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Not a jolly time for Pascal Jolivet
Dr Iain Corness
The latest Wine Club Dinner on Thursday, March 4 at the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort was notable for a couple of major problems. The first was
the acute illness suffered by the principal of the Domaine Pascal Jolivet
vineyard, Pascal Jolivet himself, who fell ill flying in to Thailand.
Pascal Jolivet, Owner / Winemaker of Domaine Pascal Jolivet winery
addresses the club.
By the time he arrived at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort he
was in no fit condition to address the members. Fortunately there were 10
doctors from the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya at the dinner, and help was soon
on its way. However, it was going to take 12 hours for Monsieur Jolivet’s
condition to subside.
The second problem to beset the dinner was the
non-arrival of the main course wine, the Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Rouge
“Sauvage” 2005, which had mysteriously lost its way in the labyrinth of
Suvarnabhumi airport. After a week of unsuccessful searches, attempts were
made to bring in cases from other locations, but with this being a rather
special wine, the volume could not be sourced at short notice. This was
despite the wine sponsors for the dinner, Ambrose Wines, trying everything
in their power. That these wine dinners are important was highlighted by the
fact that Ambrose was represented that evening by senior executives Jirawat
Lohsiriphat, Patraporn Techapaibul and Pichit Intraramand.
(L to R) Dr. Prayut Somprakit, CEO of the Eastern Bangkok
Hospital Group; Dr. Narintara Boonjongcharoen, Deputy Director of Bangkok
Hospital Pattaya; and Dieter Precourt.
These two problems, however, could not dampen the entire
evening, which had begun at the reception with everyone enjoying the Pascal
Jolivet Metis Sauvignon Blanc 2008 from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Whilst
Domaine Pascal Jolivet is thought of as a Loire Valley vineyard, the Metis
(a French term for a Luk kreung = mixed race) is the result of cooperation
between Trinity Hill in New Zealand and Pascal Jolivet, producing a wine
that received almost universal approval.
The dinner itself was held in the Grill Room and Wine
Cellar, with several diners opting to sit in the ambience of the cellar
amongst the racked wines.
(L to R) Walter Thenisch, Executive Chef, Royal Cliff
Beach Resort; Otto Gerth; and Joachim Grill, General Manager, Royal Cliff
Beach Resort.
The first course from Executive Chef Walter Thenisch was
a seared yellowfin tuna loin and Norwegian smoked salmon with avocado,
tomato confit and Australian finger limes. This was accompanied by a superb
Pascal Jolivet “Attitude” Sauvignon Blanc 2007. This wine had a freshness
and clean run through the palate, with a moderately long finish, and for me,
ended up as the wine of the night, even though the wines that followed were
theoretically of higher quality.
(L to R) Willem and Dinie de Vries enjoy a glass of wine before dinner.
The second course brought the second wine, the Pascal
Jolivet Pouilly Fume accompanying a Leek-Parementier and goat cheese
crumbles topped with a jumbo prawn. Whilst I had thoroughly enjoyed the
“Attitude” Sauvignon Blanc, I noted that this wine was ‘rounder’ on the
palate, but for me was not as exciting as the former. However, I must always
state that wine appreciation is a personal matter, and Madame just loved it.
The third course featured a warm Australian rainbow trout
fillet with a Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Blanc “Clos du Roy”, which was another
excellent example of Sancerre (but for me, the “Attitude” was still the
best)!
With these multi-course dinners, a breather was necessary
before we were presented with roasted venison loin with a chestnut-cabbage
roulade on blackcurrant coulis (how does Walter Thensich continue to dream
these up?) accompanied by only the “Attitude” Pinot Noir 2007. In the
tasting notes supplied by Ambrose Wines (thank you) the Pinot Noir is
described as being light and convivial, and for me, the pinot did not have
enough body to counter the roasted venison and the planned Sancerre Rouge
“Sauvage” would have been more appropriate. However, it was not to be.
Anyone finding a few cases of this wine, lurking in some dark corner at the
airport can send them on to me, care of the newspaper!
(L to R) Walter Thenisch; Gertrud Eiberger;
Reinhold Eiberger; and
Nual-anong Thenisch.
As a footnote, Pascal Jolivet had recovered by the next
day, and has told the Wine Club president Ranjith Chandrasiri that he wishes
to return to Pattaya so that he can present his own wines to the members. We
can all look forward to it.
The Wine Club can be contacted through ranjith@ royalcliff.com.
(L to R) Bruce Hoppe; Judy Hoppe; Peter Malhotra;
Kannikar Ottesen; and Nanthida Ottesen.
