Hello fellow Rotarians
I am writing this while parked up in our caravan at a camping ground in Wanaka. The weathers been good and it’s been interesting to see the many tourists staying at the camping ground from different countries and nationalities coming and going each day. Tourism is definitely in full swing in Central Otago.
At our last formal meeting the guest speaker had to cancel at the last minute unfortunately, but the time was re-purposed and was a great opportunity for us to discuss what was happening in the club.
Alice gave an update on what the social committee had proposed for the year ahead and Richard spoke about the progress so far with organising the book sale fundraiser for King’s Birthday Weekend.
This refocused my thoughts on the "Club Forum" meetings we currently hold.
Looking at our clubs meeting calendar, and the meeting formats, and factoring in feedback received, I am looking at proposing some changes.
I would like us to use the Club forum (scheduled for 11th March) as an opportunity to discuss meeting format changes and all matters relating to our club including - fundraising, community projects, donations, social activities plus updates from club directors and committee chairs. This forum will also be an opportunity to raise any suggestions you may have.
I am proposing this forum on the 11th of March and future forums be held at the Kelvin Hotel with a new format.
The Hawthorndale Care Village in Invercargill are looking for helpers to plant trees and shrubs on the 25th of February at any stage during the day, and if you can spare any time on that day to help out, please get in touch with me.
The District Growing Rotary Team, consisting of PDG Nick Courtney, PDG Jan Boustead, and team are holding a Growing Rotary Workshop for all Southland Rotary Clubs on 8 March 2025. The rationale for this workshop is to work with all clubs with ideas, tools and resources to strengthen, revitalise and be more irresistible for others to join Rotary.
To make this day successful each club has been asked to bring 5-6 members along to the workshop, if you are interested in participating, please let me know.
Thank you and enjoy your week ahead.
Michael
Reminders
15th February - Charity bike ride Invercargill to Bluff
18th February - Formal Lunch meeting at the Kelvin hotel
21st February - Our clubs' progressive dinner
22nd February - District 9999 Weekend of connection in Timaru
22nd February - YMCA Omaui open day 12pm to 2pm
25th February - The Hawthorndale Village planting day
Meeting Duties (18th February)
Front desk: Stephen O'Connor
Grace: Graeme McMillan
Parting thought: Rob Phillips
Introduce and thank speaker: Karen Poff