Our guest speaker, Gail Goodger, shared an engaging and often amusing reflection on the importance of recording our life stories. Growing up on a farm in Lindis Pass and now living in Mosgiel, Gail’s career in journalism and radio has seen her cross paths with both famous and infamous personalities—stories she recounted with warmth and humour. More recently, she studied English and History at the University of Otago, deepening her passion for family history. Gail explained that while genealogy provides names and connections, it rarely captures the richness of real life, and most family stories only reach back a couple of generations before becoming blurred through retelling. She reminded us that while people may think their own lives are unremarkable, they are often fascinating to others, and once someone passes, their stories can be lost forever. Recording these stories—through writing, audio, film, and photographs—helps preserve not just facts, but the essence of who people are. Gail believes books remain one of the most powerful ways to tell a life story, often combining images and audio to bring depth and authenticity. She considers it a privilege to help people capture their histories and encourages others to do the same, ensuring that the rich and varied stories of our lives are preserved for future generations.
In honour of the recent passing of Danna Reeve, club members dressed in their finest to remember her as she always was—immaculately presented, no matter the occasion or the task at hand. Danna, who joined our Rotary club in 2014, was a highly active member with a remarkable eye for detail and a natural talent for organising events. She had a unique way of bringing style to everything she did, even making a fluorescent vest look fashionable. Her presence, energy, and commitment will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Fire Station Theatre's latest production is on next week. Lea thought it would be good to support. In her absence, she has asked me to send this out - Please let us know if you would be interested in attending on Friday, 15th May 7.30 pm.
Last time we did this, we had the option of dinner at the RSA before attending.
Theatre Tickets $20, over 65s $15 so a very cheap night out!
Reply to this email or give Irene a call 027 277 5631
Numbers by 9th May please, as the theatre has held some tickets for us.
please advise number attending and if you would like to have a meal beforehand
Synopsis
Heroes is a hilarious and poignant comedy centred around three First World War veterans who reside in a French rest home for ex servicemen. An idealist, a pragmatist and a fence sitter spend their monotony-filled days grumbling about the nuns that care for them, engaging in verbal battles and reflecting, not only on their own lives but also on the lives (and deaths) of their fellow residents.
It’s 1959, Gustave, Henri and Philippe are planning a ‘great escape’ from their habit-wearing captors and they are heading for the hills!
The Taieri Parents Centre was recently supported by a donation from the Mosgiel Rotary Club Trust, helping fund the purchase and installation of new playground equipment. The playground was officially opened recently to the delight of Taieri parents and their children, providing a welcoming and enjoyable space for young families. As a volunteer organisation run by parents for parents, the centre plays an important role in the community by offering valuable support, friendship, and informative classes for families during the early years of parenting.
1. Thanks to anyone who signed up as Rotary Young Driver Awareness (RYDA) volunteers 25 - 28 May 2026.
All 6 positions for each of the 4 days have now been filled.
2. We need volunteers for Traffic Control at Wingatui for a free Carnival which is being run for the community by The Otago Racing Club. This is a travelling show with rides and stalls and lighting installations.
We are required to provide parking assistance between 10am and 3pm on Sunday 17 May 2026. We will need 3 or 4 people on at a time.
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.
