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Journey to the Heart of Europe
Part 2 - Germany’s flourishing wine regions at their best
Elfi Seitz
The visit to Ludwigsburg had been a memorable adventure for all
of us. Germany’s greatest baroque castle, built by Duke Eberhard Ludwig
between 1704 and 1733, stood imposingly above a landscape of verdant
rolling hills and gushing streams. Modern day Mayor Werner Spec, erudite
and upright, was but the latest in a long line of gracious hosts as we
meandered easily through the cobbled streets of the old town. Taking in
a bustling market, it was easy to imagine that life here has remained
pretty much unchanged for hundreds of years, save perhaps for the
apparent plethora of top end, purring vehicles. Similarly grand was a
pearl of a residence, the home of local physician Dr Raimund Cerny and
his partner, leibling Linda Dierolf, which combined intricate interior
plaster work with a classical façade. Fortunate indeed, were we, to
receive such ‘personalised’ attention, although from the easy gentility
and welcoming smiles of the local populous, I would be extremely
surprised if any lucky visitor to the region experienced any other
sensation.
 Bernhard
Huber shows off his unique traditional wine server.
I harboured considerable expectations of our visit to the
“Schmuckwelten” shop in Pforzheim. Wine regions, I confess, are amongst
my more favoured areas of exploration. A glass of sparkling wine,
apparently containing real gold particles, was our welcome. “Is Gold
good for you?” I wondered. Well, it tasted good enough. Ah, I
misunderstood, was it the glass which contained the Gold? Looking around
me, it had all become clear; jewels were everywhere, like confetti on
the street. Countless creations proved perhaps that “All that glitters
is not gold”; sapphires, rubies, pearls, rings, necklaces, tiaras,
brooches, gleamed blue, red, silver and platinum around me. Housed in a
huge complex somewhere between Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, the
architecture reflected the natural beauty of rare and uncut gems. To my
astonished delight, I discovered that even perfume with added gold
particles was available. “Indulge me!” I commanded myself. Indeed, next
time you see me glittering all over, you’ll know why.
 A
demonstration of the old fashioned way to make necklaces.
Personally, I’m not one for golf; I prefer the walk, but amongst us were
a fair few who claim a love of the game. Nonetheless, a trip to the
“Kramsky Fabrik & High Class Putter” was an ingenious manifestation of a
combination of technology and leisure. Wiestav Kramski himself provided
a detailed presentation and a factory tour which was a Teutonic
testament to the art of sport. The change over the years in how a ‘Wood’
is manufactured is mind-blowing.
Travel is thirsty work, makes you hungry too. The next sensational
victual replenishment was never far away. It was just a matter of time.
At Bernhard Huber’s vineyard, we were utterly pampered by four wine
companies. Divine. The obligatory tour of the wineries and vineyards
near the Lichteneck ruin was followed by a welcome decision to extend
our visit at one of the wine cellars. Splendid. But it was not only Herr
Huber’s wines which swept us into gentle reverie; wines from the
“Freiherr von Gleichenstein” and “Dr. Heger” vineyards were invited to
the party too. It was a cheerful but risky adventure, because as long as
you stay in the wine cellar, everything is fine. But it is easy to
forget that you are downstairs. Climbing out to get some fresh air can
be taxing, but upon emergence, it is like walking into another part of a
glorious dream.
 Corinna
Benz the gorgeous Wine Queen played hostess extraordinaire at the
Durbacher Weingenossenschaft.
Wine seemed to be following us around. A press conference at “Durbacher
Weingenossenschaft” failed to slur our cumulative impression that we
were having a tremendous time. Transfer to the “Zur Oberen Linde” hotel
only served to accentuate this sensation and a “dinner oenologique” at
the same was like sailing serenely on the most placid of oceans. “Wine
queen” Corinna Benz presented the fruit of her vines to the assembled,
perfect complements to ravishing condiment, legumes and meats.
