Having noted that the bar opened 10 minutes early, Acting Sergeant Brian Palmer admitted that he had been caught out on All Fools’ Day. Today is also Maundy Thursday, and in introducing President Bev, Brian didn’t think that she had been washing feet or handing out money.
Confirming that she had done neither, President Bev welcomed Assistant Governor David Hulme and Rotarian Fred Barrett from Matamata. She also welcomed Margaret Nicholson and Life Member David Cooney. Jan Bilton was complimented for the delightful and inspirational visit to Hamilton Gardens and Don Wilson for organising the excellent week-end away at Matakana.

 

Guest Speaker – AG David Hulme
AG David was introduced by Alan van Niekerk who noted that David joined Rotary in 2003 when he was a Director and GM of a bolt manufacturing company, having previously been a journalist.
No way that Rotary should ever again be seen as Male, Pale and Stale, was AG David’s message. In his hard-hitting talk on our Public Image, David listed those aspect that weakened our Public Image and concluded by saying that a successful Public Image campaign can be held if we -
* Make our projects relevant to our community’s wants.
* Use all means available – posters, mailers, emails, social media etc. - to create a ‘buzz’.
* Collaborate with other organisations thereby getting reciprocal publicity.
* Include in the project those who will benefit from it.

He also stressed that out-of-date logos and images should be replaced with the new branding.
Thanks was voiced by Bill Robinson and warmly endorsed by everyone. David was given a small gift by Bill who promised to change his ‘old’ Rotary-branded clothing. David suggested that all shirts with the old branding should form a bonfire.

 

For his outstanding contributions to the Rotary Foundation, David Cooney has been awarded a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin and this was presented to him by President Bev. David, in his response, said that he was glad to be back and will continue to support the Foundation.

 

John Bishop was spotted today by Gretchen Bosacker who reported that he looked fantastic and seems to have lots of energy but must keep his impatience in check as full recovery will take time.
Colin Davis is resting at home after a hospital visit and President Bev confirmed that he said he is fine.

 

John Tarbutt has been appointed as Interim Club Service Director for the remainder of the Rotary year.

 

Promote the Charity Dinner - we really need this to be a big success because of the restrictions on other fund-raising. The table size has been reduced to 8. SELL, SELL, SELL!

 

David Blewden gave us the good news that Urban Miners are finalists in three categories of the Waipa Networks Business Awards – New & Emerging Business; Waste Minimisation Environmental and Contribution to Community.

David Blewden produced clipboards for the upcoming Adventure Club activities – Pinnacles Hut Overnight; Blue Springs Walk; Timber Trail – let David know if you intend joining any of these.

 

This popular event is scheduled for 1 May with the theme “The Meal that Mum would have Made” (Comments such as “Burnt”, “Soggy Cabbage” and “Lumpy Gravy” were heard!).  Please advise David if you are attending and also if you are prepared to host 8 people (including yourselves)

The 6th of May will soon be here. John Bullick reminded us of our New Members’ Night and asked for more names of people who could be invited to this Open Evening for a taste of Rotary.

 

Roger Hill announced that $650 had been handed to Elizabeth Wright for the Interplast Raffle.

 

We also have a raffle – for a new chainsaw and firewood. Ken Leatham has issued books of tickets and will contact any absent members. The draw is on 22 April 2021 and if you win but can’t use either prize – donate them and Ken will see that they go to a needy family.

 

Some runners in the recent Waipa Funrun road race were sent the wrong way! Not due to any of the 20 members who filled the Marshals roles but an organisational hitch. Gordon Calder thanked all the volunteers. Great PR for jRotary - well done.

 

Fred Barrett circulated Matamata Club’s car number plate holders. The legend on them promotes 100 years of Rotary in this part of the world. AG David confirmed that orders previously taken by Ray Milner would be superseded by cash sales, and a number of these took place. President Bev said that she had already seen one on a car in the Bay of Islands area and had complimented the driver.

 

Jan Bilton and Ken Leatham won the raffle. Noted that 8 members escaped the vigilance of the Attendance Monitors and did not buy tickets!

 

 

Acting Sergeant Brian continued to extract fines from some of the 34 members present and  provided an illuminating Did You Know on the topic of Gerrymandering, after which President Bev closed the meeting with a reminder that everyone should bring a bottle of good wine to the next meeting. This will be for raffles at the Charity Dinner. That’s the one where everyone needs to sell tickets.