ACADEMIA DO BACALHAU ( well done )

A few weeks ago i was invited to the Portuguese club in Pretoria west for lunch.

Its held once a month on a Tuesday at 13.30 sharp and has a few strict rules and if broken fines are given.


Its started many years ago and its basically friends meeting and they generate funds for charity.

I understand its world wide and in many countries and they have annual gatherings in various venues.

The chairman in Pretoria is Mario Ferreira and he could give Graeme Hawkins a run for his money as an auctioneer.

This week was rather special for me as it was my 3rd visit, which includes a certificate.

Lunch is always first class Portuguese cuisine with the main always being Bacalhau.

The good cause this week was for a young 13 year old lady whom is in desperate need for a life or death operation.

The operation is in the region of R150,000 to perform.

The lunch was attented by approximately 70 members with some donations (mostly drink) to be auctioned.

Such was the nature of the gentleman attending that a R1000 bottle fetched R6000 and was then opened at the table.
Incidentally red wine is always on the table and your glass must never be empty for the various toasts

The bottom line was that an ammount of just under R200,000 was reached for the operation .

I am sure we all felt proud to be part of this day and to get a real feel for the generosity of our Portuguese friends and community.

Pray the young lady has a speedy and full recovery.

Founded many years ago and has stood with pride serving the Portuguese community for decades. Pretty much like Lusito (lusitoland) the portuguese community has had a massive impact on South Africa.

Im glad to see Mario is now involved, last time i attended with my father there were not many "young" new guys in the room. I see from the photo that this his now changed.