BULLETIN 28th August 2026
 
President Paddy's comments
 
'Create a lasting Impact'
 
Another month already gone. A very busy time for all.
 
The figures are all in for the charity dinner and I am very pleased to report that our expenses were $11,328 and our income was $28,696 so an overall profit of $17,368. This enabled us to make a donation of $6000 to the Alexandra Youth Trust to assist with their mentoring programme.
 
A very worthy initiative that I am glad we have been able to assist with. The remainder of our profit goes into club funds to assist with other programmes that we decide upon. The profit from this year is consistent with other years.
 
It is slightly better than last year ($10,575) but not as good as 2021($22,940). One of the reasons for this year's good result is that Finn Butcher did not charge a speaking fee. Of course, another reason the auction and dinner were successful was because of the efforts of the individual membership in obtaining auction items and buying or selling seats at the dinner.
 
Your efforts all contribute to a positive evening. I am in the process of thanking all of the people who donated items.
 
The challenge now is to continue the successful Charity Auction and dinner and the first requirement is a speaker, entertainer or individual who will draw people to the occasion. Please contact me if you have a person in mind or have heard somebody you think would be a wonderful asset to our function.
 
We are continuing to update our database for contacting members. This is important as we need to be sure you are getting the correct information and you know when you are up for meeting duties. There are many activities that go on under the radar and if you are not at a meeting, you may miss some of these announcements.
 
I understand members have commitments and holidays and times when attending a meeting is not possible. You may have missed some of this recent activity. 
 
Alexandra Committee members supported the Whare application with $2400 from Rotary and $2400 from the district council, which was a 50/50 match with an application for a District Foundation grant.  This matter was approved by the Trust
 
Other payments officially approved recently were:
  • Wool on $500 as a local award
  • Lucy Cammell to attend the national swimming champs. $500
  • Outward Bound application from Lucy McLaren was approved for $1,000  
  • Dunstan Arm Rowing Club $1,000 for ERG machines 
  • Vince Ashworth Trust $1000 to Caleb Ludlow to support his studies at an American University. 
  • Jed McIntosh asked for $500 to visit England as part of the U23 NZ men’s Netball
  • team.
  • It was decided we will once again support Trees for Babies. Trees at $40 a tree
  • The Wanaka Rotary Club has asked for our support for a Rotary Global Grant to supply
sanitation in Tanzania. This was supported and Paddy will discuss this with the
Wanaka President.
  • Clare Bussey Clyde Primary School $500 to purchase a class set of novels 
 
Lastly can I please ask that if members know of individuals who may need some help or just a friendly face to visit, please let me know. It is important that we look after each other.
 
Paddy
Alexandra Rotary club speaker 25th August 2026
 
Aurum on Clutha, 74 Mutton Town Road, Clyde, Clyde 9330
 
Speaker: Warren Gallatly
(information and photo provided by Barry Hambleton)
 
Warren spoke to us 4 years ago and said they were to build 128 units and 1 stage per year. As more residents wanted 2 garages, they now have 113 units with 115 residents in 72 homes. 23 units are still for sale.
 
They have finished 4 stages and by buying next door will be able to do Stages 5 and 6 if required.  The buildings usually take 12 months from start to finish with the cost from $649,000 to $1.3 m.
 
The facilities Building is now going up and they have room for a hospital care building. This will probably cater for about 10 residents and they are waiting to see what help the Government will give to help.
 
The village caters for all types of activities with the Thursday Happy Hour being the most popular.
 
 
Retirement Villages in general
 
A retirement village is a community specially built to cater towards the needs and lifestyles of older people. Villages vary greatly across New Zealand – from accommodation and care options to on-site facilities – so there are lots of options to consider. For those who are considering village life, it pays to do your research and to get specialist financial and legal advice.
 
Aurum on Clutha
(information regarding Aurum village from the internet)
 
Situated on the outskirts of Clyde, Aurum on Clutha is a stone’s throw from the sparkling Mata-Au (Clutha River), Dunstan Hospital and the starting point of the Central Otago Rail Trail. The areas gentle terrain and high sunshine hours make it an ideal place to enjoy outdoor living among world-class vineyards, local farmer’s markets, and wide-open parks, walking trails and reserves. With Wanaka and Queenstown so close, it’s an excellent base to host visiting family.
 
Choose a residence that suits your next ‘right-sizing’ step. Spacious and light-filled, our open plan villas range from 92m2 – 200m2 with the larger options boasting a double garage. Each villa will be positioned to capture the golden Central Otago sunshine and to take in the views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
 
Our Villas range from the 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, single garage Fraser Duplex starting from $649,000 through to our largest Villa the Earnscleugh, a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, double garage with a stunning sunroom now selling at $1,339,000.
 
(Warren contact 027 512 8786, website www.aurumonclutha.co.nz)
 
Social/Recreational Programme
A Social and Recreation programme is being developed and expanded as Residents move into the Village.
 
Community Complex
The temporary community facility opened in May 2023 and offers dining and kitchen facilities, a lounge area with television and pool table, meeting room, gymnasium, outdoor spa pool, craft and activities room, outdoor entertainment area with BBQ, library and a workshop area where residents can use their own tools. Further amenities will be added with the completion of the permanent Community Facility which is expected to be by now (early 2026).
 
Emergency Call System
All Villas have call buttons installed which allow residents to page for assistance in an emergency. These are monitored offsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a third-party company who will assist the Resident by contacting the appropriate emergency service or village staff.
 
