What an enjoyable evening we had at the Packing Shed for our Changeover Dinner. Great tasting lamb and blue cod, then a tricky task creating with spaghetti, tape, string and a marshmallow (pictures below). And a chance to chat and have fun.  

 

My year as President has drawn to a close. The Rotary International theme was ‘The Magic of Rotary’.  I’d like to think that we Rotarians created a bit of Magic with every project we completed, every dollar we raised, and every new member we inducted. 

 

One of the District goals was to increase the impact and reach of Rotary by engaging with the other Central Otago Rotary Clubs, local organisations, business and community. Our Club’s success is due to the strength of the whole team which operates like a well-oiled machine with many parts, making projects happen. Thank you to all of you for the many roles you took on.  

 

We could see the Magic of Rotary when we worked with Wanaka and nine other Rotary Clubs to raise funds to buy and outfit the Women’s Health Bus that serves Otago and Southland rural areas.  With Cromwell Rotary, we put aside funds for the next Health Shuttle replacement.  With Lions we upgraded Poplar Grove which now sports a very smart picnic area (see comment below).  With the Salvation Army, we split wood each month, which goes to the needy. We man the gates at the Blossom Festival, help the Haehaeata Trust with plantings, a group of ladies sew menstrual kits for women in the islands and each year we attend to maintenance at the Mt Aspiring Outdoor Centre. 

 

With cash, we supported groups such as the Museum with a TV Display Unit, the Whare Trust with a new dishwasher, the Fire Brigade with the Alpine 8 Fault Project, the Cochlear Implant Program.  We enabled Children with Cancer to attend an outdoor camp in Queenstown, and young women to be part of the Journey’s Leadership Programme.

 

We provided funds aiding various youth initiatives like sending kids to Outward Bound, the Science Forum and an Educational Trip to Wellington.  We helped with travel to the World Ice Champs, the World BMX champs, the Life Education Trust. We sponsored a drama group tour of CO Primary Schools and the Peter Pan production, the Alexandra Food Pantry and Combined Churches Food bank, and the annual Community Christmas Lunch. This is just a snapshot of what we do. It’s about lots of man hours helping our community

 

In short, we have achieved a lot. We have given out $48k in financial support (see below).  On top of this, there are huge hours of volunteer labour needed to pull the Book sale together, the Quiz night and the Charity Dinner – our major fund raisers. Again, thank you to everyone for the time you have put in to make the projects the success that they are.

 

Mark and Hugh have ensured we have had a bit of light relief organising the various movie nights, the car rally, wine tasting at Monte Christo and soon the curling night.

 

We have tried to mix up our meeting formats – the first was holding the AGM at the Station Brewery and earlier this year, a breakfast meeting - with fine china to boot.  Both were a nice change, and I thought added to the Rotary experience.

 

We are well known for the quality of our speakers and this year was no exception.  Many thanks to Richard for organising, liaising and reminding!

 

To our Bulletin Editor Gil, thank you. You do a fine job each month researching and putting the bulleting together. 

 

I’d also would like to thank Bob Dawson, (who goes under the radar a bit) for the engraving he does for the club each year.

 

A big thank you to the directors, Bernie, Carolyn, Rhys, Greg, Graham, Mark and Carolyn. Your service and wise heads have been invaluable.

 

The Geofrey D Taylor Award – is given to a club member who has given outstanding, significant and tangible service to Rotary.  So many of you give so much to Rotary, but this year, Mark Willyams is the worthy recipient (picture below)

 

When you look at our club, Mark is involved in most things; as a director, as social coordinator, as Book sale convenor.  He’s at Mt Aspiring, he splits wood, he’s involved in the Quiz night and the Charity Dinner. Thank you for your great service, Mark, and congratulations.

 

When I look back on my year as the 81^st President of the Rotary Club of Alexandra, I have enjoyed it immensely. The club is in good heart. It is very satisfying to see what has been achieved and to know that the Club’s legacy of community service, good, humoured fellowship and fun continues on. 

 

Now the chain of office passes to Bernie (pictures below). A moment in the history of our club, as we are the first two women to follow as presidents. I wish you a very successful year as President. I know we will all enjoy Rotary with you at the helm.

 

 

 

 

Jonny was born in England to Salvation Army parents. He studied Engineering for 6 years and taught Physics at Reading. As a teacher he likes to see people grow. Never give up on anyone is his motto.

 

Salvation Army friends invited him to do an OE to NZ and he stayed with them in Wellington. He taught in Wellington and met and married Charlene there. He linked up with the Salvation Army and played in their band. He spent time with the Army in Sri Lanka. The couple have 2 small children.

 

Hauora, wellbeing, and connecting with the community are very important. In Alexandra they have a food bank (mini supermarket) where people can select what they need. They run the community gardens and Rotary helps with the firewood scheme.

 

Future plans include a Lego club, social gatherings, craft nights and a uke night. His final thoughts “We want to play our part in the community".

Barry