The Speaker said ...
Tonight, Wendy Betteridge and Graham Craig treated the club to a talk that, says Mike Doig, was clearly meant to shake us out of our complacency when it came to driving our cars'. You can read what Mike has to say here.
Visitors
President Euon welcomed Stuart Rennison again from the Rotary Club of Ipswich, Suffolk in England. It has been good to enjoy Stuart's company during his latest visit to New Zealand and we wish him well on his return to England. Euon also welcomed Honorary Member, Jim Dearsly, and congratulated Chris Garrett on his marriage to Anne Marie Whooley on Saturday.
Viewpoint
Chris Garrett gave his Viewpoint, not about marriage, nor about the wonderful film about the life of Helen Kelly in and of itself, but about safety in the workplace. He talked about employers who are doing their best to keep employees safe in the workplace. It is not always just the employer at fault, he said. Everybody needs to be held accountable for health and safety.
This week's happenings
You may have received the District Bulletin for February already, but in case you haven't, here it is.
President-Elect, Bill McAulay, Chair of the Friends of Taupo Swamp & Catchment Inc., is seeking help from the community to weed around the 1,100 trees that were planted in the Taupo Swamp Restoration last spring. Community help is needed to free up those carefully protected trees. If you can offer an hour or two of your time between 9.00 am and noon on Wednesdays 12 and 26 February, 11 and 25 March or 8 April, please let Bill know. If you can go, meet in Ulric Street by the footbridge to the new dog park. Gloves and rakes will be supplied and there will be a treat for morning tea thanks to Roger at Plimmerton Deli and New World, Mana.
Following up on a recent Update before Christmas, here are some more details about the Concert at Te Rauparaha Arena on Saturday 22 February at 2.30 pm at which Jonathan Lemalu and Virtuoso Strings will be performing. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $5 for children under 18 (with ID). You can get your tickets here. Book now so that you don't miss out.
Snippets
Euon congratulated Donna on organising a great night out for the showing of the Helen Kelly movie evening. Tony's movie was receiving many great reviews throughout New Zealand.
Gwyn is organising a roster for picking up books and is grateful for the help he has received so far. He needs someone for Friday so please get in touch with him if you can help.
Although much has been made over recent weeks about this year's Annual Book Fair being our last, President Euon said that three small sub-committees are getting together to look at what we are going to do instead in the future.
Euon reminded us that the District Conference will be held this year from 15-17 May at the Event Centre in Lower Hutt. Early registrations are now open. The cost will be $295 and the web site is now open.
Euon thanked Peter Lillico and Graham Wallace and their families for hosting some of the International Friendship Exchange team members whose company we enjoyed at our meeting last week. Chris Garrett mentioned that he and Anne Marie will start their honeymoon enjoying the Friendship Exchange to New Orleans. They are being hosted by four different Rotary Clubs and will be there for the Mardi Gras. He recommended Friendship Exchanges to all the members.
Comings and Goings
Gwen Hoople and her husband have found a new home in Upper Hutt and will be moving soon. She will be coming to Rotary next week but will be leaving our club shortly and looking for one nearer to their new home.
What's coming up in February and beyond?
Next week, 18 February, we will be hearing from Judge Arthur Tompkins about Art crime. In 2020, he will be leading the inaugural Stolen Beauty: Must-see Stolen Masterpieces Tour to France, Belgium, Poland, Austria, and Italy.
A reminder that 10 March will be a Bowls evening at Whitby Bowling Club.
And advance notice that on 17 March, Plimmerton Inner Wheel is holding their 30-year Anniversary. The Rotary Club of Tawa has invited those Rotarians who will not be attending that function to their meering on the same night. They meet at Tawa Bowling Club in Davies Street, Tawa at 5.45 for 6.15 pm. Their President is Judith Gray.
You can find information about all future events here.
Parting thought
Graeme Blick gave us the Parting Thought. He said, 'Wrinkles mean you laughed. Grey hair means you cared, and scars mean you lived'.
Who’s on duty for the next month?
Unable to do your duty? Please find a replacement and inform Philip Mottram.
If you're a late 'no show' please tell President Euon.
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.
Euon reminds members that it is the role of the person saying Grace to host Cris for the evening.