FRANCIS CALLARD

 

Francis was born in Johannesburg but completed his schooling in Windhoek.

He obtained a BSc. Electrical Engineering and later a Graduate Diploma in Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He worked briefly for the Windhoek City Council before joining the South African Railways and      Harbours (now Transnet) in 1970.

Practical training in Kimberly was followed by a spell in Johannesburg  gaining further experience in railway signalling. It was during this period that Francis married Janet. Johannesburg was followed by a stint in Empangeni where he was invited to join Rotary. A further move to Durban followed as Resident Engineer (Signals and Telecommunication) responsible for major new works. Rotary saw a transfer to the Rotary Club of Westville. Francis transferred back to Johannesburg in 1987.

He joined the Rotary Club of Northcliff and Janet joined the Rotary Anns.   Francis served twice as Club President and two terms as Assistant Governor, one as District Governor’s Special Aide and two terms as Chairman of the District Events Committee. He has also served on the District Membership Committee, District Training Committee, Finance Committee and is a Potential Rotary Leadership Seminar (PRLS) presenter.

Francis is a Member of the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers and a long time member of the Order of St John where he was some time Deputy Chief Commissioner. He is also a Knight of the Order of St John. He enjoys technology in its many forms, reading and music.