This week started with Lionel & I attending the Temuka/Geraldine Rotary Club changeover, with David Bray handing over to Scott Ackroyd. This club is currently one year into its “refresh” and with 13 new members and more in the wings, it was great to catch up with new and existing members and hearing of their progress to date and plans for their future.
At our meeting on Tuesday, we had the privilege of welcoming District Governor Phil Gully and his wife Anna. The members present appreciated the opportunity to meet with them both and share experiences. They were most impressed to learn that we have a lapel pin from Rotary International founder, Paul Harris, on our Presidential chain.
Phil made reference to Rotary International Gordon McInally and his focus for the year to “Create Hope in the World”, to help bring peace to the world and to help each other, with emphasis on Empowerment of Women & Girls, Mental Health awareness, funding Foundation and the eradication of Polio, and to advance diversity & inclusion.
Phil then emphasized his goals for the year, building on those of Rotary International President, Gordon McInally, for the District and Clubs, the biggest one being to “Have Fun”.
Support for Mental Health awareness will namely be by supporting the White Ribbon Trust and Womens Refuge.
Foundation support will be encouraged by clubs donating, along with an emphasis on continued funding to Polio eradication.
We were asked to be Bold, Innovative, & creative and oh yes – to “Have Fun”.
On Wednesday morning Phil & Anna became part of the “Wood Team” and learned first-hand how the project works, by following the process from factory pick-up to delivery, stopping in at the shed as well, for a well-earned cuppa on a brisk morning, and enjoying a chat and checking out our Hot Dog Van in storage.
It was a pleasure to have the company of Phil and Anna and for our members to have the opportunity to meet with them.
