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
Next Meeting: 24th March at the Court House. This will be a Board Meeting. Directors are asked to have their reports to Sec. Heather ASAP so that they may be included in the agenda.
March: Water & Sanitation Month During March, Rotary Water and Sanitation Month, we’re celebrating our commitment to create healthier communities by supplying clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
*The Rotary Club of Bangalore Metro in India installed a water purification plant in the village of Ramanahalli. Due to extensive mining, the ground water in this rural community is completely contaminated with fluorides and other contaminants. The new water purification plant provides reliable access to potable water.
*In the rural community of Bharat Pokhari in Nepal, villagers walk 25 km to fetch buckets of water every day. Oftentimes girls spend two hours a day bringing home water before and after school. In partnership with the Rotary Club of Williamson (USA), the Rotary Club of Pokhara installed a water tank in the village giving more than 500 families access to safe drinking water closer to home.
The meeting of 8th March was a combined meeting with RC Echuca Moama to allow members of both clubs to meet with and to view the presentation of the Group Vocational Team from D3800, Philippines.
On the 17th March, Pres. Noel welcomed Rotarians Heather, Gay, Stewart and Bryan and Rotary Partners Pam and Robyn. Apologies were received from Rtn. Graeme and Jeanette
Mural Festival: Sec. Heather has been in contact with Paul Wheelton and an offer has been made for Kerry Nicholson’s mural which incidentally won the popular award. The Club is most appreciative of Paul’s generous contribution to RC of Rochester and to the Rochester community. Pres. Noel has sought quotes for stands to exhibit the murals. During the Mural Festival Devonshire Teas were served at the Court House. While the weather during the first part of the week was not kind to us, sales improved as the Festival progressed and it was pleasing to note that a number of books were sold as were a number of preserves made by Sec. Heather.
International: PP Stewart thanked all those who had assisted during the hosting of the Group Vocational Exchange, a very pleasant & entertaining group of young people led by a dynamic leader, Jeng. All vocational placements were appropriate and Karen especially was thrilled to spend such long hours with the Community Development Officer, Jenny Turner. In messages received since her return home, Karen states that those two days ticked every box on her ‘must do’ list. At the same time, John was thrilled to be able to teach a class at Rochester Secondary College where he was presented with a microscope, the second he now has to share with a class of 75 students. Following a day spent at the Echuca Special School, Jeremy spent time with a private speech pathologist and stated that he was able to learn so much in those short hours. The remaining members of the team also experienced placements that had relevance to their professional lives.
Other highlights of the week were a trip on a paddle steamer on the Murray River, a visit to Moama to experience wine tasting at St Anne’s Winery and to say they had been to NSW and feeding the calves at Murray’s farm. A trip to the Kyabram Fauna Park was an opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by Pam. Karen & Glaiza also had the opportunity to meet with Leigh Wilson, Mayor of Campaspe Shire.
Fund Raising: Members are asked to keep Sunday 10th April free for our next Bunnings BBQ. We have also requested a Cake Stall at Bunnings for Saturday 21st May.
Writing the war: Personal stories from WW1: This touring exhibition from the State Library will be at the Campaspe Regional Library March 11th to May 1st.
Reminder – Keep this Date Free: Pie & Port Night is back again in 2016 and will be held at the Court House on Saturday, 7th May.