President Gordon's comments
With daylight saving ending this weekend 2nd April, colder weather and snow-capped mountains, frosts and fog autumn is certainly here but we have enjoyed a great summer and I’m sure there’ll be some warm peaceful autumn days still to look forward to.
It was a pleasure to receive the email from John “Charity Dinner Sold Out”. Well done all who contributed to this result and a big thank you to our community for its support. Cheers to a successful evening on 20th May.
New members:
We have two possible new members nominated at the last meeting - Phil Sumser and Tim Fleming (our heart specialist)
It is a standard requirement that two weeks’ notice be given of their intentions to join Rotary before they are inducted. This allows for any members to submit any objection as to why they should not be received.
As I mentioned at our meeting on Tuesday congratulations is due to Rhys Jenkins on his appointment to the Board of Directors of District 9999for e term of 3 years. Rhys applied for the position and Paul and I supported his nomination so let’s all give him the support and encouragement he needs.
Board meeting report:
Your directors have decided to support the Hawkes Bay Disaster Fund to the sum of $5000. This fund is organised by the Hawkes Bay Regional Council and seemed the best option according to research carried out by the Cromwell Club. I am still trying to gauge support for hosting volunteers from the area to reward them for their efforts.
I mentioned this to other club presidents in the Central Lakes Group who thought it was a good idea but!
We do intend to support the Tim and Marilyn Fleming Rural Health Trust but the final decision on the amount is still pending.
There are applications from brothers Tom and Oliver Goldsmith to attend the junior world canoe slalom championships in Poland in August this year. They are both in the NZ Under 23 team. It was decided to support them - $500 each and we wish them well competing on the world stage.
We received a great letter of thanks from the Central Otago Regional Orchestra who we supported to purchase chairs and equipment.
Mike Rooney and Robyn Bowman have set the date 23 April for the Senior Citizens Mystery Bus Trip. This is a popular annual event - helpers are required to pick up some less able participants and deliver them home afterwards.
Our speaker on Tuesday (28th) evening - Stan Randle (standing in for Joan Botting) gave an interesting address about the Alexandra Bridge Club - its development and progress over the last 50 years. He also enlightened us about the game of Bridge and the many perceived benefits it has for the brain! It can be a testing and challenging game. Thank you, Stan - a very clear and precise presentation but mind-blowing information.
It has been customary to hold a speech competition involving Dunstan High School students which I believe is a valuable educational activity to promote. It seems our wider District 9999 area doesn’t fully support the concept but I wonder if we should have a Club contest and perhaps Central and Lakes club finals. I will contact the High School to gauge support.
Looking forward to April’s meeting and activities.
Gordon
