President Robyn welcomed everyone especially Colin Davis and Keith Rogers both of whom had recently had time in hospital.

 

Roger Hill introduced Rebecca Petch who has lived all her life in Te Awamutu and from a very early age began BMX riding. Tori Peeters, from Gore comes from a sporting family and is a high performance Javelin thrower.

 

Rebecca was the first speaker and showed very exciting videos of her competing in the BMX Championships.  She has competed on a range of tracks in New Zealand and Europe.  BMX is very intense and every minute counts.  At speed, riders can reach 50kms per hour.  Rebecca started riding at 3 years old on a bike with trainer wheels but quickly managed better without the trainers. She entered her first nationals at 5 years old.  Initially boys dominated BMX riding but now it is around 50/50. Rebecca is working towards going to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and has an intense period training and qualifying to achieve this goal. She trains 2 hours a day, 6 days a week with her coach who is in Cambridge.  She has spent most of 2019 in Europe, based in Copenhagen. She has made life-time friends and has experienced travelling around the world and different cultures.

 

Javelin Thrower, Tori Peeters’ dream is to go to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.  Tori was born in the Waikato but educated at St Peters College in Gore.  She went to the University of Otago where she studied physical education and now teaches at St Peters, Cambridge. She has achieved already internationally including at the Melbourne World Challenge and Nitro Athletics.  A typical day for Tori starts early with training, taking Rehab Sessions for students, teaching from 8am to 3.30pm followed by throwing or gym work from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.  She is supported by a range of coaches and specialists.  Over the next 4 months she needs to gather training points for the Olympics.

 

In the hands of Ron Geck, he thanked both Rebecca and Tori for sharing their stories and commended them on their commitment and dedication.

 

The meal on Thursday was prepared and served by the Cambridge High School Dance Group who are raising funds for a trip to Los Angeles.  By providing us the meal they benefited by an amount of $800 towards their fundraising.  Thanks to the girls and parents who prepared a delicious dinner (including yummy dessert) which was enjoyed by all.

 

Remember that Gourmet Delicious are our new caterers on the third Thursday of each month.  The first Thursday will be a community group. Please note that apologies for all meetings are now required by the earlier time of end of day on the Tuesday in the meeting week.

 

President Robyn said last week’s visit to Te Puia in Rotorua was a great trip and members were able to see how the attraction had grown since they were there three years ago.

 

President Robyn and a number of Rotarians attended the unveiling on Saturday of the Le Quesnoy Sculpture.

 

A working bee will be held this Saturday, 9 November commencing at 9.30am (until around 1.00pm) at the site.  The firewood is already cut up but needs splitting.  A flag to guide volunteers, will be put up at the gate.  Those who are unsure of the location were asked to speak with Chris Crickett.

 

Remember next week’s meeting (14 November) is informal but apologies are still required.  Pizza or similar will be served.

 

The Garden Festival is just 2 weeks away and the roster is close to being finalised.  Please let Carey Church know if you can now or cannot now help. If you have any flyers left over please try to distribute.  The pattern of sales to date is tracking as per last year.  At the informal club meeting next week training and a briefing for those helping will be undertaken.

 

As this project has been given the green light, an application for a grant has been lodged.

 

Our application for $5,000 for a District Grant has been approved.  This means we will be able to progress the project of a bus shelter in Victoria Street by the Square.  President Robyn will be following up with the Council.

 

Bill Wilson has offered to organise the food from cafes for this year’s Achievement House Christmas Party on 3 December.  Roger and Anne Hill plus Jackie Leatham have also offered to help.  President Robyn asked if other Rotarians could also assist on the day.  A list will go around for people to indicate their availability.  This is a wonderful day for those at Achievement House.

 

Our Christmas gathering for this year is being hosted by Ian Grant and his wife, Liz. We’ll be at Ian’s property at 151b Duncan Road Tamahere on Thursday 12^th December.

 

There is no requirement to bring a chair this year.

 

However, please do remember to bring:

 

 

Volunteers needed for Crowd Control at the Cambridge Christmas Parade on Sunday 1 December.  Please let Ken Leatham know if you can help.  A sheet will be going around at club nights and also sent out via email.

 

A quiz night will be held on Friday, 22 November at the Don Rowlands Centre, Mighty River Domain.  We need a Rotary Team of 8 to attend.  Sam Cane will be speaking.  Please let President Robyn or Greg Gascoigne know if you can participate in the team.

 

John Bullick alerted members to a fundraiser for the Lifeskills Trust on Wednesday, 20 November.  A movie night at the Tivoli will be held with the screening of Last Christmas.  John has viewed the trailer and the film looks good.  Time 7.30pm for 8.00pm.  Tickets are $35 and includes, nibbles, bubbles and movie.  Please see John for tickets.

 

Please note – books are not yet able to be left at Achievement House as they currently do not have enough room – so no books are to be taken there until December. 

 

Raffle winners this week were Ted Mason and Bob Teal.