President Jim's comments
Have you heard the news? Alexandra is about to get its first Traffic Lights!
Not the kind that stops & starts cars – the kind that stops and starts we humans. But do we really know how it will work (see below), and more importantly how it will affect some of the things we do in Rotary. The Book Sale is not far away. What are we required to do? Do we have to employ Russell and Neville Grubb – and maybe bring in Russell’s son Daniel as well – to man the doors and deal to people who aren’t vaccinated? What will be the restrictions laid on us from Government and local Council? Will punters stay away because they won’t know what the situation will be for them?
Those intrepid Gentlemen who organize the Book Sale, and Kevin in particular, are working through those issues. One thing is for sure, anyone working at the Book sale and anyone buying will have to wear a mask.
Thinking about the book sale; the pressure is on as to whether or not it can better the revenue generated from the Charity Dinner – currently estimated at around $22K. Do we hope for lousy weather like last year when there was not much else to do but read? Maybe.
A roster has been put out on Club runner to be filled out by those who can assist on the days of the Book Sale, including the set up and clean up afterwards.
Wilding Pines are creating some controversy in town at the moment – or maybe it is the way some decisions are made without proper consultation that stirs the emotions.
I understand the “pest” that Wilding pines are for high country landowners and our unique landscape. Human intervention in this area has had devastating effects over the years – from Maori hunting parties burning the native forest, which has never recovered; early settlers bringing in Gorse and Broom and Rabbits and a hundred other exotic plants and animals ; Chinese miners introducing Thyme - that we now have to live with.
Pine trees do have value and use – and probably a lot more than those things mentioned above. They grow relatively quickly and provide shelter from wind and dust; thousands of tones are cut up annually and used to keep many of us warm and dry in the winter, and controlled, they are a valuable primary source for the building industry. Oh – and they consume thousands of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. In more cultivated farmlands they are easily controlled, so maybe we have to enjoy and encourage the good, and work to control the not so good. Despite mankind’s belief that they control this planet, they never have and never will. Time and Natural Selection will probably solve the issues of Wilding pines - and the human race.
The annual Charity Dinner was another very successful event, and thanks are due firstly to John Whitaker for his time, organisational abilities and hard work, and secondly to all those other Rotarians who worked to secure auction items and make things happen on the night. Soliciting donations from individuals and firms is not an easy job – so well done to those who bite the bullet and get out and do it. The Dinner’s success is your success. Many thanks to Hilary and Gordon Wilson who secured Peter Williams as guest speaker. I enjoyed Peter’s address – a little controversial initially, but right on the button for me. We will hear more on its success when Graham has crunched the numbers.
The 78th AGM of the Club was held on Tuesday night. 35 members were present. Past President Kevin tabled a comprehensive report of his year, and Treasurer Graham showed us that despite issues with Covid, the club remains in a healthy situation financially. Reports were also tabled from the Rotary Club of Alexandra, The Vince Ashworth Education Charitable Trust, and the Trust power Lend-a-Hand Charitable Trust – both of which continue to provide considerable assistance to those in need.
Appointments were confirmed for 21/22 President – Gordon Wilson, and 21/22 President Elect – John Whitaker. Both Greg Hunter and Graham Quinn were available for re-election to the positions of Secretary and Treasurer respectively. They were nominated by Gordon Wilson and endorsed by club members. Congratulations to all 4.
There was an election for 5 Trustees to the Rotary Club of Alexandra (Vince Ashworth) Education Charitable Trust. There were 7 nominations – Charles French, Rob Roy, Robyn Bowman, Hugh McIntyre, Mark Willyams, Bernie Lepper, Gordon Wilson. Rather than going through a voting process, prompting from the floor resulted in Charles and Mark withdrawing their nominations. The remaining 5 nominations were duly elected as the new Trustees of the Trust.
Confirmation of Honorary members raised the question of the length of time that an Honorary membership is bestowed. Suggestions were presented and based on these a recommendation to the next club meeting will come from Directors.
The November Board meeting was held following the AGM – a relatively quick affair.
Very briefly, and without the minutes in front of me.
- The Board considered Mike Rooney’s letter regarding support of the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and agreed that Alex Rotary would support the Helicopter Trust to the value of $5000.00 per year for a period of 3 years – which could be extended after that period. It would be advertised that proceeds (some of it) from the Book Sale would go to the Helicopter Trust.
- There have still been no suggestions of candidates to attend RYLA from our club. Applications close in 4 weeks’ time. Age limit 20 – 30 years old
- The Board discussed the issue of Honorary member appointments, and will be recommending to the club that an honorary membership be bestowed for a period of 3 years.
