Port Alfred donation

There were smiles all round when NSRI Station 11 received an array of much-needed tools from the Rotary Club of Port Alfred.

At the hand-over, Station Commander Juan Pretorius thanked Rotary President Hans-Joachim Hon for this welcome gift, funded by Rotary’s recent Golf Open at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club. With Rotary was Gys Waller of Builders Trader Hardware who is donating a lock-up cupboard for the tools, and Neville Henley, fundraiser for NSRI and the Rotarian who organized the Golf Open.The tools include socket sets, a full range of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, shifting and ring spanners, a complete set of drill bits and a hi-pressure washer amongst other things. Said Juan Pretorius: “Constant maintenance of our craft is necessary for us to be ready for emergencies at all times, so these new tools are a tremendous asset. We are very grateful to Rotary and to the golfers who supported their Golf Open”.Station 11 has a total of 20 sea and shore crew. Juan, who is studying architecture with Stapleton Associates, has been with NSRI for 5 years, and Station Commander for one year. They are ready for a busy season, which will probably involve, traditionally, call-outs during the crews’ family Christmas Eve or Christmas Day celebrations. “It always seems to happen, but we’ll be ready” said Juan cheerfully.