Enjoying the trip: Pretorian Christoff Timmer with Cobram international relations director Adrian Salter who shared a coffee before Christoff left for Sydney and then home.
Three-way link — an international winner
For past chairman of Round Table Pretoria 87, Christoff Timmer, a recent trip to Australia hosted by the Apex Club of Cobram was, in his words, “absolutely brilliant”.
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Over three weekends and two weeks the South African stayed with seven different Apex members, not knowing day to day where he would be going and what he would experience. He was, however, not to be disappointed as the club had worked out a schedule to ensure Christoff got the most from his trip ‘down under.’
The trip was part of a three-way link established between clubs from Pretoria, South Africa, Neath in Wales and Cobram. Next year with planning already under way, Cobram will host a celebration of a special 60-year relationship between the three clubs since the link was established in 1962.
Christoff, 40, said the aims and objectives of each club were similar to their motto of Adopt, Adapt and Improve’ where members enjoyed fellowship with people from all walks of life, while conducting fundraisers and community activities.
On his first visit to Australia, Christoff loved the ‘fly away’ in two small aircraft, to Broken Hill and Mildura with a day trip to Leigh Creek and a bird’s-eye view of the Flinders Ranges, which he declared was “spectacular”.
Apex members organised a day out on a dairy farm, where he also learnt about cropping, while their partners escorted him on a fun day of sightseeing to the Beechworth Gaol and Billsons Brewery.
“Club members have been very helpful and welcoming and have gone out of their way to show me a special time,” said Christoff, who added, “The day out to the goal and brewery was terrific”.
“I have loved eating at pubs, what brilliant dining. We do not have quality dining everywhere that you have in Australia.”
The South African works with the BMW Group as a product owner and has worked from home since COVID-19 began.
“All information technology is moving to South Africa from Germany now and is contract based,’’ he said.
Christoff is married and the father of two daughters aged 12 and 9 and the family lives in the northern part of Pretoria. It was Interesting to learn that no, he does not own a BMW but drives a Honda instead.
Christoff is international relations director at the Pretoria Club and looks forward to welcoming Liam Gilmore to his home and club next year and undoubtedly the Cobram president cannot wait to embrace the South African lifestyle.
A self-confessed Parkrun tragic
It’s not easy confessing to being something of a tragic, yet Tim Roadley is happy to.
“I am a Parkrun tragic I have to admit,” said the enthusiastic runner.
Formerly Parkrun director in Cobram, Tim, 54, is now based at the Frank Keenan Reserve in Yarrawonga due to flooding issues prohibiting the running of the event in Cobram.
What is today a worldwide phenomenon, began in England years ago and Parkruns are now operating all around the world. More than 450 Parkrun events are held Australiawide and 100 within Victoria. On Saturday mornings, commencing at 8am, a 5km run is held with thousands of runners, joggers or walkers participating, with many holding a passion as great as Tim’s.
“I have been running forever and participated in most of the state’s Parkruns as well as some interstate, such as Brisbane, recently.”
There are many associated running challenges, it’s a way to have fun with your weekly results whether you run, jog, walk or volunteer. For example there is the Parkrun Tourist Challenge which is very popular, where you arrange your holiday around Parkrun venues and compete in as many as possible.
Parkruns are free and take place in parks and open spaces and runners can book in and participate at any one of the locations.
Cobram Parkrun has approximately 60-70 competitors each week. However with the levels of the Murray River continuing to rise, causing surrounding floodwaters, it may not be until mid summer before Cobram is up and running again. However Frank Keenan Reserve is the starting point for Yarrawonga’s Parkrun and Cobram runners are welcome to join in.
If you are not too keen on 5km, you could always assist as a volunteer.
Register by contacting Frankkeenanreserve@parkrun.com
Proud: Tim Roadley after completing his Parkrun at Coombs.
Lions’ 20th country music event
This Saturday, November 12, Strathmerton Lions Club will host its 20th Country Music Event with a line-up of top country artists showcasing their talents at the Strathmerton Hall.
Appearing are Tom Maxwell, Rob Breese, Andrea Weel, John and Christine Smith and Alistair McLean.
Doors open at 5.30pm and some fantastic foot tapping music to get everyone on the dancefloor will begin at 6.30pm.
Entry is $30 per person which includes supper.
To book, please contact Fred on 0427 503859 or Murray on 0428 732 493.
Having a ball: Enjoying the music last year were Phyllis and Robert Hall from Numurkah.
Cobram Lions Art Show this weekend
This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 11-13, the Old St Joseph’s Hall will be buzzing as hordes of people are expected to come along to view entries in the Lions Art Show. With a top prize of $250 and entries open to local children aged from 10- to14 years, the art show is expected to be big.
Don’t miss out, on Friday it opens from 4pm to 8pm with the official opening at 6pm. On Saturday it’s from 1pm to 6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm, with a presentation to prize winners at 3pm.