9 o’clock the next morning seemed unreasonably early to expect us to
move on; even if it was another sumptuous session of wine tasting that
awaited us. I remembered the boss’s words, “Use the spittoon” as we
sampled more of the very best from “Hex vom Dasenstein”, a vineyard
heavy with historical pedigree. The legend has it that “Hex” (witch) was
a young, beautiful but lonely woman. Lovesick, she sought refuge in the
vineyards. But as she grew older, unrequited, she became cynical and
played as series of tricks on the townsfolk, who had clearly developed a
way of maintaining their good humour and indeed, their generosity.
 The
old market in Ludwigsburg, where everyone meets.
Where would fine wine be without cake? The romantic and deliciously
scenic black forest enveloped us for an undulating journey to the
“Wellendorff” jewelry factory in Pforzheim, where “Old Master” Hanspeter
Wellendorff led us through show rooms dripping with crafted opulence.
Gold and chocolate, what a combination! Jewelry was overtaking wine as
the leading player, as we visited the Victor Mayer Company, which has
the global rights to manufacture Fabergé jewelry. President Marcus O.
Mohr was a demure guide through a veritable crystal palace of production
halls; such attention to detail, such quintessential craftsmanship! Then
the eggs, all diamonds and gold, what wonder! It was almost too much for
me, “Un oeuf’s an oeuf!” I cried, when even the tinkle of light rain on
the window started to sound like tiny diamonds on glass.
So to Dackenheim and the golf club “Deutsche Weinstraße” wherefrom
Germany’s “Wine Queen 2005/2006”, Sylvia Benzinger, took us in, all
cosy, warm and sweet at the Benzinger farm and wine cellar. As twilight
fell, we repaired to the elegant “Kurparkhotel” in the ill-named “Bad
Dürkheim”, where champagne seems to be a compulsory companion. It
transpired that the ubiquitous Heidi Langensiepen, councilor of the city
administration, was responsible for our very special reception. And
romance was in the air as a romantic pony and trap ride through Dirk H.
Renzelman’s vineyards in the last vestige of daylight, brought us to the
“Zum Stein” guest house where once more, we were spoiled by provincial
delicacies. Oh happy day!
You can read about the last two days of this unforgettable trip in
one of our next issues.
The beauty of the German countryside is
unsurpassed by any other.
More community leaders send their congratulations as Pattaya Mail celebrates 14th anniversary
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Marketing Communications Band
Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya
On behalf of the Marketing Communications Band
and all the Band Members at Hard Rock Hotel and Café Pattaya, we
would like to thank the Pattaya Mail for their continuous support
not only of the hotel and café but for their great contributions to
Pattaya City. Happy 14th anniversary! Stay cool Pattaya Mail!
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Alisa Phanthusak
Asst. MD
Tiffany’s Cabaret Show
I would like to wish Pattaya Mail all the best
for its 14th anniversary. This is the best selling and hardest
working newspaper on the Eastern Seaboard. You are all great people!
Thank you for being so constantly good.
************** |
John Botting
President Rotary Club
Taksin Pattaya
Pattaya Mail is in the tradition of all good and
respected newspapers, being a recognized voice and personality of
its own in addition to its role in disseminating news and
information. Happy 14th, and may you have many more happy birthdays
in the future.
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Pol Lt Col Suwan Ouanan
Inspector
Pattaya Tourist Police
I send my warmest congratulations to Pattaya Mail
on the occasion of your 14th birthday, and wish you continuing
prosperity and progress in producing this invaluable communications
medium for Pattaya City.
************** |
Werner Schondorff
Rotary Club
Jomtien-Pattaya
I never miss out on reading Pattaya Mail whenever
I am in Pattaya. The news coverage is topical, with great pictures
and excellent journalistic standards. It is a tribute to all
executives and staff that such an enjoyable paper is produced every
week.
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Helmut Buchberger
Managing Director
ABC Group
I’ve known Pattaya Mail and PMTV for a long time,
and I greatly respect the role you play in our community.
