FALSE BAY RUGBY CLUB

The exciting redevelopment of the False By RFC Members Bar facility caused some delays to various functions late last year.

 

This resulted in the last Club100 Cocktail Party of 2013 taking place on 29 January 2014.

 

There was much excitement as “The Bay” was operational, albeit partially by time guests arrived for the gathering. The prospect of listening to guest speaker Dimitri Catrakilis, who launched his Cape Town rugby career at the club in 2010, created sufficient enthusiasm for the gathering but it was the unveiling of the new facility which was also widely anticipated.

 

Everyone attending was impressed with the facility, almost unrecognisable from the one which had served her members and supporters so well through the decades.

 

Although waxing lyrical in describing the bar may communicate the changes, the true impact of the renovations can really only be appreciated by visiting The Bay and enjoying an ice cold beer or lovely cup of coffee.

 

A feature which is worth attempting description is the Beer Garden. Placed alongside the building, it is a large area of lush grass split by a paved walkway from the far car park and a fountain in the middle. Alongside this is a playground with a jungle gym for the kiddies, who’ll never be far from Mom and Dad’s watchful gaze while enjoying a relaxing drink or well-priced meal.

 

The Club100, an integral part of False Bay’s fundraising efforts, gladly doubled this event as a Roofwetting of The Bay and over 120 people were in attendance.

 

False Bay RFC is honoured to enjoy the support of many and Honorary Vice President status was bestowed upon three people whose support of the Club over recent years has been immense.

 

Councillor Liz Brunette has been a pillar of support for False Bay RFC, recognising in the Club the role it plays in society and those in her constituency.

 

Dr Willem van der Merwe, renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon, has been of immense value to False Bay over the last few years, offering immediate and highly respected advice and treatment to players sustaining injuries.

 

Mr Anton Schelhase, respected lawyer, has been invaluable to False Bay as it has navigated its way through some contentious and demanding issues in recent years.

 

Each of these worthy recipients have been low profile donors of service and ambassadors for the sport support as the Club drives towards its goals.

 

After the presentation of these honorary awards, a ceremonial pulling of the first draught was done by operator Lance Chandler and handed to Club President, Louis de Waal, who savoured the first sip, to three hearty hurrahs from the throng.

 

Club stalwart and Life Member Brian Peters, who was instrumental in bringing Dimitri Catrakilis to False Bay RFC, was then handed the floor to conduct a Q&A session with the young dynamo.    

 

Catrakilis was engaging, modest and amusing. He handled Brian’s questions, as well as those of the audience, with confidence and respect. His success is based on a work ethic which is remarkable but his modesty and humility has equipped him well for the challenges and pitfalls of his profession.

 

After the formalities, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the engaging company present. Rugby legend “Oom” Mannatjies Roux attended and seemed to love being back in the rugby environment. Renowned broadcaster, Trevor Quirk, a regular visitor and Club100 member, was his engaging and charismatic self.

 

Club100 offers members access to The Bay and a series of cocktail parties per year, with guest speakers as headliners. Subscription is R1000 and enrolment can be done on the website.