Today's Open Forum was chaired by Deborah
For the International Toast, since Gerry is unwell, Alan stepped in - after our recent toast to Dusseldorf, today's news that a British Airways plane heading there ended up in Edinburgh prompted a toast to that city.  (Alan obviously apologises for stuffing up Gerry's careful alphabetical toast order)
President Elect Chris gave the President's address
 
  • Starting with a welcome back to Ann who unfortunately had "popped her pelvis"  She will have to give up some of those more difficult dancing routines
  • Any nominations for Program Director for a few weeks?  Deborah put up her hand
  • Information Night under consideration
  • 11/49 District clubs meet at breakfast
  • Membership and 4 Way Test tips from British Columbia
  • Bunnings BBQ on Wednesday - Merv is relieved that "Judy's back" - bring an umbrella
  • 27 April Judy & Sue away
  • New laptops for RYDA 8 volunteers for April 2nd and 10 for April 3 - good show
  • Chris at PETS next week
  • Mark and Irish -A "taste of the Philippines" at Mark's home  - Upstairs, 159 Esplanade, Golden Beach 5pm to 6pm on Sunday 14 April
  • 23rd April Darryl organizing Vocational Visit to the Centaur Memorial
  • 16th April Special General Meeting to adopt Special Resolution (I thought all our meetings were "special")
  • Gordon unwell - op coming up
 
Not content to do only the Presidents Report, Chris continued with three minutes on himself
Chris was born in Middlesex in  the 1950s. His father was an aircraft designer. Chris followed in his footsteps and studied Mechanical Engineering at North Glos Tech College and worked on the manufacture of aircraft fuel system and undercarriage parts.  He met Linda at a nightclub, got her number, then lost it, and ended up going through every Smith in the phone book.  A poor start, but they have now been married for 45 years.  He was works manager at a bearing factory in South Wales then took a sales job for (sounds like) Hepco, eventually in Devon.  He has three children and four grand children, with all the family (except Linda's mum who they visit every year) in Australia. 
Arnaldo gave a short (less than three hours) account of his make-up on the Queen Victoria.  He was one of two out of 18 Rotarians on the ship who could make time for the meeting.
 
He also recounted experiences from RC in British Columbia (sounds like RC "Colona" - couldn't find it on the web) Good feelings and bad feelings time.  Rotary keeps going through friendship.
 
January was a sad time for him after his former employer passed away in England and he had missed him when he last visited.
 
He recounted a Botswana moment when his bank manager friend's bank was visited by a whole tribe who had walked 100 miles to empty a passbook account administered by their deceased chief.  Fortunately they had brought the body of the chief so that his thumbprint could correctly certify the transaction.
 
Arnaldo prompted old banking stories from Ann and Trevor
 
Judy noted that ex member David Fraser had passed away recently
 
Directors
  • Darryl - with Alan's help, Men's Shed are negotiating lease with Council for land in Grigor St
  • James - still spinning after one and a half days in Chicagio - Car Boot Sale Sat 1st June for Rotary projects at Salvation Army carpark in Sugarbag Road needs donated goods
  • Deborah - Wexford RC in Ireland have their own project similar to RYDA
  • Merv - International Night at Bribie has news from RC Kokopo in Rabaul PNG has nine new members - we sponsored then through a difficult time.  Five members at District Conference on Sat and 4 on Sunday.  RUSCCF Joint Dinner on 22nd May to present three $4,000 burseries.  We are doing the raffle & donate $1,000 every year. Prize suggestions anyone?
 
Sgt Merv was caught out by Judy - He "forgot" his wallet again at the conference
You don't normally want to stand between Noel and a bottle of wine, but the Sgt's special brew didn't quite make the grade and will be back for another round
 
And in other news:
I can't help it, I'm a proud grandparent
Shifting sands uncover ancient rock art at Moffat Beach.  After decades of research on the inscriptions since the last uncovering, archaeologists have determined that it depicts Balto, the God of Dyslexia.  Although Western civilization understood perspective in the 15th Century, primitive people depicted the second ear and all the legs, even in elevation, because they "knew" they were there.  Worshippers of Balto threw stones into the sea and if Balto returned them, it was a blessing and sign of good fortune.  Any droppings from Balto were carefully collected for future ritual, and to prevent the sudden appearance of evil spirits. Unfortunately, immersion in salt water has precluded carbon dating of the find.
 
Did you hear about the dyslexic, agnostic, insomniac?
He lay awake all night wondering if there really was a dog