Notes from Meeting
Sergeant Ted Mason, having discovered that John Bishop still had the key for the building, introduced President Ian Grant after a few ‘appropriate reminders’ of past conflicts between Scotland and England.
President Ian was delighted to see guests Alicia Ginders, Liz Grant prospective member Bradley du Bois and Andrew McFetridge. He also warmly welcomed Assistant Governor David Hulme.
President Ian reported his visit to the Urban Miners Secret Location and gave information on his initial training session of cutting hundreds of little bulbs from Christmas Tree lights. He was later denied cake and is reported to be wasting away on cups of tea!
With our original guest speaker rescheduled at short notice President Ian had to move to Plan B but Leslie Ann Thomas was unfortunately absent with the flu, so Plan C was initiated, and David Partis was asked to make the introduction. He, though, is in Melbourne, so, invoking Plan “D”, President Ian delegated this duty to Doug Lang.
The inspirational presentation by International President Shekhar Mehta was played. Question Time had, however, to be curtailed because of the International President’s many other commitments.
Past President Bev then announced the recipients of two Paul Harris Fellowship Awards, the presentation of their commemorative pins being awarded by Assistant District Governor David.
Firstly, we recognised one of our senior members to receive this honour “because their life has demonstrated a shared purpose with the objectives and mission of The Rotary Foundation to build world understanding and peace”. Congratulations Chris Crickett.
Secondary Bill Wilson was recognised for his ongoing contributions to the Foundation, relating to allaying suffering, improving living conditions, and providing educational opportunities for people elsewhere in the world. “This is a truly selfless action. Because of his generosity and thoughtfulness Bill received a Paul Harris Fellow plus 2 sapphire pin.”
Notices were then given:
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- Andrew Bateman – J Swap visit next Thursday 29th , meet at CHS at 4.30pm to car share.
- John Tarbutt – any further information on historical projects carried out over last 75 years that can be added to those noted for our anniversary.
- Bill Robinson – David Blewden has been appointed as 2024 District Conference Chair.
- Richard Seabrook – visit to Hamilton East Rotary Club is on Wednesday 18 August and please all note, there will be no formal Club Meeting on the following day.
- Alan van Niekerk – message from David Partis who reports that he is “buttoned down” in Melbourne but using his time to practise on a “crappy” guitar.
- Sergeant Ted – where is the Honours Board? Any donations to sponsor his Dry July effort?
- Mark – confirmed the impending visit of Louise Upston MP and local Councillors to Urban Miners.
- John Bishop - who removed some Camera Club’s property? President Ian promised to return the item.
After his fining session and our meal, Sergeant Ted heralded an initiative by President Ian to have each director weekly present a District or International Project. Nigel Salter then showed a video of a project started by Julia a member of Timaru Club. She is a midwife and passionate about her calling. Having discovered a stark need for natal care in Mongolia, she organised a trans-Tasman team to provide information and education to health professionals and their patients in Mongolia. It has already significantly reduced the appalling mortality rate in that country.
President Ian concluded the evening by thanking our guests including AG David Hulme, then gave best wishes to Robyn and Chris Crickett as they depart on extended leave and hoping it would not be long before we saw them again.