Thanks to John Wotherspoon’s brilliant suggestion of having a Robert Burns’ winter tribute dinner instead of our usual monthly evening meeting, this social night’s entertainment couldn’t have been surpassed. Starting with the majority of people turning up in kilts, tartan scarves or wonderful brooches, our 46 guests enjoyed an evening filled with the delightful trill and drone of Ethan Miotti’s bagpipes welcoming everyone, Ethan’s theatrical “Address to the Haggis” and subsequent stabbing of the Haggis prior to it being served up as the entrée; for the less adventurous, a vegan haggis was served, all complemented by a creamy Cashew/Whisky sauce.
With the “Calling of the Clans”, we found out how many guests had Scottish heritage when they explained the Clan tartans they were wearing and their family connections to the Clan; including the lesser known “Spotlight” tartan (which generated great laughter)! It was lovely to see so many guests from other cultures – Afghan, Colombian, English, Welsh and I’m sure many others – enjoying the rich heritage and customs of the Scots.
The night included heartfelt recitations of Burns’ poetry such as “Ode to a Mouse”, Scottish songs sung by former member Margie Steffens and member Kirsti Kankkunen, as well as spontaneous dancing to Ethan’s stirring bagpipe strains.
Speeches included the Selkirk Grace, the Toast to the Lassies (delivered by Rob McLennan but written by former member Rob Brooks) and the Laddies, and the evening finished with the Immortal Toast to Robert Burns by President Yvette. The evening ended with all standing up with interlocked arms singing Rabbie Burns’ Auld Lang Syne.
The Robert Burns dinner was a wonderful social night for Rotarians and other guests from the Rotary Club of Mitcham, John’s walking group and friends from the South Terrace Croquet Club. Once again, thanks John for all the hard work and organisation you put in to ensure a truly unique evening – sponsored by the RC of Adelaide Light and yourself.
Last Sunday, Alison Carter, Richard Jarrett and I attended the Changeover of the Rotaract Club of Adelaide City. President Steph Hopkins transitioned into a back-to-back Presidency and introduced her new team this year.
RCAC’s annual report thanked us – through Alison and myself - for our Club’s support of their Club, and with Richard at the helm as Youth Director and Rotaract Liaison, he will be instrumental in getting together Rotarians to attend their fortnightly meetings.
The event was also attended by DG M-L Lees, Steph’s family including her 92yo Aunt, and other guests and members. A wonderfully informal changeover; congratulations to Steph and the Club.
This coming Thursday is Coffee at the White Picket Café. We hope to see you there.
Best wishes and have a great week. Yvette, President
Our busy little Rotary Club is pleased to now offer more Mitchell's Clare Valley Alcatraz Riesling - see details Below
We took delivery yesterday of a '22 pallet @ $130/dozen... already popular with 30% sold in the first day (we must be a thirsty lot… and it’s still winter!)
Much of our fundraising this year will help build village water supplies in Timor Lesté, just north west of Darwin.
Warmest regards,
John Wotherspoon
Rotary Club of Adelaide Light e: john@wothers.net | m: 0488 0000 50
P.S. Rob also has just 2 dozen of Hither & Yon's McLaren Vale Grenache for $130/dozen ($65/half doz)... he really shouldn’t drink it all.
Also, a pallet of suitable shiraz will not be far behind.
Mitchell - Alcatraz Riesling 2022
Mitchell’s three key Clare Valley vineyards range in altitude from 300 to 450 metres; the Sevenhill Vineyard, Alcatraz Vineyard and Growers Vineyard.
Their Alcatraz Vineyard in the heart of Clare Valley was planted in 1962 on an exposed easterly facing slope and nicknamed "Alcatraz" as there was no escaping the cold, wet winter days spent working the vines.
Its old vines are grown on red loam over limestone soils with an east-facing slope that receives the gentle morning sun, but is sheltered from the direct sun in the heat of the afternoon.
The dry grown vines are hand pruned and handpicked with no artificial fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides used in growing these grapes. This largely explains why the vineyard produces award-winning quality wines year-on-year.
This medium bodied, dry white wine is a delicious Riesling with generous flavour and refreshing acidity. It’s a crisp, mouth-watering wine that’s ready to drink now, comparing well to much more expensive wines.
Inviting Your Organisation to Say NO with Rotary 2024 Walk for Respect Saturday 14 September 2024
Rotary in South Australia is seeking you and your organisation’s support, by joining with us on Saturday 14 Sept 2024 In the “Walk for Respect”. This walk follows up on our inaugural walk in November 2023 which attracted more than 1,000 people and received considerable media coverage.
A lot has happened over the past 12 months culminating in the State Government decision, soon after our inaugural walk, to hold a Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence in South Australia.
To maintain the momentum in the fight against domestic violence, we are planning a second peaceful walk from Victoria Square to the Elder Park Rotunda. The walk will start at 10am, taking about 30 minutes to stroll 1.2 km down King William Street where some key partners will address attendees to share their views. At the end of the walk and after hearing from these speakers, there will be opportunities for walkers to stay a while to mix with fellow walkers, share stories and interact with some displays from local DV support organisations. Coffee and food options will be available.
To ensure success for this walk, we need the support of the general community, as much as organisations involved in the area of domestic violence. We would encourage and invite your organisation to register to be a Group walking in the Parade. Following that, it would be fantastic if you could encourage your staff; customers and supporters, to walk behind your lead banner to promote your organisation and its support.
Please see the accompanying flyer for more details or visit our Parade website: -https://walkforrespect.au/about-the-parade/groups-register-for-the-parade
Your Staff and Supporters (individual walkers) are able to register for FREE. https://e.mybookingmanager.com/2024-Rotary-Walk-For-Respect
This is an opportunity for all of us to make a peaceful, non-confrontational statement on Domestic Violence, while educating the wider community, particularly in recognising Coercive Control.
I urge you to register your organisation for the walk (https://e.mybookingmanager.com/2024-Walk-For-Respect-DV-Group-Registration) and invite all to join us on the 14th of September.
Rob McLennan Rob Falconer Rotary Adelaide Light Rotary Adelaide Ph: 0430 930 067 Ph: 0428 490 961
United in the spirit of Service we value truth, fairness and friendship; and we welcome the opportunity that Rotary gives us to contribute our talents and resources in support of others.
Rotary Club of Adelaide Light Mission Statement
To have fun and engage interest from new members and friends as we use our strengths for a better world here and abroad - a welcoming, flexible group having fun doing hands-on activities for positive impact.
