Summary of Meeting 16 September 2014

The meeting was opened by Rotarian Ian Jagelman with a welcome to Past President Martin Silink, representing President, Tom Grozier, who was unwell.

Past President John Palmer then welcomed Visiting Rotarian, Wendy Pollock, from Rockingham Rotary Club in Western Australia. Wendy told us of the RAWKS Nakateete Sustainable and Food Project in Uganda that she leads.

 

PP Chris Curtis reminded members of next year’s proposed inspection tour associated with the NTT Project, supported by Lane Cove Rotary Club, and the visit to villages in Flores and West Timor, and then to Dili in East Timor. PP Chris intends to speak with those members of the club who have expressed interest in joining him on the trip. It will then be opened to other clubs and interested people.

 

Rtn Harry Clarsen spoke of the developments relating to the Myanmar Project and indicated that he would be providing further details in his talk at next week’s meeting. At last week’s Board meeting, approval was given for funds to be available to help qualify for a District grant, with a contribution from Essendon Rotary Club. It is anticipated that District funding will be forthcoming. Harry also indicated that an observer from either Lane Cove or Essendon Rotary Club would be welcome. Although the Rotary Club of Yangon has been re-established after about 50 years, it is currently not formally chartered, nor would it be in a position to fund raise or apply for grants. It would, however, like to be involved, perhaps as an observer. The first workshop will be held in Yangon, the second, funded by the Rotary Club of Lane Cove, will take place in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, on 29 November. Unfortunately neither Harry nor Past President Roger Wescombe is able to attend the workshop, but there will be a delegation of 7-9 professors from various universities in Singapore, Victoria (Canada), University of Sydney, University of NSW, and the Australian Christian University, North Sydney.

 

Past President John Palmer reported that the source of supply of the Christmas puddings, cakes and shortbread, Bid Sister, has sadly gone into liquidation. The sale each year has resulted in approximately $3000 for our club’s coffers. We will need to look at alternatives this year. Over the years, the project has resulted in more than $120,000.

 

PP John also mentioned the 2015 District Conference to be held in the Hunter Valley. Attendees need to book their own accommodation. A number of club members have already reserved rooms at the Crowne Plaza.

 

PP Martin commended all three members on their outstanding presentations.

 

Rtn Ian Jagelman conducted a most entertaining fine session.

 

Acting President PP Martin Silink then introduced the guest speaker, PP Martin Silink!! As a member of the District Foundation Committee, Martin spoke very eloquently about the Rotary Foundation. The essential points are:

Rtn Harry also spoke of the importance of Rotary’s Centurion Program. District is urging all Rotarians to commit to becoming Centurions ($100 per annum). Past President Lindsay May encouraged Rotarians to make use of the good exchange rate in supporting the PHF and PHS. He also emphasised that donations to the Centurion Program are cumulative and contribute towards a PHF.

 

The door prize was won by the scribe, Margaret Silink, who presented the wine to our guest speaker, husband, Martin!!

 

Rotarians 18

Apologies 2

Visiting Rotarian 1