I’m reliably informed that I missed an exceptional night last Tuesday with Denis Richardson. I’ve viewed the link that Jim sent out, wow! What endurance, courage and tenacity to achieve what they did. Thanks to VP Alain for stepping into my shoes for the night chairing the meeting. I want the shoes back, size 11 is too big for him. Our meeting numbers are very impressive, its great to see around 30 at each meeting consistently, perhaps it’s the months of COVID lockdown and banking nights out in advance, should we experience a second wave. I like to think it’s just the spirit of Broadbeach Rotary coming to the fore!
This coming Saturday we are back into the sausage sizzles, I’ve touched base with Grace to secure more in the coming weeks. We’ve also let Grace know that should Bunnings have a cancellation, the club would be keen to assist, even if we partner with Mermaid if our numbers are short and profit share.
We have a great night promised for next Tuesday, with Normie Rowe AM as our guest. That is sure to be a great evening of fellowship, our numbers are well over 50 already. I ask if possible, please consider sitting with someone you don’t know on the night and share Rotary fellowship with our guests from other clubs.
On the subject of speakers, if anyone knows of potentials, please let Jim know so we can continue to set the benchmark for 9640 dinner programs.
A rare opportunity to participate in a Rotary Zone 8 Conference from home
FROM OUR LAST MEETING TUESDAY 18th Aug 2020
Scribe: Nigel Hyland
Sergeant PP Bill Rex Welcomed all and declared the meeting open at 18:30.
Bill invited Vice President Alain Charles to the lectern.
Alain tendered the apology of President Les Bulluss, whom was attending Government house.
Alain Invited Jim Hawkins to propose the toast, PP Jim proposed the toast to our founding pioneers that shaped our home here on the Gold Coast, Making reference to Christopher Skase whom was instrumental in helping make the Gold Coast what it is today.
Alain Welcomed our Guest Speaker Denis Richardson and other guests:
Cliff Harmsworth
Lea Rickwood
Maryon Campbell
Warwick Wood
Anna Morgan
Amy Spole
Denis’s Mum Helen Richardson.
Pat Fleming
Edwina Hutchison
Jarrod O'Keefe
Acknowledged the presence of Honorary member Ian Cowen.
After a nice meal and Fellowship, VP Alain came back to the Mic recognising and thanking Andrew McTaggart for taking on the Silver Circle Project.
Also requesting members to confirm their attendance with partners next week for our guest Speaker Normie Rowe.
PP Ray Milton spoke of the Bunnings Southport Sausage sizzle on 22nd August. Both shifts were full & Grahame Werrell volunteered as reserve if needed.
VP Alain Invited Rock O'Keefe to Introduce our Guest speaker, his Son In Law Denis Richardson, whom rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, a distance of 3,300 Miles 5,310 Km, commencing on 15 Dec 2007, taking 36 Days. From Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)to Barbados.
Denis gave us an enthralling account of how he and three mates built a multi-hulled rowing boat then rowed it across the Atlantic.A few dramas on the way. They were the first to row a multi-hulled boat across ANY ocean, in this case the Atlantic Ocean.You can view a video of their journey using the link below.
It features footage before and during the journey as part of an interview with crewmate “Captain” Roy Finlay and runs for about 30 minutes in total.
Denis relied on his daily diary to present to the audience. It was certainly very educational, entertaining and presented very well.
The event was a race between two boats Denis’s boat which he built and a boat called “Louumdall”.
Denis’s crew finished 4 days behind the boat finishing first, on their journey they did break a world record for their boat and crew size.
Day 1
Left Canary Islands , 5 Knot head wind E.N.E Direction
Day 2
Very Sore Arse already, Bad sea Sickness.
Day 3
15 to 20 foot swell, 35 Knot west wind, 20 k on this day.
Day 4
Lots of Sea anger rough 15 to 15 N.E. Winds
Day 5
No row day wind to strong N.N.W.
Day 6
15 Knot head winds, employed the sea anchor.
Day 7
N.W winds seen a Whale several times, surfaced several time to came and check us out.
Day 8
3.9 Miles per hour, A Head of opposition.
Day 9
20 Knot winds N.E 4.9 Miles / Hour
Day 10
CHRISTMAS day , travelled 116 Mils this day. Captain Roy Worried lost his I Pad over board.
Day 11
Wed 15/20 Knot winds ENE, 5.7 Miles / Hour
Day 12
Slower day Water leaking into the hatch.
