On Monday night we held the New Members welcome dinner at Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre. When we arrived, we were provided with a glass of Prosecco to drink whilst eating biscuits and beautiful French cheeses, both of which were provided by Rob and Karin Simpson. Thank you Rob and Karin for all your hard work in helping to organise this function. Then Rob ushered us into the meeting room, made a toast to Rotary and Australia, and, in turn, asked six of our new members to describe their experiences at our club. These new members have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the club experience, having taken on administrative and board responsibilities, as well as participating in club activities such as FORaMEAL and the Bunnings BBQ. We feel that we are privileged to have such enthusiasm in our new members.
We then had a sumptuous meal of a grazing plate consisting of prawns, other seafood, prosciutto, ham and salad, followed by cream and jam lamingtons for dessert. Pam really did herself proud, and she and Phillip helped make this a special night.
Our special speakers were Doug Hawley, Nora Ley and John McCaskill who spoke about their special projects and how they were developed. This information was fascinating and would have been new to most of the newer members and even some of the slightly older members like me. Nora especially educated the members about the work involved with the FORaMEAL project, providing them with details of negotiating with the schools or other clubs, packing and unloading the truck, and even cleaning the boxes after the event. Hopefully this helps you understand why Nora asks for help for the project, especially from the stronger male members.
Next week we will have our Rotary Radio Show members discuss the show, and then we will have a week off to celebrate the King's birthday. The week after, on 15th June, we will be packing birthing kits, rather than having a speaker. There is some preliminary work required and I will be in touch with members, hoping that they will be able to help.
And then of course is Changeover on 29th June. There have been a few hiccups with the invitations, but John Braine has sent out an email overcoming these issues. Also please don’t be deterred by the white dress code. If you have it, wear it. If not maybe a white tie, or scarf will do!
We had lots of fun on Monday night, both discovering and re-discovering why we all joined Rotary and then we heard it from our legion of new members. We heard about the reasons why they joined - to give back, to be with people who shared their values and the enjoyment they experience in continuing their time in The Rotary Club of Canterbury.
Then, we heard the back stories to our favourite projects in The Rotary Club of Canterbury. Doug Hawley explained how the Sight and Hearing Mission began, and its rapid progress in improving the lives of the disadvantaged in the Philippines.
From there, Nora Ley explained the progress of FORaMEAL, how it is implemented, what is involved and how it continues to become even stronger and more powerful for those who volunteer to pack and those who receive the end product.
It is well known how enthusiastic John McCaskill is about Rotarians for Bees, a self-funded project which educates children and enhances the world around us with bee-friendly pollinator gardens.
There was much friendship and joy throughout this special new membership evening, delayed, but still delightfully received by all those present. There is a tight bond which exists between members of The Rotary Club of Canterbury. It was there throughout the evening, and it remains there long after the evening.
In August, the Rotary and Community Service Radio Show will celebrate our 21st birthday! Next week Anne, Fiona and Alex will talk about the history of the show, how it has evolved over the years and some of our favourite moments from the show.
The Canterbury Rotary Club lunch group usually meets bi-weekly at 12.30 for a meal and some fun.
David Zrna looks after the reservations for the lunch group. Please contact David at david.zrna@canterburyrotary.org or on 0467033092 to advise that you will be coming to a lunch.
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