Reel for 9th July 2013

Commentary on Rotary meeting 2nd July 2013

“Club Forum”

Welcome to our new Board:

 

Chairperson: Deborah Taylor (our new president)

Desk: Alan, then Graham

Visiting Rotarian: Jan Conti, Darwin Sunrise

Welcome back to Lauren and Dr Bruce

Apologies; Norm and Margaret

 

Roger reported that the Tranquility Garden is completed and he wishes to hold a breakfast to honour all the businesses that donated materials which made the project possible.

Deborah has a desire to increase our fellowship with more social outings this year, I wholeheartedly agree!

There was considerable discussion regarding the cost of being a “Rotarian” and how the financial burden can be reduced so that more members can be attracted or retained. As it was pointed out some time ago, why does it cost volunteers for the privilege to help the community? There are some clubs in our district who have chosen to meet for a meal three out of four weeks a month, the fourth being a “coffee and pastry” informal get together but still covering “things Rotary”, I  think there will be more discussion on this subject as there are a lot of unresolved issues, eg visiting Rotarians and whether our present venue will continue to support us to name a few. Darryl commented that it was difficult to purchase a cooked breakfast for less than $20 and we were privileged to have a meeting in isolation (read we’re doing well where we are in his opinion). Deborah made mention that the Salvation Army had all the facilities necessary to accommodate us for our meetings, Stuart agreed pointing out that they have a commercial kitchen on the premises also, obviously more research into this venue is justified. Helen added that it wasn't a condition under our charter that we meet weekly and fortnightly was acceptable, this she pointed out would break the “treadmill” of procuring guest speakers.

Alan Bethune reminded us all that our $240.00 membership is now due.

John Hanley has the directorship of “community” which encompasses our golf day, Alan's garden, the lighthouse centre, the garage for the expected bus, etc.

Stuart updated us on the shed to be installed at the Salvation Army's Sugarbag Road headquarters which with some alteration would accommodate our BBQ trailer admirably, this news excited certain members who have through their generosity have stored the trailer at their homes.

Alan suggested we reawaken “bookfest” which we all had agreed to put to bed, the reason being that any leftover books (and a lot of books we discarded) were in demand in the Solomon's and PNG. I could almost hear the muscles in the room crying out in pain!

Ian has the Directorship of Membership, and is targeting:

1. Retention of members, fellowship and social activities.

2. Recruiting new members, please invite someone to attend our meeting.

Alf informed us that John Shadforth is scheduled to be our guest speaker in a fortnight, he is a retired civil contractor who has set up a philanthropic organisation. From what we are led to believe is a very motivated speaker! Also Angie Anderson is going to speak on “cooking For Cures” which is self explanatory.

Next week we are going to school, we are being tutored in the noble art of “blogging” I think Mark is going to attempt to drag us into the 21st century!

Genta is International Director and as such will try to coordinate the joining of funds with the Japanese club to attract more funding for projects in Gizo. He also mentioned that a young Japanese man (Fumi's son) is looking for accommodation, centrally positioned near public transport co that he can attend English Classes. There Is a remuneration package offered, if interested please contact Genta. No 3 Happy Conference is planned for 17/10/13 at the CCA hall, although the principal guest speaker has been booked support speakers are required, again if you can assist, contact Genta.

Rotary International has decided to start promoting “Rotary”, it's probably way overdue in my opinion as the youth of the world need to be reminded that collaboration mends all manner of problems, brakes cultural and religious barriers and deters selfishness.

Merv has the most interesting role of “Water and Sanitation” district officer; he told us that old habits /customs are hard to change and that there will be three Rotary groups going to Gizo this year. We are going to donate $3000 towards projects in the Solomon Islands this year.

Next week,

Chair: Mark
Desk: Noel