As you will have heard you have a new compositor for The Rotary Bulletin. Unfortunately nobody else volunteered to do it so I got the short straw. I promise to do my best over the next 3- 4 editions, but please have some patience. Margie tells me she has been doing this job for 3 years and still hasn't totally learnt how Clubrunner works, so.............
On Monday August 3rd we had 25 diners, where we welcomed past member Ferg Nicholson, and our speaker for the evening Dr Jessica O’Connor, who just happens to be Jill and Rod’s daughter-in-law.
Jessica was born on a dairy farm, and was totally immersed in a rural upbringing. She went to Lincoln, and then Massey to study plant breeding, but with a timeframe of up to 15 years to see the results, she was introduced to a more immediate return on her work in the field of waste.
She gave a very interesting talk about food losses on the farm, and food waste at the retail end of the food ‘journey’. Her two areas of particular focus related to dairy farming and apple production—(incidentally Trish and I had a town supply dairy farm 1975-81 near Invercargill and an apple orchard in Hawkes Bay from 1981 -1987, so I could relate well to where the ‘on-farm’ losses she covered actually occur--how true those losses are!!).
After an incredible 44 years of service, we sadly farewell Ross Hill, who has resigned from the Mosgiel Rotary Club after joining on 24 May 1982. Over those many years, Ross has been a dedicated Rotarian, contributing to a wide range of committees and activities and receiving both a Paul Harris Fellowship and the Jock Henwood Trophy in 2007 in recognition of his service.
In more recent years, Ross became a champion of the annual Book Sale team, where his contribution was invaluable. He had an amazing ability to look at a mountain of books and somehow transform it into a perfectly organised table layout—often planned out with impressive precision before the first box was even opened!
We thank Ross for his 44 years of friendship, fellowship and service to Rotary and the Mosgiel community. His contribution will be remembered and greatly missed by us all.
The redevelopment of the Mosgiel bus shelter is now nearing completion. Earlier, Rotary volunteers repainted the shelter in Rotary blue and installed the Rotary logo, giving it a fresh new look.
The aluminium side panels have now been completed and are ready for installation. Volunteers were called to help on Thursday with the final stage of the project and get the shelter ready for the community to enjoy.
If you would like further details please contact John Seddon or are interested in helping with future projects, please contact Steve Dunn.
Merv reports that last week 200Kgs of Salmon and 74Kgs of Venison were sold. The profit of just over $2000 was made. This figure was not as large as last Christmas but still a great result.
Our thanks everyone who helped on the day, and to everyone who purchased. Hope the eating is as good as always!!
Once again this year, members will have the opportunity to support our Lily Bulb fundraising project. Bulbs will be available from August, with more information to follow.
At the last meeting the club trialled a new initiative to reduce food waste by offering members the opportunity to box up leftover food from the meal to take home. Once everyone had finished eating, boxed meals were made available, and members were invited to fill a container for $10 per box. The containers are a generous size, allowing a good amount of food to be packed in, making it well worth it for those who would enjoy the leftovers later. The system was self-service, giving members the freedom to choose what they would like, while also helping ensure that less food goes to waste.
Merv Clearwater has taken over the role of Attendance and the Duty Roster from Brian Shanks.
If you are unable to attend a meeting it is your responsibility to let me know well in advance of the day of the meeting if you are unable to attend. If you DONT we will be charged for the meal from Paul the caterer and you will be liable.
Don't just TELL me as I am very forgetful; Text me on 0274 339689 or email me at merv@mcinsure.co.nz
As for Duties they will be advised in the bulletin so if you aren't able to attend it is up to you to find someone to take your place.
