Important: Apologies/Guests to Pres. Noel by Mid-day Thursday.
Noel’s email is: nrlucas@iinet.net.au M: 0427841262
As meals ordered must be paid for, please notify of the non-attendance of yourselves or partners.
Meeting Venue: Rochester Wine Bar
Next Meeting 14th August
Following the traditional opening, Pres. Noel welcomed Guest Speaker David Whiting and Maree, Greg Watkins, Pres. Bob Wiseman, RC Kangaroo Flat, Pres. Richard Epskamp and Members of RC Eaglehawk David Dolman, Doug Harrison Walter Lourie, PDG Gordon McKern, Lola Miller, Rita O’Brien and Leon Scott, RC Echuca Moama members Chrissy Weller, Geoff Tighe and Allie Lyle and RC Rochester Members Bryan Griffiths, Graeme Nelson, Stewart McDonald, Noel Schier and Ray Lewis and Rotary Partners Graeme Watson, Pam McDonald, Jeanette Nelson, Moira Lewis and Robyn Lucas
Leave of Absence: PP Heather and Rtn. Joe.
An apology was received from Treasurer Russell who is travelling the Canning Stock Route.
On this National Day of Mourning, our thoughts were with the families of those who had lost their lives
in the MH17 disaster.
Reports:
FARSE: Plans are well in hand with less than two weeks to go and PP Graeme has purchased 2 marques for the price of one. Members are asked to meet at the court House on Sunday morning 17th August to load materials.
The working bee to prepare the Recreation Site will be held on Sunday 17th August at 10.00am.
President’s Report:
*On Tuesday evening Pres. Noel attended the celebration evening for donation recipients of the 2014 Steam Rally. We were presented with a cheque for $2500.00. A total of $26000.00 has been distributed to the various organisations that had assisted with the 2014 Steam Rally.
*The Meals on Wheels roster commencing on Monday 11th Aug. has been arranged.
*Fiona Cordingly has been engaged to cater for the 50th Anniversary Luncheon.
*Thank you received from Australian Rotary Health for donation of $245.00.
Guest Speaker, David Whiting, a member of RC Keilor, is the District Director Governance. David commenced his address by telling of his association with Rochester through retired nurse Judith Thompson who in the early years of her career had been a staff member at Rochester War Memorial Hospital. Ms Thompson suffered bowel cancer and had appointed David, her Solicitor, to manage her affairs in the latter years of her life, and as executor of her estate. Ms Thompson wanted to do some good with her money (which was almost all of her total estate) and sought David’s trusted advice on how this might best be directed to research into bowel cancer. David had no doubt that Australian Rotary Health was an appropriate destination for this most generous of gifts and Judith’s will reflected her agreement with that advice. At a recent presentation at RC Keilor, PDG Greg Ross accepted a cheque of $393,000.00 on behalf of Australian Rotary Health – noting that it would form the basis for creation of a new, specific and perpetual, bowel cancer research grant.
(While those present at our meeting were not aware of Ms Thompson’s stay in Rochester, several long term residents spoken to on Friday remember her as working at the hospital during Jean Schneider’s term as Matron.)
David then spoke to the gathering about his role as District Governance Director which covers areas of Insurance, Legal requirements, and Protection so that issues that may arise are dealt with before reaching crisis point. Following an explanation of District Insurance that incorporates a series of six policies, Davis answered many questions from those present.
Thank you, David for a most informative address.
News from Ainaro:
Last Sunday Heather and Carmel made the steep climb to the village of Manutasi, north of Ainaro which afforded amazing views across the countryside and to Ainaro nestled between the mountains on three sides. As it was a clear day they were able to see, in the far distance the coast of the Timor Sea. The walk back home was more leisurely, mostly downhill through Poelau and Soro but with views to the rugged mountains west and south, the white trail of the river and the farm lands.
As senior students from both Secondary schools have been having exams this week, class numbers have been down and probably will remain so next week as students return to their villages for holidays.
On Tuesday Heather & Carmel met with the District Administrator, Snr Manuel Ramos Pinto who has indicated that he wants members of his staff to attend lessons.