Members pitted their skills on a few sets of Bocce. Similar to carpet bowls except on compacted sand, thr object is to get one or more of your teams balls to be closer than any of your opponents balls to the pallina (small target ball) at the end of every set. The game continues until a pre-determined target number is reached.

 

Collie Rotarians were able to effect convincing wins in all games played.

President Neil welcomed guests and partners. Olna Turner welcome back, guests and RYE hosts Sharron and Dave Moulden, and club daughter Alice Bellini. The purpose of this meeting is to get to know what the Italian Club are doing, and enjoy tonight's fellowship.

Graeme thanked Robyn for the idea and with the organising for tonight's event. Appreciating the attendance of all members, partners and guests to make this a memorable event. The Italian Club have been busy cooking today and we will be treated to some superb home-made pasta and deliciously prepared chicken and later sweets.

John reported there are trucks and a bobcat laying gravel between the cemetary and the scenic drive. Permits are being arrange for access to the Main Roads easements. It is good to see progress on this project.

John has received 8 or 9 expressions of interest to attend RYPEN. Given so many, the next step is a selection process. RYPEN, The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, is for young people aged 14 to 16 years and caters for teenagers who have shown particular qualities and their application in everyday life, which deserve further development. RYPEN helps young people to form their own values and moral standards and assist them to broaden their horizons culturally, socially and aca-
demically through a weekend, seminar program that provides a positive and stimulating environment.

With Fines master Gary back in action the following fines were meted out; Welcome Backs - Damien and Neil; Birthdays - Keith M 11th, Terry 15th, Debra 12th, Pat 10th, Carissa Page 13th, and Alice today; Anniversaries - Terry 16th, Badges - Barbara; Guests - Olna, Dave and Sharron Moulden; Late - Bernie; Partners X 8; Press - Libby, Keith H, Bob and John V; Two Reports - Graeme; Captains Call for changing apprentice awards date - Neil; Phones at meeting - Barabara and Kaylene; Bought the Box - Tony on Gary for missing their daughter on page 2; Terry on neil for only raising 1/4 of what was raised last week for Robyn's leg; John B paying fine for Alice appreciation of her foregoing a basketball grand final to attend the District Conference; Sharron on John B for suggesting she put gums leaves in James parcell to remind him of home, 3 weeks later it was released from customs; Eric on Olna for being able to outpace Eric at Martin's going away; Jokes - neighbour pays lady to drop her bath towel for $800, then later husband asks if neighbour returned $800 he owes. Police ask husband if picture is that his wife, he says yes, police say, looks like she's been hit by a bus, husband says, yes, but she has a nice personality.

President Neil called on Alice to the front where she was wished and sung Happy Birthday by the Club for spending the most part of her 16th year with her Collie Rotary family. Now she has turned 17, and to celebrate a cake was brought out, a card signed by all those at this meeting, a few small presents and a bunch of flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

Alice thanked everyone including her host families. Particularly the Collie community have become like an extended family with the friendship and support she has felt since arriving in Collie.

Graeme introduced Greg Wheeler and Jodie Chiellini who as Collie Italian Club committee members both spoke on the history of the club, it's current plans and developments.

 

They thanked the Rotary Club of Collie for their attendance and outlined a plan to bring the Italian Club back to its former strength through increasing membership, by including all community members, not just Italians. Improving patronage for weddings, parties and special events, and being open to members and the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (traditionally Bocce day).

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the club and the 20th year of being in this purpose-built facility. There will be a Gala event in August to celebrate, so keep an eye on the paper.

President Neil gave thanks to the Collie Italian Club for making our visit a wonderful experience, the home-made pasta and efforts of the committee and members for keeping the Italian Club for the enjoyment of the whole community.

 

In appreciation of tonight, all fines procured from our members were handed over the the Collie Italian Club.