It seems ages since we last met at the Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre. I hope you all had a relaxing break and are now ready to approach the changeover period with gusto!

On Monday night we had the long-awaited birthing kits packing exercise. We successfully packed 200 birthing kits which will be sent back to the Birthing Kit Foundation in Adelaide and then onto a Third World country. When compared to the facilities in the first world countries these birthing kits may appear very basic, but for women who will deliver under a tree or on a dirty bed in a small hospital they are a lifesaver. The plastic prevents contamination from the ground, the string ties the cord, and the small scalpel blade cuts the cord cleanly without the risk of infection that an old pair of scissors would provide.  As I stated in my talk, 11% of maternal mortalities occur because of infection and these kits have been shown to significantly reduce this risk. This project not only helps disadvantaged communities but is also an opportunity for club members to work together and enjoy each other’s company.

Changeover is rapidly approaching and I'm pleased to see that the majority of club members are attending. It should be an exciting evening.

The week following Changeover we will be heading to the Camberwell Art Show at Carey Grammar. We are a little uncertain as to where we will eat after the art show – maybe the Auburn Hotel or maybe even back at the Harp Hotel. David Chivers is managing this event and will keep us updated. Please put this date in your diary.

The fun continues on 20th July when John McCaskill‘s trivia night will be held at the Auburn Bowls Club. This promises to be an exciting night and John also promises to have no questions about Rotary.  Once again, John will keep us updated about this event.

In the meantime, keep warm and dry and I will see you next week for a most relevant session about hearing loss and dementia risk.

Cheers,
Jill