Rotary Meeting Notes - 29 October 2020
President Beverley extended a warm welcome to our many visitors including partners, members from Hamilton East and Putararu Rotary Clubs, and prospective members Sean Brady and Margaret Nicholson.
Richard Johnstone, introduced Martin Bennett founder of the Tinman Charity to support those suffering from Parkinson's Disease.
Martin asked if there were any present sufferers of Parkinson's Disease and then who knew someone who was suffering from it. While I didn't see anyone other than Martin say they were a sufferer somewhere between a third and a half of those present knew some who was.
He then gave a brief description of the disease and how its onset was usually noticed by people in their early sixties, however by the time they noticed and were diagnosed they were about 80% down the path. There is no cure and doctors can only treat the symptoms using dopamine, unfortunately as the dosage increases so do the side effects and most patients end up taking more medication for the side effects.
Martin was diagnose earlier than most and decided that he wanted to remain active for as long as possible and set out to get as fit as he could. He now does boxing training once a week and enters into triathlons and other sporting events as a personal challenge. When he enters he has a large support team all of who are sponsored to raise money for the Trust.
Money raised goes to support other sufferers throughout the Waikato and into research of the disease.
Those wishing to support Martin's efforts can go to https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/parkinsons-tinman-club-2020.
John Bullick offered a vote of thanks on behalf of the club and visitors.
Mandy Hudson Owner/Operator of Te Awa Lifestyle Village spoke briefly about the development of the village. They had the site for more than 6 years and development started 3 years ago, they now have 25 houses and a full health care unity including dementia facilities.
Notices:
Bookarama is on 11-15 November, volunteers are still required from Sunday 8th through to the 11th.
David Blewden spoke about the E-waste project and explained the name they were thinking of using "Urban Mining". The idea comes from the education the team offers into the schools it is using as collection points. There is more gold in one tonne of e-waste that in one tonne of ore bug out of the Martha Mine at Waihi. The team are planning two more school collects this year and hope to open it up to the wider public next year.
Raffle winners: Gordon Calder and John Tarbutt.
