Charity Dinner – 16 April 6pm
A reminder that the deadline for numbers to attend this major fundraiser is this Monday, 12 April.
I was delighted that our District Governor Grant Spackman highlighted the Charity Dinner in his recent newsletter – he said ”…The protection of women and children is crucial even here in New Zealand. Our Rotary Clubs are significant supporters of Women’s Refuge, the country’s largest organisation supporting women and children against domestic violence. For many years Women’s Refuge has guaranteed accommodation during times of desperate need.
“More recently a new organisation has emerged called Pet Refuge, providing temporary shelter for pets affected by domestic violence, keeping them safe while their owners escape. Pets are abused as part of domestic violence and women in this situation have found it easier to leave if there was a shelter offering temporary accommodation for their pets.”
I wrote to Grant thanking him for including our fundraiser in his newsletter – he replied “…The Pet Refuge and Women’s Refuge are such wonderful causes. This charity being the beneficiary of Cambridge Rotary’s upcoming Dinner fitted well with the theme for my Governor’s message around Maternal and Child Health Month.” I look forward to welcoming Grant and Wendy when they attend the Dinner.
Acting Sergeant Chris Crickett called the meeting to order and, in a lively manner, recalled moments in history. He then introduced President Bev Maul-Rogers.
President Bev welcomed partners Liz Grant and Michael Ryan and a good turnout of members. She pointed out that we have a busy 3 months ahead with a mix of fundraising and activity based projects and fellowship.
Bev spoke of an invitation to make a personal contribution to the “Give Every Child a Future” centennial project.
Meeting Notes
Committee meetings
Members then met in their respective committee groups, following which each Director reported back to the full meeting.
Club Services – John Tarbutt
- Club 75th Anniversary – suggestions had been discussed to mark the occasion
- Presidential Changeover – this will be held on Thursday 1 July 2021
- Name Badges - PE Ian investigating new ones
- Brand Consistency - Vital that all projects adopt the new branding
- Bar Managers - One or two more are required to maintain our licensing permit. (Contact Bev, Ian or John T)
- Meals – The CHS will cater on 15 April (Volleyball group) and 20 May (Hockey)
- Storage Container – investigating a new home
- Hi-Viz vests – Should each member have their own, for which they are responsible?
- Conference - Bill & Deb R to convene Zoom meeting re apparel for Saturday night
New Generation/Membership – Sean Brady (apology from John Bullick)
- Membership Night – Thursday 6 May
- New Member Event – Action Plan established and all on track. John Bullick. Now urgently needs the names of people who are to be invited
International – Ken Leatham
- Wood/Chainsaw Raffle – All money, raffle ticket butts and unsold tickets to be returned by 16 April
Vocational – Jan Bilton
- J. Swap Visit – postponed - Thursday 29 April. APL not ready for visitors yet
- President’s Breakfast – due to a very full timetable up until 30 June this will now not proceed. Mark Morgan, CEO of Hamilton Airport Company to be approached to see if he would be guest speaker on 29 April and maybe we could visit the Airport with or without a meal there. Other meal venues close by are an option.
- Gaslight Theatre – Possible dinner/play evening on 17 June
Community - David Partis
- Public Seat – time to resurrect the old one. An authorised site is being sought near Karapiro
- Blood Bank – coming soon, a couple of volunteers needed, Also good PR opportunity
- Branded cycling Hi-viz vests – idea for a Rotary Wheel branded vests to be worn by cycling groups
- Guess Who’s Coming For Dinner? - coming together. Deadline for names is 22 April
Acting Sergeant Chris C. then ably disclosed a number of “culprits” who duly paid their fines.
Notices
Charity Dinner – deadline for numbers is Monday 12 April. President Bev thanked Laurie G. for trudging the streets getting sponsors and also all members for auction items.
Urban Miners – urgently need clean 1 litre empty milk bottles. Kim P. was thanked for the super signs advertising collection days and Ken L. for the promise of wooden stakes
[David B. has appeared on the front page of the Cambridge Edition in some great publicity. The newspaper caption stated that he had “electronic chords”. We didn’t know he was musical let alone owning an electronic piano!]
Wood cutting working bee at John Bishop’s – Ken Leatham advised that John Bishop had wood to be cut up at his property and had offered a donation for members to do the job. Following the meeting, Ken sent an email to all members advising that this would be held on Saturday 17 April. Planned starting time is 9.30am at John’s place 300 Maungatautari Road.
Did you Know…. – David Blewden
Nuclear Power. Did you know it’s not as bad as we think? David Blewden provided convincing statistics that nuclear disasters had not been as extensive as other tragic losses of life and that nuclear energy is the only possible source available to meet the world’s need for electricity.
President Bev thanked Nigel S. for organising the team for Quiz nights at the Thornton Club.
She then mentioned an invitation to visit the Birkenhead Club in Auckland on 15/16 May which would include a visit to the Devonport Naval Base including an opportunity to tour a ship. Interest in this weekend will be canvassed.
President Bev then closed the meeting with the promise of another Acting Sergeant next week. Mayor Mylchreest will be our guest speaker.
