Andrew’s Thoughts
It is with profound apology that ongoing health issues, fortunately not that serious, prevented me from making the previous week’s Club Assembly. By all accounts, it was a convivial gathering much enjoyed by all.
On Tuesday of that week, we welcomed our area’s specialist prostate cancer nurse Aimie Proberts to the first meeting of the Prostate Cancer Support Group’s 2022/2023 programme. A group of 10 gained a fascinating insight into her role which stimulated a lively and beneficial discussion.
Last Thursday saw the delayed return of our Business Breakfasts after the winter break. We welcomed Sally Bouckley of Southbound Escapes who discussed taking over the lease on the Visitors’ Information Centre and her vision for integrating tourism initiatives in the area. What an inspiring and wonderful local entrepreneur.
Finally, the Board has decided that as the 22nd has been proclaimed a National Day of Mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, it would be inappropriate to hold our planned meeting on that day with scheduled speaker Dianne McInnes (should the Golfie be open!). We have postponed the meeting to the following week which unfortunately does not suit Diane; hopefully we will soon find another time that suits her.
So, in these reflective and historic times, it is onwards and upwards mes amis.
Don’t forget it’s the markets this Sunday! A roster will be circulated.
THIS WEEK
This Thursday is Australia’s Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II and therefore a Public Holiday, we will instead meet the following Thursday 29th (5th Thursday in the month). Unfortunately that date does not suit our scheduled speaker Dianne McInnes so she will talk about writing a book at another time.
This Sunday is the Markets, so all hands on deck please.
The Week that Was
Last Thursday’s Business Breakfast
Sally Bouckley of Southbound Escapes took on the lease of the Visitor Information Centre on 1 July. She has been overwhelmed by the number of people in the community who have dropped in to say how delighted they are the Centre has reopened; she feels there is considerable community goodwill supporting her initiative. She intends to maintain the Visitors Centre accreditation but makes the point that it has to be commercially viable. It’s the base for her e-bike business and developing her niche market luxury tours. She has reintroduced accommodation bookings and is collaborating with other local businesses, while also being surprised at the business generated in the shop. She explained some of her marketing ideas she intends to incorporate in her business.
A Rotary encounter in Bali
Our VP Ange Ulrichsen is just back from a few weeks in Bali staying at Sanur on the East coast and has filed this report. “About a week ago I happened to lunch at Anjani Beach restaurant at Sanur Beach. To my delight, I noticed the Rotary Wheel and Club of Bali Nitimandala on the wall. Well naturally I inquired and the restaurant owner Alit Suarta joined me for a lovely chat.
“He said the Club meets weekly at his restaurant. Prior to Covid the Club had 15 members but now that’s down to eight and men only. Bali has 23 Rotary Clubs and Indonesia over 500!”
A main project of his Club is providing education and meals to disabled children and helping their poor families in Bali villages.
“Rotary is highly respected in Bali. Post the Bali bombing, Rotary played a pivotal role in establishing a Blood Bank Regional Project at the Central Hospital at Denpasar in Bali. This is ongoing. Since the Rotary Global Grant system changed, local clubs link to provide clean water, public health and sanitation to villages. Previously Indonesia and Japan provided these services jointly.”
Out and About
The Queen and Paddington Bear
This was posted online (shame about the missing apostrophe!) after the Queen’s death, a variation/update of the sketch of the Queen hand in hand with Paddington Bear done by East Yorkshire artist Eleanor Tomlinson after the recent Jubilee celebrations.
Just this last week, the card has popped up among the thousands of floral tributes laid for the Queen, along with many Paddington Bears. Who’d have thought…
NEXT Thursday
Club Dinner at Narooma Golf Club 6 for 6.30pm.