WelcomePresident Robyn welcomed guest speaker Peter Loft, Nigel Salter, AG David Hulme as well as Sarah Eastwood – outgoing exchange student.
Guest Speaker – Peter Loft, Co-founder, Life member, Coach, Athlete – Achilles Foundation NZ
Peter Loft said the Achilles Foundation in New Zealand was founded in 1993 in Whangarei. The Foundation supported those with physical and mental disabilities in rehabilitation programmes and trained them to run marathons. Some achieved less than the usual marathon distance but many were able to persevere and succeed in running full marathons. They were all an inspiration, overcoming many difficulties and challenges. Peter recounted his experience in training those with very severe handicaps to participate. He was inspired by the positive attitude of people who faced adversity and the approach they had to see the good things in their bodies – they see the person first and not the disability. All those present were amazed at the stories of tenacity in the real life examples that Peter spoke of.
The Foundation is reliant on volunteers and a support person does not have to be a marathon runner to help – there are many tasks that anyone can do to help. Every disabled athlete requires a support person or persons and each runner needs a team of 6-7 people to support them throughout the year.
There were many questions of Peter from the floor and we all came away truly inspired by those who, through sheer tenacity, strong determination and a positive attitude, achieved what seemed an impossibility.
NOTICES
Youth Exchange student – Sarah Eastwood
Shona Devoy, counsellor for the exchange students introduced Sarah Eastwood who was to spend a year in France. Sarah thanked Rotary for supporting her on what will be an amazing journey during her time away. She outlined her hobbies and how she decided to apply for the exchange. She was keen to see a different part of the world, experience a different culture and gain some independence. She also was excited about learning a new language.
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership)
Applications for the RYLA course in April were now open. Bill Robinson encouraged members to think about young people who may be interested in attending. 9930 was a district that accepted applications from grandchildren of Rotarians even if the applicant did not live in its district.
Garden Festival – Sunday 24 November
Carey Church repeated the brief she gave last week and thanked everyone who had offered to help. She reminded members that those touring the gardens must wear a wristband. Anyone with problems on the day are asked to phone Carey.
Rotary Cambridge Adventure Club
David Blewden and Andy Newman outlined a new programme – Rotary Cambridge Adventure Club. The objective is to organize a range of walking or cycling adventure trips that take adventage of the Great New Zealand Outdoors, while providing social and physical wellness opportunities for members, their families and friends. By welcoming non-members to participate, the Adventure Club will provide a mechanism to introduce potential new members to the benefits of joining Rotary.
The trips will be a mixture of walking and cycling of half-day, full-day and overnight duration. The proposed dates during 2020 are
- Sunday 2 February – Mt Maungatautari Summit/Arapuni Café – afternoon walk
- Sunday 8 March – Timber Trail Leg two. Day Trip Cycle
- Saturday/Sunday 18 & 19 July – Te Whara Track, Bream Head. Overnight (max 8 people)
- Sunday 30 August – Waikino Gorge. Walk/cycle plus option to do Hauraki Cycle Trail
- Further dates tbc
The next steps are to discuss with President Robyn and Club Service Director for OK to proceed and then present to club prior to the end of 2019.
Reminder - new caterer and earlier time for apologies
Remember that Gourmet Delicious are our new caterers on the third Thursday of each month. The first Thursday will be a community group. Please note that apologies for all meetings are now required by 4.30PM on the Tuesday in the meeting week.
Christmas Parade – Sunday 1 December
Ken Leatham put out a call for volunteers to help with marshalling/crowd control at the Christmas Parade. Debrief at i—site office and finish by 3pm. A sheet will be circulated for commitment. Please remember to wear your Rotary branded caps, tee shirts, etc.
Weekend Away – March 2020
Don Wilson said there will be another weekend away from 27-29 March 2020. This time to Matakana (near Warkworth). There’s lots of things to do in the area. Accommodation, activities, restaurants were mentioned and Don will send these and other details out in an email this week for people to respond to. A group booking is needed to be secured soon (with a non-refundable deposit) but if some members are unable to commit at this stage they can book their own accommodation.
Cambridge Rotary Christmas 12 December – Party, Party, Party.
Our Christmas gathering for this year is being hosted by Ian Grant and his wife, Liz. We’ll be at Ian’s property at 151b Duncan Road Tamahere on Thursday 12th December.
There is no requirement to bring a chair this year.
However, please do remember to bring:
- a gift to the value of $10 and if you’re a man, bring a man gift, if you’re a woman, bring a woman gift
- your own crockery, glassware & cutlery
- it’s BYO drinks
A board was handed around for people to indicate numbers. There will be entertainment, but the Bruised Brothers will be having a year off so that they can come along and enjoy the evening without having to set up and play and miss out on the frivolity and fun!!
Taste Waikato
Jan Bilton advised that the cost of the cookbook has been reduced to $25 to Rotarians and sponsors. Retailing in shops and markets for $35.
Raffle
Raffle winners this week were Kim Prichard and Bev Heron.
Magic Moment
Ken Leatham provided information on the Le Quesnoy sculpture erected near Te Koutu. The sculpture is in the design of the Eiffel Tower and the prow is directed at Les Quesnoy. The silver fern sign represents the ladder that was used to scale the wall and liberate the town from occupation. A very fitting unveiling ceremony was held to which a number of Rotarians attended.
9930 District News
Rotary D9930 Conference – 20 – 24 May 2020
- A Conference that will inspire like no other
- Registrations now open
- Bev Maul-Rogers as President-Elect will be co-ordinating the Rotary Cambridge attendees
More later – or look at the conference website – www.9930conference.org
