Mates for Inmates”  was the title of Mandy Baxter’s address on Tuesday: a wonderful program to help prisoners on their way to rehabilitation which held our interest throughout.

We had some lovely guests in attendance: Amy Campbell told us of her inspiring week at RYLA, and how she made 90 friends in one day. Amy confirmed our belief that his Rotary Youth program is worthy of continuing support.

Victoria Hammond, our nominee for a Rotary Postgraduate Scholarship, attended with her father, Dr Phil Hammond. We believe Victoria is an excellent candidate, and hope she is selected for the scholarship, to enable her to continue her studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution at Oxford University.

We note the passing of PRIP Royce Abbey with sadness. Royce was well-loved and respected, a truly devoted Rotarian. The Memorial Service will be at Melbourne Town Hall on Friday at 2.30 pm.

Last week I attended a meeting of DIK Inc. at Footscray. Bob Glindemann and his team are making movie to present at the District Assembly. The store is so overcrowded  with goods that they have acquired extra space for the overflow. Much of this, such as medical aids, are distributed locally. The work has become 5 days a week, so they urgently need more volunteers.  Who can join Henry Drury and myself on Thursday morning to help clear the backlog?  

Boroondara Cares met earlier this week: Peter Allen gave an update on the steering committee for a major building program, and the formation of the Boroondara Cares Foundation. Mat Maudlin told us of changes at Servants Community Housing: we have an opportunity to do some decorating at the new Romana Centre for Rotarians at Work month. Bob Lambert reported on the “pop-up” shop, Rob Hogan on Glenferrie’s Men’s Shed, and Ngaire Cannon on the Swinburne University Volunteers Program. DG Ross Butterworth was delighted to see a Rotary Cluster Group functioning so well.

Group Study Exchange: PDG Dennis and Lynda, along with Sheila and myself, represented the club at a welcome dinner for the German GSE Team. They presented a spirited slide-show about their home, and entertained us with some singing. Also present were the outgoing team, who joined in the fun, posing for the weary photographer. Photos of the evening are at https://plus.google.com/photos/106224275621582639712/albums/5984331605154896865?authkey=CIPJxdeAkri3Ww

Gerry Cantwell assures me that neither his Maori friend nor himself has been offered a rugby contract (so far)  

Next week, we will catch a glimpse of the man behind the badge: Sheridan Brown. I look forward to his dissertation on Antique Furniture.

After Mandy’s talk on dogs, I couldn’t resist ending with a quote from Winston Churchill: “I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals”