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 . . . . .