From the President ….. we celebrated at our meeting this week
- with the return to meeting face to face
- that we were back in Cambridge High School staff room
I thank Board members and other Rotarians who helped us return to a venue that is central, with facilities that suit our needs.
It was a special evening for me as I returned to Rotary meetings following the passing of Keith – the warmth and kindness that everyone showed was overwhelming and I do thank all Rotarians and partners for their loving thoughts and wishes.The following is the basis of what I conveyed to the meeting and I hope you don’t mind me taking a bit of space in the bulletin but I would like to share my words with those of you who were unable to be present.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks to you all for your support during Keith’s illness and his recent passing. Many of you will have experienced losing a loved one so I know you will understand the pain I’m going through.
Keith was a proud Welshman who came to New Zealand in 1958 and immediately became involved in serving the community of Birkenhead and beyond. He was a determined (some would say stubborn) man with a strong personality who advocated for his community. The list of organisations he served on is too long to mention here but suffice to say he took the obligations of whatever he was involved in very seriously.
A while after we moved to Cambridge his physical health became a barrier to being able to commit to contributing to his new community – and particularly Rotary – to a level that he was used to and this was frustrating for him. I only wish that those who didn’t have the good fortune of knowing him and observing his work in earlier years were not able to do so – you would have been amazed at what he could pack into a day – he had great stamina and foresight.
He loved his family dearly and treated all members of our blended whanau equally.
Once again, thank you for your visits, messages of support and attendance at his funeral service and also thank you to those who have given practical support – you know who
you are. Going forward – Rotary will provide a positive avenue for me to serve the community and to follow on from the legacy that Keith left behind
Meeting Notes:
The members relished the first in-person meeting since the reversion to Level 1 restrictions, and also the first at the new venue – at the Cambridge High School.
Members paid respect to the late Keith Rogers with a minute silence. President Bev Maul-Rogers thanked all for their thoughts and support during her sad time, and noted the support and assistance from John Tarbutt. Ted Mason paid tribute to Bev
Members thoughts are also with Mark Hanlon, whose mother has recently passed.
Keith Fisher is back at home and is receiving visitors – call first.
In the absence of a guest speaker, LesleyAnn lead a spirited trivia session (no James Bond questions), much enjoyed by all, but especially the table of trivia experts that managed to jag a win.....Well done, LesleyAnn, who was formerly thanked by Ted Mason.
Maurie Marshment called for volunteers to assist in the Spring Challenge race for women to be held on 17 October – and will all members holding high vis vests please return them to Bill Robinson for use at the event.
Greg Gascoigne reported that exchange student Zra is coming home, but Sarah has elected to remain in France. The October film premier – possibly in conjunction with Interact – is still on the cards.
After dinner, Sergeant John Bishop urged members to dig deep – proceeds from the fines session will be donated to Interlock Waipa to assist them in the services that they provide to the local community. The session that followed was often brutal, but highly effective - at John’s merciless hands, the princely sum of $460 was raised – spare a thought for the unlucky one who has to follow John as Sergeant
We don’t know if we knew, because there was no Did You Know
Raffles were won by Nigel Salter and Ian Rogers
Next week: Anne Blewden will be speaking on Days for Girls - bring full wallets to support the raffle.
President Bev thanked John Bishop and all those who assisted in the move to the High School and closed the meeting early at 7.55 pm.
Spring Challenge
It has been confirmed that the spring challenge will be held on election day 17th October.
Shifts can be split
Those interested please email me at grantment@xtra.co.nz indicating confirmation to help and full or half shift
Please advise over the next two days. - Maurice Marshment
