Sailors’ Society held their second fundraising event in April with guest speaker Matthew Willman.

In a very social atmosphere, Rev Boet Van Schalkwyk started by explaining the work done by the Sailors’ Society illustrated by a DVD. This included visits on board vessels, to the sick and injured hospital, and trauma counselling to
those who have experienced disasters at sea .

Matthew with one of his books

But on to our speaker. Our fundraiser Janet Burgess introduced Matthew Willman. One of South Africa’s leading, young, independent artists in visual communication and heritage documentary, tells his stories through photographic exhibitions, writing but above all he is a storyteller par excellence.

Perhaps one of Willman’s greatest achievements was his significant contribution to the recording of the process of South Africa’s democratic change as a result
of his work as a commissioned photographer to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and through ten years working with Mr Mandela himself.

He shared engaging facts about meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President FW De Klerk, 22 Presidents, 12 Nobel Laureates, Annie Lennox and a host of musicians, sports personalities, politicians and philanthropists.

One of his books is entitled “Tripping through Presidents” – a most appropriate title.

It was a morning of absorbing and entertaining ‘storytelling’ and enjoyable socialising.