Rotarian Gilbert’s Story

During the lunch of 1 November Gilbert gave an impromptu talk, as there was no speaker and the crowd was modest.
He talked about how, knowing a Chinese mechanic in a hotel in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in early 1980 it unexpectedly led him to a circle of new Chinese friends in Beijing. Helping the granddaughter of a former Chinese Rotarian (Tianjin Club) to get a sponsorship from Belgian Rotarians in the early eighties it had a double effect. Firstly, it was probably the first exchange of a Chinese national to stay with Rotarians abroad after Liberation. Then, the Chinese family felt indebted and set a clever trap for Gilbert. They were successful: he ended up marrying the lady they had introduced to him with some made-up excuses. The rest is history.

(pics by Celine)

Our Rotaractors were also present: President Peter Danci, Rotaract Beijing and IPP Anissa Doradou, Rotaract Beijing
We had a visitor from afar: from the Rotary Club of Novosibirsk (Russia), who treated us with some gifts.
Do also note the upcoming Christmas Carol, with a special evening for Rotary on 6 December, all profits going to our Club.