Gentleman's Club

Wishlist 2013

            DALE’S CHRISTMAS WISHLIST FOR 2010

1                    James Walsh

2006: That the Chairman would be able to hold a decent conversation after more than 3 beers. Wish NOT granted.

2007: That the Chairman would stop breeding lest we have a nation of red-haired freckled teenagers in 2020. Wish NOT granted.

2008: That the Chairman would return to the Iron Fist with which he ruled the GC in the early years. The past year, in particular, has seen the chairman arriving late or (unheard of in prior years) missing meetings altogether and generally losing control. A firm hand on the wheel is needed as we enter our 2nd Decade. WISH PARTLY GRANTED as evidenced by Mr Walsh’s FULL ATTENDANCE – but vacuum, caused by rudderless ship, resulted in the PizzaGate scandal that saw the resignation of Mr Welldone.

2009: That the Chairman’s perfect attendance record of 2008 be repeated in 2009, even if it means a Walsh divorce as a result of missing the Champagne Castle timeshare week. WISH NOT GRANTED – CHAIRMAN MISSED ONE MEETING

2010: That, having reached the top of the Cadiz corporate mountain, the boys of the GC who have stuck with Mr Walsh when he was a coffee making appie on the floor of the JSE, now finally be rewarded with some corporate hospitality, insider trading info and general corporate waste splashed in the GC direction. Also, that Mr Walsh be able to part ways with his beloved ginger mo - Georgie, which we all know he has become secretly proud of, and attached to. WISH PARTLY GRANTED

2012: That Mr Walsh finally be allowed to leave his office prison cell for 1 hour per week to maybe have lunch with his mates or play in a golf day AND that Mr Walsh admit that, like Mr Gibbs, he voted NO in 1993, supported the CP and fired his poor maid simply because she was black and in an effort to cover up the fact that Siobhan had instigated an insurance scam in an effort to finally force Mr Walsh to rid himself of his Toyota Corolla which he otherwise would’ve driven until he was 95.

2                    Mr Spencer

2006: That Mr Spencer would admit that he doesn’t give a shit about vintage cars and fine wines and has been going down to Cape Town every weekend for the past 6 months to get laid. Also, its no shame to use part of his trust fund inheritance to pay for his girlfriend to move back to JHB and for his father to find her a job at RMB. Wish granted

2007: That Mr Spencer own up to the fact that he doesn’t, after all, have a job and is living of his trust fund. Also that he justifies his tag as “The next GC Member most likely to marry”. Wish not granted

2008: That Mr Spencer and Mr I’ons admit that they are in a relationship and that this is the real reason Mr Spencer was not able to live up to the 2007 Wish above. In addition, that Mr Spencer admit to his gambling addiction and return to his former glory days which saw him capture the GC Man of the Year 2007. Wish not granted

2009: That the GC X Return to their initial hot-air-filled election promises of full GC X attendance, exclusive deals at 5* Restaurants and boundless rewards flowing from GC X membership - as opposed to the occasional briefcase appearance, Wizzit embezzlement and baby draw to which this once fine establishment has dwindled. Lastly, isn’t it time for a new tie ??

WISH PARTLY GRANTED (NEW Tie)

2010: That Winston go on to become “Global Mo of the Year” and that Mr Spencer, as the “eldest, but only unmarried child” stop disappointing his parents and settle down with a midget wife. WISH NOT GRANTED

2012: That Mr Spencer FINALLY get married, start a Ponzi scheme from which the GC men can benefit before his arrest OR that the GC come to the long awaited fore and come up with some new innovations beside a tired old parrot, a Super XV draw and an Oriental Plaza tie.

3                    Mr I’Ons

2006: That Mr I’ons would make just one meeting on time and dressed appropriately. Wish NOT granted.

2007: That Mr I’ons, like his Riversands housemate, would get a girlfriend, stop taking Thursday’s evening meals and Tuesday’s washing home to mom and would stop yo-yoing between Twiggy and Ollie le Roux on the scales. Wish CERTAINLY NOT granted

2008: That Mr I’Ons concede that Wizzit is a pyramid scheme into which the members have deposited their hard earned cash, never for it to be seen again. In addition, as per 2007, that Yoyo I’Ons settle on a target weight between 70 – 130kgs and aim to stay at this level rather than experimenting with fad diets which lead to strip-offs in international airports. Wizzit Wish – Granted / Diet wish – partly granted

2009: See 2007 wish. Downgraded for 2009 to simply be Mr I’Ons taking a girl out on a date. Also that Mr I’Ons place GC attendance above the Wednesday evening spinning classes at Virgin Active. WISH PARTLY GRANTED – Still no date although GC now ranks above spinning

2010: After the 2009 successful sale of his “Phonetic Anthem” concept, that Mr I’Ons come up with a concept to assist singers like Ras Dumisani in being able to afford the purchase thereof.

