Lynn’s Lines
We’ve had another fun and productive week. On Tuesday we joined Moruya Rotarians in Moruya for our annual great Cinders Trivia Challenge. While our group was disappointed to lose by just one point it was a fun evening, as they always are.
Then on Thursday we had our Special General Meeting to approve the new Constitution and By-Laws as requested by District. We also incorporated clauses aiming for charity status and a Public Fund for our Scholarship and Community projects. This would have to have been the quickest meeting of Narooma Rotary on record, and the decision was unanimous. So good. Some stayed for a meal after in the Bistro.
That was just the first of several steps we have to take before we can receive the grant for the new Van and more donations to keep our scholarship programme going by offering donations as tax deductible. Each step needs approval from the ‘powers that be’, so a few hurdles still ahead of us.
No meeting this Thursday. Friday is the board meeting – John will circulate the agenda soon.
THIS WEEK
Wednesday 4 October 6.30pm: Prostate Cancer Support Group, Narooma Golf Club
Thursday 5 October: No Meeting being first Thursday in the month
Friday 6 October 5.15pm: Board Meeting, Narooma Golf Club
The Week that Was
Cinders celebrates 30th anniversary
Moruya VP Allan Veness announced on Tuesday this was the 30th anniversary of Cinders and then explained its origins. “It is 30 years since Narooma Rotarian Paul Rayner, a very English supporter of the England team in the then Ashes series, suggested a yearly contest between our two clubs, and what better name for that contest than ‘Cinders’,” he said.
“Each battle ended with the burning of the quiz papers in a small wooden bowl. That bowl disappeared in the fire [at the then Lasallian Centre Motel in 1999,AND did not coincide with a Cinders event!] which burned much of Narooma’s stuff, and it was Narooma who provided the present large shield.”
We rounded up a strong team of 23 Rotarians and friends (including former Batemans Bay Rotary President Matthew Thomas) to do battle against Moruya who had similar numbers. Moruya quiz master Phil produced a fine mix of questions with the additional ‘sevens’ continuous quiz (seven deadly sins, the seven wonders of the ancient world, the seven actors who have played James Bond, and events in the heptathlon. Julie Hartley won the Heads ‘n’ Tails.
However scores from only three of the four Narooma tables were counted; the fourth Narooma table with four Narooma and two Moruya Rotarians was not counted… perhaps the maths was too messy… When the scores were added up, Moruya won by ONE point. The lead photo says it all, a fitting end to a very enjoyable evening. Thank you to everyone who took part.
[Unfortunately the fourth Narooma Table of Gordon Bentley, Steve Deck, Pat Reid and Laurelle Pacey plus Phil Armstrong and Michel Nader from Moruya Rotary didn’t make it onto the photographer’s list as well as the scoring sheet!]
Batemans Bay hears from trainee medics
Last Thursday Bay Rotarians heard from several medical students who are doing a rural placement at Batemans Bay Hospital, arriving in March and leaving in November. One of the students had just returned from Tennant Creek and was full of enthusiasm about the medical services there. However location makes it difficult and some blood tests have to go on the ‘Bush Bus’ to Alice Springs but the time it takes plus lack of refrigeration makes it difficult.
Out and About
Moruya reports on Regionalisation
There are 527 Districts in RI. The plan is that districts could be replaced by say, 20 to 40 regions. We are in one of the zones selected to pilot the change. Moruya President Derek, Secretary Vere Gray and Steve Picton have begun studying the plan and Steve will outline to Moruya members what is involved in his talk at their meeting on 17 October. A small number of Rotarians are working hard in establishing the new format. There is a website which should keep us up to date: creatingtomorrowrotary.org
There are to be nine Members of a Regional Council and we will have one vote, which President Derek will exercise on our behalf. Inherent in the plan is the ability of Clubs to get together with other clubs to form Community Groups. There are Primary Community Groups and Secondary Community Groups. Once we see any advantages, presumably Moruya, Batemans Bay and Narooma would form a Primary Group. The end of October is suggested as the time for the groups to be formed. (Taken from Moruya newsletter)
NEXT THURSDAY
Thursday 12 October 6 for 6.30pm: Dinner Meeting – our HAT NIGHT to ‘Lift The Lid On Mental Health’. Our guest speaker is Australian Rotary Health Vice Chairman Stephen Humphries who will talk about Australian Rotary Health’s investment each year in ‘breakthrough’ research into Mental Health. He will be accompanied by his wife Judith. Please invite family and friends AND encourage them to wear a hat. Prizes will be given. Local milliner Ann Colquitt has kindly agreed to again be our judge.
John reminds us all members are expected to attend all meetings. By 1pm Tuesday, please confirm with him if you are coming and any guests you may be bringing. If you aren’t coming, please send an apology. Hope to see you then.