Prebooked event this week:
 
Those demanding variety and more fellowship get to have have another win this week. Trevor & Wendy Smith will be our hosts for the "Ride to Conference Sponsorship evening".  Australian Rotary Health Mental  Illness programs, outlined by Francis Acquah at Club meeting on Thursday 21st January, 2016, will benefit from funds raised on Thursday evening together with any subsequent donations ahead of the ride which finishes in Bendigo on Conference Sports Day.. Many thanks in advance to Trevor & Wendy, Home social evenings require lots of preparation but are always  relaxed & great fun.
 
Venue is 23  Prospect Road, Bulleen, 6.15pm for 6.45pm.
Cost is $35 per head to include BBQ meat, sausages, wine & beer.. Salads, desserts & chairs will be provided by members advised by prearranged roster. Of course, no fine session on Thursday.
 
 

Team Aquabox has hit the ground running this year, Margaret Lane made a presentation at Camberwell RC, the Rat and I presented at Ocean Grove RC. We successfully deployed 120 Aquaboxes to India to help with the devastating floods. We received enormous help from Indian Rotarians in distribution and customs clearance. Again Claytons freight forwarding was magnificent and Twiggy's negotiations with overseas Rotarians and authorities invaluable. Dale's Den ( aka Rat's shed) worked well, naturally supported by all the members that supported in the packing etc.

 
President: David McFarlane
Chair: Ross McDonald
Guests: Nick Ikonomou, Gertraude McDonald, Ashleigh McFarlane, Ange Williams
Congratulations: To Paul Kelly & David McFarlane who received a pin from Rotary International in recognition of bringing new members into the club – Irene Cant & Ian Kiddle
Fines: Diane Penkethman
Raffle winner: Ange Williams
Reports from the floor:
* Brett Linsell:  Rotaract meetings recommence next Monday (1st Feb) at 7.30pm – all welcome
* Ken Paynter: Next week’s meeting will be a BBQ at Trevor & Wendy Smith’s home at 23 Prospect Rd, Bulleen to raise funds for Rotary Health – in particular for research into mental health issues. Members are asked to contribute a salad or a dessert
* Jill Ramsay: Youth Services update - Michael Shield has been named Nillumbik Young Citizen of the Year for his significant contribution to the local community including his role as Charter President of Rotaract Club of Diamond Valley. Amelia Roberts (Montmorency SC) is on her way home from Japan and has had an amazing time. We look forward to hearing first-hand about her experiences
* Ian Toohill: 2 x students from Montomorency SC have had very positive experiences at the Lord Somers Camp on the Mornington Peninsula
* Max Lee: Aquabox has had a great start to the year with more Aquaboxes being dispatched. Last night Margaret Lane continued her great work as an ambassador when she presented the work of Aquabox at the Rotary Club of Camberwell   
Our warm thanks to Gary Williams, Ross McDonald, Jim Phillips and others for making the annual tribute to Robbie Burns (1759-1796), such a great night for us all. There was fierce competition to be chosen as the best voices but in the end The Skye Boat Song table was a clear winner. Other worthy efforts included Abide with Me, Flower of Scotland, Roamin’ in the Gloamin’, and Scotland the Brave – complete with bagpipes.
Ross provided us with a short history of his ancestors’ migration from Scotland to Australia many years ago and of the harsh conditions which prevailed at the time for the crofters and their families.
 
 

Nillumbik Shire Council
 

All members are required to complete a Food Handling course as part of your BBQ duties

Those members who have not supplied documentation of completed course have been sent an email with the link

 

The draft copy of the Fine Master / Mistress roster has been emailed to members.

 

Members are asked to check their ClubRunner profile and update if required

Any member having difficulty with these, please phone me for assistance.

 

Australian Rotary Health Fundraising BBQ - queries and RSVP to Trevor Smith or Ken Paynter

As February and our District Conference is fast approaching, it is now time for us to finalise our attendance.

Accommodation is at the Best Western Cathedral Inn where we have 20 rooms reserved plus a further 10 rooms on hold.

 Please advise Ann or me whether you will be attending and the nights you require accommodation. A list will be circulated on Thursday night and at the Christmas Party.

Registration. Please go to our District Conference website  where you will find all the information needed - e.g. Keynote Speakers, social functions, sporting events, House of Friendship etc.

 Remember, Rotarians must register themselves for Conference. We are not able to do this for you due to all the options offered to the delegates. 

Friday Night  is traditionally our Cub night where we are booked at the National Hotel. They have given us our own function room and have promised us a great spread. It is just a short 2 block stroll from the Cathedral Inn.

 Lets hope you will all be able to join us in Bendigo for this entertaining, interesting and fun weekend.