When Tony Dechant sadly passed away in May 2002 his family asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the many organisations he served so loyally. Our members gave willingly and the committee was then charged with finding a fitting tribute to a wonderful friend.
“Our objective was to provide a living memorial to Tony, one that would ensure that he was never allowed to slip out of the club's history. It took more than a few meetings till the suggestion of an award that would not only carry his name, but an award that would be presented annually to ensure that the contribution he made to our club would live on in our history. The recipient would be someone who, in the opinion of your committee, has given service to our club that has been "above the call of duty".
The magnificent carving of a woodpecker was beautifully done on yellowwood by the well-known artist, Martin Dumont, and a suitable plaque fitted, and the "Tony Dechant Memorial Award" was ready to be presented to the first recipient.” - Ken Munroe
 | “Dave has served our club for more years than even he cares to remember and tirelessly serves as editor and compiler of our magazine. He looks after the many needs of the club, assists with the programme and, from time to time steps-in and fills the Chairman's role when needed. Dave has an outstanding knowledge of birds that he so willingly shares with us all: I said once before that Dave was a tower of strength in our club and it was with great pleasure that Lesley, Tony's daughter who officiated at the maiden presentation of the award, presented it to Dave.” – Ken Munroe 2005 - Dave Brown |
 | Atie managed the club shop from 1996-2007 and brought-in in her dedicated way much money to the pockets of the club. 2006 – Atie Dumont |
 | Patrick became a Committee member during 1994 and served as Chairperson from 1995-2001. He and Denise still serve and help the club in many ways. 2007 - Patrick Brett & Denise Hoffman |
 | Di was for many years (1995-2000) a Committee member and had the portfolio of promotion-secretary of the club. She also played a great role in putting together the booklet “Eastern Cape Birding Routes”, as well as the birding brochure for Nelson Mandela Bay. 2008 – Di Daniels |
 | Cathy Stone was secretary of the club from 1999 – 2006 and also managed the membership data-base of the club with dedication. 2012 – Cathy Stone |
 | He has been a member of the club for many years. Birding is his passion – he thinks, eats and sleeps birds. His life centres on the Club and birding. He was for years and still is involved in every aspect of the Club’s activities. He was before and is again for the past few years a Committee member of the Club. He is unselfish in sharing his knowledge; with patience and caring he continues to assist in the learning process of other bird-lovers. 2013 – Andrew Nixon |
 | Elgene was for many years not only a Committee member, but also supported many birders in their ID skills. She started the club shop to improve the finances of the club. Wherever possible, she marketed the club through displays and was always willing to help with decorating or anything that was needed. 2014 - Elgene Penrith |
 | Briar always spent time, patience and endless trouble in the organising of the outings programme. The effort she always went to to find suitable and interesting speakers and presenters for club night, involving follow-up and reminders just before the date. Being willing to take over as editor of the Bee-eater. This was a whole new learning curve for her as she has not had any prior experience in this field. Her willingness to turn her hand to anything that needed to be done, such as selling raffle tickets, making sandwiches for an ID Course and generally organising things when needed.
|
 | Yvonne, who stays in St Francis Bay, became a member in the early 1990’s of BirdLife EC and willingly started a bird club in St Francis Bay in 1993. For most of the past 24 years she chaired this club and does it as an affiliated club of BirdLife EC. She is a motivated person who supports club members and is involved in CWAC, SABAP2, CAR-counts and in monitoring at the windfarms. Her dedication to both clubs in various ways is appreciated and valued by all. 2017 – Yvonne Bosman |
 | Since JC became a member of the club, he did not only watch birds, but gave his time and talents to benefit the club. He:
2019 – JC de Villiers |
 | Corné became a member of BirdLife in the early 1980’s and was the Programme Secretary in 1986.
2021 – Corné Erasmus
|
 | Peter Hall was a member of BirdLife Eastern Cape for many, many years.
2023 - Peter Hall |
 | Since Barry joined the bird club in 2016, he has given his all!
2024 – Barry Kurten |
 | Wilma became a member of BirdLife in 2004 and soon became a committed member of the club.
2025 – Wilma Meiring
|