Rijsdijk's talk served as a broad reminder to the audience of the rapid progress that has been made in the interlinked sciences of Physics and Astronomy in the past 200 years, which has brought human knowledge to the present "Golden Age" of continuing exploration and discovery. His clear and easily followed explanations, supported by a dazzling slide presentation of diagrams and photos made possible by recent scientific advances, held the Probus audience spellbound.
President of Probus Mossel Bay, Rob Phillips, said, "We are privileged to have Case address the Club and to share part of his 'Friends with the Universe' educational programme content with us." Rijsdijk initiated the 'Friends' programme 15 years ago to promote astronomy during South Africa's first Year of Science and Technology (YEAST), in 1998. He has received national and international recognition for his efforts and continues in his 'retirement' as a leading activist on matters of physics and astronomy.
Case was accompanied by his wife, Sue, who is the Chairperson of the Garden Route Chapter of U3A (University of the Third Age), the education-for-retirees organisation that facilitates an open forum which enables retired people to access areas of education and knowledge which may not have been available during their working lives but which they now wish to investigate and enjoy. The establishment of a chapter of U3A is being explored for Mossel Bay.
Retirees from business leadership, the professions or academia who may be interested in exploring Probus and/or U3A further can obtain more information by calling Rob Phillips at 044 693 4016 or 082 900 9774.
Eddie Goudge (Past President of Probus Mossel Bay), Lesley Phillips (Secretary, Probus Mossel Bay), Sue Rijsdijk and Case Rijsdijk at the first 2013 monthly Probus meeting.