Coming off a successful 2009 pick, the author’s 2010 Marriage Dark-horse is Mr I’Ons. WISH DEFINITELY NOT GRANTED

2012:  Ohhhhhh Mr I’Ons – what will we do with you ? Is it too much to ask a 38 year old man to stop sitting in the back of his parent’s car sipping milkshakes or to come to the odd meeting on time ? The author’s wish for Mr I’Ons for 2013 is that one of his inventions take off so that if Mr Spencer’s Ponzi Scheme fails, Mr I’Ons can sort out an overseas “tour” for the boys.

4                    Mr Lawson

2006: That Mr Lawson will finally move out of home, get a job, start dating girls old enough to drive and basically BECOME AN ADULT. Wish NOT granted

2007: For the 3rd year running, that Mr Lawson will finally move out of home and will tackle the Cape to Cairo marathon he has been training for over the past 14 years. Wish STILL not granted

2008: Is Mr Lawson gay or addicted to his mom’s cooking ? By Dec 2008, we hope these 2 questions are answered. WISH Partly granted (moved out of home)

2009: The Mr Lawson attend more GC meetings than Chiropractic conferences and that he finally give me Gibbs another chance to show his penis in another GC wedding photos album. Wish not granted on both counts – No wedding on the horizon and Mr Lawson is still organising Chiropractic balls on the 1st Wednesday of December.

2010: That Mr Lawson makes millions on the successful sale of his life story which goes on to become the 3rd blockbuster in the “batchelor trilogy” alongside “The 40 Yr Old Virgin” and “Failure to Launch” WISH NOT GRANTED

2012: That Mr Lawson finally win one of his 45- 47 ½ age group triathlons in Chiangong, Peruvia or Guatamala so that he can get this phase out of his system, settle down and give Mrs Lawson (Grannie) an opportunity to take the pips out of the grapes for her grandchildren.

5                    Mr Wellbeloved

2006: That Mr Wellbeloved would attend at least one meeting before desert is served. Wish NOT granted

2007: That Mr Wellbeloved build houses that last longer than Mr Gibbs’ continually collapsing attempts. Wish NOT granted

2008: That Mr Wellbeloved admit the Sharks were lucky to get to the Super 14 final in the 1st place. Further that the boys FINALLY get an invite to Mt Edgecombe. Lastly, that Mr Wellbeloved open a Durban chapter of the GC in an effort to avoid a Gary Star. 1st wish – not granted (although redeemed by Sharks finally winning Currie Cup). 2n wish – STILL not granted. 3rd wish – not granted

2009: That Mr Wellbeloved get through 2009 without forcing / causing the resignation of another disillusioned GC member ala Mr Welldone, who, confused at the alternating style of Hitleresque and then Houdini leadership of Mr Wellbeloved, resigns in confusion. Wish Granted – no 2010 resignations at time of writing [ December meeting still to occur though].

2010:         That Mr Wellbeloved stop clogging our servers with backwards paddlers and the results of the Great Hawaian U14 surfski event that he saw on Youtube. Also, enough with the weight loss. Bring back the fatter, boozier jolly Bully who bore a closer resemblance to Father Christmas rather than an AIDS sufferer in their final hours. Wish PARTLY Granted.

                   2012: For those new to the GC, or with less than perfect long term memories, Mr Wellbeloved is a member who has been MIA for the last 3 yrs, shed 80% of his body-weight and occasionally shows his face when not selling aluminium or surf-skiing in Durban. To show just how far this former great has fallen, consider that he fell asleep at 6PM on the Saturday evening of the GC 2012 Jozini tour ........ sadder than seeing an HIV+ homeless orphan lying in the gutter. Our 2013 wish is “Will the REAL Bully PLEASE stand up, please stand up .....”              

                  Mr Rouse

2006: That Mr Rouse would go back to Gillette – what use is dog food compared to the closest shave a man can get. Wish NOT granted

2007: That the war in Mr Rouse’s homeland end and that Mr Rouse provide something more substantial than Mars Bars for the boys – apparently SAB are looking for a new FD ????? Wish NOT granted

2008: That Mr Rouse remain in one country longer than one week and that the War on Terror be won. Part 1 – Granted. Part 2 – certainly not granted as evidenced by current tension in the Middle East.