Congratulations on so many years of successful business, and I hope
there will be many more years to follow.
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Wutisak Rermkitkarn, Deputy Mayor
I send my very best wishes to all at Pattaya Mail
on this special occasion. Long may you continue to offer impartial
news for society, and long may you continue to be read by people of
all nationalities who visit this exciting city of ours. May your
future be prosperous, and may good luck always be with you.
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Peter Thorand
Charter President Rotary Club
of Taksin Pattaya
Pattaya Mail has always been a great supporter of
our club, and of all the Rotary Clubs in the region. I know I speak
for everyone when I say how much your help is appreciated. Pattaya
Mail, we all love you! Happy Birthday!
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Michitaro Morita
Rotary Club of Nishinomiya-Koshien
I am a member of Rotary International District
2680 in Japan. This is my first trip to Thailand. I came here to
work on the library project with the Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya. I
have noted how important Pattaya Mail is to Rotary, and to Pattaya
City. I send you my best wishes and congratulations.
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Lloyd Jones
Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya
I’ve been living in Pattaya and reading the
Pattaya Mail for 11 years now. I regard you as a good friend! Happy
14th birthday to you! And I hope there are many more anniversaries
to come.
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Nittaya Patimasongkroh, Y.W.C.A. Bangkok –
Pattaya Center
Congratulations on 14 years of Pattaya Mail and
five years of Pattaya Blatt. Residents are lucky to have two
fantastic newspapers in Pattaya. You do a wonderful job, and have a
superb reputation.
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Itthipol Khunplome
Chief Advisor
to the mayor
On behalf of all the officers at Pattaya City
Hall, I would like to wish all management and staff of Pattaya Mail
the very best on this occasion of your 14th birthday. Since 1993,
the newspaper has been an invaluable source of information for all
foreign residents and visitors to Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard.
We respect your unbiased reporting and the excellent work you do in
being the eyes and ears of the community. Long may you continue to
flourish. Congratulations!
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Ronakit Ekasingh
Deputy Mayor
Pattaya City administration has great admiration
and respect for Pattaya Mail, as it provides excellent news coverage
for Thai people and foreign newspapers on the happenings in our
city. I personally have known the newspaper and its personnel,
especially Pratheep ‘Peter’ Malhotra, for a good many years. I feel
that the newspaper’s coverage is balanced and unbiased, and this
makes it a very credible publication indeed for everyone. On the
occasion of your anniversary, I send my very best wishes for your
continuing success for all the years to come.
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Geev Andre Bahrampoori
Congratulations to Pattaya Mail on the 14th anniversary. All the
best and thank you for your great cooperation over the years. Cheers
and happy birthday!
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Somsak Tanruengsri, General Manager Pattaya
Marriott
Resort & Spa
On behalf of the Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa
management and staff, I congratulate Pattaya Mail on its 14th
anniversary. Happy birthday, cheers, and all the best for the coming
years. Thank you for your support.
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Sharona Watson
The past twelve months have been a roller coaster. They started in a
bunker in northern Israel and moved through Cambodia, to Singapore
and Laos and back to Ban Chang. It’s certainly been an adventure,
writing for the Mail! Thank you to everybody who contributed to ‘A
Female Perspective’ - your support meant a lot to me - because it
hasn’t always been plain sailing. It seems like it’s my husband who
has all the fun, ‘gulliving’ around the world. My thanks too, to
James and Anita Abraham, to the man with the sporran, Paul Strachan
and to Peter M, for giving me the opportunity to express myself.
Happy Birthday!
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Wattana Chantanawaranon
Deputy Mayor
Pattaya Mail has become more than just a great
newspaper, it has developed into a television and website medium,
and its influence grows continually. We at the administration firmly
believe in what you are doing, both in broadcasting news and
information, and in presenting a favorable image of Pattaya far and
wide. In fact, Pattaya City without the Pattaya Mail has become
unthinkable. I wish you continuing success, and I also send a
special word of thanks to your employees. You have a wonderful,
dedicated team. Happy birthday to you all.
