Notes from the President 

This year has been an intentionally busy one, although life is now going to calm down because many in the club are heading to the Philippines for our Medical Mission. 

I’m trying to keep members active and engaged and therefore this week we participated in the Kieser Open Day barbecue on 12th September in Malvern, and then the Great Generational Debate on 14 September. 

Michelle Critchley is a member of Kieser in Malvern and earlier in the year we participated in a barbecue with them and they asked us again to help on Saturday, 12th September. Steve Clarke, John Womersley,  John Braine, Cathie, Michelle and I spent some time talking to Kieser clients, selling raffle tickets and eating sausages and had a relaxing fellowship afternoon. We didn’t raise a huge amount of money but it all goes towards the coffers!

And then for the event of the year! John McCaskill has stressed for months about the debate especially as the booking numbers remained low until not long before the event. Three students from Canterbury Girls' Secondary College - Olivia, Sarah and Sophie, competed against John, Julie Mason and Susie Cole, with the debate topic being that “Life is better now than it was 50 years ago.” All six debaters gave it their best but the adjudicator, Maddie Miao, decided in favour of the students. All debaters were presented with a medal, with Sarah being judged the best debater and presented with the second medal. Elizabeth Shepherd had also organised a trophy and we are hoping that this can become an annual event. Obviously, Canterbury Girls Secondary College took the cup home this year! 

It was a wonderful event. We had at least 90 guests, including Mr Pessuto, the state member for Hawthorn, Rotarians from the Melbourne, Balwyn, and Glenferrie  clubs, and our club members, family and friends. Supper was provided by Rob and Karin Simpson and Elizabeth Shepherd. Helen Hartnett and Pat Little helped decorate and set up the rooms, and Michelle provided the necessary administrative background to help the event run smoothly. Alex took photos and you’ll see them in this bulletin.

It was a really well run, well presented event and a credit to John and Liz McCaskill for their organisation. We also especially need to think Elida Brereton who acted as moderator, and the two Rotarians who presented the negative case with John McCaskill - Julie Mason and Susie Cole. Proceeds from the evening went to Rimern. Overall, it was a fun evening and one to be repeated. 

Next week Michelle has been able to organise Georgia Campbell from the Melbourne Football Club AFLW to come along to talk, and the following week we will all present to the Swinburne Aviation for flight simulation. Apparently, the numbers for this are limited so you will need to let Michelle know if you want to attend. I certainly want to. It sounds most interesting.

Anyway, I’m having a break next week and I’m going down to Tassie, but will be back on the 28th. John Womersley will take my place on Monday 21st so please be nice to him!

The only other point of concern is the Christmas festivities which will take place on 14 December- where do we go????

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I’ll see you on the 28th. 

Regards,

Jillian