Rod’s Ramble
While we had low numbers last week, there was a good vibe at the meeting. I think when the numbers are low the big table format we used last week works best; when there is a guest speaker separate tables of eight probably work best.
At the Board meeting, we agreed in principal to run the Renewable Energy Expo again in early November. Frank will lead the charge but he needs a group of willing assistants. We will put together a committee in July so if you can help out please volunteer.
Frank also has suggested we need to do some succession planning for maintenance of the web site. We need someone with a basic knowledge of and confidence with computers to be mentored by Frank. If we can’t find someone in the Club maybe you know someone else who could help out? If interested, please let me know.
We will have a lot of people away over the next three months so we need everyone available for the Busking and the Markets in May as well as the Markets in June. Please try and be available on those days. Spouses, partners and friends also most welcome.
The Board is in the process of finalising our charitable distributions for 2018-19. We have already distributed over $17,000 and have about $5,000 available. If you have a local charity/service group you think we should support let me know.
I have just been offered a large body of work which means I will miss the meetings on 16 and 23 May and 13 and 27 June. This also means we will have to move the Changeover date to 4 July. Rod
THIS WEEK:
Our guest speaker is Julie Kirk who will talk about Red Cross services available on the South Coast. The range of services they provide these days is extraordinary so Julie’s talk will be particularly informative.
The Week that Was
It was great to welcome Peter Bull back. He gave an entertaining and interesting talk about Karen’s and his experiences on their recent Ghan expedition. The train was 1km long and passengers were taken to their carriages in golf carts!
Presidents x four for 2019-2020
It was with a sense of great relief that members at the Club Assembly supported the Board’s recommendation to have four presidents through 2019-2020, one every three months. Charmaine White will do the first three months, Ange Ulrichsen the second, and Bob Aston and Rod Walker will share the first six months of 2020. Laurelle offered to stay in the role of vice president through the year to give some continuity, if that works out best for the Club, rather than do one three month term as president.
BowelCare
Our BowelCare coordinator John Rungen drew everyone’s attention to the fact that Rotary’s annual bowel cancer awareness campaign is underway.
BowelCare kits cost $15 from local pharmacies and are available until the end of May.
Age is an important factor in bowel cancer. The risk begins at age 40, doubling every five years and more rapidly as the person gets older. bowel cancer is one of the most curable cancers if detected early.” John made an interesting point that this programme is available for everybody regardless of age, whereas the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is only provided to those aged 50-74.
Peter and Laurelle spoke about how Rotarians used to be more involved in distributing the kits, which thankfully we don’t have to do today.
RYPEN
Ange told last week’s meeting she is delighted that two Narooma High Aboriginal students will attend RYPEN this weekend at Old Mogo Town – Breanna Glass and Layton Moore. We hope to hear back from them in coming weeks about their RYPEN experience.
RYPEN (Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment) is an intensive three-day program of plenary sessions, workshops, and sport and entertainment activities. Participants are given the opportunity to hear from people who have achieved in business, sport and entertainment. Those presenters will share their experiences with students while emphasizing the need to work hard and stay focused. Participants interact with peers from different backgrounds and improve their team working and leadership skills, and all in an informal atmosphere.
Appropriate too that this is taking part in May which is Rotary International’s Youth Service Month.
Changeover dates changed
In view of Rod Walker’s work commitments, our Club changeover has been moved from Thursday 27 June to Thursday 4 July. Hopefully more people will be able to participate at that time in this important event. Rod and incoming president (for three months) Charmaine White will work out the details. It will be two courses at $35 per person. Partners and Guests welcome.
Other news
Cinders’ battle for Trivia crown
On Wednesday 12 June, we go ‘into battle’ with Moruya for the coveted annual Cinders Trophy. This year we are playing on Moruya’s home turf at Moruya Golf Club, commencing 6.30 for 7pm. Cost is $17 pp. John Doyle will circulate an attendance list for Cinders over the next two weeks.
This is a great fun night. The trophy last year was shared between the two clubs and is currently in Moruya’s safe keeping. Car-pooling is suggested. Guests of Rotarians are particularly encouraged, President Rod adds particularly if they are knowledgeable about all things ‘trivial’. We need final numbers by 5 June.
Our Mother Club Bega
Ange has organised with BegaRotary President Margaret Taylor to have a combined Narooma-Bega meeting on 8 August 6 for 6.30pm. The tentative venue is Cobargo Hotel where we have met many times over the years. It will be great to catch up with Bega Rotarians again.
D9710’s last conference
The last District 9710 Conference will be held at Ulladulla on 8 March 2020. The following year D9710 will disappear as a district and amalgamate with D9700 to become the much larger D9705.
Next week:
Our guest speaker will be Angela Keogh who works as a canine behaviour consultant and professional dog (and owner!) trainer. Her subject will be ‘Real help at both ends of the leash’.