The end of the year is getting closer, however much has been happening recently in our Club. On the 11th of November there was a very successful Peace Pole Dedication ceremony conducted at Loreto Mandeville Hall College. Quite a few Rotarians from our club attended and many felt the ceremony was very moving. Joanne Shentu and Richard Blakeman are to be congratulated for their excellent organization of the day together with senior staff at the school.
On Tuesday the 18th of November the Annual Paul Harris Breakfast was held at the Windsor Hotel in the City. Some Rotarians from our club attended the Breakfast and we were delighted to have our visiting Global Grant Scholar, Masaya Endo, also join us. Julie Mason, the District Chair of Rotary Foundation spoke at the breakfast. She referred to Masaya’s presence and was pleased to meet him as Masaya is a Rotary Foundation Scholarship recipient.
The International Service Committee, under Amelia Anderson’s Directorship, has achieved the difficult task of establishing the commencement of the building of the Water Storage and Reticulation System in Sierra Leone. The problem of safely sending the funding there and recouping lost funds that were sent, was greatly assisted by Don Heath who developed a close relationship with the Bank Manager at Westpac. Don’s persistence with the Bank Manager and Amelia’s determination has been rewarded. Congratulations!
The Sumba Eye Program, under Dr Mark Ellis has recently had another successful visit to the island of Sumba, Indonesia.
Other international programs are also underway such as Birthing Kits which will be sent to New Guinea and there will be consideration of others projects especially in the new year.
In my next President’s Message I will discuss the achievements of other Committees including Community, Youth and Foundation.
Some important dates to remember:
Next Rotary Meeting on the 25th of November, Julie Mason, District Chair of Foundation will be speaking and our Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholar, Masaya Endo, will attend.
On the 26th of November there will be a zoom meeting at 7.00pm for the AGM of the Rotary club of Glenferrie. Please attend this meeting as it’s very important that we have a quorum. If you cannot attend please complete the proxy form and ask a member who is attending to act as your proxy.
Our Christmas Party this year is on the 16th of December. Details are in this edition of the Bulletin.
Have a great week in Rotary,
Helena Wimpole
President