President's Message 2012-05-29

 What an exciting meeting we had today. Lots of visiting rotarians and an exciting presentation of what is in store for next year with presentations from Ngaire, Gordon, and David Owen.

 It was a great thrill to receive a cheque for $3,000 from the RC of Collingwood. We purchase all our Christmas cakes, puddings and shortbread from RC Collingwood every year. For every 16 dozen items ordered you get an entry into a raffle and we were the lucky winners this year. This takes to over $20,000 raised from our christmas sales. Well done again Geoff Wright.

 District 9800 Foundation chairman John Davis attended and it was my pleasure to present to John a cheque of $6,000 as RC of Hawthorn's donation to Rotary Foundation.

 Attending also was John Minhinick RIBI who is visiting his son in Melbourne following on from RI Conference in Bangkok. Basically John will be looking after 29 Districts covering England,Wales,Scotland and Ireland. John was a speaker at District Assembly and greatly impressed PE Ngaire.

 We also had Romonda a member of Pt Gellibrand visit and a wonderful fines session from John Higgins.

 Good to see our numbers back up today although we have many on the injury list still. Arch is still at St George's hospital but seems happy and content. Vic is back home and starting some short walks. Much improved after a Tiger's win according to Betty. Jim Earle is recovering from hand surgery and Bernie Walshe is now out of intensive care following the removal of an infected gall bladder last Thursday. As if this list is not long enough Pip Smibert from our rookie list was to be inducted today but instead has had major surgery to his leg.  We wish all these members a speedy recovery.

 Our bubbly wine sales have added another $780 to club coffers and we should have the remaining wines for sampling next week.

 Keep well and have a great week.

Geoff