(L to R) Choopong Payotorn, F&B Manager, Royal Cliff Grand
Hotel & Spa; Vichai Poo-alai, Restaurant Manager, Grill Room & Wine Cellar;
Paitoon Ritdej, F&B Director, Royal Cliff Beach Resort; Jirawat Lohsiriphat,
Senior Manager-Marketing & Sales, Ambrose Wine Ltd.; Patraporn Techapaibul,
Group Product Manager, Ambrose Wine; Vathanai Vathanakul; Walter Thenisch;
Vitanart Vathanakul; and Ranjith Chandrasiri.
(L to R) Vathanai Vathanakul; Vitanart Vathanakul; Dorothy
Quine;
Panga Vathanakul; Alan Quine; and Chitra Chandrasiri.
800 girls learn key values at 3-day camp
Patcharapol Panrak
About 800 female students from Chonburi’s Chonkalayanukul School
learned about the value of nationalism, religion, the monarchy and
self-confidence at a 3-day Girl Scouts and Youth Red Cross camp from March
4-6 at the temporary Scout grounds at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya.
Girls learn physical skills climbing the rope obstacle.
The workshop aimed to reinforce traditional values among
the girls, such a being obedient to their elders and providing cooking
classes; as well as instill nationalism and love of the monarchy, reverence
to the national Buddhist religion and belief in self-confidence,
independence and trust in others.
Principal Sawek Palasawat said the camp was aimed at
giving the girls confidence to become leaders as well as good, moral
citizens. Discipline, tolerance, trust and charity were all stressed
heavily.
With 800 girls, the leaders have their hands full making sure everything
runs smoothly.
There also was practical training, including cooking
classes, a course on navigation using the Global Positioning System and
compasses, and lessons in geography and nature.
The highlight of the exercise was overnight “campfire”
activity patterned after one undertaken long ago by Thai Boy Scouts during
an excursion to Brownsea Island in the United Kingdom. Girl Scouts program
Deputy Director Panat Charoenwong said special night featured both lectures
and fun around the bonfire with lectures interspersed with songs and games.
Panat called the training successful and said it will be
used again in other scouting activities.
Walking solemnly around the campfire,
saying vows to nation, religion and
monarchy.
The rope bridge tests balance and coordination.
Scaling the rock face is one of the most difficult
challenges out on the course.
Rope tying was fun but at times difficult to learn.
The girls are taught how to live in harmony with nature,
which includes
learning outdoor cooking skills.
Seeing the grownups trying to dance is always a lot of
fun.
Lowering the flag on the final day and saying goodbye.
Rotarians mark club anniversary
by pledging to do good in the world
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya turns 23
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Words of wisdom from (l-r) PP Dennis
Stark, Steve Ryser, Jan Abbink, RC Eastern Seaboard and District
Governor Elect Thongchai Lortrakanon. |
Staff reporters
On February 12, 2010, Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya marked its
23rd anniversary with a small celebration held at the Rotary Room at the
Royal Cliff Grand Hotel & Spa.
Peter Malhotra speaks to Sue Kukarja of PMTV, of his
experiences as District Governor in 2008-09.
On hand to give their blessings and good wishes were
District Governor Jin Srikasikorn and District Governor Elect Thongchai
Lortrakanon. Rotarians from many clubs in the region also attended, bringing
with them good wishes of fellowship and camaraderie.
Past District Governor Pratheep ‘Peter’ Malhotra, a
charter member who has served as president of the club twice during the
years, spoke of the history of the club. “This is a day that we should not
only celebrate but we should also spare a thought for some of the great
Rotarians who helped form this club and carved out the path of service which
we follow faithfully to this day.
PP max Rommel presents his ‘bible’ of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya
to President Helmut Buchburger.
“Long time residents of Pattaya may recall that the birth
of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya was a most interesting one. A handful
of Rotarians, members of the Rotary Club of Pattaya had a mutual vision.
They saw that Pattaya was ready for an English-speaking club. They knew that
the community was fast growing into an international one and there would be
a huge influx of people who had or would have the same vision as Rotarians
the world over and that was to seek opportunities to serve.
“Some of this group included Hans Zurfluh, Alois X
Fassbind, Gene Farley, Hank Whittaker, Dang Harbhajan and Bill Burbridge.”
Peter added, “Having decided to form a new English
speaking Rotary Club they requested the permission of the district who
appointed PP Nitti Meyer as the special representative of the District
Governor to guide and help us charter our club. The Rotary Club of Bangkok
South kindly stepped in to become our sponsor club.”
Lovely ladies in a row, PP Judy Hoppe, Sue Kukarja,
Kavita Lamba and PP Alvi Sinthuvanik.
Pattaya was a totally new ‘market’ so to speak, so to
find a group of English speaking residents of Pattaya who would understand
and join an organization that they had little or no knowledge of, was a
challenge in itself.
