Meeting Notes - 21 Oct 2014

In the absence of President Tom, newly elected Vice President, Lindsay May welcomed members to the meeting. There was also a round of applause for Lindsay in his new position. Lindsay also welcomed Rotarian, John Donald back from his overseas travels.

 

PP Martin Silink gave a brief report on the concert organised by Rotarian, Paul Benitez, to support the International Diabetes Foundation’s Life for a Child program. (Scribe’s Note: The program was started by PP Martin in 2000 and now supports approximately 18,000 children with diabetes in 48 developing countries by providing insulin, syringes, testing strips, etc, thereby saving the lives of these children.) Paul, (a consultant physician), his father, Ivan (a mathematics teacher), his brother, Ivan Jnr (a Wing Commander in the RAAF), his brother, Terry (a highly ranked officer in the Department of Defence’s Procurement section), and three of their close friends are exceptional musicians and entertained those present with fabulous music from South, Central and Latin America. All highly professional people. The concert raised approximately $1600 for Life for a Child. We are indeed very fortunate to have such a talented, gifted and generous musician as a member of our club and are extremely grateful to his family and friends for having donated their time.

 

Martin also gave an update on Walk Around The World. Plans are progressing very well. There will be a meeting at Lane Cove Council on Thursday from 12 noon – 1pm. The aim is to encourage community interaction with the program. Various fitness and health food outlets have been contacted to see how they can become involved. Any Rotarian who is free and would like to attend Thursday’s meeting would be welcome. Lunch will be provided.

 

VP Lindsay echoed Martin’s comments about the concert, adding that the music was sensational and the band a very professional outfit.

 

VP Lindsay informed the members that the AGM would be held on 2 December and noted that nominations were being called for the upcoming Board.

 

Rotarian, Tania, representing Rotarian Robyn Barrett, reminded members that next Tuesday’s dinner (28 October) was a Vocational dinner at the Ambassadorial Restaurant, Ryde TAFE. An email will be circulated with details of the venue and parking.

 

The Club’s Christmas Party will be held at Roseville Golf Club on Friday 28 November.  The cost will be $60 per head for a three-course meal. Entertainment will be provided, as in previous years, by Bel a Cappella.

 

Tania also drew attention to the club’s financial statement, a copy of which was available on each table.

 

PP Ann Smith asked that all yellow shirts that were used at the Fair be returned (all now accounted for). She informed that club that $1600 had been received for the rides (up from $450 in 2013) and $100 from balloons and face painting. Dance Time did not charge extra for four extra stalls.

 

Council would like to meet with Ann, Lindsay and one other Rotarian in the near future. Council is keen for the Rotary Club to continue its involvement in the Fair.

Ann thanked everyone again for their participation in the Fair. Details of money raised should be available very soon.

 

On Sunday Rotarian Jenny May was on a stall for the Australian Rotary Health Committee, of which she is a member, at a North Ryde Rotary Club event and remarked on the cooperation and involvement of other clubs on the day.

 

Rotarian Pat Price informed members that they are currently liaising with the Nepalese Government’s Department of Education in relation to a series of inspections for approval to go ahead with the further development of Heartlands School. They are now just waiting for written certification. Pat will be going to Nepal in January.

 

Rotarian Harry Clarsen spoke to members about Club Runner, Harry and PP Bob Cartwright have offered to visit the homes of Rotarians to help set up Club Runner and to demonstrate how it can be used.

 

Ian Jagelman conducted an entertaining - and profitable – fine session.

 

Lindsay introduced Phil Butcher, 23, to the club. Phil was working at the Lane Cove Businessmen’s Club. At 18 he was the fastest butterfly swimmer in the world. Phil trained at Lane Cove Swimming Club.

 

Tonight’s guest speaker was our own Bob Cartwright, who entertained us with stories of his careers. A most interesting, enlightening and well-presented talk.

 

VP Lindsay reminded everyone about the Music by the River on 2 November at 3pm.

 

Raffle was won by Harry Clarsen

 

Attendance:  20 Rotarians

Apologies:    4