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Dr. Sunya Viravaidya
MD Pattaya International
Hospital Group
Pattaya Mail is an international quality newspaper
serving an international city. You have grown as the city has grown. The
future for Pattaya City and the Pattaya Mail has no limit. I wish you
every success now and for the future.
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Maj Gen Ekanan Ratanasopha
Commander-in-chief of the 14th Military Circle
On the completion of the 14th year of Pattaya Mail,
may I add my congratulations to the many others you will no doubt be
receiving. You play a very essential part in our community, and you do
so with style and grace. A very happy anniversary to you, and long may
you continue.
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Thai Indian Community of Pattaya
On behalf of the Indian community, We’d like to express our
congratulations to Pattaya Mail on the occasion of its 14th anniversary.
We pray that all the staff will continue to be successful with the
newspaper and also in their private lives.
*************** |
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Banglamung Home for the Elderly
On the occasion of your 14th anniversary, we send you our very best
wishes and our heartfelt thanks for always supporting the activities
of our home and for always providing a voice for the elderly in our
community. |
Shenanigans - the legend lives on
It has been almost 10 years since landlord John O’Farrell and Peter
Malhotra (MD Pattaya Mail) cut the ribbon to mark the opening of
Delaney’s Irish Pub underneath the Marriott. This was a momentous
occasion, way back then, the first up-market Irish pub in Pattaya.
 The
new version of Shenanigans will move across the street into the new
upscale ‘The Avenue’ shopping mall.
10 years and probably 10 million people have gone down the short flight
of stairs and into the pub. The Pattaya population has seen the name
changed from Delaney’s to Shenanigans, and in all that time, it has only
had three landlords - O’Farrell, Kim Fletcher (now at Jameson’s Irish
Pub) and current man at the helm, Simon Dutton.
Like all pubs, there have been highlights and some definitely not so
highlights. Simon recounting the day the salamander in the kitchen
caught fire and they had to close the kitchen for four hours to get rid
of the extinguisher chemicals, and it was a day with a large function in
the evening. Then there were the floods in the rainy season. Being below
ground level had its disadvantages.
 Simon
Dutton (right) talks with Dr Iain about the soon to close Shenanigans.
However, despite all that, it will be with some tears in the eyes that
Pattaya will be saying farewell to the familiar watering hole, and to
celebrate the last night on August 9, Simon Dutton is having the mother
of a closing down party. “Happy hour all day - on everything,” said
Simon. The party proper will begin at 6 p.m. and Simon will be going
through the cupboards to dish out mementoes from 10 years of trading.
Such collectables as Carlsberg mugs (remember the beer?) and other
memorabilia.
Mind you, it isn’t all bad news for Pattaya’s drinkers and diners.
Rather than calling it a closing down party on the 9th, Simon is calling
it the “Shenanigans marching on up party”. Simon feels that as Pattaya
is moving upscale, so too should Shenanigans, and that is precisely what
is happening. The new version of Shenanigans will move across the street
into the new upscale ‘The Avenue’ shopping mall, up on to the first
floor, complete with a 280 square meter balcony.
 The
“downstairs” Shenanigans will soon be just a fond memory.
The ‘new’ Shenanigans is also 50 square meters larger than the old one,
with seating for 360 people, but will retain the feeling of the old one.
Plenty of dark wood, plus the horseshoe shaped bar, an exact copy of the
previous incarnation of Shenanigans. A new addition will be the sports
bar at the back, complete with American 9 ball pool tables and a very
large 67" screen for live TV sporting events, as well as numerous other
screens dotted around the pub. The balcony will feature tables and
umbrellas and a mist cooling system, a kind of al fresco addition.
The new version of Shenanigans will have a soft opening towards the end
of August, with a grand opening mid-September, but in the meantime,
Simon is inviting everyone who ever had a drink in Delaney’s or
Shenanigans to come for one final fling on August 9. See you there!
