Andrew’s Thoughts
Perhaps not the week I planned but there we are. At least I was able to get back in time for Thursday’s joint dinner with RC Bega, which was great fun and much enjoyed by all. Anne Ducray and I have swapped notes and think we should do this twice a year, and possibly a joint project in 2022 / 2023. We shall discuss with their incoming President Phil McDonald.
I trust that we all tuned into ABC Southeast on Friday morning to hear Julie Hartley being interviewed about the Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG) by Paul West. Well done Julie!
It was a shame about the cancellation of the markets; of course Murphy’s Law dictated that the weather was fine. However Chris started receiving heaps of cancellations from Thursday so it would have been much diminished.
This week we have the next PCSG meeting with counsellor Sarah Lambert talking about the psychological issues and how to cope. In terms of spreading the word wider, I am talking with RCs Merimbula and Pambula in mid-March, and Bega 7 April. To top things off, we have been invited to speak at every Eurobodalla Library in June, at their Men’s Health week.
As I have already announced, the DG’s visit has been deferred until mid-June, when Adam will deputise.
So, as we move into March and out of this damp summer, we have two big events coming up. On the 24th it is the Cinder’s Night Annual Trivia Quiz with RC Moruya. Remember we are the defending champions! And then on the 31st it is the Movie for Polio Night at The Kinema and showing The Duke, which has already received five star reviews in the UK.
With no driving for three months, my movements will be obviously restricted, but I shall aim to be in town whenever and as much as possible. And as ever, it’s onwards and upwards mes amis!
THIS WEEK
This Tuesday: The March meeting of the Prostate Cancer Support Group at the Men’s Shed with guest speaker local counsellor Sarah Lambert.
This Thursday: No Meeting. The DG’s scheduled visit for Thursday has been deferred as our District Governor Leo Farrelly is indisposed. Instead our Area Governor Adam de Totth will make his visit on behalf of the DG as well; Adam’s visit has also been rescheduled for 26 May.
This Sunday 6 March at 7.30am Mill Bay: Clean Up Australia Day. Please contact Laurelle if you can help. So far only Mike, John, Ange and Laurelle have volunteered. Coffee will follow.
The Week that Was
We get-together with Bega Rotarians
While both Narooma and Bega Presidents had agreed the evening’s emphasis should be mainly social which was greatly enjoyed by all, we still managed to mention two of our recent achievements. Andrew spoke about the growing success of the Prostate Cancer Support Group and his upcoming meetings with Merimbula, Pambula and Bega Rotary Clubs, while PP Ange mentioned the success of our Business Breakfasts enabling members to reconnect with business, businesses to network more and how it is lifting our Club’s profile in the business community. The Business Breakfasts originated from a Bega initiative a few years ago.
From Merimbula Rotary Club
Merimbula Rotary hosted a barbecue for about 200 hospital staff at Bega Hospital to show their “immense appreciation for all their exceptional care during the COVID pandemic”. This was on 24 February. As a surprise, Merimbula Rotary President Noel Trevaskis presented the Executive Director of Southern NSW Local Health District Dr Liz Mullins with a Paul Harris Fellow Award in recognition of her work for the Community. This followed an earlier presentation of Bega Valley’s Community Service Award to Dr Mullins recognising the work of Health Professionals in keeping our Community safe.
A tree planting ceremony followed. A plaque will be mounted in front of the tree noting the Southern Health Team’s contribution.
Out and About
Polio Film Night 31 March
Bring your family and friends to the Kinema on Thursday 31 March to enjoy a fun evening to raise funds to help eradicate polio while also supporting a local business. Tickets $20 (includes white wine and nibbles) plus a Rotary raffle on the night. 6.30pm for 7.
‘The Duke’ is the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery’s history.
Rotary and the Ukraine tragedy
Rotary International released the following statement on 25 February:
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world. At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence.
Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.
In 2014 Ukraine had 46 Rotary Clubs, several of them in Kyiv, and approximately 850 Rotarians. Ukrainian and Belarusian Rotary Clubs formed District 2232 in 2016 after being part of District 2230 with Poland since July 2000.
A Rotary Peace Square in Kyiv, designed to promote Peace, was completed on 28 March 2021. It was a joint project between the Rotary Clubs of Kyiv Synergy (D2232), Kyiv Capital (D2232) and Westminster West (D1130). All Rotary clubs in Kiev attended the opening.
NEXT WEEK
Wednesday 9 March 4pm: Board Meeting at Lynn Hasting’s home.
Thursday 10 March: Club Dinner at Narooma Golf Club 6.00 for 6.30pm.