Important: Please make sure you contact Pres. Noel by Mid-day Thursday with your apology.
Noel’s email is nrlucas@iinet.net.au
Next meeting: 12th March at the Wine Bar, 6.00 for 6.30pm.
Pres. Noel welcomed Rotarians Heather, Stewart, Russell and Ray, Bryan, Noel and Graeme and Rotary Partners Pam & Robyn. A special welcome was extended to Karrin Thurston and Steven Spence, guests of Russell who are currently involved in the Rochester Mural Festival.
The meeting of 26th February saw members attend the End Polio Now fundraiser held at the Bendigo Cinema. We joined with about 180 Rotarians and guests from the Goldfields Clusters who thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Just remember – Be nice to your children as they are the ones to choose your Nursing Home!
President Elect 2015-16: Congratulations to Rtn Bryan Griffiths for accepting nomination for this role.
Club Service Director: Treas. Russell Anderson has agreed to fill this role vacated by the resignation of Rtn. Joe Flynn.
The Bus: Yesterday, the D6840 GSE team was transported by PP Graeme from Bendigo to Melbourne following a delightful lunch at the Axedale Tavern. Graeme was pleased to learn that team member Matthew Winterkorn from Slidell, Louisiana was originally from Rochester New York.
ROADEC: PP Graeme reported on the meeting held at ROADEC on 20th February. DG Murray, accompanied by Community Services Director plus assorted ADGs assembled to inspect the facilities and to learn more of the program. Some very positive discussions took place with many suggestions as to how the program may be further promoted by ALL D9800 clubs.
Meals on Wheels: Mon 9th – Noel & Robyn Tues. 10th – Heather
Wed. 11th – John Knight Thurs. 12th – Stewart & Pam
Fri. 13th – John & Lucille Weeks
Mural Festival: Commencing from Sunday, 1st March, Heather, Noel, Robyn & Bryan have spent a busy time welcoming visitors to the Court House and providing refreshments to the artists, volunteers and visitors. Many thanks to Campaspe CWA who have shared refreshment duties with us, supplying Devonshire Teas on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Visitors have been very interested in the restoration work that has been carried out on the Court House, many reminiscing about previous visits that did not always end happily.
The Photographic Exhibition – People & Places of Timor Leste has received many positive comments and has promoted discussions of humanitarian projects carried out by Rotarians and other groups such as Teachers 4 Timor. Timorese handcrafts supplied and displayed by the Campaspe East Timor Friendship Association have also been well received with many visitors purchasing items.
Karrin Thurston one of the artists involved in the Mural Festival thanked members for the welcome and hospitality received during the time her and Steven have been in Rochester. Karrin’s association with the Arts commenced in her early childhood when her father was granted a scholarship to attend the Royal College of Arts in London. Her interest in mural painting commenced in 1994 when she purchased a hardware/sport store/café at Mendooran, NW of Dubbo. Soon every wall was covered in murals; some with such realistic scenes that birds tried to land on branches of trees and customers commented on the views of the Warrumbungles seen behind the shop’s counter. In 1998 Karrin took part in the Festival of Murals in Chemainus, Canada and since then has attended Festivals in Bowan, Queensland and now Rochester. Karrin and partner, Steven now live in Lightning Ridge.