I am writing this article with the rain pouring down outside. What a delightful change from the heat and humidity of yesterday.
On Monday, we had two speakers for the price of one. Initially, Howard updated us on "Shelterbox" and how they are adapting their products to better suit the needs of people caught up in disasters. A good move, but who would have imagined that those without a roof over their heads would want to "keep up with the Jones" and be concerned that their tent did not have the features of next door’s – Human nature, I guess. Howard was followed by his brother in law, Peter Cliff, as a guest speaker. What an interesting and remarkable story Peter had to tell; of going to Papua New Guinea as a newly retired Dental Surgeon to donate his time and experience to improve dental health in that country . As is so often the way, the surprise guest speaker perhaps overawed us all with his story and experiences in PNG.
Charlie Barnett gave us a ten minute update on RI Foundation. He is organising a Polio Fundraiser at the Cremorne Orpheum Theatre at 3.30pm on Thursday 16 February. Bill Lee will follow this up. The movie "Hidden Figures", see below.
Sick Parade; Why was Cyril unusually not present to keep us on our toes? Cyril went to Hospital on Friday to have a hernia operation, only to be told by the Anaesthetist that he had an irregular heartbeat, so no operation. He had a cardiac pacemaker fitted on Saturday and came home on Monday. His hernia op is delayed for a couple of weeks and he is not allowed to drive at present. Do not worry, he is not down and out; he organised for Bill to collect the money box for attendances so that the meeting would function efficiently. Good health Cyril and a prompt recovery.
BBQ: We had a few issues last weekend with last minute changes. Philip and Richard and David did a sterling job ending up selling all the sausages then cleaning up too. Bill Lee very kindly collected the sausages from Brookvale in the morning. Well done guys and a big thank you.
Our change of Venue Trial: The Union Hotel. It proved a great day to trial the new venue, seeing that it was so hot ! The room and its setup for 20 was great. The technical facilities – overhead projector, drop down screen, microphone system was also superior. In spite of the Hotel being unusually busy for a Monday - catering for a large crowd due to "The Super Bowl’s" unfortunate clash with Crows Nest Rotary, the meals came out pretty much on time and were great. There was only one complaint – the Parking. The parking station nominated was as dear as the meal !
Local advice from the two Marks; is that there is usually free street car parking for two hours in the streets to the west of Pacific Highway reasonably close to the Hotel. Another alternative would be to park at the Nicholson Street Car Park, Crows Nest
For your Diary:
– District Conference at Penrith: March 11.
- District Assembly, Parramatta, 23 April.
A final item – our 1st January Member Subscriptions are due – please expect an invoice from the Treasurer. Subs are $120 for Members and $175 for Corporate Members. Bank Details WESTPAC BSB 032-298 A/c Rotary Club of Crows Nest 394298.
Regards Peter
MONDAY 13th February - Our Speaker is Shelley Whittington, speaking about 'Destiny Rescue'
Child Sexual Exploitation And Slavery
"It’s a scourge on modern society. Millions of children around the world are trafficked or trapped in sexual exploitation with little hope for freedom. We bring freedom. We shine a light in the darkness".
Destiny Rescue was the first organization that informed Shelley about human trafficking and she was shocked into action after being made aware that slavery still exists today. Since then she has been passionate about making a difference in the area of child trafficking, and eight years later she has the privilege of working with Destiny Rescue and informing others about these injustices that are occurring around the world.
Please note: Monday 13th February our meeting will be held at The Small Bar, 85 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest, then for the next four weeks, 20th February to 13th March inclusive, our meetings will be at the Union Hotel, Cnr Pacific Hway & West St. Suggested parking is the Council Car Park, Ridge Street, for $15.60 for under 2 hours and, free 2 hr parking in the adjacent Waverton streets (i.e. McHatton St), West of the Pacific Highway.
LAST MONDAY's Meeting 6 February 2017 - We had 2 Speakers:
Howard Sullivan speaking on 'Shelterbox' and
Peter Cliff, speaking on his voluntary work as a Dentist in PNG.
Since the commencement of Shelterbox, approximately 30,000 families have received aid!
The Club's last year donation was used for 3 boxes sent to Niger and our recent donation of $3,000 has been used for Shelter Kits.
A volunteer Dentist in PNG, was an astounding story of carrying out dentistry in remote locations without running water and sterilization! Thank goodness we live in Australia!
Announcements & other News
In Cyril's absence, George Condell toasted the Rotary Club of Hutt Valley in New Zealand, where he has visited with his family.
Please register for the District Conference ASAP. Registrations remain low.
ROMAC is currently looking after a young girl from Vanuatu suffering from severe burns. She has been discharged and is living in Ronald McDonald House and is undergoing physiotherapy everyday for approx' 3/6 weeks until she can walk again.
The Movie Night fundraising for Polio Plus, is on Thursday 16th February at the Hayden-Orpheum in Cremorne, $15 to see 'Hidden Figures'.
Reminders
District conference is a one day event, on Saturday March 11th at Penrith, and costs $150 including the evenings entertainment.
Our meeting on Monday 13th February our meeting will be held at The Small Bar, 85 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest,