The new Shenanigans will retain the feeling
of the old one, with plenty of dark wood, plus the horseshoe shaped bar,
an exact copy of the previous incarnation of Shenanigans.
Interact Club of Banglamung School plans for a year of community service
Care for children and the elderly and a safe environment top the agenda
Vimolrat Singnikorn
On July 21, Sutthipong Sensuri was installed as president of the
Interact Club of Banglamung School. Along with Sutthipong members of the
board of directors were also installed into their respective offices.
 President
Jan Abbink installs Panatanet Laksanasut as Vice President.
Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages
14-18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which
provide support and guidance, but Interact clubs are self-governing and
self-supporting. The program gives young people an opportunity to
participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing
leadership skills and meeting new friends.
The installation ceremonies were presided over by Past District Governor
Premprecha Dibbayawan, considered to be the founding father of the
Interact Club, Pratheep Malhotra, District Governor Elect (2008-09),
Onanong Sripornmanut, District Youth Service Committee Chair, along with
Jan Koos Abbink, president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, the
sponsor club of the Interact Club of Banglamung School. Other
dignitaries included President Nic Demet, Rotary Club Pattaya Marina,
President Sefan Ryser Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard and Usa Charoenying,
president of the Rotary Club of Plutaluang, who made a donation to the
club to help them get a good start to the year.
 Pratheep
Malhotra (left), District Governor-Elect of District 3340 Rotary
International, installs Sutthipong Sensuri as president of the Interact
Club of Banglamung School.
This year also marks the 15th anniversary of the Interact Club of
Banglamung since its inception.
The club was formed during the 1991-92 Rotary year, when Andre Comeau
was the president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya. The Interactors
held their first meeting on July 27, 1992 and on August 28, 1992, the
Banglamung School agreed to establish the club in the school. Miss
Wanpen Rodthongkam served as the charter president, during whose term
the constitution was accepted.
On February 26, 1994, under the leadership of President Theerachart
Thaworntrakarn, the Interact Club of Banglamung School received its
charter from Rotary International. Thus the Interact Club of Banglamung
School was born.
 Dennis
Stark installs Panarat Sae Tan as Public Relations Director.
In his policy statement, the newly installed president said, “We have 53
members in our club and we are all ready, with the help of the Rotary
Club of Jomtien-Pattaya to undertake activities that are beneficial to
society.” He said that the club had planned to implement 4 main projects
this year.
“There is a project for cleaning up Pattaya Beach, which will be carried
out by children from the schools in Banglamung District. The
Senior-to-Junior project will see older children donating toys, dolls
and books to younger children who are from underprivileged families or
who are disabled. A third project will have a number of children camping
in the countryside to learn about the natural environment. And a fourth
project, entitled Love from the Children, will see students donating
items to elderly people at the Ban Banglamung Social Welfare Development
Center for Older Persons.”
The Interact Club of Banglamung School meets twice a month and
encourages members to celebrate important days together, such as
Children’s Day, birthdays and the New Year. The club cooperates with
other organizations including the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center and the
Pattaya Youth Center, and joins in activities with Interact Clubs in
other Rotary districts in Thailand.
PDG Premprecha Dibbayawan presents a draw
prize to the lucky winner.
Usa Charoenying President of the Rotary Club
of Plutaluang (left) presents a donation of funds to help kick off the
club’s projects for the year.
Interactors put on a fun show to entertain
their guests.
Thanon Boontaweeworadej (left) and Kongkaew
Krasarpkarn (right), Assistant Directors of the Banglamung School
install the remaining directors.
Nic Demet, Kees Peperkamp, Peter Rottman and
Steve Ryser install the board of directors.
Sutthipong Sensuri stands proudly amongst
his board of directors.
