President’s message … Another enjoyable meeting on Thursday and good to see Rotarians who had not been with us for a little while. 

This month Rotary celebrates and acknowledges the world-wide programme EndPolioNow – 24 October is World Polio Day.  Our club will contribute by a film fundraising evening on 15 October at the Tivoli (see details below).

Below is the first of 11 slides that can be accessed on the District website talking about the immunization campaign in Somalia. Our fundraising will help support the programme across the last two countries (Afghanisan and Pakistan) where the virus still has not been eliminated.  I encourage you all to attend the film screening with partners, families and guests so that Cambridge Rotary’s contribution assists in making a difference in the world in terms of polio eradication.

 

17 September 2020 – From 30 August to 3 September, Somalia conducted an integrated measles and polio campaign in the Banadir region – the first immunization campaign held since the COVID-19 pandemic had reached Somalia. Over the last 6 months, health workers have been fully engaged in fighting the pandemic. This campaign, conducted observing all necessary safety measures amid COVID-19, was a chance to get back on track in protecting children who have missed out on vital immunizations.

Another good turn out by members enjoying the physical meetings at the CHS.

 

Chris Crickett introduced guest speaker Kelvyn Eglinton, CEO of Momentum Waikato, and with an international mining background.

Kelvyn explained Momentum’s underlying business model – raising funds through bequests and donations, then managing and investing those funds, applying the proceeds in accordance with the purposes specified by the donors. He stressed that Momentum invests in the selected projects, and neither makes donations nor competes with existing service providers. He provided instances of bequests – such as Waikato Regional Arts Centre, where Momentum’s involvement has speeded up the development.

Ian Rogers thanked Kelvyn for his informative presentation.

 

Spring Challenge: Maurie Marshment circulated a duty roster for volunteers to assist in the Spring Challenge race for women to be held on 17 October. This is a project where the Club will receive the “wages” earned by volunteers – a much needed revenue stream for the Club.  Hi-Vis vests are to be returned to Bill Robinson for use at this event.

 

The Matakana Weekend excursion is now scheduled for March 2021 – see separate report to be circulated from Don Wilson. He encouraged any additional would-be participants to contact him.

 

Movie Night – fundraiser for PolioPlus - Greg Gascoigne reported that the October film premier will be “I am Woman” – made more poignant by the passing this week of Helen Reddy - will screen on Thursday 15 October and replaces the partners night meeting which will be held at a later date. Lions and the Matamata Rotary Club may join us for the evening. Please let Greg or Ken Leatham know if you wish to attend and of partners and any guests who wish to be there too.  We have the whole Tivoli complex booked out.  Ticket price is $25 per head plus a small cost for nibbles. A board will go around again next Rotary meeting.cheers

 

“Guess who’s coming to dinner” has been postponed until next year. David Blewden delivered members a double blow – not only did he fleece $20 off many for the “Days for Girls” raffle, he also kept Anne under wraps until next week.

 

The Rotary storage container is nearing the end of its tenure.  The Club will need to make alternate storage arrangements – all suggestions welcome. Members with items stored in it need to consider alternate arrangements in the next few weeks as the weather seal will be broken to access Bookarama items.

 

The Bruised Brothers performed at Bupa St Kilda last week, and have 12 – 15 gigs scheduled for the next few months. More welcome income for Club coffers.

 

Did you Know ….. We now know all we need to know about Bookarama, thanks to Ray Milner. This will be a labour-intensive event, and a major fund raiser. Rosters will be circulated.

 

Raffles were won by Nigel Salter (twice in two weeks) and Bev Heron

 

Next week Being the second Thursday of the month, it is Committee meeting night.  Anne Blewden will also speak briefly on Days for Girls.

 

DG Grant Spackman’s visit to Rotary Cambridge will be on 22 October.  Please ensure we have a good turnout at Cambridge High School to hear him speak and ask questions.

 

President Bev invited any with surplus, unused and in-date medications to contact her for them to be forwarded to Medical Aid Abroad, a charitable trust which accepts all unused, undamaged and in-date medicines and redistributes them to developing countries as needed.

 

She closed the meeting early at 7.45 pm.