Notes – 3 September 2021
After some chit-chat, Bill Robinson muted everyone. However, Sergeant Ted Mason was ahead of the crowd; but this was due to a technical glitch. A video was played while the fault was investigated.
President Ian Grant liked the amusing introduction but asked for everything (except paddle boards) to be put on hold. He confirmed that committee meetings were postponed and asked the Directors to report.
Club Services (David Partis) – the Park Bench Project has had an area designated by the Council. It’s off Maugatautari Road and overlooking the lake. A plaque is being organised by Bill Robinson.
75th Anniversary (John Bishop) – the date is now 18 November 2021 at the same venue.
Garden Festival (Carey Church) – 242 tickets sold but all now stopped. Likely to sell out when back to Level 2 or 1. A maximum of 1500 will be available. Newspaper advertising is continuing and Breeze and social media coverage now on-line. Google Ads to follow when the future is more certain. David Partis’s offer to help with this aspect was readily accepted. We can still run the project at Level 2 but otherwise we may have to cancel and refund. Treasurer Bev Heron was assured that cancellation would not impact too much because the sponsors would cover the losses.
Youth/New Generation (Alan van Niekerk) – following up Interact contacts. Kite Flying Day also progressing. Went to RYLA AGM and now on the committee! New coaches have been appointed following Bill Robinson’s retirement. Waiting for the schools to respond on the Science & Technology Forum. The Speech Competition is suspended at Level 3 and a new date is being sought. This may prove difficult because of the loss of school time during lockdowns. No news on the School Debating Project.
Community (Nigel Salter) – Cambridge Raceway is another casualty of lockdown as no crowds are allowed. We will wait and see if the Harriers go ahead with their event on 19 September. There may be a clash if they choose another date. A Drinking Fountain on the Leamington Domain is being discussed with Council and will be included in our 75th celebrations if Covid restrictions allow. The Christmas Parade and other seasonal events are also problematical. Bike riding is now part of the Adventure Club.
Vocational (Andrew Bateman) -our visit to Hamilton East Club fell a victim to Covid Level 4 but another date is being sought. ‘Taste Waikato’ cookbooks will have a stand during the Garden Festival, but other outlets are needed. Our connections with Lions and other community organisations are being revisited.
Special Award - IPP Bev Mauley-Rogers announced that we had received a Presidential Citation for 2020/2021 as an acknowledgement of the high level of success achieved by our team effort.
Nominations Committee - the recent vote resulted in John Bullick and Gavin Levesque being elected and ratified by the Board.
District Grants – Doug Lang said that the deadline had been moved to the end of September. Suggestions for suitable projects were -
1. A shelter on the new cycleway.
2. Drinking fountains in the town.
3. Rainwater tanks to supplement garden projects.
4. Support for Māori students on the STEM programme.
Projects must promote the Rotary ethic and be sustainable for a long period. Ongoing projects are not eligible.
New Member – Bradley du Bois has been accepted and will be inducted when we are able to hold our usual meetings.
Venture Club (David Partis) – Te Aroha event squashed by Covid. Other dates have been circulated and responses now required. Bike rides are being revisited.
Urban Miners (Mark Hanlon) – Again suffering from the Covid restrictions and waiting for Level 2.
David Partis explained and promoted the District Exchange Programme He showed a PowerPoint presentation of the NZ/GB event in 2014. In sharing some of his experiences visiting Rotarians in the Lincolnshire Fens he added that one of the best aspects was that Rotarians from the UK then came to visit us.
President Ian Grant closed the meeting “bang on time”.
