To celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand, we’ve teamed up with UNICEF to give life-saving vaccines to 100,000 children across the Pacific.
Greetings everyone,
Well 26 years ago today our gorgeous daughter, Emily, who now lives in London was born! Where do the years go? It makes me feel old!
Please remember if you are not attending a Rotary meeting that you register your absence on the website. It is now becoming an issue, and we need to ensure that we are providing the Albie with correct numbers for catering.
Over the past two weeks, our club has been busy with the following events -
I facilitated the session of ‘I in Drive’ at Wakatipu College & then down at Highlands for MAC & Cromwell students as part of Rotary Youth Driving Academy. I gave six 30-minute power presentation to over 300 students & hopefully will make a difference for some of these young people.
The Irish Quiz night was lots of fun. Well, done to Geoff & his team of helpers. The costumes were amazing with Helen taking out the winning prize for best dressed.
On Otago Anniversary Day Sally, Chris & I attended a vocational evening for the Cromwell Rotary Club at Carrick winery. A fabulous evening of fellowship, food, wine & hearing the story of the current owners Alison & Tony Cleland.
There have been meetings for the Crop Competition and Warbirds these last two weeks.
The Crop competition is on Friday 8 May at the Rugby Club rooms. Deans will be looking for helpers on this evening. I am unfortunately away in Auckland.
Please remember to complete the Health & Safety form if you are volunteering at Warbirds over Easter.
Warbirds is an amazing event for the Upper Clutha region with thousands of people coming into our town to attend. It is going to be extremely busy so remember to smile & wave as we may experience some little challenges. Don’t forget to pack water, snacks, coffee cup, sunscreen & your positive attitude when you are volunteering. I am so looking forward to the Warbirds weekend & will be hanging out in the smaller merchandising tent if you want to come visit.
The Rotary Reading Enrichment Literacy programme for year seven students at MAC is in the process of being introduced for the start of the term two school year. This programme has been running since 1996 & currently working in twelve North Island schools. Please contact Noelene Pullar if you are interested in being involved.
The results from this programme have been outstanding.
Next Tuesday night we have M.J. presenting to us about the upcoming Elections on Saturday 7 November.
Have a wonderful fortnight ahead.
Kindest regards
Marie
Club Duties
Duty roster notes.
1. All active members (except honorary members and Directors/President) are eligible to be rostered for duties.
2. Rostered members are responsible for doing the duty or arranging a substitute. Please assist us with this.
3. Please advise Jenny Dickie of substitutes on 021 342 227.
4. Duties are for the rostered week only.
5. Duties are notified in the fortnightly bulletin.
CLUB DUTIES ROSTER
31st March
7th April
14th April
21st April
Attendance
Don Irvine
Stuart Ayres
Committee Meetings
Tony Johnston
Meet, Greet and Photography
Jenny Moss
Duncan Boswell
Committee Meetings
Richard Howarth
Introduce Speaker
Dave Evans
John McLean
Committee Meetings
Bernadette Costello
Thank Speaker
Deans Hudson
Carol Angland
Committee Meetings
Mike Elliot
3 Minute Speaker
TBA
TBA
Committee Meetings
TBA
Raffle
Mathew Abraham
Ferg Collie
Committee Meetings
Vanessa Hills
Parting Thought
Dave McKenzie
Peter Harridge
Committee Meetings
Doug Lovell
Audio Visual Support
Ron Horner
Ron Horner
Committee Meetings
Ron Horner
Upcoming Meeting Night Events
May 26th: Robyn Brighouse: Alzheimer's Otago
Robyn Brighouse will present on dementia, outlining what it is, how to recognise the early signs, and ways to support a family member or friend in the initial stages.
Robyn has been involved with Alzheimer's Otago since 2013, following her partner’s diagnosis with younger onset dementia. After his death, she moved into a volunteer role before becoming a paid facilitator for the Aspiring Wanderers programme. She now works as a Dementia Advisor, supporting people with dementia and their families, and also leads the Music and Movement programme.
Robyn holds a Bachelor of Dementia Care from the University of Tasmania, further strengthening her knowledge and experience in supporting individuals and families living with dementia in the Wanaka area.
Previous Meeting Night Events
March 24th: Sally Batson: Upper Clutha Medical Trust
Having grown up in Auckland, studied in Palmerston North, and taught briefly in Christchurch I moved into the Upper Clutha in 1981 when I married Chris Battson and took up residence in Makarora. Chris and I ran Wilkin River Jets together until 2003, when we sold the business and moved to 'town'. I'm passionate about engaging with and giving back to community. I chaired the Makarora School Board of Trustees while living there and in 1998 I joined the Mt Aspiring College Board of Trustees and the Mt Aspiring College Foundation, being Chair of both for 12 years. I also served on the now disestablished Wanaka Residents Association and recently stepped down after 16 years working in the governance of Wanaka Waste busters, initially as as a committee member and latterly as a Director. I was invited to join the Upper Clutha Children's Medical Trust in 2021 and became the Chair late last year. My current 'day job' is owning and running Wanaka's independent bookstore - The Next Chapter.
A synopsis of Sally's talk is below
The Children's Medical Trust, established 16 years ago, supports families with children needing medical or psychological assistance. The trust, led by Sally, receives referrals from specialists and assesses financial need. Funding comes from community donations and vigorous fundraising, with a current significant balance. The trust has helped over 600 families, granting thousands of dollars. Recent years have seen a surge in mental health issues, particularly PTSD and anxiety. The trust operates with volunteers, ensuring all funds go directly to helping children. They also noted an increase in vision-related issues and the importance of play therapy.
Sally with President Marie
New Member: Richard Purdy.
Richard was formally inducted into our Rotary Club at out Tuesday 24th meeting. A long experienced Rotarian in Vanuatu holding many positions, you will be a vital addition to our club, Richard.
St Patrick's Day Quiz evening.
It was a great evening to be sure, with Helen Tait taking The Opportunity (Party) to win the best dressed prize and the team with some "notables" scooping the Albie prize. And a big thank you to the organising Leprechauns of Geoff, Chris and Sally.
The Teams ready to be sure
The winning team with Albie Manager Sophie President Marie awarding the Best Dressed
Presenting the winning voucher Prize to Helen Tait
The two organising Leprechauns on the night , Sally and Geoff.
A Parting Thought - courtesy of Eion Rutherford
I can except failure
Everyone fails at something
But I cannot accept not trying
The Sunday Bike Ride Crew
Just the "creme de la creme" on Sunday 22nd, hunting bread at Albert Town.
And this last weekend seen "cycling the loop" around Otago Harbour was a group of Wanaka Rotary ABBA fans. Ask Peter Borrie or the unlucky Graeme Brown about the P.O.L upper harbour Log Yard security breech. My lips are sealed.