As you are by now aware, the Art Show Committee has made the difficult and heart-breaking decision not to proceed with the physical 2021 Camberwell Art Show at Swinburne University. The Committee was at the point where substantial funds had to be spent for printing, signage, panels, security, the wind break, catering etc, and these funds would not have been recoverable in the case of a last minute lockdown. The Club is not in a financial position to suffer these losses - indeed the Directors have a fiduciary duty not to incur such losses, and to minimise further spending. The other consideration was the imposition of unfavourable density limits which would eliminate the Gala Opening (a significant money earner) and limit daily attendance (and hence gate takings) during the Show.But now for the good news! The 2021 Show, which has already attracted over 1,600 high standard entries, will go online, and building on the experience gained from running the 2020 Online Galleries, will be a great success. We also hope to keep the Sponsors on board, as they will receive plenty of exposure on the website, and will still be part of a successful online show.
Once again, the CAS Committee has to undertake a significant amount of urgent work to implement this new strategy, and unfortunately a huge amount of work already done for the physical show will not be used. I ask all Members to appreciate the work that the CAS Committee does each year and thank them for it.
This new opportunity forced a change in our weekly meeting - the Sponsor's Night is postponed to a date to be fixed, but this gave us time for fellowship, plenty of announcements, an informative video on DIK, and most important of all - the induction of Michele Bucoy. Membership Director David Baker introduced Michele, and gave a brief but impressive summary of all that she has achieved so far. Her proud husband Neil looked on. It was then my great pleasure to induct her into the Rotary Club of Camberwell. I am confident that Michele will be an excellent Rotarian, and look forward to working with her as she settles in to our Club, and supporting Jo-Anne as her Mentor.
Next week we are thankfully back at Conochie Hall for the joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Canterbury, and with Victor Perton as Guest Speaker, it should be a beauty. But remember numbers at Conochie Hall are now limited post-lockdown, so if you want to attend register and pay sooner, not later.
That's it from me - have a great week in Rotary.
