Presidential Prattlings
Another busy week in Rotary, with a fun and fellowship barbecue at Masters in Tooronga. Ian Macfarlane and his team of willing workers needed to be on their toes to cope with the windy day, as napkins and bread threatened to take off at any time. A profit of $671 was made, and we could have earned more if the barbies were hotter and able to cook sausages faster. Well done, team, under difficult conditions.
Ideally, all those preparing and serving food should be aware of the health requirements: Food-handler’s Certificates are available on-line, at varying costs. The Victorian Department of Health has a free certificate available at http://dofoodsafely.health.vic.gov.au/welcome.php
We had another “away” fixture on Tuesday, with lunch at the Rendezvous Grand Hotel, a lovely remnant of Melbourne’s prosperous past, featuring a magnificent grand vestibule. Four of our “Ten Quid Tourists” told us of their trials and tribulations as Pommy Migrants, as we enjoyed an informal lunch.
Then on to the Immigration Museum in Flinders Street: located in the Old Customs House in the heart of the city, the museum re-creates the real-life stories of coming to Australia with a rich mix of moving images, personal and community voices, memories and memorabilia.
Once again Noel Halford gave us great value for money (free entry for Seniors Card holders) and an entertaining and informative guided tour of the Museum. Most of the attending members expressed a wish to return at leisure to examine more of the Museum.
The Board met on Tuesday evening, and received reports of the various behind-the-scenes activities.
Vocational Service: Geoff Wright’s team of four Student Advisors have started a pilot course at Hawthorn Secondary College under Headmaster Steve Kimonides: initial reports are encouraging.
Youth: David Owen reported on the progress of the Tasmanian Youth Exchange, RYLA, and support for a student to attend Lord Somers Camp
Community: Ken McNamara reported that planning for the Christmas Luncheon for the needy is now underway.
Fund Raising Activities proceeding involving sausage sales at Masters and Bunnings.
Parking at Kooyong Classic and “Paris to Provence” at Como are in the pipeline. Pencil in 22-24th November to assist at the latter.
Ham and wins sales, and Footy Tipping are still on the program before Xmas.
You may be envying the enthusiasm with which the Labor Party’s Leadership is contested. Will we have such a keen contest to find a successor to President-Elect Chris Hanson? Who can come up with the biggest promises? Have a think on the role you would like for the Rotary year 2015-16. Wouldn’t you like to be President?
DG Ross Butterworth visits the club next week. I look forward to hearing of the activities at District level, and telling him how well our club is progressing.