Our speaker this week was Mayor Nigel Bowan, who gave us a good, honest update of the current areas of contention the Council is working through, especially transport, water, and collaboration between Councils, as well as the challenges involved in setting Budgets. He also answered many questions from members. This was most enlightening, and as I thanked him, I also noted the similarity to the saying “Herding Cats”. We also welcomed visiting Rotarian John Abraham, from the Waimate club, who came along to listen to Nigel speak.
Last weekend, our Club, hosted, as part of DG Dave McKissocks Weekend of Connection in Timaru, a number of Rotarians from various clubs around the district, i.e. Waimate, Timaru North, Temuka/Geraldine, Oamaru, Lincoln, Papanui, Invercargill and Rotaract, working together collaboratively, for the benefit of our community, to complete the two projects Re-painting the fences of the Community Centre in the Botanic Gardens and Constructing Predator Traps at the Eco Centre.
Thank you to our club members Tony Henderson, Jim Garden and myself, who were joined by other Rotarians from the District at the Park Centre, with much chatter and fun along the way, we got a coat of paint on the main fences and the “extra” Timaru District Council fence outside, which really look great. - this project requires some additional work before we can claim it to be finished, i.e. some replacement of damaged/rotten boards and a 2nd coat on parts. (some dates to be set for members of our club to come together). Karen Foster is most appreciative and thankful for the amazing job we did. We were really thankful for a good painting day on Saturday, as Sunday morning it was raining so Tony Henderson and I lent a hand down at the Eco Centre, to finish the production of predator traps.
Also, thanks to Dave Darling (friend of Rotary & member of Wood Crew), Andrea Lord, Bruce Fraser (Honorary member), and Lionel Wilson who joined others and made up the team down at the Eco Centre, where they got a great production line going to complete a substantial number of predator traps.
On Saturday evening we met up for dinner together at the Timaru Town & Country club, and we also cut a cake to celebrate the anniversary on 22nd February, of 120 years of Rotary International.
All up a total of 120 traps have been completed, 96 rat traps & 24 Doc 200s and these will be used in the community as part of the ongoing Predator free movement.
After lunch on Sunday, some went up to Centennial Park for a lesson on setting the traps from Tim Exton, DOC (Who led the process during the weekend). DG Dave extends his heartful thanks and appreciation to everyone who helped make this weekend a success, the numbers were a little less than he would have liked, but the results will certainly make a difference in our community.
It was a very productive and most enjoyable weekend and great to catch-up with and work alongside Rotarians from other clubs from around the district.
Did you notice the article in the Timaru Herald on Tuesday? (report on the weekend and photo of Lionel in action)
Our next Club Board meeting will be held early, i.e. next Tuesday (4th March) 4:30pm at the TT&C. and our next formal club meeting will be 11th March, 5:30pm onwards, TT&C as usual.
Catch up again soon,
Lynette
