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PRESIDENT PETER'S MUSINGS 
 
Happy New Year to all. Christmas, the New Year and 12th Night have come and gone and life is starting to return to normal after the Holidays. I hope you all had a good break and can look forward to a healthy and more prosperous year than 2016.
The Share Market and the Politicians seemed to take two steps forward then two steps sideways then two steps back – the result achieving very little growth, earnings, positive decisions or progress.
 
In Rotary, we have completed a number of BBQs at the end of the year and moved on to our RYLA commitment. With RYLA this year, we have had some minor hiccups; so next year we will need to vet our candidates more closely and monitor their travel arrangements more fully.
PP Ian has done some legwork in our quest for an alternative venue and has come up with the Union Hotel on Pacific Highway just past the Mater Hospital. We will hold a meeting there - 6 February, ie the first meeting of February – to assess its potential. You will need to attend if you wish to critique the venue !!!
I guess it is not for me to comment on our Speakers’ at last Monday’s meeting. Namely Celia – speaking of her childhood in England; and me – speaking about being a veterinarian in Hong Kong. Not too bad for last minute speakers, I thought.
Lastly, a point to ponder over, regarding Giving Night and the monies we raise: -
If the Rotary Foundation is so cost effective in that 92% of its funds are allocated to its projects; WHY do we give money to other organisations that are not so efficient?
So, is it because it is so hard to get money out of the Rotary Foundation?  Discuss.
 
Look forward to seeing you all at the SmallBar next Monday
 
Cheers and Good Health
  
 
Regards Peter
             
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BBQ ROSTER
 
Our next BBQ at Bunnings Artarmon is on Saturday 4th February.
 
MEETING ROSTER
 
View the roster here, or refer to the foot of this bulletin 
MONDAY 16th January - Our Speaker is Phil Burge, Prostrate Cancer Foundation of Australia 
 
  Phil is a civil engineer by profession, retired these days, married with 2 sons and 5 grandchildren. He is an Ambassador and community speaker for both Cancer Council NSW and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia   As an Ambassador Phil's role is to raise community awareness of cancer and to provide resources for individuals to learn more.    Phil is a prostate cancer survivor of some 6 years now and during that time has involved himself in a number of volunteer roles including peer support counselling, research community representation, and media interviews.    Phil is a keen cyclist and golfer particularly enjoying outback riding in remote areas of Australia and golfing trips around the state. all next year for the start of another exciting Rotary Year.
 
LAST MONDAY's Meeting  
 
Our President & Past President, Peter & Celia Coote, stepped in at the last minute as our Guest Speakers.  They spoke on two interesting overseas experiences.
 
Peter, who celebrates 50 years as a Vet, walked us thru his time as a country boy, off to set up a veterinary clinic in Hong Kong. Starting with getting his (Vet) drugs thru customs to the traffic & parking issues in a large city. He quickly learnt the culture issues, like YES means I have heard, not I have actioned. Nothing like comparing looking after our country dogs to those at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
 
Celia then walked us thru post-war England, and her migration to Napier, New Zealand. Starting with her house, in London being bombed, then rebuilt by the Germans(Jerry-built) to the 6 week cruise to NZ. The excitement & dramas of settling into a new & far away country. Her 3 year apprentice as a hairdresser, before setting up her our business, before returning to London.
 
Two stories worth sharing. Thank you Peter & Celia.
 
Announcements & other News
 
  • Cyril Clark toasted the Rotary Club of Chesterville in Canada.
  • Harold & Gina will be representing us at the RYLA Dinner on Tuesday. There are 82 students this year with Crows Nest sponsoring three.
  • Angelo needs volunteers to pick up RYLA students, this Saturday from Elanora.
  • Next BBQ is Saturday February 4th. New roster out this week, PLEASE organise a swap if you are unable to attend on your assigned shifts.
  • New Sargent of Arms – Harold started the year with plenty of fines !!
  • President has received Thank You letters from the following Giving Night recipients – Manly Women’s Refugee, So They Can, ROMAC, Rotary Health, Rotary Foundation and ShelterBox.
  • ROMAC is currently looking after a young girl from Vanuatu suffering from severe burns.    
  • Sue reported on a very successful Tree of Joy. Numerous presents for RNSH, Mary’s Refugee, Delvina’ s Refugee, as well as $5000 cash to drought affected rural areas.
  • Our meeting on Monday 6th February will be at the Union Hotel, Cnr Pacific Hway & West St.  This is a one-off trial.
Reminders
  • District conference is Saturday March 11th next year at Penrith. 
  • Next Board Meeting - Tuesday 7th February     
 
 
FORTHCOMING SPEAKERS
Jan 16, 2017
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
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FOR YOUR DIARY
Board Meeting
Feb 07, 2017
 
MEETING RESPONSIBILITIES
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Staples, Mark
 
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Staples, Mark
 
International Toast
 
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Gugliotta, Ross
 
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Warr, Mark
 
Speaker Introduction
 
Introduce Speaker
Locke, Jennifer
 
Introduce Speaker (back-up)
Walsh, Les
 
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Thank Speaker - Write-up
House, Phoenix House
 
Thank Speaker - Write-up (back-up)
Locke, Jennifer
 
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Leckning, Shirley
 
Welcomer
Lee, Bill