Narooma Rotary Beacon 1 June 2017

Short words

On Monday morning, I walked into a shop, owner says “are you (Rotary) responsible for that fiasco on the weekend?” I suppose so “It was awful, no one was complaining, everyone was smiling, the town was abuzz” he then smiled and shook my hand “well done”.

Queanbeyan Pipes & Drums perform at the Busking Competition

This summed up the response to the Busking festival on Saturday. We (Narooma Rotary) with the support and help of other service clubs, businesses around town, the Council, River of Art and the community produced a great event for the town.

It is with enormous pride that I have accepted so much praise for our Rotary Club and the positive effect it has had on the community. It wouldn’t have happened without Sandra pushing it, John supporting her and the committee she led. Well done to all, and thank you to everyone who helped.

Last Thursday we helped with the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea at Anthony’s Plaza Pharmacy. Peter Hartley was on the BBQ despite being pestered by phone from his son. It appears that his son’s wife had gone into labour and Julie (Peter’s wife) was MIA and not answering her phone [ a terrible thing in this high tech instant communication world]. Pete was able to find Julie and they arrived in Canberra in time for the birth of their first grandchild, a daughter 2.9kg and all doing well.

Peter was able to make it back for the Busking Festival and the Markets on Sunday. Thank you to all who helped on Sunday as it was a big call to back up after Saturday.

Narooma Public School’s Narooma Rhythm Hunters, under music teacher Juanita Lowe

This week we have a Club Assembly followed by a Board meeting, a difficult follow up after last week’s wonderful meeting where the String Family performed.

Spare a thought for Michael O’Connor as he is doing it a bit tough, following a couple of falls Michael made the hard decision to pull out of his epic walk to rest his body and to heal the significant sprains and bruises. Everyone in the Club and community is proud of Michael’s achievements. We will welcome Michael home at the end of the week.

Cheers

Bob Ant

A Message from Superwoman Sandra

The Dream Team – Narooma Busking Competition Organizing Committee

I would like to say an enormous thank you to all the Rotarians who came out to help and make Saturday such a fabulous day.  Wow!  I can’t believe what happened.  I know I said at the beginning of the year “Please you must be around if possible for this day” and you were.  Even Peter who came back early from seeing his beautiful new granddaughter.

I must thank my wonderful Dream Team – John, Lynda, Chris and Nadine for all the hard work they put in to make this such a special day.  And thank you to others who were behind the scenes – Bob with banking and Rotary advice (eg Insurance etc) Laurelle with the paper media, Frank as the IT help desk, Rachel who helped me sort out Publisher issues to make our signs and banners look so good, Donna who came to help in place of Michael and Shelby Grace who controlled the Plaza events for me.  My only time up there was to thank The String Family at the end of each session so I couldn’t stay to manage the whole day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Sandra

Busking Festival creates buzz (Media Release, Thanks to Laurelle)

Part of the crowd at the Busking Competition Concert

Narooma’s first Regional Busking Festival and Competition last Saturday was such a success, Narooma Rotary President Bob Antill said the Club would like to make it an annual event.

‘It was a great day with 57 buskers performing at the town’s 29 sponsored Busking Hot Spots and literally filling the town with music, but the event didn’t just happen,’ he said.

‘It was the result of a lot of work by a dedicated committee who did an amazing job and with the support of the whole community.’

The Festival was organised by Narooma Rotary Club, partnered with the River of Art, and was part of the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC).

Over 500 people filled Narooma Golf Club auditorium late Saturday afternoon and evening for the concert by the Festival’s ambassadors The String Family, followed by a concert by the finalists in the busker competition and the presentation of prizes.

Three people associated with ANBC judged the buskers throughout the day.

Kumera Patch

The judges made 24 awards, the major ones being:

Open champion:

Tyler Strucklak &Skye Armstrong of Batemans Bay ($1,000 donated by Narooma Sporting & Services Club)

Open second:  Mariano Reggiani and Mike Jones of Fretz & Reedz of Tilba ($500 Narooma and Dalmeny IGAs)

Open third:  Liquid Sun from South Gundagai ($250 Blue Water Seafoods)

Secondary champion:

Matilda Rose of Bredbo ($500 Narooma High School)

Secondary second:  Will Stephens of Werribee, Victoria ($300 Narooma Seafood Direct)

Secondary third: Charlize & Eric of Akolele ($100 Narooma Mechanical and Automotive Services)

Primary Champion:

Narooma Rhythm Hunters ($300 Easts Holiday Parks)

Primary Second Place: Mitchell Loudoun of Dalmeny ($200 Montague Vets)

