Seven Seas Club PO Box 177 Simon’s Town 7995		Klub Sewe Seë Posbus 177 Simonstad 7995
	Tel: +27 21 786 2989 Email:  sevenseasclub@telkomsa.net

It is said that, “all comes to those who wait” thus, the era of technology has at last caught up with the Seven Seas Club.  Not only, as previously mentioned, have we a new computer but at last, our own email address.  Mail may now be directed directly to the Club at the address indicated above.  Please write to us.  We would love to hear from you and of course, you now have a direct means by which to update your records.  Yes, there are a few of you who are adrift in this department.

While I write this letter, somewhat chilled by the Cape of Storms continuing to live up to its name, I cannot help but feel humbled and overawed by the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina passing through the Gulf of Mexico and fast approaching New Orleans.  It will be old news by the time you get this but nevertheless, let us pause and give thought to those, here and abroad, finding themselves in the path of such distressing situations.

Moving to matters of importance to the Club, we are fast approaching the end of our Club’s financial year viz, 30 September 2005.  Subscription accounts for the renewal of your membership for the year 1 October 2005 to 30 September 2006 are enclosed herewith. You will note that a small increase, half of what was approved at the last AGM, has been applied.  Please make every effort to settle these accounts within 30 days of the due date, being 1 October 2005, thereby saving your Committee the onerous task of continuously badgering defaulters for payment.

Upon payment, you will now receive one of those new “plastic” mag cards being introduced at the Club. Therefore, no new cards every year!  Other than serving as your permanent membership card, with current validity tapes being provided annually, further facilities to expand the use of the card are still under investigation.  Regrettably progress costs money and we have to look at affordability very carefully.  Thank you Ricky, for your efforts in getting this project up and running.

Regarding staff matters, we said farewell to Mrs Annatjie Jacobs early in June.  Thank you Annatjie for the excellent service you provided while with us at the Seven Seas Club.  We wish you the best with your endeavours in the future.  In her place, we have Chris Els behind the bar.  Welcome Chris.  We hope that you will be happy to serve us for years to come.

With thanks to Ricky again, you will be pleased to hear that we once again have items of corporate clothing for men (ladies items still under investigation) available for sale.  Samples

may be viewed at the Club.  No stock is held (too costly) however, the suppliers are happy to provide on demand.  The quality is very good so come on guys, get down there and place your orders!

ANCIENT MARINERS

We are pleased to announce that two of our members have attained the much coveted status of Ancient Mariner at the Seven Seas Club.  This implies attaining the age of seventy years and continuous membership of the Club for thirty years.  Hearty congratulations thus go to

R Adm P.A. Wijnberg and Mr Stan Walton.

At this point, our illustrious Chairman has interrupted my train of thought and, not wanting to be  outdone, wishes to get his bit in too.

MESSAGE FROM YOUR CLUB CHAIRMAN

Our 2004/2005 financial year is at a close.  This past year, your Committee has concentrated on maintenance and upgrading facilities.  The electrics which were overloaded and in somewhat of a mess, have been renewed and the Club has been air conditioned.  As mentioned in the first paragraph of this newsletter, we have also installed a new computer.  All this expenditure would not have been possible without the loyal support from each and everyone of you – for this I extend my grateful appreciation and on your behalf thank the Committee for their dedication and hard work.

CLUB SOCIAL PROGRAMME

On 23 July, Anita provided us with a superb “Christmas Dinner in July”.  The food was outstanding and we had the whole hog – crackers, decorations and all.

Do remember lunch on the 1^st Sunday of each month – Anita lays on real value for your money.   

Events for your diary

1 October 2005 – Seafood Buffet and Disco at R75.00 pp.  Further details are on the Notice Board.

25 November 2005 - AGM

NEW MEMBERS

Only three proposals for membership have been approved since May.  They are

Capt S. Bradfield, Capt T. Thiaart and Ens P.J. Oelofse.

We welcome them on board and wish them many years of amicable socializing at the Seven Seas Club.

100 CLUB DRAW

Please contact the Club Manager to claim your winnings.

Included is a copy of current 100 Club members. PLEASE NOTE – accounts for membership are not included with your subscription accounts as this Club constitutes a separate issue.  Thus, if you wish to retain membership for 2006, please pay your R120 pa membership fee, per number taken, when paying your subscriptions.  Those who wish to join the club, may make payment as aforementioned.  It is a question of “first come first served” as at 31 December 2005.

RECIPROCITY CLUBS

Contact with our Sister Clubs continues to be maintained albeit not on as regular a basis as it possibly should be.  I recently enquired about how their Clubs came to be named the “Seven Seas Club” when their Clubs were founded?

Rowly King ( Hon Secretary) of Australia notes that the name, with the addition “of Australia” was taken from the original in London in 1968.  The London Management Committee were however somewhat upset that these Aussie colonials had adopted the name without permission.  Needless to say, sanity prevailed and they are now the best of friends!

London will advise in due course – they have the matter in hand.  I suspect that their Hon Secretary, John Mankerty, is grubbing through archives of documents stored in somebody’s attic to find the answer!

It is pleasing to report that we have also received a communication from a member of the City University Club of London indicating interest in a reciprocal arrangement with us.  It is the most popular city club in London’s financial district and is close to the Bank of England and the Stock Exchange. We will advise when formal agreements have been concluded.

Of interest to some of you, I received a surprise letter from Keith Hartley who is now managing a youth hostel in Kiwiland.   He enquired after many of his old colleagues so please write to him at hartleyzoo@xtra.co.nz

Notwithstanding correspondence but also visitors from all parts of the globe, the old adage of Rudyard Kipling’s, “it is in this Club, as the Captains come and go, that you hear all the gossip of the Seven Seas”, still holds true today. 

Yours aye

Peggy Pysden – or, peggyp@xsinet.co.za