Born 1933 in Pietermaritzburg – delivered by my Grandmother –she was was a midwife!
Schooled – finally at Newcastle High School 1951
Studied Pharmacy at Durban Tech – qualified 1956
Career – Pharmacist
Worked at and finally owned A J Forsyth Pharmacy in Newcastle and retired 1996. I also owned Majuba Pharmacy in Newcastle. Started and was Chairman Drakensberg Wholesale Chemists a group wholesale operation which is now part of the Alpha Pharm group. 1973 – formed the Northern Natal sub-branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa. Served for 10 years on the National body and was President 1880-81.
Hobby and Passion
Am a Hearing aid Acoustician – testing and fitting hearing appliances
Sport
Very keen on most sports – have played cricket rugby hockey badminton squash tennis and golf and bowls. Played Natal Country Districts hockey and golf. Co-ordinated Rotary Cricket in Southern Africa (IFCR) for a number of years culminating in the International Festival in Durban 2010 – all the legwork being done by your President Gerald who has now taken over the duties of co-coordinator.
We entertained tours from UK, Australia and New Zealand and attended Festivals in Australia and Sri Lanka. We also toured in the UK 4 years ago.
Service Clubs
Started Round Table 86 Newcastle 1961. Charter Chairman 1963. Attended many National and International Conventions – WOCO 1973 and 1974. Extended to RT Incandu 192 – the two clubs later were combined and are one of the larger clubs in ARTSA
Joined Rotary 1975; Was President 1976 – they must have run out of ideas! Extended to form RC Newcastle Majuba – at one time both clubs had a membership of over 30. Became DG 1987-8. Pres Gerald was a member of my club at that time and he was the Master Sergeant at the District Conference in Newcastle. That year was the launch of Polio Plus – wow – what a challenge! Chaired the Governors Council of Southern and Eastern Africa and served on the executive for 8 years. Served as a Group Discussion Leader in Anaheim 1995 and 1996 – motivating incoming District Governors for their year in office. Awesome experience!!! Served RI on the Communications committee 2000-2002 and the Strategic Planning committee doing the preparatory work planning entry of RI into 21st century with programs like Membership, Public Image etc.1998-2000. Represented the RI President at 5 different District Conferences Internationally.
eClub
With the entry of younger members to the RC Newcastle Majuba us oldies stepped aside and I happily accepted President Gerald’s invitation to join the EClub!