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About Interact
Interact is Rotary International’s service club
for young people ages 14-18. Interact clubs are sponsored by
individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but
Interact clubs are self-governing and self-supporting.
Club membership varies greatly. Clubs can be single-gender or
mixed, as well as large and small. The membership base can be
drawn from the student body of a single school or from two or
more schools from the same community.
Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community
service projects, one of which furthers international
understanding and goodwill. Through projects, Interactors
develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs.
And, in the process, Interactors develop leadership skills and
learn the value of hard work.
As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of
Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and
geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon.
Interactors also often spearhead the formation of Rotaract clubs
and participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
Interactors also often go on to become Youth Exchange students
or Ambassadorial Scholars.
For more information about Interact in your area, contact your
local Rotary Club. |
11 Rotary presidents installed in dual
ceremonies held in Chonburi and Ban Chang
Vimolrat Singnikorn
& Narisa Nitikarn
As is tradition in the Rotary calendar, new presidents take office on
July 1 every year. Throughout the months of May and June, clubs all over
the world hold installations ceremonies for their new presidents and
directors. And in Thailand it is no different.
 Past
district Governor Premprecha Dibbayawan (centre) congratulates Asst. DG
Anan Prasertphol (left) and Onanong Siripornmanut, Chairperson of the
District Youth Service Committee.
One ceremony was held in Chonburi where the Rotary Clubs of Chonburi,
Pattaya, Sriracha, Banbueng, Panat Nikom and Laem Chabang installed
their president and directors, and a second was held at the Green Valley
Clubhouse in Banchang District of Rayong Province, where the Rotary
Clubs of Rayong, Banchang, Maptaput, Plutaluang and Sattahip installed
their club leaders.
The Chonburi affair was president over by Governor Pracha Taerat, while
Rayong Deputy Governor Sunthon Ratanawaraha officiated the event in Ban
Chang. Together with outgoing District Governor Peera Pothipipith and
incoming Governor Dr. Arnon Chirajavala along with a contingent of past
district governors and Governor Elect Pratheep Malhotra, it brought
together Rotarians from the whole eastern seaboard in the spirit of
fellowship in the same ideals to do good in the world.
The 11 installed presidents are as follows.
President Tosapol Rujuranon - Rotary Club of Chonburi, President Preecha
Peethong - Rotary Club of Pattaya, President Wiboon Rakthongsuk - Rotary
Club of Sriracha, President Warin Thaitheerasathian - Rotary Club of Ban
Bueng, President Horst Schulz - Rotary Club of Panatnikom, President
Surin Ratanawicha - Rotary Club of Laem Chabang, President Nichapat
Srisuthiyakorn - Rotary Club of Sattahip, President Usa Charoenying -
Rotary Club of Plutaluang, President Supachai Namthip - Rotary Club of
Maptaput, President Liangseng Ruam-Apikul - Rotary Club of Rayong and
President Chantamas Jariyawetwattana - Rotary Club of Banchang.
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders
that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in
all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.
Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in
more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
Rotary International President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson’s theme for 2007-08
is Rotary Shares. Rotarians the world over will go out into their
communities and share knowledge, love and understanding to those who
desperately need assistance.
They will implement Health, Hunger and Humanitarian programs, trying to
ensure that every community has clean water to drink. Their work will
also encompass the all-vital and fundamental Literacy program, so that
every child and adult in the world will be able to read and write the
language of their choice. Rotarians are convinced that all these
fundamentals are necessary for the foundation of building goodwill and
peace in the world.
The newly installed presidents are
congratulated at the end of the ceremonies.
Past President Don Maclachlan (left) and PDG
Premprecha Dibbayawan (center) congratulate President Preecha Peethong
of the Rotary Club of Pattaya.
Peera Pothipipith, (left) District Governor
2006-07, congratulates the new officers of the 6 clubs in Chonburi.
Dr. Arnon Chirajavala, (3rd right) District
Governor 2007-08 stands proudly with his team of presidents from
Sattahip and Rayong.
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