Forum Toastmasters Club had its last meeting at the German Club, corner of Proes and Paul Kruger Streets in the Pretoria CBD, on Wednesday 12 January 2005. The building had been sold to new owners, who will use the building for another purpose. Forum had been meeting there for the past 30 years.

The executive, in discussion with the full club, decided to try four different venues before the club would decide where to settle.

A hotel, which was conveniently situated, was too expensive even to consider. The club accordingly met at Die Sinkhuis (dating from 1892) in Riviera, on 25 January. The problem: Safe parking, and a venue too small for larger meetings. Next was the Harlequins Club, Groenkloof, on 9 February 2005. The problem: Poor lighting and costs a bit steep. Next up was Rietondale Lodge in Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale on 23 February. The members present were very happy with this venue, the food and the cosy bar. The parking and lighting needed some upgrading, which the new owners promised to attend to. The final trial venue was the Pretoria Boys’ High School Old Boys Club in Lynnwood, on 9 March 2005. The members were happy with it, but in a vote resolved to make Rietondale Lodge our home for the foreseeable future, unless unforeseen problems arise.


The first meeting at Rietondale Lodge on a permanent basis was held on 23 March. The lighting and parking had been improved. Structural improvements are to be made to the building in the coming months, which we shall have to live with but which should further improve the flexibility of the venue for meetings of different sizes.

This brings to an end an exciting time of nomadic life for Forum Toastmasters Club. Now we can concentrate on the basics of Toastmastering again. Credit was paid to President Ab Vonkeman and VPE Leon Botha at the meeting of 23 March, for their sterling work in piloting the club through a difficult period in its history.