Important: Apologies/Guests to PP. Russell Anderson by Mid-day Thursday.
Russell’s email is: suttoncourt@bigpond.com.au
As meals ordered must be paid for, please notify of the non-attendance of yourselves or partners.
Meeting Venue: Rochester Wine Bar
The meeting of 29th May was cancelled due to the Echuca Musical Theatre Group’s production of Li’l Abner. Pres. Heather reported that the production was of a high standard, the cast had lots of fun but unfortunately audience numbers were disappointing.
At the meeting of June 5th, President Heather welcomed Rotarians and Partners of Members to the weekly meeting. A warm welcome was extended to Rebecca Kellett, Beth Andrews and her mother Jacquie.
Grace was said by PP Noel Lucas and the Toast proposed by PP Noel Schier.
We missed the company of Joe Flynn and Sec. Bryan Griffiths.
RI Sydney Convention: Arriving at the meeting still wearing their Convention name tags, PP Ray and Moira were amongst the 18,000 delegates/partners from around the world who attended the 105th RI Convention fromMay 29th to June 4th. Both were very impressed with the transport arrangements and the free travel provided by the NSW Govt. Highlights were the Opening ceremonies (2 to cope with the numbers attending); the Entertainment which included Human Nature, The Ten Tenors and Marina Prior; the record number of Breakout sessions; the Excellent speakers; the announcement of Australian Govt. donation of $100 million to Polio Plus; the Hall of Friendship with over 120 stalls and finally the Incoming RI President Gary C.K. Huang from Taiwan. Unfortunately Ray and Moira were unable to meet with Kittypop Polsa from RC Chiangmai. PP Ray presented Pres. Heather with banners from RC of Yola, D9125-Nigeria and from District 9211, Tanzania, Uganda.
Return Visit of Bangkot Kanjanaratanakorn (Tang): Last weekend Tang, her parents and brother Tong were guests of Jenny & Doug Owen following their stay in Melbourne to attend Tong’s graduation from Melbourne University. In the 10 years since Tang was our hosted Exchange Student, she has studied in London and has graduated with a Bachelor of Economics. She currently owns and runs a café in Phayao, Thailand.
RC Glen Waverley: PP Noel L reported on his recent visit to the RC Glen Waverley when grandson Michael was one of ten students who was reporting on their participation in youth programs supported by the Club.
Guest Speakers: Introduced by PP Russell, MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly) participants Beth Andrews and Rebecca Kellett spoke of their experiences at the recent program that was held at Camp Getaway.
Following an introductory session on the Friday evening, the girls spent time on research, checking out the definitions of unfamiliar words and further investigating the role and structure of the United Nations. The girls represented Syria and both found it an interesting and fun experience to debate issues such as “Equal Rights for Women” and “Stricter Gun Policies for America” from the perspective of a Syrian national, a view that could be totally opposed to their own as an Australian teenager. Beth and Rebecca both enjoyed the social part of the weekend and the opportunity to meet new friends from different cultures with whom they have continued to make contact through facebook.
Campaspe: Our Future A range of community consultation activities will be taking place during June. A Workshop will be held at 4R’s on Wednesday 18th June, 6.00pm to 7.30pm while a Pop up activity will be held on Friday 20th June outside Major’s IGA.
Steam Rally: Thanks to all Members and Partners who assisted at this Annual Event. Special thanks to Doug Owen, Brett Gledhill, Belinda Adams, Monique Keech, Roger Lucas and Chris & Adrienne Klimatsakis without whose help we would not have managed to serve so many helpings of Stew & Damper. After a steady Saturday, Sunday saw a constant stream of customers with queues stretching along the roadway.