2009: That Mr Rouse stop attempting to poison members of the GC by providing expired foodstuffs at every opportunity in order to bolster flagging sales. Whilst we at it. Is it not about time that Mr Rouse admit publicly his personal view that Smarties really are better than M&M’s. Wish partly granted -

2010: Nastrovia !! May 2010 see Russians switching in their droves from Vodka to Chocolate and may Comrade Rouse return to grace us with his presence for at least one meeting. Wish GRANTED

2012: VInisa has re-opened in Bedfordview. Can there be a more compelling reason for Mr Rouse to stop running Mars for a few weeks and return to his spiritual home for a Pollo with the boys in 2013 ?

                  Mr Roux 

2006: That Wiele surprise all the gentlemen at the March 2006 GC with 2 free tickets for each lad to the Robbie Williams concert. Wish NOT granted

2007: That Wiele admit that he is a closet Sharks fan once and for all. Wish NOT granted

2008: That Wiele repeat his GC Evening of the Year performance of 2007 that remains one of the best evenings in the 10 year history of the GC. Wish NOT Granted

2009: That Wiele come through with tickets for the 2009 British Lions tests for the boys. Wish not granted

2010: With both the Super 14 and Currie Cup trophies once again in the possession of the Bulls, surely it is time for Mr Roux to re-enact his award winning 2007 meeting ? Wish NOT Granted

2012: That Wheels admit that he has a drinking problem and that his arrest, and subsequent bribery, of a police officer last year was symptomatic of this. The 1st step is admitting it Wheels. AA are a wonderful organisation – don’t face this journey alone. My wish is a sober 2013 for Wheels.

            Mr Clarke

2006: That Mr Clarke sends an apology more than 4 hours in advance of a meeting. Note to committee: No more KES boys !!! Wish not granted

2007: That Mr Clarke put South African hockey at the top of the world rankings and thank all the boys for their amazing friendship with tickets to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Wish Still pending

2008: Olympic tickets are selling like hotcakes …. 8 more months to go … Wish not granted

2009: That Mr Clarke continue to make the effort to pop into a meeting when in JHB – it was great to see him at Ciao Baby in the November 2008 meeting. Also, that Mr Clarke continues in his coaching role with the SA Men’s Hockey side and that the GC attend an international hockey match together. Wish partly granted – Mr Clarke is still coach

2010: The 2007 and 2008 wishes were perhaps not requested well enough in advance – with that in mind, the GC are hereby officially placing their desire for 2012 London tickets on the table. Also, like Comrade Rouse, it would be great to see Mr Clarke for a meeting in 2010. Wish NOT Granted

2012: For five sticks – what does a man have to do to get free Olympic tickets nowadays. Get your bald head up to JHB to have a beer with the boys, and offer an apology, in 2013.

                 Mr Jackson Jnr   

2006: That Mr Jackson jnr would eventually get a girlfriend, or even just a date. Wish NOT granted

2007: That Mr Jackson jnr would stop trying, in his attempt to obtain a girlfriend, to emulate Richard Gere with his greying hair. Wish NOT granted

2008: That Mr Jackson jnr, like the darkest of dark horses, justify his tag of Next GC Man most likely to marry. Further, with the stock market increasing at 20% pa, what does it take to encourage a bit of insider trading to start funding the next GC weekend away ? STOCK MARKET WISH DEFINITELY NOT GRANTED.

2009:  That Mr Jackson jnr desist from wearing some of his 2008 Fashion Statements / Disasters such as the ‘Jeans with Blazer’ popularised by Mr Spencer and the Christmas 2008 monstrosity with the double back buckle. That he also now justify his favourite tag, along with Mr Lawson, as next GC man to be married. Wish MOST DEFINITELY granted

2010: That Mr Jackson jnr purchase Mr Walsh’s recent publication – “How to survive living next to your in-laws”. Also, that Mr Jackson completes both the London and Comrades marathons for which he has entered without going on the “fade away” diet popularised by Mr Wellbeloved. Wish GRANTED

2012:  Mr Jackson’s attendance in 2012 has been appalling – his fall from near perfect attendance grace is rivalled only by the member formerly known as IMM – in 2013 it is hoped that he will return to the GC in force and stop trying to become Appie of the Year to his father-in-laws DIY skills.

