Tuesday’s meeting had a theme of R U OK in recognition of our National Day of Action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ R U OK Day is marked on the second Thursday of September each year. A big thank-you to Kelly Curran for organising this meeting including organising activities.
We welcomed Mark from Sangerhausen Germany. I would have to say he had a look of amazement on his face when being introduced by a large chicken. Mark shouted us to drinks after the meeting and it was interesting to find out more about his work generating methane on his farm. Apologises for the meeting from Andrew Body, Alan Bowes and David Brown, Judy Ross. Margaret Ross, and Greg Lee and John Hunt are still on leave of absence.
I was lucky enough to win the best outfit in yellow and received a big bag of chocolates which I deluded myself into believing (not really) that Trevor would eat them all. I proceeded to go home and had already demolished two items before I arrived and indulged in the remainder leaving Trevor with one item that I didn’t like. I have such self-constraint.
Kelly organised the fun for the night including a set of Trivia questions – the luck winners again received beautiful chocolates. She introduced the evenings activities with some interesting facts on mental health.
We live in a community that is surrounded by farming. This may be a sweeping statement, but I don’t think farmers (especially the men) are renowned for talking about their feelings or asking for help if they are feeling overwhelmed. Statistically suicide rates are higher in rural areas rates for men be higher than women and access to services is often less than in the cities so even if people were asking for help access might be difficult. Thankfully service access is increasing, and support groups are too. I noticed the Men’s Tables are looking for more men to join their monthly get togethers. (Contact Dan Ball – 0431 693 607 or https://themenstable.org/warrnamboolentree-23oct/)
We are well placed to make a difference and often the most successful changes start on a one-to-one level. If each one of us can start a meaningful conversation with people close to us before but definitely whenever you spot the signs that someone, they care about might be struggling with life. Start with R U Ok? Follow the “Have a Conversation” guideline below.
Reminder: Oct 7 from 10-2pm is Volunteer Day – thankyou to Anne, Glen and Kelly for offering to help on that day. Sunday 8th Oct 2pm at City Memorial is the Fashion Pde ring and book in.
We now have club defibrillator which will be bought to all club project events and be at the meetings held other than in the Timor St Bowls Club where they have 2 defibrillators there and 2 staff on each shift who have been trained in its use.
We are still looking for a President Elect and I think it’s a good idea to perhaps plan several years in advance so if you cannot do it next year but may be available in the near future let us know. It seriously is not an onerous job and there are plenty of members who could do it easily and ones there to help.
“Hope is a verb with its shirtsleeves rolled up.” ~ David Orr
Have a great week and see you next Tuesday and remember to check in on people you care about.
President Janet
