Notes – Rotary Cambridge Meeting – Thursday 11 March 2021
John Bullick, as stand-in Sergeant, got the ”best show on earth” going and President Bev welcomed our guests, Rotarians Elizabeth Wright and Andrea Carl from Te Awamutu Club.
She also ‘promoted’ Chris Cricket (now ‘footloose’) to be an honorary woman for the evening. Chris then introduced our speaker, Elizabeth Wright, the Interplast District Chair.
Elizabeth gave us an illuminating and inspiring talk illustrated by her photos of the Interplast Team, their patients and some local conditions in Myanmar.
Interplast is a partnership, formed in 1983, between NZ and Australian Rotarians, and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. It changes lives, by sending teams of volunteer plastic and reconstructive surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals, to provide life-changing surgery, medical training and mentoring, planning and evaluation, systems strengthening and capacity building.
Because of Covid, Interplast is now supporting its 23 countries' local medical staff with virtual mentoring and digital training. Specialist surgical equipment is being supplied as well as extra support for staff with Covid patients’ treatment and equipment.
Élizabeth accompanied an Interplast team of seven volunteers, funded by anonymous Rotarian donors from 9930, to Yangon General Hospital in Myanmar. The visit involved thirty surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses and, as well as surgical procedures, also gave training to local surgeans and health professionals.
Myanmar is rich in resources but has many very poor and sick people, advanced head and neck cancers being prevalent. These are caused by chewing betel nut and smoking cigarettes. Both addictions often arise because people use the stimulants to keep them awake so that they can keep working in order to survive.
We heard about the responsibilities of the patients’ families and learned the heart-wrenching stories about four of the patients, two severe burns victims and two with advanced mouth and neck cancers. The work done by Interplast is so gratefully received by families in countries like Myanmar, where nothing is taken for granted, like in NZ.
It’s even more distressing in Myanmar where the military have closed the hospital; the senior surgeons are in hiding and some of the junior medical staff have gone underground to help victims of the military onslaught. Elizabeth said she had forged relationships with some of them and is greatly concerned about their safety.
Teddy Bears are used by the Interplast Team to comfort sick and recovering children.
Rotarians can donate $20 to be in the draw (at Conference) to release a caged Teddy Bear which symbolises the life of a child freed through surgery from a life of rejection, fear, isolation, and failure to thrive.
Roger Hill is collecting funds from our members – he already had donations before the end of the meeting - and he will provide ticket numbers. He will also arrange for you to be notified if you can’t get to Conference and would like to know if you win the draw.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Peter Wilson and heartily endorsed by the 34 members present.
President Bev gave the god news that John Bishop is home but very tired. No visitors for a few weeks yet, please.
Robyn Crickett produced 50 posters for the Charity Dinner. Five weeks to go. Put up posters and SELL tickets. This is a big fund-raiser and needs maximum promotion.
Jan Bilton reported that the Adventure Club would gather on 29 May at the Pinnacles Hut; that there were three places left for the Timber Tree event and that another cycle trip was planned for 27 March. A less challenging River Trail ride is also being organised with a Blue Spring Walk possible on 28 March.
The Fun Run has been re-scheduled from 28 March and David Smith has details.
Mark Hanlon gave feedback on the Materials Recovery Project which has already shipped 8 pallets containing 3,564 kilos of e-waste. The facility is now organised and Working Bees are to be established to handle incoming material. Collections are monthly on the 3rd Sunday between 9am and 11am at Cambridge High School.
The DG’s letter was highlighted by Ray Milner who stressed that the Centenary Number Plate Holders were an excellent publicity opportunity. Buy a pair for your car and spread the news. Contact Ray for your requirements
Ken Leatham told us that the Firewood Project could use a few more members and that a raffle is in hand for wood and the chain-saw.
So far 22 places have been booked for Conference was the news from President-Elect Ian Grant who has been further inspired by the 198 participants in a Zoom meeting. They were from all over the South Pacific and also improved his knowledge of all the abbreviations used to describe areas and officers of Rotary.
Ian pointed out that our Nominations Committee requires names for next year’s Board. “Don’t expect to be asked,” he said “put your hand up!” So NOW is the time to advance your career in Rotary and work with and for the members of our Club.
John Bullick announced the New Member Event on 6 May and emphasised that succession was vital to maintain the work of Rotary. It doesn’t just happen, though, and needs a PUSH – from everyone. Every member should invite a friend, business associate or colleague to find out more about Rotary.
Dennis Finn confirmed his retirement after 21 years in the education sector and shared some Mainfreight slogans – A goal is a dream with a deadline – No one has ever gone blind looking at the bright side of life – One year from now you may wish you started today. He said “It’s great to be back”.
The usual Sergeant’s Session was ably and amusingly carried out by John Bullick after which the meeting was closed, with good wishes to all, by President Bev.
