In The Chair: President Peter Draper
Members: 14
Guests: Maggie Chant & her dad Greg Chant
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Mit År I Danmark – Maggie Chant
Our two guests last week were returning Rotary Exchange student Maggie Chant and her dad Greg Chant who drove all the way up from Victoria.
The best thing about a student exchange is meeting other exchange students from all over the world.
Before Maggie went to Denmark she hated seafood but came to love it in Denmark. In the summer there were the best berries she had ever had. Rotary Exchange was a bit different due to the huge number of Rotary clubs - typically with their own dedicated Rotary building. Most members were older men and a lot of farmers so definitely a common thread between Hammel and Leeton!
Danish people seem to be very obsessed with lighting - part of the Hygge culture, which is their word for 'comfy and cozy', and something that makes up for the cloudy weather and long winters.
Reading a book by the fire, warm meals, quiet indoor activities, and well furnished and comfortable rooms with lots of places to relax, are all part of 'Hygge'.
Leeton Rotarians asked questions and Maggie patiently explained the welfare system and more about the culture - including Winter Swimming at 2 degrees Celsius.
While Maggie was there the Queen stepped down, which was unusual because in the past, royals had only vacated the throne via the chapel (ie passed away). Apparently the Queen was very well loved nation-wide, so it was an emotional event for everyone in Maggie's acquaintance.
Maggie recounted some of the trips she went on with her different host families, including the classic Scandinavian custom of dunking in below freezing water and running into the hot sauna.
It was an especcially snowing winter, and Maggie was even snowed in for a day or two in Hammel.
Maggie’s one thing that she would bring to Australia from Denmark would be the way they run high schools - much more trust between students and teachers, without strict rules or hierarchy.
But she missed the abundant year-round fresh fruits and the sunlight - even as a Winter person in Australia, Northern European darkness was a bit of a challenge.
Danish high schools are called 'gymnasiums', and attendance and other strictures we Australians are used to do not exist there. Schools have to maintain engagement with students by being places the student wants to be.
Gymnasiums hold many social events including well-funded music shows with nationally recognised pop stars.
Bill Aliendi commented that Maggie had become much more confident speaking to a group. Maggie hopes that she has become more mature through her exchange experience, and enjoyed becoming fluent in Danish.
Maggie thanked the Rotary Club of Leeton sincerely for making her exchange possible, and presented the club with banners from her host club in Hammel.
President Peter thanked Maggie for her presentation with the customary coffee mug!
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The Brain Teaser
I have keys, but no locks. I have space, but no room. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?
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Director’s Roundup
- Barry
- Barry reported a solid morning at the markets all things considered, although some Rotaruans may have got a bit wet.
- Next markets will be Saturday 4th of May.
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Sergeants Session – Eric
Sergeant Eric took the club on a history tour of his association with those present in lieue of fines - but payment was still required.
Eric had three things in common with Dan. Rotary, bridge club, and they’re both deaf.
Friend’s of Luro and many other activities, children and businesses connected Eric to George and others.
Raffle winner: Incoming President Carmela The Great.
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Answer: A computer keyboard
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