Matakana Weekend – 19-21 March. What a fantastic weekend we had in Matakana and what a wonderful programme of activities and sightseeing that Don and Ailsa had organized – they have certainly missed their vocation!! Right from the lunch and self-guided tour at Brick Bay to the Sunday lunch get together on the way home, everything was organized to the finest point to ensure everyone was catered for. The accommodation was superb, and the BBQ on Friday night enjoyed by all. One of the highlights was a visit to the Sculpturaream – if you haven’t experienced this – put it on your “things to do” list. So a big thank you to Don and Ailsa and also to those who helped to make the weekend such a success. Pics in next week’s bulletin.
Rotary Cambridge's Charity Dinner is on 16 April and guest speaker will be V8 motor racing legend, Greg Murphy.
The venue is the Sir Don Rowland Centre at Mighty River Karapiro Domain.
The major beneficiary will be Pet Refuge. Most people can’t take their pets with them when seeking refuge, so are having to choose between their safety and the safety of their pets. Pet Refuge New Zealand is currently building a shelter that will remove that barrier to leaving, by providing a safe haven for pets while their owners escape abuse. Every pet cared for will enable a family to escape domestic violence.
Once again we urge all members to support this fundraiser for Pet Refuge and the Rural Support Trust. Please sign up to attend the Dinner and/or donate an auction item. We need to have a full house (350 tickets on sale). Don’t forget that Laurie Graham is looking for members to donate a bottle of wine for the raffle – so bring along your contribution to a club meeting. NOTE: We have had only one major fundraising event this Rotary year (Bookarama) – let’s have another successful one – HOWEVER, IT NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT.
Hamilton Gardens Tour and Meal – 25 March. Another great evening and thanks to Jan Bilton for organizing another successful event. Having a guided tour certainly provided insights into the various gardens and their associated history. I think we have all wandered through the gardens and thought how beautiful they are but understanding the background of why rocks and trees are specifically chosen and positioned in strategic places, as well as each garden’s place in history gave so much more meaning. The meal that followed was given the tick of approval by all. We were pleased to have our Te Awamutu Rotarians join us and we look forward to another evening of fellowship with them in the future.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner – 1 May: This popular fellowship event is back. Brian Palmer and David Blewden will update us this coming week.
Club meeting 1 April: David Hulme, Assistant Governor for District 9930 will be our speaker this coming Thursday. We look forward to welcoming David. He will cover, amongst other things, aspects of Rotary’s Public Image and how we must all adhere to the Brand Centre’s regulations to ensure our Rotary branding is consistent.
Waipa Fun Run: Thank you to Gordon Calder for organizing the volunteer marshals and to members and partners who gave up their Sunday morning. Good event and happy that neither COVID nor wet weather disrupted plans. Congratulations to those amongst our number who did the run/walk.