Rosie McIntyre was at the door, Ian Mayberry was Chairman and Tania Laird was Sergeant.
We had apologies from Des La Rance, Simon Brook, Gerald East, Mario Fairlie, Charles Thomasson, Daryl Sanderson, Jo Gorman and Darrell Brown.
President Andy Bell welcomed all members and our guests Alissa Lott and her father Matt, as well as our Guest Speaker, Racing Driver Warren Luff. Andy emphasised that members should visit our Project Shed more frequently, even if only for a cuppa at morning tea time. Our volunteers there, now officially 'Associate Members', much welcome members of the club visiting. He also confirmed that the Christmas Breakfast will be at the Sheraton Mirage on 20th December 2017. More details, including cost, to be advised.
Franz Huber briefly outlined his experiences at the RYTS (Rotary Youth Transition Seminar) dinner on Tuesday night. In brief: unbridled energy, very obviously huge fun for all participants... and ... very loud!! One wonders whether the fact that the Tyalgum Ridge Retreat is out of Mobile Phone Range and thus there is no texting, no mobiles hanging on everyone's ears has anything to do with it? [I'm betraying my age, I know... Ed.] See next month's edition of the District Newsletter for a full write up.
Col Laurensen referred to the article in last week's bulletin regarding George Keily and Heather Barnard's presentation for their efforts in collecting pre-loved spectacles for DIK (Donations in Kind). Is DIK one of the best kept secrets in Rotary?
Secretary Mark Twyford briefly referred to the renewal of the lease for our Project Shed with the Gold Coast City Council: Originally, we were expecting a 15 year lease, however, the formal documents still only show a 5 year lease. This is due to a specific policy ruling at the Council in relation to the control of Obnoxious Gases which does not permit a longer lease. However, we understand that renewal after 5 years should be a foregone conclusion provided the premises are used in the way it is intended.
Project Director Rosie McIntyre has been involved with the Mudgeeraba Special School: in order to demonstrate the practical aspects of Engineering, the school uses our wheelchairs as a good example who innovative design can lead to something useful being created from what other people may consider to be rubbish. Rosie also briefly referred to the Awards ceremony at the Coomera College and retrospectively presented Doug Lipp with a Certificate of Appreciation. All the certificates were designed and printed by Neil Thurlow and his design elves at Accent Print & Copy.
Ian Mayberry will again invest the 'Coffee Club' money (about $400) into presents to be given to the St John's Drop-in Centre. As we have done in the past, members are encouraged to also provide some presents. Please DO NOT WRAP them.
Chris Thurtell, in his capacity as the District Chair of Youth Exchange, introduced Alissa Lott and her dad Matt. See separate article on Alissa's presentation. He has received another report from our outbound student in Germany, Kieran Power - the year is almost gone! He'll be back about the same time when Alissa will head off to the USA. They recently had a "whole country exchange" when the incoming and outgoing students were matched by country of origin/destination.