Rotary Club of St Francis Bay Opens Completed Fire Station Renovation in Honor of Tom Roux

by SFT | Aug 26, 2025 | St Francis

Article and images by Gail Petrie

Today, 26 August 2025, marked a historic and heartfelt moment for St Francis Bay as the fully renovated Fire Station was officially opened. It is an initiative proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of St Francis Bay, with vital support from Billy’s Beach.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Rotary Club President, Lesley de Jager, who described the station as “a proud symbol of what we can achieve when Rotary, local government, businesses, and our community come together.” She extended heartfelt thanks to Billy’s Beach for their extraordinary R360,000 contribution. Also to Rotarians Jeff Forrer and Stefan de Bruin for their leadership, vision, and generosity in bringing the project to completion.

Inspiring addresses followed from Mayor Hattingh Bornman and Municipal Manager Charl du Plessis, who paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the firefighters. Reflections from the firefighters themselves reminded the gathering of the risks they face and the resilience they embody.

A deeply moving moment came with the unveiling of a remembrance plaque in honour of the late Rotarian Tom Roux. His vision and determination first sparked the idea of renovating the station. “Although he is not here to see it completed, his spirit and his legacy live on in this fire station,” Lesley de Jager said.

Now, with all work completed – including a new roof, modern kitchen, recreational room, separate sleeping quarters, upgraded bathrooms, and a gym – the firefighters finally have the dignified and functional home they deserve. The unveiling of the new Rotary Fire Station signage further cemented the partnership between Rotary and the community, standing as a beacon of service and unity.

This opening is not only a celebration of progress but a testament to community spirit. Together, Rotary, Billy’s Beach, and countless supporters have fulfilled Tom Roux’s dream, ensuring that those who protect us are themselves protected and cared for.

“This fire station stands today as a symbol of partnership, service, and community. It is not only a home for our brave firefighters, but also a beacon of what we can achieve when we stand together.”  Lesley de Jager, President, Rotary Club of St Francis Bay.

Newsflash From St Francis Property Owners NPC (SRA) – Dredging In The Kromme To Commence Early September

by SFT | Aug 26, 2025 | St Francis

27 August 2025

As part of the Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme, dredging will commence in The Kromme early September in areas as agreed to and approved by the project’s Environmental Control Officer.

The purpose of this dredging is to commence moving sand down towards the Sand River delta, after which it will be dredged or trucked onto the spit or main beach, which forms part of the first phase of this project.

Dredging In The Kromme

The Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme entails, amongst others, dredging of the Kromme River to supply sand for the initial establishment of the beach and the ongoing nourishment of the beach thereafter.

Stay Informed

Further details, updates, and progress reports can be found on the St Francis Property Owners Association website under the SFPO NPC (SRA) menu.

SFPO NPC Contact:

Lyn Aitken – Administration Manager

Phone: 042 294 0594

Email: info@sfpo.co.za

Office Address: 9 Philippa Place, St Francis Bay

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Further Reading:

Work Has Begun On The Groyne At The Bottom Of Laura Road As The Official Start Of The Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme

Newsflash From St Francis Property Owners NPC (SRA) – The Spit Is Officially Closed To Members Of The Public

Dredging Pipes In Ski Canal

Baseline Environmental Monitoring Underway for the St Francis Bay Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme

Kromme River Dredging Pipe Placement Update

Newsflash From St Francis Property Owners NPC (SRA) – The Spit Is Officially Closed To Members Of The Public

Newsflash From St Francis Property Owners NPC (SRA) – Dredging Pipes in Ski Canal

Golf In St Francis Bay: It’s Just A Game of Elaborate Loitering, But Don’t Miss Out On Upcoming Events – Notes From The Editor

by SFT | Aug 26, 2025 | St Francis

Golf as a sport is easy pickings. Why? Well, golf presents itself as a sport, but in truth, it’s the only game where inaction is the achievement. One walks, one pauses, one contemplates the futility of existence, and occasionally, one swings. The ball rarely goes where it’s intended. 

The equipment:. dozens of clubs are carried solemnly from hole to hole, each promising to correct the fundamental flaw that no technology can solve: the player. Even artificial intelligence cannot cure the eternal human compulsion to “go for it” over a water hazard, if there is one, followed inevitably by a splash and an expletive.

Silence as a Performance

Where other sports thrive on noise, golf fetishises quiet. It is the only pastime where the gallery is expected to maintain the composure of a library. A player addressing the ball is treated like a monk in meditation, his followers tiptoeing behind in reverential hush. The ritual feels less like sport and more like a secular rite.

The Sacred 19th

But everyone knows the true locus of meaning lies not on the green but in the clubhouse, the so-called 19th hole. Here, golf abandons its pretence. Over gin-and-tonics, handicaps are conveniently forgotten, and miraculous shots are retold with archaeological embellishment. The entire enterprise makes sudden, perfect sense. 

A Note on Progress

Amid these rituals, female golfers have been quietly redefining the sport. They swing with equal precision, but with less bluster, and often bring a refreshing sense of inclusivity to the game. Many of the game’s most interesting shifts, youth development, community events, and even sustainability in course design, are being driven by women who treat golf as a living, evolving pursuit.

The Pilgrimage

For those who take golf seriously, or at least seriously enough to justify four hours of dawdling with purpose, St Francis offers two sacred stops on the annual calendar. The first is the Calamari Classic at the St Francis Bay Golf Club (25–25 September 2025), a three-day ritual equal parts competition and camaraderie.

The second is the PGA Championship at The Links, which is our very own 3rd-ranked course in South Africa. The PGA takes place during the last week of Movember (if you’re not shaving, thanks, Jeff Clause). It is a grand affair for those who believe golf is more than a pastime, but a calling…

Further reading: Golfers Are All So High

Further reading: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Links – Notes From The Editor

See also:

St Francis Links

St Francis Golf Club