Ange’s Chat
Our Renewable Energy Expo last Saturday proved a big hit with exhibitors and the public alike. Thanks to everyone who helped. It was another great Narooma Rotary initiative. Special thanks to the A-Team – our Expo Coordinator Frank Eden, Iris Domeier, Team Manager Bob Aston and journalist extraordinaire Laurelle Pacey.
About 370 people came through the door and were delighted with the latest range of solar technology and information provided by local experts and installers. The Robo Rebels from Narooma High created considerable interest with their junior and senior robotic exhibits, and both science teachers were delighted with the exposure the Expo gave the students and the work they’re doing and the public’s response. The vibe was great and exhibitors are already asking about next year’s event.
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Liz Innes opened the Expo. I took her on a tour of exhibits and she said how impressed she was by our event, even expressing interest in converting the Council fleet to electric vehicles. Many of us had joy rides in Vin’s Tesla car. What a thrill!
The SHASA raffle was drawn at the end of the day. The three lucky winners can redeem their prizes for solar installs from an expo exhibitor. The raffle was also raising funds to install a solar system at Moruya Women’s Refuge to help with their power costs.
At last Thursday’s meeting it was my pleasure to present Frank Eden with a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin, this time for his personal contribution of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation allowing the Foundation to do more good in the world. I also expressed our appreciation to Frank for his ongoing contribution to our Club and our community.
On the Busking meeting: All sponsors, service organisations, school representatives and many others have received a hand-delivered letter inviting them to join us on Thursday 14 November at the Golf Club to thank them for their past contribution to our Busking Festivals and to discuss the future of the 2020 Busking Festival. Let’s hope we get a great response.
THIS WEEK
5pm Board meeting at the Golf Club. This has been brought forward by a week to free up Thursday 14 November for the Busking meeting.
This will be followed by a normal dinner meeting.
THE WEEK THAT WAS
Last Thursday we enjoyed an enjoyable dinner meeting where we finalised arrangements for the Expo. The highlight of the meeting was Ange presenting Frank with a Paul Harris Sapphire pin (see Ange’s chat).
Ange reported she represented our Club at Quota’s Changeover with a high tea at Club Narooma on Sat 26 October.
The Expo
Our Renewable Energy Expo last Saturday was a great success attracting over 370 people (see Ange’s Chat). Exhibitors seemed to have been kept busy with genuine inquiries. Most people attending seemed to be there with a purpose and their feedback generally was they appreciated having direct access to so many local experts and installers all in the one place.
Our survey showed that about 55% visitors were Narooma-Tilba locals, while three-quarters of the rest came from Ulladulla to Bega.
Out and About
Rotary Christmas Race Day Committee
The combined Rotary clubs of Eurobodalla’s Christmas Rotary Races at Moruya Jockey Club are on Sunday 22 December. This year we are raising funds for a joint Yumaro and Meals on Wheels Community Bus. The three Clubs’ presidents are on the committee and have been meeting regularly; the next meeting is Wednesday 27 November 5pm at Moruya Golf Club. Michael O’Connor has been doing a grand job selling tickets for the Race Raffle on the Club’s behalf.
From Moruya Rotary
Sadly Moruya Rotary Club has withdrawn its support for the Local Drug Action Team in the Eurobodalla, including its role as ‘grantee’.
A little of Bay Rotary’s history
Bay Rotarian Hugh Scott recently outlined to fellow Bay Rotarians the history of Nelligen Park which is owned by the Bay Club through Nelligen Recreation Park Limited. Many members were unaware of how it came about. In 1975 Mrs Adelaide Neate offered the 6.6 ha block to Rotary for $15,000 and the Club was only too happy to accept. The Nelligen Cup Sports Day continued to be held there, which was then known as Adelaide Neate Rotary Park. The Club obtained a further loan to carry out improvements and establish a toilet block, shelter shed, and amenities/kitchen block etc, now a caravan park. It is because of past Rotarians’ forethought that the Bay Rotary Club can use income from the Park for their Rotary projects.
NEXT WEEK: Busking community meeting
We’ve invited Busking Championship sponsors of both prizes and ‘hot spots’, school representatives, service organisations, volunteers and other community members to meet with us on Thursday 14 November to discuss the future of the Narooma event and to see how we might work together to keep it in Narooma. It’s also an opportunity to express our appreciation to them for their past support. It’s 6 for 6.30 at the Golf Club; a finger food rather than a sit-down dinner.
We’re looking for people outside Rotary to take on the organisation of this event, with assistance and guidance from Club members. More details tonight.