President Gordon's Comments
Here we are at the end of October and what seems like the roll down to the Christmas / New Year break. Our calendar seems full with events, meetings (well mine anyway) and social gatherings.
Our October meetings were interesting. With a last-minute apology (for genuine reasons) from Graham Bell speaking about 60 years of Merino Shears we opted for some interesting impromptu talks from our members. Thank you to those who participated with some good experiences worthy of sharing. It was suggested by some that we should do this again.
New member talks are always interesting and Rhys’ was no exception with a very informative presentation of his life’s experiences - childhood, education, travel (amazing where all you’ve been) work and interests and all when you are still in your prime! Thanks Rhys.
A notable event for October this year has been the Local Body elections. It has always been a concern to me about the lack of interest and low voter turnout nationwide for these events. We are privileged to live in a democratic society which also has with it individual responsibilities to participate in an informed way. Are we being educated in the correct way in these matters?
A major responsibility for Directors is analysing and deciding whether to support applicants for grants and how much we assist them. At times I believe we are inconsistent with our generosity and some directors, and rightly so, question the criteria for the decisions we make. I don’t have the answers for this dilemma but if members can shed any light on any applications, your comments would be most welcome.
We can all be proud of the many groups and individuals we support during the year.
Upcoming events: –
We will only have three more meeting nights before our usual Christmas/New Year break - recommencing 24 January 2023. One of those meetings will be our AGM - probably 22 November 2022,
There are however many tasks to be achieved during this “break” time namely the Book Sale with the usual pickups, sorting at the Pioneer Energy Building on Mondays between 1 - 3pm as well as the set up and clean up for the sale. Please contact Mike, Kevin or Barry H for more information - helpers are always welcome.
Thanks to John Whitaker for dealing with the Red Cross Bicycle Appeal. Any bikes in reasonable condition will be considered.
Helpers are required for the COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH at the Community House. If you are available on Christmas Day this is very rewarding, helping those less fortunate and sharing a meal together.
Letts Gully Road Garage Sale - 5th November 10am - 3pm. Support Rhys in this fund-raising initiative with the proceeds going to the Ukraine Crisis Fund.
Another movie evening is being planned for December 2nd 7.15pm for 7.30pm screening. This is $25/head with proceeds going to World Polio Appeal. ‘The Lost King’ is the chosen movie (not about King Charles!)
Alexandra Rotary’s annual donation to the Dunstan High School Dux will be presented at the school prizegiving on November 2nd. I look forward to representing Rotary on this occasion and making the presentation.
Our Rotary Christmas function is a lunch on Sunday December the 11th at the Packing Shed in Earnscleugh. There will be more from John Whitaker soon regarding the time and any other particulars.
Director’s meeting: -
Funding applications at the Director’s meeting on Tuesday the 25th of October include: -
Mia Smith - $500 - a young ice skater and instructor.
Dunstan High School Drama Group - $2490 - coach hire for their Road Show travelling and performing at other schools.
Riding For the Disabled - $5000 - reroofing the building at Dunstan Equestrian Centre located at old race course Dunstan Road, which is now their new base.
We also had a request from St Bede’s College for cooking/catering assistance for the summer rowing camp in January. We encouraged them to contact Lions.
It is looking very positive for the Central Otago Lend a Hand Trust now that the trust has acquired a new major sponsor in conjunction with both Alexandra and Cromwell Rotary. There will be more details about this once confirmation has been given.
