Welcome to Visitors:

Lindsay gave a description of Harold Sharpe's involvement in the International convention. Deep involvement, massive unprecedented fund raising including outfitting all visiting major delegates with RM Williams  and funding the $40,000 website, performing a constant shuttle service between Central coast and Homebush.

Directors reports:

Harry Clarsen

Foreshadowed Apology and Myanmar update

Apologised to Margaret who contributed Massive work in her scribe duties but alas, due to circuses beyond the editor's control, printing on the screen that was quite large actually came out quite small. However, go into the website and it will be plain, not in running writing and there for all to see. Harry plumbed new depths of remorse and self flagellation. He also fells bad about it.

Myanmar: sent email to the new Yangon RC. He received no positive response. It is thought that because they are a new club they have no money so far. 

Intends approaching our Board for a funding top up, as well as Essendon, and looking for a district grant and hopefully a special initiative grant. There is no truth in the rumour that Harry is putting together a small delegation to accompany him on an exploratory tour of suitable "workshop" venues in South East Asia, just in case the planned venue falls over.

 

Sergeant: 

Introduced by a poker faced President Tom as Prof Dr Reverend sergeant, Ian announced that he has opened yet another new church, this one at Rockhampton. Trailing a Premier and minister at either side, Ian hopes to simultaneously launch yet another third world economy, this time in Queensland.

Fines

Lindsay for a great speech extolling  Harold's virtues and at the same time revealing none of his vices. John Palmer for wearing his BD jacket. John Donald copped a bad jacket fine also. Martin for working too hard. Margaret for enjoying retirement with grand kids far too much. John Cronly agreed. Robyn for not finding her badge. Harry for small print in the bulletin. Chris for ignoring the sergeant despite having a plausible excuse? Pres Tom - just pay.

X Fines

Tania brought back a carpet for Harold.

John Donald had an operation that finally worked.

Tania birthday tomorrow.

Tania report on Art Show:

290 people paid. Extra 35 for donations. 

 

Harold:

Springwood RC distributed $400,000 to bushfire victims. 

 

Guest Speaker:

Harold Sharpe on membership

District governor of 2002-3

Raised $750000 on tunnel opening

 

Harold - Membership: 

No blame or guilt associated with low membership. Businesses also suffer from declining custom. 

Secondly, rid ourselves of furphy that it is hard to get members. 9680 inducted 983 

Last year, but 940 walked out the door.

Yes, Rotarians die. Each club loses 2 Members a year. Why are they (the living) leaving? No smiles etc. some clubs won't allow women! 

DGE Gina is not allowed to a particular club even today because no females are allowed.

 

Remedies for addressing better membership recruiting results.

1) appoint a membership director. Everyone on committee. Recruit and retain. Ask for names.

2)   At assembly - ask how we can make club more interesting. The recruiting of Michael McQueen resulted. Spoke about projects and he found that exciting. [Scribe: R C of Crows Nest has built around 20 schools overseas just for a start].

3).  Asked Michael as a new member to conduct the club assembly. [Scribe: remember, Michael had never been approached - he sought out Rotary. How many others?]

4) changed venue to Crowie Hotel and recruited 9 members.

5). Appoint a welfare officer

6)  Have a 3F club - fun fellowship and fund raising [Scribe: Harold mentioned that Crowie pulls a lot of money out of its BBQ]

7). Talk about your club to children etc

8). Talk about programmes to people outside the club.

9). Also to Youth programme people-rylarians, Youth exchange etc

10). Mal Sing brought in many youths as new members from looking up their records

11). Sign saying meeting time and place

12). Find new members by ringing trade page adverts and inviting them to speak. Many potential members this way.

13). Retaining. Community, membership and International in that order. Not happening now. Clubs need to do more in community.

14). Sponsor MUNA in school - N Sydney went to Israel [Scribe: Greg Conlon from Riverview College said that the college would love to become involved in some of those projects. Youth committee have been tipped off]

15).  Terrigal members on board of P & C

16).  Asked a widow of member to join. So, work to your demographic.

Harold observed that America shrinking in Rotarian numbers and Asia is growing.

 

Other tips in response to questions:

Breakfast meetings popular in USA

Bella Vista breakfast clubs popular. Terry Hills once popular. 16 families started it and finally retired, so no renewal can bring clubs to a close:

Secret: any club must have a Mafia (sic.) who can make Presidents an offer too good to refuse

Community clubs in Blue Mntns succeed because do everything for community.

 

Tom - thanked Harold and assured him that he was always welcome.

 

Chris Curtis, leading the formal vote of thanks.

No one delivers like Harold  Sharpe.

Reminder of the Meeting at Rosevilelle go on 26th

 

Attendance:

16.  Raffle winner was teetotaller John Cronly who presented the fine wine to (presumably totaller) Harold.