ROTARY CLUB OF UITENHAGE
- March 1946 - The first meeting was held at the Royal Hotel in Uitenhage, discussing the forming of a Rotary Club. A working committee was formed, consisting of 5 members namely Jack Nicholson, Les Watson, Joe Levy, John Gubb and Arthur Edge. A report was compiled by the committee and sent off to Rotary International.
- September 1947 - Finally after months of hard work, lots of meetings and dedication from the working committee, Charter was granted by Rotary International on 8 September 1947. The club started with membership of 22 Rotarians. Jack Nicholson was elected first president, together with Burrit Featherstone as the first secretary.
- October 1947 - A special dinner was held at which the Charter was handed over to President Nicholson by DG Strat Reed. The club was also honored with the presence of 22 visiting Rotarians.
- 1951 - The Ann's club was formed under leadership of Ethal Levy and Helen Featherstone.
- 1958 - The club launched a career info service as part of Vocational services.
- 1960's - During the late 60's, the club initiated and sponsored the annual students day for High Schools in Uitenhage and surrounding area. The head and deputy head pupils of the High Schools were invited to lunch with the Rotarians.
- 1970's - Introduction of Youth Merit Award - This award is given to a man or woman, who has brought honor to the community of his or her outstanding achievements
- Introduction of the De Mist award - This award is given to local citizens outside the Rotary in recognition of outstanding service in the community.
- 1977 - The Club celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special dinner function to which all the charter members were invited. The guest speaker was DG Dick Ewing.
- 1980's - The highest honor that can be bestowed upon an individual Rotarian - the Paul Harris award, was given to Rotarian John Dawson.
- 1988 - Fitting out of Intensive care unit at Uitenhage Privincial Hospital with new equipment from USA.
- 1990's - The Rotary Ann's adopted a terminally ill boy and took him out from hospital in an ambulance equipped with an oxygen tank, and showed him the Christmas lights in town.
- 1991 - Assistance with foord project for draught stricken areas. Uitenhage Rotary club took charge in collection and delivery of food to remote areas.
- Uitenhage Street carnival with 170 stalls. Uitenhage Rotary and Muir Interact sold 4420 cups of cold drinks.
- 1997 -The Club celebrated 50th anniversary.
- 2000 - 2009 - Yearly Car show and Street carnival became biggest fund raising projects. After a few years of absence, the Ann's club was re-instated in 2007. During 2007 the new Rugby project started for under 11 boys. Aim is to promote goodwill and friendship through sport development.
After 62 years of service, the club can look back with justifiable pride on what it has been achieved over the years in serving the Community of Uitenhage.
May we always remember our motto of :
"SERVICE ABOVE SELF"