Day 13
Still taking on water, Roy Captain steering us in the wrong direction. Electronics Fried.
Day 14
Chris's Satalight phone exploded only short wave communication remaining. A hard row.
Day 15
Good Conditions, lots of food left, Mixed fruit, Power aid, MM'S, Pineapple, Green beans, bacon/toast
Day 16
110 miles , last day of the year, lots of can food very tired, seen more whales.
Day 17
Happy New Year , seen a freighter, Roy captain still will not row .
Day 18
A good solid day 105 Miles, completed.
Day 19
Can food all gone. 25 K N.E. surf like a washing Machine solar ripped Off
Day 20
120 Miles wind and employed the sea anchor midday.
Day 21
92 Miles Sea Anchor , a hard day 4.1 miles/hour 36 miles this day.
Day 22
Chris lots of Blisters, wind increases, 97 Miles
Day 23
10 Knot winds , seen a freighter Roy and Chris had a huge argument. 101 miles
Day 24
98 Miles , eating dry food.
Day 25
Hard Row 95 Miles
Day 26
Bad Day Roy being Naughty
Day 27
All bedding is wet and some went over board , now sleeping in fibreglass
Day 28
Roy Captain, read charts incorrect, still not rowing, team and crew very not happy. 4.9 Miles / hour, 105 miles.
Day 29
Roy & Denis harsh words, 130 Miles
Day 30
Midnight finish all crew upset, 101 miles.
Day 31
Flying fish landed in the frying pan, so we cook and eat him
Day 32
Seen a turtle, ,115 Miles completed. (FIRST Boat FINISHED, Bigger crew bigger boat.)
Day 33
E.N.E. drifted to far South, 91 miles this day.
Day 34
Chris & Denis keeping the team together 108 Miles
Day 35
25 Knot winds , 108 Miles completed.
Day 36
"Land Ahoy, 5 Miles away, had to row the correct way back from the South
Denis answered many interesting questions, very well.
Rock presented Denis with a Rotary Club of Broad Beach whiskey Glass memento.
VP Alain Closed the meeting at 20:20, and thanked all our members, Honorary member and VIP guests for attending.
The Meeting in Pictures
Sergeant Bill Vice Pres Alain standing in for Pres Les
Jim raises a toast to Gold Coast Pioneers Ray discusses upcoming Sausage Sizzle
Enjoying Fellowship - a great turn-out of members and guests
Pauline & guests Lea, Maryon & Warwick Yong & Peter were Bunyips this week
Noel won the raffle Russ won Heads & Tails
Rock presents our club glass to guest speaker and son-in-law Denis
WEEKLY LAUGHS
In spite of her childhood dreams, nothing my neighbour touched has turned to gold.
She Midas well accept it.
My poor knowledge of Greek mythology has always been my Achilles Elbow..
I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a
weapon.
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"It's a strange world of language in which skating on thin ice can get you into hot water." -Franklin P. Jones
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Some corny thoughts:
Crushing drink cans is soda pressing.
I have a chicken proof lawn – it's Impeccable.
I ate a frozen apple – hard core.
I'm terrified of elevators, and I am taking steps to avoid them.
Drink wine, it isn’t good to keep things bottled up.
Cows have hooves, because they lactose.
Huge fight at the local seafood diner! Battered fish everywhere.
I'm friends with 25 letters of the alphabet - I don’t know Y.
My relationship with whiskey is on the rocks.
Whenever I try to eat healthy, a chocolate bar looks at me and snickers.
Electricians have to strip to make ends meet.
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After waking up in the morning, a woman tells her husband, "I just had a dream that you gave me the most beautiful diamond necklace. What do you think it means?"
"You'll know later on tonight," says the husband with a sly, saucy smile.
The woman can't think of anything else all day, and waits in anticipation for her husband to come home from work. That evening, the man walks through the door carrying a small package.
Elated, the wife tears off the wrapping - and uncovers a book titled 'The Meaning of Dreams'.
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Q: How do you make a bandstand?
A: Take away their chairs.
Q: What is hairy and coughs?
A: A coconut with a cold.
Q: Why did the cowboy ride his horse?
A: Because it was too heavy to carry.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
"I never get tired of housework - I don't do any. When guests come to visit I just put down drop cloths and say, We're painting.'"
Joan Rivers
- Thank you for viewing the Broadbeach Rotarlight -
