There was a good hum of conviviality as Roger Gordon reminded 42 Rotarians and 21 Guests that smoking was permitted - “about a mile and a half away” - as he welcomed all to the special Prospective New Members evening with a few notices and an invitation to mix and mingle.
He then introduced President Bev who provided some Rotary facts about International, New Zealand and Cambridge affairs. She then applauded John Bullick for leading the project which, she said, was one of many undertaken by Rotary. The Rotary Foundation’s functions and funding were explained as well as our leading fundraisers, Bookarama and the Charity Dinner.
President Bev then acknowledged each of the Club Directors and described the work they did. She concluded by saying that despite the challenge of Covid, we had had a successful year of service and fundraisers - with fun and fellowship. Our MC then referred to 4-way test of Truth, Fairness, Friendship and Benefit that was applied to every aspect of our service and events.
Gretchen Bosacker, “a newbie” Rotarian (joined June 2020) and described how her family moved from the US about 2 years ago and her voluntary work here was rather disjointed. She heard of Rotary and saw that the efforts of a club can be more effective because it provides a structure, fellowship and connections. Having three kids, she added, was no problem because Rotary allowed lots of flexibility in attendance and time management. not to mention the excellent food enjoyed.
Roger G. Followed this by offering Taste Waikato for $10+GST or, as a Special, 2 books for $20 +GST.
Then it was Ian Grant’s turn to describe how Rotary developed from a club for businessmen into a service club for anyone who believes that making time and providing personal service to the community is beneficial to both the people around us and ourselves. He stressed the satisfaction that comes with service and caring for projects which enhance the lives of others.
Roger’s brief ‘commercial’ was to publicise the Garden Festival and Adventure Club books before introducing the ”guiding figure” of Richard Seabrook.
Richard S, a member for 20 years and a Director and Past President of the Club recounted that he had learned Leadership, Public Speaking and Communication as a Rotarian. He illustrated the value of and opportunities for service by recounting the story of the establishment of the St Jude school in Tanzania which was the dream of a part Aboriginal woman named Gemma Sisia. Richard and his wife had had an unforgettable experience when they volunteered at the school. Fellowship and service were, he stated, the foundation of Rotary and the source of inspiration to help others.
Our Facebook page was then extolled by Roger. It was usually updated two or three times a week and included the story of the Blue Springs Walk where “old Boy Scouts” found an alternative to a blocked route. He was immediately challenged by a “not so old Girl Scout” and readily amended his description.
Another newish member of about 10 months, Alan van Niekerk then told us he had moved here in 2008 with two young children. He didn’t have much free time then but now wanted to repay New Zealand for the warm and ready acceptance of his family. He applied online and was welcomed into the Club with openness and friendliness. Being a hands-on person he was happy to pitch in with a number of projects and found the fellowship warm and genuine. Rotarians, he said, have a passion to put service before self.
In answering a question, Roger set out the usual format of regular meetings and gave an example of a Vocational Meeting. Also, once a month, we give an opportunity to a local group to provide the meal which is a fund-raising project for them. He added that each of Rotary’s service areas has a committee which meets formally once a month on a club night.
Chris Crickett then demonstrated how the Sergeant fines members for the “atonement of their sins” also reminded us that
- ‘On This Day’ the 1d Black stamp was issued;
- the Hindenburg exploded and
- Roger Bannister ran a sub-four minute mile.
In closing, President Bev stressed the intentional role of Rotary which, since the 1980s, has included women in its membership. She welcomed guests to attend a future meeting to experience first hand a weekly club night in action.
