President Robyn welcomed all those present particularly our guest speaker - Steph McLennan, Assistant Governor – David Hulme and soon to be transferred member – Nigel Salter.

 

Steph McLennan was introduced by Kim Prichard.  Steph works for the Midland Community Pharmacy Group and delivers a nationwide ACC initiative “Live Stronger For Longer”.  The programme focusses on strength and balance, improving overall fitness, increasing confidence, having fun and feeling good and maintaining independence. There are seated and standing options suitable for all levels and can be undertaken at people’s own pace.  After explaining the programme, Steph lead a mini class which challenged Rotarians’ balance and strength – a fun 10 minutes.

 

President Robyn said she had the pleasure of presenting a Paul Harris Fellow to both Bev Heron and Ian Rogers for the dedication, generosity and voluntary contributions as Rotarians.

 

Ian had been a member for 33 years, joining in 1986.  As well as his huge commitment to Rotary, Ian’s contribution in the field of education was notable. Bev had served Rotary for 19 years, was a Past President and current Treasurer.  On behalf of the club President Robyn commended them both for their contributions to the club and the wider community.

 

All those present honoured these two members and the very appropriate recognition they had received.

 

A formal welcome to Nigel Salter was extended by President Robyn.  Nigel was a transferring Rotarian from the Club of Tully, Queensland, Australia.

 

Richard Johnstone was thanked for his kindness in hosting members’ drinks to celebrate a significant birthday.  Was it 57? Happy birthday Richard.

 

Raffle – Brian Palmer (1^st); 2^nd – bulletin recorder missed who it was!!!

 

 

Remember there is no Rotary meeting on Thursday 6 February as it is a public holiday (Waitangi Day).

                                                                        

 

Bill Robinson put out a reminder about RYLA applications which closed at the end of February.  Last year 3 young leaders attended the course and we would like 2 or 3 this year (aged 20 to 26) who would be sponsored by our club.  Please see Bill if you have a recommendation.

 

David Blewden advised that the first excursion (to Mt Maungatautari) had had a good response.  There was still room for more people if they advised by 31 January.

 

Details of the second excursion are as follows:

Time           8am

Meeting Place     Dick Street for carpooling and bike transport

Route                   Piropiro to Ongarue by bike. Return to Piropiro by van

Duration    3.5 hrs

Cancellation        Week before

Equipment Bike (trail or mountain), lunch, water, helmet, padded bike shorts, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube

Min Numbers      8. Please advise your attendance by Friday 21 February by RSVP email to

                    andrewnewman84@gmail.com . Please include your name and cell phone

Max Numbers     No Max

Information         -     Trip leader will be carrying first aid and locator beacon.

 

Advance notice of the May adventure – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was announced.

 

Deliveries of firewood are to take place and Ken Leatham asked for a couple or so volunteers to help with this.  In addition a few people are needed to cut further firewood.  Please see Ken.

 

John Bullick drew attention to the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).  This is an opportunity for year 12 and 13 students to set up and run a business with the support of their school, community and the YES network.  Students come up with an idea, create the product/service and take it to market, all within the year.  There are now over 4,000 students involved nationally and these numbers are growing.

 

One of the most valued sessions at YES Kickstart is the “Speed coaching” event where students get the opportunity to pitch their business idea to the coach who provides feedback and helps them to refine their idea.  During the session, the coach interacts with 3 teams and each team will get to talk to the coach for 10 minutes.  John asked if anyone would be interested to volunteer time to be a coach.  If so please contact penny@smartwaikato.co.nz .

 

The coaching day is Friday, 28 February from 10-11am at WINTEC – in the Longroom (next door to the Atrium).  Coaches will be briefed before the speed coaching commences at 10.16am in the Atrium.

 

If this sounds like something you would like to do please RSVP to the email address above.

 

Ian Grant mentioned that the amount of $5 charged for the informal meetings does not go very far and asked for an indication as to whether we remain with this or increase to $8 or $10. In a vote taken by a show of hands the $10 option was preferred.  This will apply from the next informal meeting.  Remember – no meeting on 6 February (Waitangi Day)

 

 

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that helps its members become more effective public speakers, communicators, and leaders. Like Rotary, it has a worldwide network of clubs.

By working with Toastmasters, Rotary and Rotaract members will have more opportunities to improve their leadership and communication skills, broaden their networks, and increase their impact.

Clubs and districts can get involved in this alliance by learning more about Toastmasters, exploring its resources and public speaking tips, visiting a local Toastmasters club, or watching a video to learn what happens at a Toastmasters meeting.