Visitors
There were far too many visitors to name at this special meeting. Suffice it to say that grandparents, parents, and grandchildren filled the room with laughter, chatter, and fun. It was great to see Honorary member Marie Press join in the festivities.
There were lots of speakers…
Organised by Allan and Barbara Nichols and their band of merry helpers, the legendary Plimmerton Rotary Children's Party lived up to its reputation. Nigel the Magician, Father Christmas and his little helper, Glenys, presents, yummy food, even Harold the Giraffe came to this Party. What more could the 28 young children attending wish for? Mind you, the Editor is not sure the parents loved the noisy blowers each child received ...
This week’s happenings
This was Events Week! As well as the Children's Christmas Party there were several important happenings for our Club.
The Annual Paramoana Speech Contest was held at Discovery School where the audience was, once again, blown away by the skills of the young speakers. You can read Mike's report here.
Another year on and another successful golf tournament was held, also last Friday, at Judgeford Golf Course to raise funds for the local Mary Potter Hospice. Chris Garrett, the organiser, reports on this great event here.
Pre-School Clothing Project: Youth Director, Donna Reed says: "As a Rotarian, I am always inspired by the generosity of others. An anonymous family in Wellington has donated a generous sum of money for clothing for a Porirua pre-school to the Youth Committee. After a subcommittee was formed and a needs analysis completed, a partnership was set up with Whanau Manaaki o Tararua, (the Porirua District Kindergarten Association) and later, the Charities Manager of K Mart.
"We ran a pilot and gathered data with a preschool chosen because of its proximity to the school where our Club has a project reading to the students and supporting their Duffy Books in Homes Scheme. The purpose of the trial was to see whether having suitable clothing available would attract more children to attend, and attend more regularly, and also assist with a successful transition to school. The pilot could lead to other Early Childhood Centres in Porirua being included.
"It was a real buzz to work with such a positive Team. Today is a special day. I get to meet the donors."
Monthly Sunday Drinks and Nibbles finished on a very pleasant note for those who attended at Graeme and Christine's home. Note that the Friday Frolics will resume in February.
Another less pleasant event was the flooding at Plimmerton. Fortunately none of our members who live in that area were badly affected.
Snippets
A reminder about next Tuesday's Christmas Party at Judgeford Golf Club. Make sure you have put your name down to come!
Another reminder that Denise is taking orders for Rotary Christmas Puddings. Orders close with Denise on 10 December.
We are nearing the end of term for schools and the Myanmar Homework Club and have been offered raffle tickets to purchase. The target is for a community van to pick up and deliver the children to homework club and to support transport for the Myanmar community generally. Please contact Donna Reed for information regarding the excellent prizes and to purchase tickets which are $25 each.
The Rotary Club of Wellington is holding a special tennis tournament to fundraise for the Children's Hospital. All the information you need is here.
The Almoner said …
That it is great to see both our "shoulder operation" patients are recovering very well. Allan is lucky to have Barbara to cut up his meals. Wendy is eating her way through a week of meals prepared by her wonderful daughters but could possibly do with help for other chores as she is not yet able to use her arm. Wendy and Allan both report being pretty much pain-free. However, operations do take considerable recovery time as you all know.
Spare a thought for Phillip Reidy and Peter Sinke at present, along with Bev and Peter Lillico.
The Outside World
Is there one? Certainly Rotary is consuming a lot of time for members at present although Chris Garrett managed to be in Christchurch a day or so after running the golf tournament.
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.