Andrew’s Thoughts
So the ‘Saga of the Lawson Winter’’ continued! This time it was Lynn’s turn to concuss herself with me playing nursemaid; I am pleased to say that she is now fully recovered. As a consequence we missed Sol Ramana-Clarke’s talk on Medicinal Cannabis which would have been of particular interest to us both. By all accounts it was a really interesting evening (please see below).
On Sunday, I joined an important District Webinar for Area Presidents concerning the proposal for the changes to how Zone 8 (that’s Australasia and the Pacific Islands) will operate semi remotely from Rotary International from 2025. This matter is of such importance to us all that I shall present the various presentations at our Club Meeting on the 11th, together with our Board Meeting decisions. The Board will be held this Friday and will cover many important matters.
Tuesday sees the Prostate Cancer Support Group commence its 2022/23 program with Dr Gundi Muller-Grotjan from our associated GP practice providing a GP’s view. We also aim to hear what is important to the attendees so we can tailor our program accordingly. Hopefully we’ll have a good attendance; it’s interesting how the level of enquiry and interest has definitely risen over the past two months.
All in all, as we head out of winter, it’s onwards and upwards mes amis!
THIS WEEK
Tuesday 2 August: The Prostate Cancer Support Group resumes this Tuesday after a winter break at 6.30pm at a new venue – the Board Room at Narooma Golf Club. Dr Gundi Muller-Grotjan of Braveheart Healthcare will lead discussion.
No dinner meeting this Thursday 4 August, being the first Thursday in the month.
Friday 5 August: Board meeting at 4.15pm in the Board Room at Narooma Golf Club.
The Week that Was
Last week’s talk by Sol Ramana-Clarke on medicinal cannabis brought home to many how some things once considered ‘alternative’ can eventually become more mainstream. However, Sol said that is still a way off.
He gave a fascinating account of the hemp plant’s history (hemp is another name for cannabis, as is marihuana), its many uses and its ability to solve major health as well as environmental problems.
Sol spoke about the latest and current research into two major components of cannabis THC and CBD and their claimed ability to kill cancer cells, ease back pain, heal many illnesses, and the newly found role of cannabinoids in balancing every bodily function. What was particularly fascinating is that less than a handful of companies worldwide are manufacturing medicinal cannabis and that it is highly regulated and expensive, leading to a lot of sales on the black market. If you are interested in finding out more, check out Sol’s DVD The Hemp Solution available online.
Several people on Thursday mentioned that Four Corners last week was partly on cannabis’ medicinal potential. Mentioned was the $15m investment by iron ore magnate and cattle producer Gina Rinehart into the European expansion of the Perth-based company Little Green Pharma in the growing medicinal cannabis industry. Little Green Pharma sells its products into Europe. She obviously sees some potential.
Interestingly, Sol’s late father was a member of Bega Rotary.
Out and About
From Bega Rotary
Interesting at Bega Rotary’s recent Changeover, in outlining the Club’s plans for the year he referred to the Rotary International theme for the year. – “Imagine”. Phil challenged Bega Rotarians to ‘re-imagine’ their club and ‘to step up’. They’re set for an exciting and busy year ahead. Also at the Changeover, Paul Windle OA who is a Paul Harris Fellow was recognised with an Honorary Membership.
From Moruya Rotary
Moruya Rotary has invited Narooma and Batemans Bay Rotarians to join them at the next planning meeting for Carers’ Accommodation for the new Eurobodalla Hospitalon Friday 5 August at 10.30 am at Moruya Golf Club. Moruya President Shirl says it would be good to have a crowd to pool ideas, concerns, skills and knowledge
NEXT WEEK
Dinner meeting at Narooma Golf Club – Club Assembly