                  Mr Huggins

2006: That Mr Huggins could come to a meeting in JHB without giving us a 2 hour rundown on the traffic congestion on the N1. Wish NOT granted

2007: That Mr Huggins, the ice-cool IMM, would break down and show the boys his soft, emotional side. Wish NOT granted

2008: That Mr Huggins would arrange free insurance for all the chaps and admit to his sneaky ploy to start a Pretoria based GC. Wish not granted

2009: That the 2009 GC Weekend Away be as much of a success as Mr Huggins’ Sept 08 Mozambique weekend away. WISH NOT GRANTED – No 2009 WEEKEND AWAY

2010: That Mr Huggins admit “sy bloed is blou”,  be blessed with a trouble free birth of his son Joshua in March and that he stop sabotaging and booby-trapping the vehicles of his mountain biking partners that saw the mysterious implosion of Mr Lawson’s Jeep in 2009. WISH PARTLY GRANTED.

2012: Where do we start ......... the non-attendance at the annual tour which HE organised ...... the patchy attendance record ...... or the fact that since he has fallen in love he has CHANGED ....... the reality is that 2012 will not be known as a year that IMM looks back on with GC infused memories of pleasure. In truth, he flirted with his former self when he organised a meeting for the boys in the Presidents Box at Centurion for the Miway 20/20 but all in all it was a Weldon-like year for our former hero. In 2013, we want Max BACK !!!

                  Mr Stubbs

2006: That Mr Stubbs would beat Mr Gibbs in the duzi. Wish ???? granted

2007: That Mr Stubbs would play just one round of golf sober to prove that he could have been a pro but for the bottle.  Wish NOT granted.

2008: That Mr Stubbs would get a job at Microsoft and finally get paid for the job of website developer that has consumed the majority of time over the past year and that he has been doing for free to date. Further, that Mr Stubbs would finally be voted GC Man of the Year and stop stabbing his fellow members in the back to get this trophy. Wish not granted

2009: Now that Mr Stubbs has got a real job and stopped breeding, that he return to his 1st love: The GC Website and give it some of the love and attention it received in the 1st two year’s of it’s existence. Note: Website was last updated July 2008. WISH PARTLY GRANTED – at time of writing on 2nd Dec, website last updated on 16 August 2009 at 21:07

2010:         Forgot to do a 2010 wish for him

2012:        The GC website is, without doubt, the crappest, most badly designed piece of technology outside of the ANC Womens League. In fact, besides Mr Gibbs’ non-existent annuals, it is the biggest disappointment in the last 15 years. And we won’t even mention the annual “come to my place at the Vaal” promise we’ve been hearing for the past 7 years. Step up or Step out in 2013 Mr Stubbs.

                  Mr Jones

2006: That Mr Jones would finally get married. Wish granted.

2007: That Mr Jones would finally admit that he loves his dogs more than any other human being. Wish NOT granted

2008: That Mr Jones would overcome his rare skin disease that prevents him going out in public and that when forced to choose between poker or GC evenings, he in future makes the correct choice or else faces being Gary-starred. WISH GRANTED

2009: That Mr Jones purchase a jacket that isn’t cream. Beige, off-white, ivory or bone coloured and that has been ironed at least once in the new millennium. WISH NOT GRANTED

2010: If he can build the stadium AND arrange a pre-opening tour, surely a few tickets for, oh lets say, a World Cup final are not asking too much........ We’ll settle for a semi. Wish NOT Granted

2012: From the man who built the World Cup Final Stadium .... to the Man who builds slime dams .......... An ignominious fall from grace if ever there was one .... and one of the most selfish career moves ever made. Did you even think of your mates when making that move Jones ? PS Is there anyone else who is going to join Jacko jnr, Wellish and Jones by living next door to in-laws or has this disturbing trend come to an end now !! In 2013, make yourself useful, resign from building slime dams and build the new Teasers Mr Jones.

                  Mr Gibbs

2006: That Mr Gibbs would finally produce the Yearbook he has been promising for two years. Wish NOT granted

2007: That Mr Gibbs, who has had a silver spoon his whole life due to working for daddy, would stop bleating about not getting enough sleep, how much he hates the Vikings and FINALLY produce the Yearbook he has been promising for THREE years. Wish NOT granted

2008: That Mr Gibbs succumb to the Craig McDermott hair transplant therapy. Further, that Mr Gibbs refrain from the pressures of returning to daddy’s business in stick out his new entrepreneurial adventure. PS We have given up on the Yearbook. Wish Granted

2009: That Mr Gibbs win his long-awaited court case regarding the building that “allegedly” fell down and stop appearing in Baby Magazines re the “Gibbs Technique” for a Perfect Night’s Sleep. WISH GRANTED

2010: That Mr Gibbs successfully complete another Comrades, particularly as his body is in significantly worse shape than the last time he did it 10 years ago. Also, that his 4 year old dog finally graduate from the beginners class at Puppy training. Oh, and when last did we have a “Monkey Moment” .... surely time for another penis showing or Eagle landing ? Wish, NOT granted.

