Thanks to everyone for turning up early on Tuesday, so we could get the AGM over and get on with our normal business. Special thanks to Ngaire Cannon for her presentation on the past year, which you all had the opportunity to read at leisure.

 

Simon O’Donoghue and John Higgins reported on the healthy state of the Survey Street Trust, and in the absence of Treasurer Robert Ball, Secretary Brian Reid presented the financial results.  Many thanks to Robert for finalising this, and we are indebted to Ken Scott for the Auditor’s Report. It only remains to show the healthy profit made by the Conference Committee, and for the incoming board to be revealed at our Xmas Dinner.

 

After a break for a chat, we were back in business, with an illuminating talk by Justin Giddings, CEO of Avalon Airport. We were amazed by Justin’s career part, starting as a cleaner, and becoming CEO. He has certainly tempted us to use Avalon for next year’s Rotary Conferences, in Sydney and Broadbeach.

 

David Bradshaw reported on the car-parking at Como Park North for the Paris to Provence Festival. I had originally asked David to arrange the duty-roster, and he became thoroughly involved from start to finish. With the guidance of Ken McNamara and Noel Halford, the team of energetic parkers raised $4,145.50 over the weekend. (The odd $5.00 came from an Irishman who came in as we were packing up: we agreed that $5.00 was a fair deal for all, the Four-Way Test in action! But I’ve no idea how the odd 50c came from)  Well done, everybody, a great demonstration of how we can all muck in and help.

 

We received a lovely letter from Rigzen Namgyal, the student in Northern India who we  have been supporting for several years. With any luck, David will be able to reproduce some of his drawings for you.

 

The Bunnings Barbecue on 8th December is sure to be busy, so let Ian Macfarlane know when you are able to assist. No great culinary skills are required for this nice little earner.     And don’t forget the working bee at St Vincent’s Hospital on 30th December, if you are going to be in town over the New Year. Please give me a call if you are able to join David Pisterman and myself to help changeover the new beds.

 

Next week, a visit to Paspaley Pearls on Tuesday evening is sure to be a winner, and for those unable to attend, Phil Stewart and Joe Devareux will arrange lunch in the Members area.  Be sure to contact Phil if you wish to join them.

 

Following our AGM, my quote of the week from Winston Churchill is directed at treasures everywhere: ‘If you can’t explain it to the tea lady, you don’t fully understand it yourself’

President Gordon Cheyne