Weekly Message From President Ngaire
Alistair McArthur, whose topic “Ice, Dogs and Men – Antarctic Exploration in the 1960’s” was most interesting, was our lunchtime speaker this week and his picture of life in the Antarctic had most of us very grateful that we weren’t likely to ever work there. Alistair’s account of the 5 days he spent adrift on an ice floe with three other men and 27 huskies didn’t sound like fun.
It was so good to welcome returning travellers this week to what was another most enjoyable meeting. Rotarians Kevin Rose, Robert Ball, Ian Pohl and Annie Johnson have all spent some time holidaying around Europe which appears to have done them all the world of good. I did hear that Robert Ball was tending to our accounts from the UK!! And here’s me thinking that holidays were for leaving that kind of daily stuff behind and actually relaxing. Not so for our indefatigable Treasurer, it seems. Thank you Robert, for your commitment and for your impeccable financial reports at our Board meeting.
Many thanks to the 20 volunteers who were involved at the City2Sea event on Sunday. I felt tired just listening to organiser Chris Hanson’s account of the timetable. It was a demanding way to earn $$$ for the Club and those of us who were not involved really appreciate your effort.
It is with regret that the Board accepts the resignation of Richard Groom, who after 22 years of commitment and sterling work for RCH wishes to transfer his membership to RC of Glenferrie. Richard has contributed enormously to various International committees at Hawthorn Rotary and over the years has effected many significant District Grants for our club. I am sure his wealth of experience will be very appreciated by his new Rotary club.
I’m really pleased to tell you that we have filled all our Garden rosters so thank you all for your cheerful assistance. Your Garden Captains, Anne Scott, Chris Hanson, Elizabeth Foxworth and I, pick up the equipment tomorrow and we have our RCH vests, hats and aprons ready to don. Lille Fro is our nominated charity and we have an opportunity to tell visitors to our gardens about the life- saving work done in northern India by the Foundation. It’s going to be fine and sunny so do tell friends and neighbours about this great way to spend their weekend. Remember, the more we tell and sell, the more money we raise for Rotary.
Good news about our tennis parking. Thanks to the almighty efforts of Ken McNamara, it is definitely happening next January, from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th. We’ll be looking for your help with filling those rosters – again!! And before that we are delighting the hearts of 250 socially isolated and disadvantaged residents of Boroondara with our annual Christmas party on December 23. And yes, Noel Halford will have another roster. Then we promise you a 2 months break before Albury.
Speaking of Albury and conference please remember to get your registrations to Robert Ball, either on-line or by post, before December 12. David Pisterman also needs notification so he can reserve your accommodation at The Olive, the motel of choice for RCH.
Phil Stewart distributed order forms for our hams and wine this week and I urge you to keep them on hand and give out to all and sundry. This is one of our major fundraisers and we need your support so we in turn can provide funds where needed for our local and international projects. Remember that smoked salmon is also available from RC of Kew. Delivery day for the hams is Thursday December 20.
Two fellowship events are happening in December. For the movie buffs, a light- hearted trip to Deco’s and the Rivoli is planned for Wednesday December 5th, to see the latest James Bond thriller, Skyfall. Please email me if you can join our group: ngairec@bigpond.net.au
Then on Thursday December 13th we gather at Kooyong at 6.30pm for our annual Christmas Dinner, and the good news – there is no fundraising auction this year. (Thank goodness, I can almost hear you say!!) This evening is just for us to get together and celebrate the occasion with good friends. We have special entertainment organised so clear your diaries and join our Christmas Fellowship. John Christoffelsz will take your names on Tuesday.
We are the last of the Cluster Clubs to have the pleasure of our exchange student Anemone Kirk as our lunch speaker. I’ll look forward to welcoming you to our regular meeting next Tuesday to hear about Denmark and Anemone’s impressions of Australia.
Enjoy your weekend and thank you for all your support in the Gardens.
Yours in Rotary,
Ngaire
Thought for the week
Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash, is considered one of the great political sages of the US. Here are his thoughts about ‘Growing Older.’
1. Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it
2. The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for
3. Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me; I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've traveled a long way, and some of the roads weren't paved
4. Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf
5. You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks
6. I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top
7. One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it's such a nice change from being young
8. Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable
9. If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old
And my favourite: One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been…