PRESIDENT PETER'S Thoughts -While "on tour" in Israel
The flight to Tel Aviv all happened according to plan if somewhat tedious due to the 11hr sector from Hong Kong. The service and food was faultless. I would recommend Cathay to anyone.
We arrived at our hotel in Jaffa( the old part of Tel Aviv) to find it was a rather funky 4 star hotel. The floor in the reception area was glass exposing old ruined foundations of some previous building on the same site. Imagine our joy to find that "Happy Hour" was from 5 pm to 8 pm ( all food and drinks free).
We spent Monday on a walking tour of Tel Aviv, that slowed some down. Tomorrow we travel north to Caesarea, Zichon Yakov, Ein Hod and Acre. We stay the night in Galilee and visit the Dead Sea and the Golan Heights on Wednesday.
All very orderly so far and no fighting amongst the travellers.
More travel updates at another time.
Cheers
Peter
Editors comment: Is Bill Bryson's job safe!!
Next Meeting MONDAY 15th May 2017 - Our Speaker is Senior Constable Jodie Young
North Sydney Police, about Police Youth Citizens Club and homeless on lower north shore.
North Sydney PCYC was established in 1937 and was a partnership forged with the community via Rotary to provide young people with a safe and positive alternative to the streets. Today there are more than 60 clubs and centres throughout the state, with more than 85,000 members and more than 140 different activities.
Senior Constable Jodie Young has been a police officer with the NSW Police Force for 10 years and is currently the Police Youth Case manager at North Sydney PCYC. Police work closely with other agencies, like the Dept of Community Services and education, taking a holistic approach to the needs and problems of each young person. PCYC means less truancy, less crime, and more young people feeling better about themselves and more confident and socially capable. The facilities are a centre for all ages and the community. All our clubs offer fun, fitness and friendship, where all can enjoy a wide range of sports, arts and recreational activities
Simon Babbage gave the International Toast to the Rotary Club of Buffalo, New York.
Our Guest Speaker,introduced by Mark Warr
Noel Phelan,from the Rotary Club of Northbridge,gave an excellent talk on the adventurous and very dangerous mission by the naval vessel,the MV Krait,during the second World War in Japanese occupied Indonesia.In today's world the mission would have been considered too dangerous and not even attempted,but against incredible odds the Krait,disguised as a Japanese fishing trawler sailed into enemy waters off the Indonesian coast,dispatching a group of commandos in very basic canoes,which could only paddle at night until they reached the harbour and attach limpet mines to a number of Japanese warships ,and return back to the Krait.The Krait was only supposed to have the one pick up,but on the first attempt only one canoe appeared,so the Captain decided to return the following night ,luckily the remaining two canoes showed up for pick up and return back to Australia.
The fully restored Krait is now on show at the Maritime Museum for all to see.
Tom Sweeney thanked Noel,on behalf of the Club,for his efforts.
Also,would all members take note of Tom Sweeney's note below regarding the up and coming production by the Willoughby Amatuer Theatre Group,and the special cause it's in aid of,
young Philip Olsen is in need of help and we can assist by attending Willoughby Theatre's production of WICKED at the Concourse Chatswood on 23rd May.
Tickets are just $50 and 90% of each ticket goes to MS and Philip. At $50, this is $10 cheaper that a normal adult ticket.
Please come. (any questions call me on 0411 709 380)
TOM SWEENEY Rotary Club of Crows Nest
& President Willoughby Theatre Company.
The link immediately below - will take you directly to Ticketek and just search for Tues 23rd May 7.30pm.
(right hand side under Ticket & Event info ''select dates'')
Phillip Smith is still alive and kicking as he circumnavigates Australia via the coast road.Last week he reported from Ceduna,and this week he's on the South Australian border.To the discerning observer ,you will take note of Phil's changed appearance!!
It is with much regret that, due to work commitments, Jennifer Locke has elected to resign from the club.
At the Board Meeting last Wednesday,it was decided to submit a District Grant for the Taldumande Youth Services that support vulnerable and homeless children.The Club will be donating $3000,with District a further $3000 if approved.
Also at the meeting Tom Sweeney accepted the role of Vocational Director for the next term,relinquishing his PR role.
Reminders
President Changeover night is Monday July 3rd. Venue will be the Union Hotel.Cost per head is $40.Please respond to John Saunders e-mail request.
So They Can Annual Sydney Dinner - 11th May, details can be seen here.
Red Shield Appeal – Sunday 28th May
Please note Mark Staples last edition of the BBQ Roster for this coming Saturday,the 13th
0800 Mark W, Mark S, Tom (also sausages)
1015 John Saunders
12:00 Emily(phoenix House), Peter H-O, Jennifer, Tif