Rotary Club of Plimmerton
Remembering Les Austing
Les was a member of Plimmerton Rotary since it was formed in 1973 and as such was one of its Charter members.
He was Community Service Director in 1983-1984, Youth Director in 1988-1989, and was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997-1998.
While Les preferred to work quietly in the background he worked with Community Policing to set up and run the Blue Light Disco in Porirua, and this ran for many years. In a role that had more visibility, he worked with a team to provide bar service to the Club for quite some years. This not only provided well-needed refreshment for Club members it was also a very useful source of funds for the Club.
There are many projects the Club has been in involved in since 1973 and Les worked on most, and his time was always given freely and cheerfully. It is the many things that go unnoticed that make a successful Club and each week, for what seems like forever, Les was there to set the meeting up and clear up afterwards. This was always done unfailingly, with good grace and cheer.
Les was a very active member of the Whitby Bowling Club and since 1983 he has organised a Rotary meeting at the Bowling Club where he valiantly tried to teach us even some of the basics of this tricky game. This year's event was no different and despite his health being not so good, Les was there to explain to us how to play better!
He will be sorely missed.
Members stood to remember him with a minute's silence.
His funeral will take place on Monday, 3 May at 2.00 pm at Mana Cruising Club.
Visitors
President Bill gave a warm welcome to our two speakers from the Salvation Army in Porirua. Jerry Nasalio looks after loans and is The Good Shop Service Coordinator and Sara Toloi is the Community Ministry Development Officer.
Bill also welcomed Honorary Members Jim Dearsly and Peter Turner.
The speaker said …
The speaker said …Last evening, writes Mike, we had visitors from the Salvation Army (SA): Jerry Nasalio and Sara Toloi. They gave us an insight into some of the work of the Sallies in Porirua East, and brought along their posh new van for us to inspect.
Viewpoint
ViewpointColin Whyte gave his Viewpoint tonight. It was about diversity when it comes to some Government policies and specifically about our future Energy needs ...
What’s coming up in May and beyond?
The next Drinks and Nibbles will be on Sunday, 2 May from 4.00-6.00 pm. Usual arrangements apply and Chris will tell us the venue shortly. If you haven't joined this happy event and would like to, please let Chris know.
Next week we will have our Planning Meetings.
On Tuesday 11 May we will be hearing from six speakers from diverse backgrounds who will present their solutions to the current housing crisis.
The District is running a Pop-Up event at the National Library and is seeking support from local clubs. We are on duty on Wednesday afternoon, 26 May, and Bill will be looking for some volunteers.
There will be a joint meeting with Porirua Rotary on 25 May. Details will follow closer to the time.
Looking ahead, Chris Garrett is organising another Garden and Golf weekend from 8-11 October in the Wairarapa. He has pre-booked 12 double rooms at Solway Park in Masterton for the nights of 8-10 October in anticipation of demand. If you missed the check sheet for participating in the trip, at last night's meeting please contact Chris or Kay. As planning progresses, more information will be put on the calendar and the events page. The programme will be similar to the Hawkes Bay weekend with golf on Saturday and Sunday, gardens on Saturday and Sunday with winery visits, and shopping in the afternoons.
To see future events, you can go here.
Snippets
This is World Immunisation Week. Statistics tell us that Polio remains a threat in only two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, although it is contained in both.
John O'Connell reported that he had dropped in to see past member Stuart Wheeler in Hawkes Bay recently. He was recovering from surgery but was in good spirits and sent warm regards to members. He says he is still enjoying reading our weekly Update!
This week’s happenings
The Rotary Club of Wellington celebrates its 100th birthday as the first Rotary Club to be established in New Zealand. They are holding a celebratory dinner at Parliament on Monday 24 May 2021. The special dinner will be hosted by the Hon. Grant Robertson, Deputy Prime Minister. Doors will open at 5.30, formalities will start at 6.30 and the event will be finished by 10.00 pm. The venue is the Banquet Hall at Parliament. Dress is business or a 1920s theme if you wish. The ticket price is $120 which you can apply for here.
Parting thought
Tania's Parting Thought this evening was inspired by the fact that she couldn't deliver it herself because she was having eye surgery. Graham kindly delivered her quote by Gerard Way - 'One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.'
Who’s on duty for the next month?
Unable to do your duty? Please find a replacement and inform Graham Wallace.
If you're a late 'no show' please tell President Bill.
Please arrive at 5.45 pm if you're on Door duty or on Introduction duty to greet the Guest Speaker and be his/her host for the evening.
Need to apologise or bring additional guests?
Advise the Receptionist at Professionals before 10.00 am on the Monday before the meeting on 233 9955 or email paremata@dwre.co.nz if you prefer.
Please provide the name (and spelling if necessary). The same applies if you're going to be late.
