Rotary Club of Waikanae
Bulletin No. 20 – 44th Year

Notices: 

President Tony asked Barry Herbert to open the meeting with Grace.

Tony welcomed Steve Botica back after his recent illness - Steve said he really appreciated the concern and support from members and gave us a run down on his Hospital and recovery experiences over the last three weeks. 

Rod Carter talked about the visit he and Gwynneth made to John and Elisabeth Wall in Hamilton recently whilst on a visit North. He said that they have settled into their new home well, John has arranged a carer to come in to help him look after Elisabeth who now needs more care than John can provide. John has set up his extensive train system again and is finding pleasure also in gardening- he has a great vegie garden coming along. A number of photographs were circulated of them and their property.

Richard Campbell told of his invitation to and attendance at the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson, where Prince Edward was speaking on the Hillary awards. An 'on the spot auction' raised over $10,000 in a very short time. ( City Clubs have the money!) Graham Benbrook spoke briefly on his recent interesting trip on the Overlander to Hamilton and on to Waihi and back.

John Algar challenged all members to grow a moustache for "Mow -Vember"

President Tony related his experience so far in trying to organise a Fair at Reikorangi. He said they will have to get a building permit to erect a Marquee - and no food can be sold on site unless it has been prepared in a commercial kitchen! Tony also gave forward notice of a Bike ride in March 2010 which if supported well, will give a big push for Polio Plus.

Sergeant:

Bruce Mansell told the story of Meg's misfortune in breaking her leg on a trip in the backblocks of Cambodia.

They had left for a visit to Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong, - well they did the Vietnam bit, then on to a cruise boat. At one of their stops ( I think he said in Cambodia) they did a bus tour, where they were viewing a rural set up where the river was in flood and they had to walk over rough terrain including a big plank.

Bruce was busy taking a photo and got back to Meg to find her flat on her back in some considerable pain. Some confusion then ensued, whilst they discussed how to move her, but fortunately there was a NZ nurse on the tour who took charge and insisted that an ambulance was called and she was taken to a nearby American Medical centre, 

The Doctor there liased with Bruce's medical Insurer who arranged for an Air Ambulance to take them to Bangkok ( a 90 min flight ) where Bruce said he was so impressed with the magnificent hospital -about 10 floors and all the modern equipment. It turned out that she had broken her thigh and after numerous tests she had a 2 hour operation where they fitted a metal plate in her leg.

Bruce said they then spent 17 days in that hospital room while Meg recovered, having physio daily until she was pronounced fit to fly. Bruce said the Insurance company came to the party and they sent a Doctor with Meg all the way back to New Zealand.

Now Meg is home, she must wait up to three months before weight can be applied to the leg. Bruce did not issue fines- he said everyone "just make a donation"ins Tax.

Raffle:

Winners this week were Graham Rolston, President Tony and Mike Gilbert

Committee Meetings:

President Tony indicated that we would move into committee meeting mode, he briefed us on matters relating to Student Exchange

A motion from the floor was supported to refer all discussion first to the International Committee from which recommendations will be made to the Directors.

The meeting then broke up into the Club Committees

Club Service - Barry reported that we have a full speaker's programme until Christmas, but help with finding speakers for the New Year is sought. Membership issues are still with us, we need to ensure that we at least make the effort to try and grow our club to ensure it's survival - various suggestions were floated. The committee reviewed the various functions carried out on behalf of the Club with the intention of ensuring continuing improvement.

Community Services Committee Meeting Present: Peter Nation, Rod Carter, Randal Heke, Bruce Mansell, Colin McKenzie, Ian Standen, Steve Golledge. Items Discussed: 1. Duck race: Enquiries to continue to ascertain where and when ducks are available - Action Colin 2. Movies: Shoreline Cinema to be contacted regarding bookings for private showings - Action Peter 3. Market Day: The list of past participants, used by Waikanae 2000, to be acquired for the Market Days in Mahara Square, with a view to reintroducing the events. If this project is to proceed, Steve will email previous stall holders to determine their interest. Action - Peter 4. Quiz Night: Prizes for winners to be sought. Action - Ian 

International Service We Discussed the Exchange Student issue and decided to consult with the club members probably by e.mail survey. We also decided to raise money to help replace the boxes that went to Samoa. We are considering a film evening as a main fund raiser.

Reminders:

NEXT WEEK - Is a Ladies Invitation evening - tell your Wives and Partners, the speaker is the events manager for the Westpac Stadium, she has a big job!. Please indicate your intention to be there to Peter Fahey by Tuesday 10th.Nov.

REMEMBER ALSO - The Christmas function will be held on December 9th.