President Kevin's comments
An old friend once said to me “All my friends are either dead or in Rotary.” This was a bit of a sobering comment implying that Rotary was an organisation for the aged and infirm. It may be true in some areas, but the Alexandra Club is far from this image. The vitality and number of meaningful projects undertaken are impressive. Our members get out and “do”. This attitude makes me proud to be associated with a group that contributes so much to the local and wider community.
As we near the end of the calendar year and many people are winding down for the year, we are bucking the trend and are winding up. The Charity Dinner this coming Saturday night looks to be very well supported with around 130 participating. Quite a few members are helping with bar and waiting tables. The auction items will hopefully attract lots of bids and we can accumulate a healthy total to support our work. John and his team have done a great job.
The Book Sale preparation is well underway and also looking promising. We will be circulating a notice soon to fill the roster required – please give this your consideration. It would be nice to clear $35000 for the two events.
Our speakers have continued the high standard. Tony Hammington was interesting in explaining the work being done behind the scenes to attempt to secure the Leaning Rock development. He fielded many well directed questions from the floor.
Murray Wham’s talk (From Scotland to New Zealand) reinforced how interesting member talks are. Delivered with humour, Murray gave us a run down on his life and work – and what a tale it was. Well done Murray.
Directors have approved funding of $900 to send 1 candidate – Fahim Uddin - to RYLA early next year. We will get Fahim to speak to the Club in the new year.
Also approved was part funding for a candidate – Becky Slade from Roxburgh – to attend Outward Bound next year. Becky works for Checketts McKay here in Alexandra.
We are still having some problems with silent members and late apologies. Directors had discussed this at a previous meeting and determined that these members would be charged for the meal. The Club has to bear the cost of meals ordered so, in fairness to all, we need to be consistent and pedantic.
meeting apologies need to be in to Greg Hunter by midday Monday prior to the meeting. We are committed to paying our caterer for the meals ordered. Greg advises her of numbers shortly after midday Monday – she needs this time to sort her food out.
Illness etc. can happen but the club is out of pocket when we have fewer than expected turn up.
Support our AGM on December 8. Our Directors and Trustees put in a lot of effort on behalf of the Club and your support for them is much appreciated.
We are a team of 51
Put these dates in your diary:
Nov 28 - Charity Dinner
Dec 8 - Club AGM
Dec 11 - Christmas Function
Dec 13 - Combined Rotary Clubs picnic at Lowburn Hall reserve, Cromwell.
Dec 28 - Book shift for book sale.
Jan 1 – 4 Book Sale
Jan 5 – Book sale clean up.
Jan 26 - First Rotary night back at Bridge Club.
Keep the Book Sale in mind. The plan is to move books in on Monday Dec 28, have the Book Sale from Jan 1 – 4 and clean up on Jan 5. Shortly we will be asking members to commit to help at the sale.