As we end another Rotary year it is time for me to at least sign off with President’s comments. John and I have discussed and have a plan for the transition to over John’s absence. Enjoy you trip to visit family in Auckland and the UK John and Bronwyn. May you both have a safe trip along with all you other members who are embarking on trips over the next few months.

 

So - thank you for allowing and supporting my term as your President. Thanks to the team of Directors for their governance and I’d like to wish next year’s team well.

 

 

It seems we are treading water so to speak with two registrations and the induction of two new members. I’d like to welcome Lynette and Phil and trust you will enjoy the fellowship of the club and take pride in the affairs and achievements of Rotary. To our departing members thank you for your contributions.

 

Bill Currie has given 44 years of service - a commendable achievement and we wish you and Laura well in your retiring years. We will endeavour to keep you on the mailing list so you can keep up with the happenings of Alexandra Rotary. And to Brian Budd- thank you. We can only accept that with your already busy life and many interests there is sometimes not enough time for everything and something has to “give”. Remember if the opportunity ever arises - you will always be welcome back.

 

On behalf of the Club, I would like to congratulate Bernie Lepper on the QSM bestowed upon her in the King’s Birthday honours. Bernie along with a dedicated team have worked tirelessly for many years for the Central Otago area. Also, past member Jim Carroll - congratulations for his award of a double sapphire PHF for his personal contributions to the Rotary Foundation - something we can all heed and learn from. 

 

Geoff Taylor Tray - This was awarded to Gil Elliott our reliable bulletin editor for his services to the Club and keeping us informed and rostered for duties throughout each year. Congratulations for a job well done Gil. It was a privilege for me to present this trophy to Gil at our last meeting.

Speakers

 

This month our speakers were both very interesting. Phil Sumser presented his new member talk which was about his work experiences in many parts of the world on communication and networking installations. Phil was English born and now very happily retired and settled in Alexandra with his wife Elva who returned home with Phil from her overseas employment.

This week’s speaker was Ross Beal - well what a humbling, heartfelt presentation he gave with his hands on involvement with Fountain of Peace - a charitable trust doing meaningful projects in the Kyenjojo District of western Uganda. This Trust builds homes and schools for orphaned and abandoned children and have “Mother” caregivers looking after them. It really proved that we can all make a difference in this world of poverty and malnutrition. This is a cause which our club or individuals may consider supporting in the future.

 

 

The Directors again had a number of applications to consider again this month.

Steffi Moss has been selected to attend Outward Bound - a 21-day Mind, Body and Soul course sponsored by the J R McKenzie Trust. Our Club has contributed the shortfall for the course which is $1,700.

 

St Gerard’s School Kapa Haka Group applied for funding for new uniforms - declined

 

Sticks and Stones Alexandra applied for 3 persons to attend an anti-bullying forum in USA $1,500 towards travel - declined.

 

Flames Ice Hockey Club applied for assistance for Felix Hildyard to attend a tournament in Melbourne. Requested $2,400 - $1,500 approved

 

Sponsorship for Wool On Youth Award - $1,000 - approved

 

Final confirmation of $10,000 to the Tim and Marilyn Fleming Education Trust - the main beneficiary of the charity dinner - approved.

 

The Club is going to apply for a District Grant to support the continuation of the Days for Girls project. There is a diligent small group of Alexandra sewers making these products. $3,000 of which $1,500 will be required from the Club.

 

There are always more than enough activities for our Club to support, hence we need to keep up the momentum on our successful fundraising ventures. Keep up the good work.

 

John has asked me to fulfil the duty of Almoner (Welfare Officer) on behalf of Alexandra Rotary. Who can think of another descriptive (better) title?

On this note - please keep me informed of any member’s ill health, misfortune or anyone just needing a visit.

The Club considered either the purchase of or lease of a card transaction machine (EFTPOS) for all Club activities. At present we hire for the Book Sale and the Charity Dinner. A 4-year lease option was preferred commencing later this year

 

Alright - that’s all from me. Thanks again and I trust you will all continue to support Alexandra Rotary and President John over the next 12 months.

Gordon

 

Below is an email received from Sandra at St John.

I also would like to thank those who helped with the collection, much appreciated.

Also, she has mentioned about a St John course for members (explained below) Maybe could be discussed at next Rotary meeting to see if there was a desire to participate.

 

Hi Nev

Banked yesterday afternoon and raised amount of $1,587.30 in total with approx. two-thirds coming from New World site.  Although the other two sites were not quite so busy or well supported, it all added to the final total.

Good result and surprising with not so many people having cash on hand these days - some very generous people in our community.

 

Appreciate if you can pass on the Area Committee's thanks to all the volunteers who made themselves available for our sites and made our street collection possible.

And a big thank you to yourself for organising the volunteers and helping me with the tables and chairs before and afterwards - much appreciated.

 

First Aid Course - some of the Rotary members are going to attend the free Child First Aid course that St John Alexandra is holding in July.

However, if the Rotary Club wished, we could run a 3 Steps for Life community course just for Rotary members if there was enough interest.  Suits approx. 10 - 15 people and is a Basic First Aid course including AED use and takes approx. 1.5 - 2.00 hours delivery.   Can be held wherever suits either in our training room or another venue with large TV or screen connection and at a time to suit through the day or evening.

Just let me know and we can make arrangements to suit.

 

Once again thanks for your assistance.

 

Kind regards,