Pets In Residence
We understand pets are a part of your family so with prior consent with Management we welcome house trained pets such as cats, small dogs or caged birds.
 
Fitness Complex
We have a gymnasium with a selection of equipment available located in the Facilities Building.
 
Swimming Pool
An indoor swimming pool will be located in the permanent Facilities Building due to be built in 2025/26. Heated indoor pools are available year-round in Alexandra.
Warren Gallatly
Alexandra Rotary Club speaker 11 August 2026
 
Japan Skiing Holiday
Speaker:  Mark Willyams
(Talk summary by Paul Checketts)
 
Mark gave an enjoyable and interesting talk about a recent trip to Japan where Mark and Joss took to the slopes at the Zao Onsen ski field in Northern Honshu.
 
Mark showed us lots of pictures and a couple of videos that brought the trip alive for us.
They travelled by bullet train from Tokyo - a very fast and comfortable trip!
 
At the ski resort there were no queues and few other people as the Chinese were not travelling to Japan and it was outside of school holidays.
 
The white powder snow was great for skiing as there was no ice so confidence was boosted.
 
Tokyo is an interesting city sprinkled with green spaces providing peaceful areas for relaxation.
Mark and Joss enjoyed the interesting culture, the excellent traditional food and good standard of accommodation provided.
Mark and Joss in Japan
Mark and Joss on the ski field
Alexander Rotary inducted two new members at the meeting on Tuesday the 11th of August.
Induction by Rhys Jenkins of: Jim Hume and Steve Murphy
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bulletin Editor
Gil Elliott
Speakers
Sep 08, 2026
Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program (RYDA)
Sep 22, 2026
Overlanding Namibia & Botswana
Oct 13, 2026
Spirit of Adventure
View entire list
Club Information
Alexandra
The Magic of Rotary
Tuesdays at 5:45 PM
Alexandra Bridge Club
52 Boundary Road
Alexandra,  9320
New Zealand
Currently meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month
District Site Icon
District Site
Venue Map
Venue Map
President Paddy Ford
 
 
 
If you are unable to do a duty that you have been listed for below, then please find a replacement for yourself. If you are Sergeant, you can contact the editor for a replacement name and then contact that club member. 
Meeting Responsibilities
Pre Meeting Tasks 8th September 2026
 
Cashier
Robertson, Steve
 
Attendance
Rolston, Lynette
 
During Meeting Tasks 8th September 2026
 
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up after
Rutherford, Ian
 
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up after
Sharland, Bidi
 
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up after
Sumser, Phil
 
Introduce and Thank Speaker
Wham, Murray
 
3 Minute Talk
Whybrow, Jonny
 
Sergeant
McIntyre, Hugh
 
Meet & Greet and Last Word
Beattie, Stuart
 
Pre Meeting Tasks 22nd September 2026
 
Cashier
Rolston, Lynette
 
Attendance
Rutherford, Ian
 
During Meeting Tasks 22nd September 2026
 
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up ...
Sharland, Bidi
 
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up ...
Sumser, Phil
 
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up ...
Wham, Murray
 
Introduce and Thank Speaker
Whybrow, Jonny
 
3 Minute Talk
Beattie, Stuart
 
Sergeant
MacKenzie, Kevin
 
Meet & Greet and Last Word
Clark, Judy
 
Our next movie night in September
 
The movie is Glenrothan
 
15 September 2026
Central Cinema
Whisky Tasting from 6.30pm
Movie Screens at 7.00pm
$15 per person
 
It is proposed there will be an opportunity to have a "taste" of a mystery whisky possibly with a modest prize if you get it right!
 
Directed by Brian Cox Tuesday 15th September 2026
Starring Alexandra Shipp, Alan Cumming, Shirley Henderson and Brian Cox.
 
The legendary Brian Cox makes his directorial debut with this compelling family drama, set in the stunning Scottish Highlands and co-starring Alan Cumming.

When his beloved Chicago blues club burns down, Donal (Cumming) returns to his family-owned whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands for the first time in nearly 40 years.

Donal didn’t leave Scotland on the best terms, having wound up in a violent exchange with his brother Sandy (Cox) and their father on the day of their mother’s funeral.

Joined by his daughter Amy (Alexandra Shipp, Barbie), Donal returns to his homeland in the hopes of making amends with his brother. But with old wounds running deep and the fate of the family business on the line, can inner peace finally be found before it’s too late?

Written by David Ashton (The Last King of Scotland) and accomplished TV writer Jeff Murphy (Hinterland). 
 
Glenrothan explores the complexities of familial bonds, set against the proud and timeless tradition of whisky making.

Cumming gives one of his best on-screen performances, opposite Cox who brings gravitas to every scene - both in front of and behind the camera.
 
This is the link for the official trailer.
 
Hugh
 
Steve Robertson
 
Firewood splitting
 
Keep Thursday the 10th of September 2026 free for our fire wood splitting morning starting at 9am. Community garden, Dunstan Road (next to the Fulton Hogan yard).
 
Steve to confirm this!
 
Steve
 
 
Pictures below, courtesy of Barry Hambleton
Large logs to start with
Then to the wood splitter teams
Great, now time for a break.
Morning tea.
Rotary International Theme for 2026/2027
The next Bulletin will be produced on Friday the 25th of September 2026. Please send articles and any photographs to the Editor (gil.elliott42@gmail.com) by Thursday the 24th of September 2026 at the latest, thank you.