other cue sports, we had a very exciting season and surely more of it to come. A great success is always the perfect finishing note. The CGSA snooker league has come to an end with its last matches being played during the course of October. With the results captured, we can now officially declare the winners of our 2014 Snooker Season. It was one-way traffic for defending champions, The Undertakers, who completely dominated the entire season once again. The team consisting of Hugo Lotriet and Fakhrie Gierdien were at the top of their game and in no spell to pass the trophy to anyone else. However, the victory did not come easy as many of the teams put up great performances and fantastic efforts to change the outcome. The CGSA Individual Category was confidently secured by Fakhrie Gierdien, current South African Champion and No.1 Ranked player in the country. With a phenomenal snooker season both nationally and provincially, there was little doubt that he would do it once again.

Fakhrie Gierdien Hugo Lotriet, with consistent results managed to take a podium place finishing off runner-up in the individual category.

Hugo Lotriet

With the second national event of the calendar, the SA Interprovincials taking place in September in Kwazulu-Natal, our teams were selected and ready for action. So travelling down to Durban we had all the hype of putting up the best performance we possibly could. And… In no way did we disappoint! We had 9 men and 2 ladies competing in the event. Here are some of the highlights:

Mens Pairs Winners: Fakhrie Gierdien & Faaris Kahn

Mens Classic Winner: Fakhrie Gierdien Highest Break: Fakhrie Gierdien (92)

Ladies Classic Winner: Nicola Rossouw

Ladies Team Event Winners: Nishami Rajcoomar & Nicola Rossouw

Nishami Rajcoomar Nicola Rossouw Now, off to the Snooker World Champs in Bangalore, India! We hope that all our players will put in their absolute best performance and that they bring the title home. Representing South Africa in November at this year’s World Snooker Championship in India are Fakhrie Gierdien, Mike Hines & Nicola Rossouw. Congratulations on making the national squad and best of luck in the biggest tournament of the international calendar.

Mike Hines So that wraps up yet another victorious season for both CGSA and The Wanderers Snooker Club. Congratulations to all involved and all the best for the future.

Fakhrie Gierdien

Hockey

The Mini-hockey committee, coaches, parent coaches and their mini bugs

The ladies who run the Mini-hockey section - Christine de la Harpe, Ronelle Pryce-Hughes & Wendy Cooke

The following letter was received from the South African Hockey Association - To: Presidents of Provincial and regional Federations

Re: Ladies Athletes Commission elections

From: Lwandile Simelane - Vice President: Corporate Governance South African

Hockey Association

Date: 25 August 2014

Dear Presidents

As you are aware we conducted an election for the athletes commission at the Ladies IPT, we had a great number of nominees and a very positive voter turnout.

The winning candidates were:

Tsoanelo Pholo SG- Past Player representative

Jackie Scheepers WP- Provincial player with no national aspirations

If these candidates are from your province please be sure to send them your regards.

Regards

Lwandile Simelane

Vice President: Corporate Governance South African Hockey Association 079 370 8792 lwandi@hotmail.com

___________________________________________ The hockey section held their AGM on 23 October and the following is the newly elected committee : Honorary President – Carole Hadfield

Chairperson – Jamie Peers

Vice – Chairperson – Sue Meyerson

Treasurer – still to be appointed

Bookkeeper – Antony Cohen

Admin/Astro – Wendy B Cooke

Committee members -

Chantelle Berrington

Rob Crebo

Vanessa da Rocha

James Ferrans

Michelle Kitching

Stuart Spooner

Jamie Peers – Chairman Sue Meyerson – Vice Chair

Mini Hockey 2014

We have had a most successful season accommodating 250 eager and enthusiastic young hockey players ranging in

age from 4 to 13 years of age. Our club continues to grow from strength to strength. In 2007 we had 50 members in

the mini section. The success of this season can be attributed to the consistent management of mini hockey over the

past few years. Our mini-hockey has come of age and a number of parents are selflessly involved in the coaching each

Saturday morning. Thank you to these parents who are giving back to the club. Ronelle Price-Hughes and her team

managers run a tight ship making sure we enter the round robins timeously and that our members are up-to-date on

all club fees.

All in all we entered 5 round robin tournaments. Our teams always achieve winning results but the emphasis is on

skills development, team play and making friends from different schools. Our season runs from March through to

September and at the end of August we ended our season with a fun day where parents and children participated in

fun games pitting their skills against the youngsters. We are glad to announce that there were minimal injuries.

We are looking forward to next season and please save the date for registration : 7 MARCH 2015

Christine de la Harpe

Bowls

The new season is upon us. Congratulations to the greens staff and all concerned in their efforts to get our greens

ready for the league fixtures starting 1 November 2014.

The men’s first side competing in the premier division has a solid look about it especially as springbok Wayne Perry

has rejoined the club, with commonwealth gold medalist, springbok and team captain Bobby Donnelly we expect good

things.

On the 26th October we had the pleasure of Mr Bruce Burt, Club Chairman, rolling the first wood to re-open the greens

before the men’s final league practice, my thanks go to him.

Here are some pics from greens opening day.

Yours in bowls

Mark Oliver

Bruce Burt rolling the first wood

Karate

Wanderers Karate offers classes every Monday to Saturday for children and adults, beginners and those who have trained before. For more information, please contact Sensei Johan la Grange on 083 825 9318, email

sajka@mweb.co.za or visit www.karategauteng.co.za

2014 Class Schedule:

Mondays and Wednesdays:

15:30 to 16:00 Beginner White belt Dinkies 4, 5, 6 and 7 years old 16:00 to 16:45 White belt beginners 8 to 12 years old – Yellow belts – Orange belts 16:45 to 17:30 Green – Blue – Purple – Red – Brown – Junior Black belts (split class) 17:30 to 18:00 Beginner White belt Dinkies 4, 5, 6 and 7 years old 18:00 to 19:00 High school and older White belt beginners – Senior Yellow to Black belt (split class) 19:00 to 20:00 Black belt Seniors Tuesdays and Thursdays:

08:00 to 09:00 Self-defence for women (all levels) 17:30 to 18:00 White belt beginners (children) – Yellow – Orange belts (split class) 18:00 to 18:45 Green – Blue – Purple – Red – Brown – Junior Black belts (split class) 18:45 to 19:45 High school and older White belt beginners – Senior Yellow to Black belt (split class) Fridays:

08:00 to 09:00 Self-defence for women (all levels) Squad training and private classes as arranged Saturdays:

08:00 to 09:00 Brown and Black belt Senior class 09:00 to 09:45 Junior class: Green – Blue – Purple – Red – Brown – Junior Black belts

Athletics

Skukuza Half Marathon

On the 2nd August in the heart of the Kruger National Park, some of our Wanderers members took part in the

Skukuza Half Marathon. This race takes you through the staff village in Skukuza (where they have a resident Leopard)

and then out into the Kruger Park. There are rangers along the route with rifles to provide a level of safety for the

runners, as well a helicopter that flies overhead checking for any predators lurking in the bushes. Attached are some

photos from the weekend – thanks to Barry Jago for taking these pictures! Hopefully next year you will be running it!

To the runners – you guys and girls looked great out there – congratulations!

Classifieds

R150 each