Primary Third Place: Bray Constable of Narooma ($100 Narooma Mechanical and Automotive Services)

Best Band (three or more performers):

Kumera Patch of Congo ($500 Narooma Pharmacy and Rotary)

Mike and Ange sell Busker votes

Best local performer:       

Jacob Poyner ($300 Narooma Plaza)

The People’s Choice Awards (awarded to buskers who received the most Busker Votes):

Winner:  Narooma Rhythm Hunters ($1,000 Narooma Golf Club)

Second: Kumera Patch of Congo ($300 Narooma Plaza Pharmacy)

Third: Matilda Rose of Bredbo ($200 Lynch’s Hotel)

Festival coordinator Sandra Doyle was delighted with the number of people who turned out for the Festival, many coming from Batemans Bay to Bega.

‘It has been an awesome community event,’ she said. ‘We want to thank everyone who took part – spectators, buskers, our sponsors especially our major sponsors – Narooma Golf Club, Narooma Sporting & Services Club and Narooma Easts Holiday Park – and our team of volunteers including from our own Rotary Club, Lions, Quota, Probus, View, CWA and MACS.

Ashley, Lynda and John hard at work at Busking HQ

Mrs Doyle paid special tribute to her ‘Dream Team’ of Rotarians Lynda Ord, Chris O’Brien and husband John, with assistance from her daughter Nadine Holland.

Narooma Festival winners will be invited to compete in the National Grand Final in Cooma in November.

Narooma News has some great photos and videos of the Competition. Click here to access them. For another link to the Narooma News coverage click here. Photos were contributed to the Narooma News by Laurelle Pacey and Bob Antill.

John Doyle has also loaded some photos on a google drive. Click here to access them. (Note you may have to request authorisation – clicking the link will alert John to give you access).

Other things that happened last week!

Last Thursday’s meeting was well attended by members. We were thrilled to have our Busking Ambassadors, ‘The String Family’ perform for us. They were fantastic. The family have been on the road for the past 15 months performing in all parts of the Country and from all accounts it has been going well with bookings continuing well into next year. And what was their being break? Winning the National Busking Competition in 2015.

As Bob has reported by email the Sunday market was well supported. The Van took $468.50, the Gate 895 and wishing well $105.85 plus a lot of foreign coins!!! not counted. $1469.35 in total.

A Camp for Everyone

For more than 90 years, the Rotary Club of Kansas City has been rallying all corners of the community to help thousands of kids attend camp. The club, whose members are among Rotary’s first People of Action, gave the first donation to The Rotary Foundation 100 years ago. Click here to read more.

Urgently Needed for the next Rotary Year

A Bulletin Editor. Let Bob Aston know if you can help out.

59th Changeover Dinner

Thursday 29th June

Narooma Golf Club

6.30pm  for 7.00pm

$35 per person (two courses main and desert cake, table wine)

RSVP to Rod by Friday 16th June

Narooma Rotary Beacon 25 May 2017

Short Words

As we power toward the busking festival and markets this weekend all seems to be falling in place, well done to Sandra and her team who have managed to involve the whole town in this celebration of music.

Today, Sunday, I wandered around the markets at Kiama and we had sausage sandwiches from Lions tent and BBQ. Wow their health inspector must be very relaxed! we do really run a very good outfit when you see what’s out there.

Changeover is coming up next month and Rod has been working hard on getting the night organised and Bob forming his strategies for the upcoming year.

Michael had a live interview with Macca on ABC radio and it went so well that there may be more in the coming weeks. The photo’s he is posting are great and his ankle is slowly getting better. He sends his wishes and although he is finding it tougher than he thought it would be he is still smiling and kept his sense of humour .

Have a great week and see you on Thursday

Cheers

Bob Ant.

The Week that Was

Bob Antill presenting Pauline Gleeson with the Cinders Trophy

What a great evening we had last Wednesday with our friends from Moruya Rotary. Most of us travelled north in style on a Symons Bus, it was great not to have to drive up. The only slight hic up was that we missed Chris as we drove past the Dalmeny shops (Because she was still siting in her car!) and had to make a slight detour to pick her up. And of course who was the last to get on the bus on the way home? Chris.

In all I think we had more than 20 members and guests representing Narooma.

Unfortunately we lost the Cinders Trophy this year. Our three gallant teams were no match for one of the Moruya outfits who led from the first round, their knowledge of flags and famous faces was outstanding. A special mention to the Narooma team ‘Rodney and the Rockets’ wonderfully led by our very own Rod Walker who almost made it, coming second by a couple of points.

