"The Object of Rotary" is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the Second Object, which calls on Rotarians to “encourage and foster”: 

• 􏰀􏰁  High ethical standards in business and professions 
• 􏰀􏰁  The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations 
• 􏰀􏰁  The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society

More information: https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000004633/en-ca/files/sitepage/vocational-service/an-introduction-to-vocational-service/An%20Introduction%20to%20Vocational%20Service.pdf 

However we have now moved on to February, and this week’s bulletin has a topical article on “Peace and Conflict Resolution” for you. 

The Volunteers at DIK have been working continuously over the break, and Bob Glindemann and David Dippie include a report on some of the support we have been able to give to victims of bushfires. The work goes on . . . .  but the volunteers still had time for a Xmas Party. Especially Laurie   ;-)

Keep an eye open for announcements of working bees:  we shall soon be loading a second container for our projects in Cambodia.

ClubRunner have sent us an informative article on their updated facilities: if you are having any problems logging in to our website, please get in touch. 

And of course you all celebrated the Chinese New Year, and welcomed The Year of the Rat. We wish all our Chinese and Vietnamese friends a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

The Shadow was sorely tempted, but resisted including Monty Python’s Rat Recipes for your delectation.

This will have to do for now:  Skin and eviscerate the rat and split it lengthwise. Fry until brown in a mixture of butter and peanut oil. Cover with water, add tomatoes or tomato purée, hot red peppers, and salt. Simmer the rat until tender and serve with rice.

Photos:  Noel McInness with visitors David McNamara and Don McQueen of Rotary Nomads.

Sergeant-at-Arms Simon O’Donoghue in full flight.

Busy, busy, busy: at our meeting on Tuesday. Especially Sergeant-at-Arms Simon O’Donoghue who entertained us with a sporting quiz, mainly about the Australian Open Tennis Championship. Perhaps some of us are entertained by being fleeced, or seeing our fellow-members fined.

The best fine was imposed upon Phil Stewart, who coughed up in advance of his forthcoming trip to Buck House for another dinner with his old mate Prince Charles. 

But all in a good cause: Simon’s fines today went towards the bushfire appeal. 

But how good are the residents at Sackville Grange?  Anne Scott and her friends decided to raise some money to assist the appeal, and threw a barbecue for family and friends on Australia day. They then decided the funds, a massive $5,500 should go through the Rotary Bushfire Appeal. Many thanks to Anne and her friends for their great effort!

Katrina Flinn announced that the Taverners Raffle which we had supported will be drawn on 15th February, so those of you who bought tickets, be on the lookout for a prize. 

Stuart Stockade of Taverners followed up with an announcement of a dinner at Kooyong LTC on 20th February to raise funds for the Bushfire Appeal.  See the flyer for details under “Events”.

Last but not least, Noel Halford is taking bookings for “Mama Mia” on stage at Nunawading, Saturday 30th May. 

This evening will provide a high-class performance of musical fun featuring so many of the Abba tunes and is expected to sell out quickly

The production is by the Babirra Music Theatre Group and will be held at the Whitehorse Centre in Whitehorse Road Nunawading.

Our allocation of thirty tickets is already 70% sold so it is suggested you contact Noel Halford or Ngaire Cannon today to book and avoid disappointment.      Tickets $42.50.

Bank transfer via Internet banking to  Rotary Hawthorn Bank Account
 
083166 53 254 5861 for amount and put name in detail.