2012: OK, you had our attention and sympathy at first with your cancer scare but it wasn’t actually that big a deal given you were bald anyway. But lately you’ve taken it too far by crawling up in the featal position in hospital for 2 weeks with a stomach bug virus. In 2013 HTFU Gibbs.

Messrs Nielson and Bailey: Northern GC

2006: That Messrs Bailey and Nielson would return to the Land of Plenty. Wish NOT granted

2007: That Messrs Bailey and Nielson would support the Boks and not Australia and England in the 2007 World Cup. Wish granted.

2008: That Messrs Bailey open his holiday home to members throughout the year (provided security is beefed up) Wish not granted

That Mr Nielson finally recover from his Stubbs-like impersonation on the golf course at the 10th Anniversary Weekend Away that saw him collapse like a SA World Cup cricket team, from which he has never recovered and has not been heard from since. Wish partly granted – Mr Nielson has moved back to JHB.

2009: That Mr Bailey make it for a meeting in 2009 – his presence is missed. WISH NOT GRANTED

2009: That Mr Nielson remain in one place (Cape, JHB or overseas) for one whole year and in one job for one whole month. WISH GRANTED

2010:         If Mr Bailey can’t make a meeting, we’ll accept cash.

2010:         That Mr Nielson tie the knot with his namesake Paula. Also, don’t Brandhouse produce alcohol ....... you do the maths  WISH NOT GRANTED...

2012:         That Nielson be exposed as either the world’s best photographer ... or a paedophile. Either way, that he stop living his double life as a teller by day and a camera wielding triathlete by weekend. Also, if you live in Cape Town for 4 years without getting married, doesn’t that officially make you gay ?

Franna Banana

2006 & 2007:        N/A

2008:         That Mr Banana continue as the GC member with the best nickname and hopefully, by this time next year, not still be the Rookie in the GC. Wish not granted

2009:         That Mr Banana continue with his outstanding commitment and enthusiasm for the club and that the pullover / jersey that won him the Best Dressed Award in Aug 2008 and was subsequently seen in the Sept, Oct and November meetings continue to grace us with its presence in 2009. WISH NOT GRANTED

2010:         That the quietest, most loyal member of the GC who encapsulates our spirit and ethos continue to impress the gentlemen. Wish GRANTED

2012:         That Mr Benade let his wild side come out and get arrested. You know you want to.

Mr Sears

New member – December 2009-12-02

2010:         That Mr Sears cast aside the slur of being a KES boy and live up to his Sports Billy reputation by arranging for the boys to go to one unusual sporting event in 2010. Also, that Mr Sears is successful in the 2010 Comrades in a heart-warming finish as he, Mr Gibbs and Mr Jackson cross the line shoulder to shoulder. WISH NOT GRANTED

2012: That Sport Billy switch allegiance from the wimpering Lions to the mighty Blue Bulls now that the Pussy Cats are out of Super Rugby. Also, that Sears finally step up to the plate and, in 2013, organise a sporting event “with a twist” that he has been harping on about since joining the Club. Lastly, it is getting embarrassing that you know absolutely NOTHING about sport – brush up in 2013 !!

Mr Jackson Snr

2008:         That Mr Jackson snr would arrange a photo with William Webb Ellis. Wish not yet granted

2009:         Mr Jackson snr’s wish for 2009 is that

(1) One BIG night be held somewhere within the next 12 months (excludes Weekend Away and any weekend meeting) and WISH NOT GRANTED (despite Bully’s efforts)

(2) that at least one new member be inducted  in 2009 to replace Mr Welldone and continue bringing in new blood and (WISH GRANTED – MR SEARS)

(3) the boys attend at least one sporting event together in 2009. GRANTED – 2009 British Lions vs Golden Lions match.

            Mr Jackson snr’s 2010 wishes are as follows:

(1)   That Bafana Bafana make it past the 1st round in the World Cup and that the tournament is a massive success

(2)   That a GC weekend away be held in 2010

Mr Jackson snr’s 2012 wishes are as follows:

  • That Mr Walsh enrol his son at Jeppe
  • That more guests are invited to the monthly meetings
  • That plans begin for the 20 year reunion

                  Mr Weldon

2006: That Mr Weldon stop impersonating Gary so convincingly. Wish partly granted

2007: That Mr Weldon stay in a job, or a city, for longer than it takes to boil an egg. Wish NOT granted.

2008: That Mr Welldone begin organising the GC 20 Year Anniversary as penance after being the only member to miss out on the 10 Yr Anniversary.

RESIGNED MAY 2008