I am sure that next year with a bit of practice and home ground advantage we will take back what is rightfully ours.

59th Changeover Dinner

Thursday 29th June

Narooma Golf Club

6.30pm  for 7.00pm

$35 per person (two courses main and desert cake, table wine)

RSVP to Rod by Friday 16th June

Busking Competition

Well the big weekend is almost here. The Competition will be a great boost to Narooma as well as our Club. Once again thank you to Sandra and her band of willing helpers for all the organisation that has gone into the event. Please encourage friends and family to come out on Saturday and visit one of the many busking locations – lets put Narooma on the map. Check out the website for all the latest information click here.

Micheal’s trek.

I hope you are keeping up with Michael’s Facebook posts as he walks the track. It seems as though he is having fun with a few missed turns, broken glasses and the odd sprained ankle. I am just a bit worried that he seems to have no trouble finding a pub or two along the way to refresh his body and soul. Click here if you missed his conversation last Sunday with Macca. Michael’s conversation starts about 2 minutes and 10 seconds in.

Narooma Rotary Beacon 17 May 2017

Short Words

I am writing this article on Mother’s Day, which, when we take the commercialisation out, is a great reminder to us all that our mums are, or were, very special people. Parenting is a job we undertake without any training, or extra skills and often with very little help or support. We make it happen and each generation praises (or complains about!) the efforts of their parents until they have their own children. So, Mother’s Day is a day of celebration and reflection of our mothers for they made us what we are today.

Spare a thought for all the mothers around the world who are suffering because of war, famine and violence, for those who are dominated by cruel men and for those who are denied the freedoms we take for granted.  For these mothers, we as Rotarians, through our fundraising and projects, can make a difference even though we live in Narooma.

Cinders is Wednesday this week. A bus is booked and I hope you have invited your “brains trusts”. Rod is sending out a time table. The bus leaves from the depot at 5pm and the evening is expected to finish at about 8.30pm in Moruya.  As always, I’m sure, win or lose, we will have a great night.

The team organising the Busking Competition under Sandra’s excellent leadership is powering ahead. It is fantastic that the Competition is being supported by the community and other Service Clubs which will make it a truly Narooma event. Well done to all.

See you Wednesday

Bob Ant.

The Week Ahead

This week we are off to Moruya to beat them in trivia once again so that we can retain the converted Cinders Trophy.

To help prepare the following information may be helpful.

2016/17 RI President          John F. Germ Theme ‘Rotary Serving Humanity’

2017/18 RI President          Ian HS Riseley Theme ‘Rotary: Making a Difference’

The first Melbourne Cub was won by Archer in 1861, Phar Lap won in 1930 and the winner last year was Almandin, Prince of Penzance won in 2015 with Michelle Payne aboard.

Cronulla won the NRL in 2016, Western Bulldogs beat the Swans in the AFL grand final.

Bus pick up times for Wednesday

5.00pm Depart bus depot

5.10pm Main bus stop (opposite Lynches Hotel)

5.15pm Bus stop on flat

5.25pm Kianga bus stop

5.30pm Bakala St

5.33pm William St

5.40pm Dalmeny shops

Rotary uses virtual reality to inspire others

Rotary is working with Google’s virtual reality team to offer an experience that showcases the impact of compassion to a global audience. A three-minute virtual reality film that emphasizes the two themes of polio and peace will premiere at the Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, 13 June. Click here to read more.

The Week that Was

Last Thursday we welcomed Rotarians Bob Allen from the Rotary Club of Yenda and Colin Holmes from the Rotary Club of Canberra to our meeting. We were also fortunate to have Iris and Merinda with us as regular guests.

John Doyle with the help of Sandra gave us an update on the Busking Competition -all systems are go with locations, sponsors, concerts, parking etc in place. In all we will have 38 buskers taking part in the Competition, a great effort.

Mal Gray gave an interesting 3-minute talk about cutting through ice on frozen lakes in central Canada to fish! It all sounded a bit cold for me, however, Mal assured as that some liquid refreshment helped the warming process.

The main entertainment was a fun night put on by President Bob and Merinda, it was great fun with all members trying to outdo each other to get the correct answers. The highlight was the ‘who am I game’. The aim of the game was for the selected Rotarian to guess the name placed on their head by asking questions where the response could only be yes or no. Unfortunately, no one solved the puzzle, however, some of the questions and answers were hilarious. Thanks to Merinda and Bob for all the work they put into organising the evening.

