Presidential Prattlings
Saint Patrick set the tone for the day, with out Hawthorn Irish Choir celebrating Vic Burns’ 90th.
Dr John Carre-Riddell introduced a “Show and Tell” session, starting with some family photos.
Ian Warren, Ngaire Cannon, Bernie Walshe and Vic Burns all surprised us with some thoughtful and sometimes hilarious revelations. I suspect we will have requests for a further “Show and Tell”.
John Carr-Ridell and I attended the 20th Probus Club on 14th he had some lovely reminiscences. The club has flourished since its foundation, and they try to limit membership to under 100 members. Nearly 100 people attended the celebration, when four members were presented with 20-year pins. Probus Clubs seem to have a way of attracting members! (My photo shows Alister Rowe – Club President 2014-15, Peter Milburn of Malvern Rotary Club who is District 9800 Probus Chairman, and Dr John Carre-Riddell.)
Bernie Walshe did his best to de-mystify the Paul Harris Society: Bernie founded the first PHS in Australia when he was District Governor: The PHS of District 9800 now has 51 members, who each donate US$1,000 annually to the Rotary Foundation. I was surprised to learn that PHS members’ contributions represent 35% of all annual giving to the Rotary Foundation, and that many Rotary Grants are largely funded by these contributions. Anyone wishing to learn more, or to attend the PHS lunch at the RACV on Friday, 4th
Rotarians at Work: we have a team clearing up the new Servants Community Housing residence at A’Beckett St, Kew, on Wednesday. By the time you read this, we will probably all be treating out blisters.
We all wish the participants in Relay for Life a happy time but no blisters at all: I look forward to the afternoon tea, but not the exercise . . . .
A District 9800 news Flash: District Governor Designate for 2016-17 is Neville John, to follow Julie Mason in office. Neville was a popular Assistant Governor for the Yarra Cluster a few years ago, and we wish him and Rebecca to a great year in Rotary. Congratulations, Neville!
Next week, Associate Professor Geoff Sussman OAM will tell us about “Your Skin and You”. Geoff is a Glen Eira Rotarian, and I have heard him speak quite hilariously on “Everything you know about your skin is wrong!” I can promise you will be informed and amused.
Thought for the week: “Show and Tell” is a common classroom activity at Primary School. It is used to teach young children the skills of public speaking. Our speakers clearly showed they need no further tuition. However the Hawthorn Irish Choir could do with some work . . . . .