Last Tuesday we inducted Russell Grubb into the club. Russell was an Alexandra Rotarian  some years ago and has  decided to re-join our ranks. We are very pleased he did so. Immediately after his induction he was called upon to give his “new member talk”.  He told us about his early life in this district, schooling at Waitaki Boys High and employment at Invercargill, eventually with the IRD. He was transferred by the Department to a new office at Alexandra in 1996 and had a hard time of it as manager when four years later the branch office here was closed. He moved on to bus, coach and tour driving and continues in the tourist industry to this day, albeit on a part-time basis. Russell and I had a photo taken of us together after the meeting. I declined Andrew Howley’s suggestion that I  stand on a step-ladder!

Welcome to our club Russell!  I am sure you will enjoy your time with us. 

The previous week we heard from local business man Rory McLellan who gave us details of a Business Case Assessment for an Alexandra Miners’ Village and Riverside Park which he and others had prepared. Their aim is to “rejuvenate the downtown CBD precinct of Alexandra via the creation of a multi- purpose community and tourism hub in the form of an historic miners’ village with riverside linkages including a terraced riverside park and boat pontoon”.  Rory and his team have done a tremendous amount of work on this ambitious project and we wish him well for a successful outcome.

Mike Vercoe is our speaker next week February 19^th. He will talk about the Christchurch Earthquake Response Anniversary.

Our club Four Way Speech Competition is coming up early next month, the Rotary Area final is to be held late March/early April where four finalists will be selected to go through to the grand final at the Oamaru District Conference to be held from 26^th-28^th April. Baz Bemrose is in charge. Our candidate won the whole thing last year! A good effort!

Tuesday 5^th March Centennial Court is unavailable to us. Justine and the social committee are arranging some alternative event for that time, possibly at Roxburgh.

We are hosting the Tasmanians coming to NZ as part of the Professional Development Exchange programme. The Australian party of six persons, including a team leader, will be jointly looked after by ourselves and the Cromwell club on 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd April. Jim Carroll is liaising with Cromwell.  

It looks like the Charity Dinner will be on again this year, possibly the 18^th May. Further details will be advised as arrangements are completed. 

See you next Tuesday !