The winners

Enid Holmes cleaned up with eggs, lemons and wine, Laurelle also won a bottle of wine, Iris a Rotary shirt (As did our visitor Bob Allen who kindly donated it back to the Club). Peter Bull and Lynda Ord also won a dozen eggs each.

2017/18 Planning Day

All 2017/18 Board members are invited to a planning day on 18 June at Bob Aston’s house. The meeting will commence at 10:30 and conclude at 1:00pm. Please provide Bob with feedback about the planning document emailed to 2017/18 Board members on 2 May 2017 by Wednesday at the latest. This will assist the planning process.

Beacon Editor

A bulletin editor is needed for 2017/18 please see Bob Aston if you can assist. Comprehensive training will be provided. If no one nominates we will not have a regular Beacon next Rotary Year.

Narooma Rotary Beacon 11 May 2017

Short Words

Friday morning saw a few hiccups in setting up at the Oyster Festival which we were able to sort out quickly and by all accounts things went well from then on. I believe it was a major effort by all and thank you for the hard work.

The Busking signs are now up and around town many thanks to John Doyle and the car club have confirmed their appearance adding another dimension to a wonderful programme.

Last Thursday night we had the pleasure of DGN Margaret Hassel from Cooma at our meeting. Margaret was down learning how to fly the new web site that Frank has created for them.

Our meeting and board meeting went to time and thank you for all (and especially Charmaine) for moving things along, Bob Aston will be proud.

This Thursday night we are having a fun night with a difference !!!!! bring friends and partners.

Michael is powering along on the “track” and doing a bit of sightseeing. He is offering a bottle of wine to the person who can work out what is in the water from the photo below (see highlighted section). If more than one person gets it then the names will go into a hat and the winner will be ……..

You may be able to see a clear picture on Michael’s Facebook Page.

Take care,   Bob Ant

This week’s Beacon

This week’s Beacon is quite short, my apologies to all avid readers. Therese and I were away for the weekend and I missed last week’s meeting as well as the Oyster Festival. From all accounts the Club Assembly and the Board meeting went well and the Oyster Festival was a great success. I understand that Friday night was particularly busy with the van well supported by festival goers. Thanks to all who helped on Friday night and on Saturday. To see some great photos from Friday night check the Narooma News, click here.

Busking Competition

The next major event for the Club will be the Busking Competition 27 May. The Competition has the potential to be a huge event for the Club and Narooma. Please promote it to your friends and family – it would be great to see a big turn out on the day. Please help Sandra and her hard-working committee where you can. The more members we have helping make the job just that little bit easier.

Trivia Night

I hope everyone is swotting up for next week’s trivia night at Moruya. I am sure that the Moruya Club will be keen to regain the ‘Cinders Trophy’, however, I know that we have the superior capability and we are sure to win on the night.

Please click here to register your attendance.

What is Butt Dust – Thanks to the usual crew

What, you ask, is ‘Butt dust’? What do you do or say, when an innocent child asks you something so innocent and they are so serious? Read on and you’ll discover the joy in it! These must be original and genuine. No adult is this creative!!

JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister… After a while he asked: ‘Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?’

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn’t remember any more. Melanie said, ‘If you don’t remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six.’

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. ‘I love you so much that when you die I’m going to bury you outside my bedroom window.’

BRITTANY (age 4) had an ear ache and wanted a pain killer. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a child-proof cap and she’d have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: ‘How does it know it’s me?’

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. ‘Please don’t give me this juice again,’ she said, ‘It makes my teeth cough.’

DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: ‘How much do I cost?’

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, ‘I don’t know what’ll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in it?’

MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: ‘Why is he whispering in her mouth?’

TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, ‘Why doesn’t your skin fit your face?

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: ‘The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.’ Concerned, James asked: ‘What happened to the flea?’

The Sermon I think this Mom will never forget.
This particular Sunday sermon… ‘ Dear Lord,’ the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. ‘Without you, we are but dust….’ He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, ‘Mom, what is butt dust’?

 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 4 May 2017

Short Words

Maths is not one of my strong points! Basic maths I’m OK but that’s it!  Thanks to Bob Aston last Thursday nights’ “Fun with Maths” presentation it was a fun, challenging and entertaining.

Last Saturday I attended the District Assembly with Bob Aston, Rod and Sandra. Unfortunately, I was unable to go to the dinner or Sunday sessions (Bob will have more on that). I was able to be there for the session on “Form 3” on Saturday afternoon.

“Form 3” is very controversial and it appears that all Clubs present at the session had similar doubts to those

expressed by our members. DG Steve Hill took all the criticism on board and hopefully this will result in big changes and hopefully this American form might disappear for the good of all. More to come.