Peter recalls the events leading up to the forming of his
Rotary Club, “It all started when about 40 people gathered at the
preliminary meeting to listen to Past District Governor Prapan Hutasingh
talk to them about the Rotary movement. PDG Prapan walked around the room
asking each individual of the reason they wanted to join Rotary. As he moved
from person to person, my mind was thinking fast, what would my answer be?
When Khun Prapan turned to me and asked me the question, I stood up and
said, ‘I’m not really sure, but from what I hear, I can do some good for the
community and help those who need relief.’”
PDG Jin Srikasikorn and M.L. Por Malakul, two veterans of
the Rotary Club of Pattaya.
As a provisional club, there were many more introductory
meetings held, but the group dwindled with every session until there were
only a handful of potential members who persevered and came back to the
meetings. Finally with the support of 15 unrelenting members, the paperwork
went through at Rotary International headquarters and the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya received its charter on the 12th day
of February 1987.
Past President Dennis Stark said, “The story of our club
is a long and honourable one, but not without our growing pains. Like any
other organization we had our ups and downs but through the years we have
remained united and prevailed. Our greatest pride and joy is our very own
charter member Premprecha Dibbayawan, twice president of our club and then
elected and served as District Governor for Rotary International District
3340 in the year 2000-01. In addition another charter member, Pratheep
‘Peter’ Malhotra served as governor of district 3340 in the year 2008-09.”
Past President Judy Hoppe said, “We do not neglect to
honour our past presidents who have dedicated so much to keep our club’s
flag flying high with pride. We could mention many names but where do we
stop. The history of our club is full of legendary Rotarians.”
At the end of his talk, Peter said, “This is the most
opportune time and moment to re-commit ourselves to Rotary. Our chance to do
our duty. Our chance to carry the torch of Rotary and keep the fires of
Service burning bright, for this and for many generations of Rotarians to
come.
“There are so many good and upstanding people in our
community who are waiting to be recognized, waiting to be invited into our
family, waiting to be given an Opportunity to Serve.
“Open your hearts to them. Give them Rotary. Make this a
most meaningful 23rd birthday ever, for our Rotary club, for our community
and for all humankind.”
Rotarians and guests from many parts of the world attended
the celebrations.
Ready to sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candles are (l-r) PP Alvi
Sinthuvanik (2001-02), PP Max Rommel (2006-07), PP Judy Hoppe (2004-05), PDG
Peter Malhotra (1992-93) (2003-04) (2008-09), PDG Jin Srikasikorn (2005-06),
President Helmut Buchburger (2009-10), PP Dennis Stark (1995-96), DGE
Thongchai Lortrakanon (2010-11), PP Brendan Kelly (2008-09).
Rotarians ‘Sow the Seeds of Love’ by donating wheelchairs and walking aids to the needy
Phasakorn Channgam
The Rotary Clubs of Pattaya, Laem Chabang, Sriracha and South Korea
jointly donated wheelchairs and walking aids to disabled and underprivileged
people as part of this year’s “Rotary Day, Sow the Seeds of Love” campaign.
Tongchai Pimchakul, project chairman, provides a report about the
project.
On February 23, Rotarians from the 4 clubs gathered at
the Sawang Pratheep Thamasathan Association in Sriracha to distribute 30
wheelchairs along with 20 canes, walkers and leg braces to the
underprivileged and those who needed them for use in their daily lives.
Project Chairman Thongchai Pimchakul said, “This special
day was set up by Rotarians in District 3340 to honor H.E. Bhichai Rattakul,
who was president of Rotary International in 2002-03. The Rotary
International theme for his year in office was ‘Sow the Seeds of Love’.
Hence we have adopted this theme and chosen February 23, which was the day
Paul Harris founded Rotary in 1905, to be the day to implement our special
humanitarian projects for the good of humanity.
Chanchai Werasombuti (left), president of the Rotary Club
of Sriracha, receives project-support money from Kim Kook Jin (right),
president-elect of the Kaehun Tosang Rotary Club in District 3620, South
Korea.
“This year we received the kind cooperation and financial
support of our colleagues from the Rotary Club of Kaehun Tosang in District
3620 in South Korea, some members of which are here with us to be part of
this charitable event.”
Rotarians have joined in this humanitarian work as part
of a national program aimed at helping up to 700,000 disabled people in
Thailand. This year’s goal is to hand out 12.6 million baht in wheelchairs
and other aids to 2,600 people.
Chanchai Werasombuti (left), president of the Rotary Club
of Sriracha,
receives project-support money from District 3340 Past Governor
Prempreecha Dibbayawan for project expenses.
People in need of help arrive by any method they can.
Rotarians distribute 30 wheelchairs along with 20 canes,
walkers and leg braces
to the underprivileged and those who need them for
use in their daily lives.
Indigent people with disabilities sign up to receive the
wheelchairs and walkers.
Rotarians from Thailand and South Korea pose for
a
commemorative photo after the presentation ceremony.
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