Meets Thursdays at 6pm for 6.30pm at Heritage Court House, Moore St. Rochester
Apologies to Heather by noon, Wednesday for catering.
043984217
ghwatson1@bigpond.com.au
Meeting 20 July 2016
Next Meeting: Thursday, 27th July and scheduled as a Board Meeting.
Pres. Bryan welcomed Visitors Jenny Ingram, Debbie Bish, Ross & Nancye Lees and Belinda Gordon,
Rtns. Heather, Gay, Noel L, Graeme and Noel S, and Rotary Partners Robyn & Jeanette.
July – The Start of a New Rotary Year
As the month of July continues, Club projects are revisited, new ones considered and plans consolidated.
Members were saddened to learn of the sudden death of RI President-elect Sam Owori.
RI President Ian has stated that “there has been an outpouring of heartfelt messages since President-elect
Sam’s passing last week. Rotarians and members of the public have been sharing memories and recalling
how Sam inspired them through his hard work as a Rotarian and as a dedicated civil servant. It is clear
that his impact and legacy were felt worldwide.”
The 2017-18 nominating committee will select a new president-elect, in addition to the presidentnominee,
during its scheduled meeting in early August.
FARSE: Planning continues and Sec. Heather was pleased to announce that 30 exhibitors have
committed to this year’s event while 14 schools within an area bordering Bendigo to Mathoura have
indicated their attendance. Treas. Noel has organised a team of volunteers to assist with the marking out
and setting up of the site.
ROADEC: A Committee Meeting will be held on August 1st at “The Drovers’ Arms”, Goornong,
commencing at 2.00pm.
Bunnings BBQ: Many thanks to members, partners & friends who assisted at the BBQ last weekend.
Treas. Noel reported on a very successful outcome. Sales commenced at 8.45am and remained steady
throughout the day.
Guest Speaker: Belinda Gordon, proprietor of “Parsons Rochester” spoke of the challenges faced when taking over a well established business during uncertain times.
“Parsons” has been an institution in Rochester for 100 years and for the past 25 years has been owned by Gail Metcalfe. When some two years ago Gail talked of closing the store, Belinda, who had worked with Gail for 8 years and previously with Yvonne Smolenaars at “Sonya-Maree”, offered to buy the business. After lengthy negotiations Belinda along with her husband Jason took over the business at the end of September 2016. With the support of family & friends, the interior of the shop was revitalised ready for re-opening on 6th October 2016. Belinda’s aim is to bring in new lines while maintaining the quality that Parsons has been renowned for both locally and within the wider community. She hopes to capture a younger market while catering to her older, loyal customers, some of whom travel from nearby towns on a regular basis. Belinda acknowleges that attracting the teenage market is very difficult and has trialled different opening hours and promotional activities in an effort to bring these younger costomers through the door. Meanwhile the social media page has attracted interest resulting in new costomers in other age groups.
With Jason taking over as a sales assistant of a Saturday morning and with Ebony, Bryce & Ruby helping out after school hours and during holidays the business has become very much a family affair.
Thank you Belinda for giving us such a candid insight into your working life. We wish you well in all your endeavours.
Keep these dates free: Saturday 11th Nov., Saturday 9th Dec. BBQ at Coles.