One speaker from Berry told of his Club’s success with three projects each year. Very informative but also had us thinking about our Club and major projects each year. Monthly Markets, Duck Race, Busking Festival and Renewable Expo all carry us in good stead combined with Race day with Batemans Bay and Moruya.

With the resignation of Mark Wallace as DGE, it has been decided that Steve Hill (the current DG) will continue for another year as there is not much time left until the changeover and RI rules mean that a replacement Governor must have attended an RI Assembly.  It was good to see Steve put his hand up to continue, all at the assembly were very appreciative of Steve’s willingness to volunteer for another year.

Michael just be fore he headed off on the track last week

On the Busking Festival, Sandra’s team is powering ahead. I was able to catch up with the printing of the banners last week.  They look terrific. Well done to all involved.

In Monday’s Sydney Morning Herald, there is an article about the eradication of Polio, (Rotary is mentioned briefly). It’s a good article, click here to read it.

Michael is now well into his walk on the Bibbulmun Track, if you want to keep up to date follow him on Facebook, he posts whenever he can. This is truly and inspiring individual effort, our thoughts are with him.

This Thursday night we have a Board meeting after the general meeting, at which I will give an update on the Assembly and other things.

Have a great week

Bob Ant.

 

The Week that Was.

President Bob has provided us with a good summary of last week’s meeting and the District Assembly. A few other points of interest.

There were 23 present at last week’s meeting it was great to see Enid Holmes (at Colin) along with Gordon Bentley and his son Scott. The 3-minute talk was given by Charmaine, as it was ANZAC week, she told a moving story of a family member who fought and died in WWI, winning a VC for his heroic efforts. The VC is now on display at the War Memorial in Canberra.

As Bob, has indicated Bob Aston was the guest speaker – presenting on ‘Maths is Fun’, congratulations to Charmaine who topped the class with her answers and to Sandra for her persistence in solving the river crossing problem and for having a go at the year 9 sample NAPLAN test.

Raffle winners were, Rod Walker (biscuits), Bob Aston (chocolates), Merinda Antill and Laurelle Pacey (wine).

Bob Aston also read a short text from Michael O’Connor about the start of his epic walk.

Last weekend’s District was informative and interesting. It was great to have Rotary International President Elect,

Sandra with RIPE Ian and his wife Juliette

Ian Riseley. Ian spoke about his theme for the year – Rotary Making a Difference’. He stressed the fact that the real Rotary is the local Club and its members, doing good locally as well internationally. He spoke about the importance of continuing our work to end eradicate polio, Ian said that it would be great if as the President of RI he could announce that the job had been done.

Ian also indicated that he wanted us to record our donations to charitable causes as well as our volunteer hours, so that Rotary can get a better sense of the work we do. This will allow Rotary to better highlight the excellent work of the organisation.

Ian also stated that as a small step to improve our world he wanted Club’s to plant at least one tree for every member (A task I am sure that we can achieve). Ian also implored us to have fun and enjoy Rotary (He told us that when he was a Club President he had an official joke teller! – just the job for Peter Bull I am sure).

Other presentations included Terry Davis talking about Australian Rotary Health, Dot Hennessey on the NSW Emergency Services Awards, Neil Simpson (Batemans Bay Rotary) on RYDA, Andrew Best from RI Parramatta on using the My Rotary Website and Rotary administration, John Britton on Youth Exchange and Natalie Jupe and Nathan Watkins on social media.

As Sandra doesn’t like to drive at night one of my duties on Saturday night was to drive Sandra from our motel to the Assembly Dinner in her car. As I drove along I couldn’t work out why everyone was flashing their lights at me – the simple answer, I didn’t bother turn on the lights of the car (also I couldn’t work out why I was having difficulty seeing the road!). As we were driving along I decided to adjust the rear vision mirror (It is one that incorporates a reversing camera screen as well as a mirror) – it fell off! With a bit of effort, I managed to get it back on only to realise as we were leaving the dinner that I had put it on upside down – just try backing out of a car park using a reversing camera when the image is upside down.

I will make no comment about Sandra’s directions from the motel to the venue on Sunday morning other than to say the scenic route was interesting.

This Week

Club Assembly followed by a Board Meeting

Need Urgently for 2017/18 Rotary Year

A vibrant club needs a committed Bulletin Editor to keep members informed and up to date on all matters Rotary.  A volunteer is urgently needed for this task, if you are interested please let Bob Aston know, bribes and rewards will be offered to attract the best candidate.