Important: Please make sure you contact PP Russell by Mid-day Thursday with your apology.
Russell’s email is: suttoncourt@bigpond.com.au
Meeting Venue: Rochester Wine Bar
Next Meeting: 27th November – Board Meeting “What is in the Box?” – All will be revealed.
Pres. Noel welcomed Rotarians Ray Lewis, Heather Watson, Russell Anderson, Stewart McDonald, Noel
Schier and Bryan Griffiths and Rotary Partners Pam McDonald and Robyn Lucas
Apologies: Graeme Nelson.
Guests: Tracie Kyne and Amy Hayes
Club Red: Tracie and Amy informed members of Club Red, a group blood donation programme that encourages community, business and youth groups to donate blood together. As a way of encouraging rural communities to become involved in the programme The Bendigo Bank, has initiated a pilot programme with the Rochester Branch to take donors to Bendigo on a regular basis. Tracie proposes forming a partnership between the Bank and the Rotary Club of Rochester using the Community Bus to transport donors. Following discussion, members recommended that the Board accept Tracie’s proposal.
November is Rotary Foundation Month: The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary, the Foundation taps into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into programmes such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Court House: Treas. Russell has now met with the builder and has received an account for the final work to be completed on the floor and skirtings. A quote has also been received for the fitting out of the kitchen. The tables and chairs stored at Russell’s are now to be moved to the Court House.
Elmore Field Days: As the Club’s contribution to the setting up of the site and for providing heavy machinery escort, a cheque for $475 has been received from the Field Days Committee.
Wine Tour: Many thanks to Stewart for arranging a successful tasting tour of the Heathcote Wine Region. Although numbers were a little disappointing, those attending had a very enjoyable day visiting the 3 selected vineyards. Of particular interest was the history associated with Hennings, where Darryl Rathjen produces premium wines on the site where his great grandfather first planted vines in the late 1850’s and where today’s wine is stored in the cellar that was built in the 1870. Thank you, Graeme for being our designated driver.
Congratulations to Moira Lewis who has been named as the face of Parkinson’s Victoria latest promotion.
Lunch with Joe: Last Friday, several members and partners spent an enjoyable time with Joe Flynn before he returns to Queensland to spend time with his brother. Included in the gathering were the “Birthday Girls”, a group of ladies who met for lunch each month with Joe’s late wife, Mary.
Christmas Breakup: No decision was made re this function that is to be held in 4 weeks. Will it be a normal meeting at the Wine Bar or at Lucas’s?
Club Vision: By now all members should have completed the online survey. The day seminar is to be held at Community House on Sunday, 23rd November, commencing at 10.00am with Morning Tea. A light lunch will be served during the seminar.
Fund –raising BBQ: A reminder that a BBQ has been booked at Bunnings for Sunday 25th January and Sunday 5th February. Keep these dates in the diary and let Pres. Noel know if you can assist.
Rotary District 9800 Conference 2015 A reminder to all that early bird registration closes on December 15th. A fantastic line–up of speakers and entertainment has been arranged for participants.
From Mark Stephens: The District 9800 AGM was held last week and IPDG Ross presented his Annual Report. Below is a link to the report which really does summarise what was a fantastic year.
http://www.rotarydistrict9800.com.au/images/RotaryDistrict9800AnnualReport2013-‐2014.pdf The full financial report will also be available in the Members only section of the website in coming days