It has been a relatively quiet week in the life of the club. Not every week is packed with official meetings, fundraisers, or working bees. These quieter stretches do, however, give us the headspace to reflect on what quietly keeps this club moving forward.
One of those foundations is the steady support of our partners. Rotary might only list one name on the member’s roll, but in many cases, two people are contributing to that membership. Behind every “Yes, I’ll be there” is a household that has agreed to juggle the calendar. Behind every working bee or evening function is someone happy to lend a hand or simply provide company. Whether their contribution is visible or subtle, it is always significant.
We are fortunate to have partners who attend our socials, offer fresh ideas, and occasionally keep us grounded when our enthusiasm outpaces our common sense. A perfect case in point was their breakfast get-together this past Saturday; I’m told the conversation was so spirited that after three hours, they realised their eggs had gone cold. It is that sense of community that makes us stronger, and it is worth saying thank you.
That reflection leads naturally to a second thought: As we value fellowship so highly within our own club circle, why not widen it?
We often discuss membership in formal terms, but perhaps the first step is much simpler. Invite a mate to a meeting. Bring a neighbour to a social. Ask a colleague to help out at a working bee. No forms, no pressure, and no immediate talk of attendance percentages. Let them simply be "Friends of Rotary."
When people experience the camaraderie, the laughter, and the quiet satisfaction of contributing to something worthwhile, they begin to understand what keeps us coming back. If formal membership follows, it will happen naturally. If it doesn’t, we’ve still gained willing hands and broadened our circle of friends.
A quiet week, perhaps - but it serves as a reminder that what sustains a club isn't just constant activity; it is relationships.
A fee will apply to any member late with an apology regardless of whether the number attending on the meeting day of the meeting is over, under or equal to what the Club Secretary submitted to the Downs Club. This fee will only apply to meetings at the Downs Club or any other club meeting where attendance numbers have to be stipulated prior to the meeting.
A Club member will be charged a meal fee of $20 if they
fail to submit any apology before 11am on Tuesday for the meeting the following Thursday (48 hrs later)
need to submit a late apology due to changed circumstance.
Fail to show up after indicating they would be present.
The members owing a fee of $20 will notified by the Club Secretary and Club Treasurer via an emailed
Late apology fee notice.
The fee can be paid by direct credit into the RCTE Club account or by adding $20 to the $35 meal fee at the next club meeting
Apologies 19.02.2026
Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Gary Campbell, Jim Charlton, Bob Cheesman, Graham Christensen, Col Davidson, Shane Fisher, Lex Franks, Andrew Kratzmann, Peter McLoughlin, Mark Redmond, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Ross Watt, Mark Winter
Apologies 26.02.2026
Cam Ashmore, Wayne Barnett, Dave Birrell, Adrian Bonica, Ron Bowden, Rod Brilliant, Rod Brown, Peter Burrows, Jim Charlton, Graham Christensen, Bob Cheesman, Col Davidson, Steve Davis, Lex Franks, Shane Fisher, Dave Groves, Andrew Kratzmann, Russell Manns, Peter McLoughlin, Toby Sandell, Doc Smith, Mark Winter, Rob Youman
