President Gordon's comments
What an interesting month April has been with lovely autumn weather, after the odd cold snap - a gentle reminder that winter is approaching. Haven’t the autumn colours been magnificent?
Easter, school holidays and ANZAC commemorations - there has been quite a lot going on over the past few weeks with what these occasions offer to entice and entertain. It is indeed a privilege to be able to participate in the community events which many of us have not been able to do up until now due to work commitments. I know I am enjoying having the time to be more involved in life after work! It is still heartening that many of us are still able to be involved in physical and mental activities - keep it up and look out for those who may be needing help.
Up and coming events for May include our major fundraising Charity Dinner. The ticket sales have been outstanding and I urge you to assist in any way you can - helping or offering auction items - to make this fundraiser successful. The Tim and Marilyn Fleming Education Trust is the major beneficiary and it is a very worthwhile cause assisting ongoing education of our local nursing staff. A very worthy cause for Rotary to financially support.
PLEASE NOTE - our next meeting is to be combined with Alexandra Lions - they have extended an invitation for us to join them on THURSDAY 11th MAY at the Senior Citizens rooms in the Memorial Hall (where we hold our Book Sale). The format will be similar to ours with 6pm start, meal 6.30pm at a cost of $25/head. The guest speaker is Reece Goldsmith - Principal at Dunstan High School. They have a tale twister session so we will combine them with our sergeant session. Unfortunately, I will be absent but John is standing in. We support Dunstan High School in many ways so Reece’s address should be interesting for us. Fellowship with another service group in our community is a positive activity too. Get your “tales” to our sergeant who is Paul Checketts, and have a good evening.
Obviously, the rest of the duties originally scheduled for the 9th of May won’t be required.
Our normal Tuesday meeting will be 23rd May back at the Bridge Club. Hugh is organising a film evening for Tuesday 2 May “Shackleton” - an opportunity for you to invite non-Rotarian friends to ensure a full house (see below).
The opportunity has become available to encourage young people (16 - 18 yrs) to apply for a Scholarship to attend an Outward-Bound course in June/July. It is from the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund to the sum of $4025. The total cost of the course is $5795 - a significant contribution towards an outstanding opportunity. If more information is required, please contact Arnold - there is some urgency here as applications close May 5th.
Speakers:
We enjoyed two interesting presentations at our April meetings. Amanda Cushen from Business Mentors spoke of the service and support they can offer to people in business. She was supported by Jacque Lips - a local mentor and he gave examples of his work. They invited any members of our group who could contribute to this valuable work to volunteer their services.
Last week Murray Radka, with the assistance of his son Grant, shared with us his passion for Heritage Roses, gardening in general and the ongoing development of their “Brandy Hill” garden which he started in 1976 while pursuing his teaching career. He is now retired but is keeping busy with a project - developing an apple cider orchard. I thought it was a fascinating story and history of many special roses and the esteem and opportunities he has been awarded with for his passion.
Senior Citizens Bus Trip:
Congratulations and thank you to Mike, Robyn and Les on another successful Senior Citizens Mystery bus trip. All comments were that it was enjoyed and appreciated by all who attended.
Hilarie and I leave this weekend to travel to the North Island so I’ll see you all in 3 weeks if the ferry crossings sail according to plan!
