Why am I a Rotarian? A challenging question as it could take a chapter, but here is the shorter version.
At going on 86 and as the “father” of the Club in age, I feel lucky to have been in Rotary for 43 enjoyable and at times challenging years. What has kept me in Rotary? Keeping involved. Over those 43 years I have been a Club Director several times, Secretary, Sergeant, President, served on 3 different District committees and 20 years ago was nominated by the Club for District Governor.
Probably lucky I didn’t make it. I was also The Probnus District Chairman for District 9920 for 8 years and 1 of 2 NZ Directors on the Probus Board for the South Pacific based in Sydney.
That is only a small part of why I am a Rotarian. What does make a Rotarian – my thoughts only as we are in changing times.
- The attendance at regular dinner meetings, rubbing shoulders with others from all walks of life, sharing and learning, enjoying time away from work and other challenges that Rotary and life in general presented.
- Being involved in Club activities and projects. If one is not involved in some of these then why are we in Rotary. “Service above Self”. The challenge here as one gets older is to make sure you get involved in the projects and/or challenges you can cope with. Along with my wife Nannette and Murray and Pam Guy we initiated and ran the “Concert at karaka” for 10 years. The satisfaction of this was not just the money we raised but the people we met and became involved with. The members of Papakura Rotary did us proud.
- Enjoy the social outings, to relax and enjoy the company of others, we all need time to enjoy life. It is important to support those who go to the trouble of organising events, however, from a philosophical point of view if only a small group of 4 or say 6 go out together, they may be a group who have never socialised together before – what an opportunity to firm up new friendships.
- Having been given the opportunity to be involved at District level, I say to new members, if asked to take it and enjoy the chance to work with others from within the District. Rotary is more than being involved at club level.
- I am not biased, but the Rotary Club of Papakura would be one of the best if not the best Rotary Club you could belong to for friendship, fellowship, caring for members, support for projects and at the same time honouring and supporting the challenge of the FOUR WAY TEST.
Why am I a Rotarian?
Because it has provided me with challenges in life outside of my work commitments and has filled a space in retirement. Our Rotary club has always emphasised that it is family first, vocation and then Rotary.
Thank you, Papakura Rotary, for what I have gained in friendships and challenges over the 43 years.