With so many guests last week joining us for a meal, this week was a stark contrast with only one guest, although the gathering was smaller it afforded us more time to catch up and chat over a nice meal. Discussion for the night, of course commenced about the coronation of King Charles III and the similarities and differences between England and last weeks speakers from Bhutan.
Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world. Its stated mission is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders". It is a non-political and non-religious organisation. It is a great place for discussion and expression of ideas.
Discussion continuing with various branches being explored including the monarchy v’s political history lessons from Rotarians from different ends of the earth. Graeme provided us with his insight from South Africa, the Boers’ history and religious influences. He then moved onto New Zealand history.
As per most conversations go recently, somehow we got to America and you can’t talk about USA these days without bringing in Donald Trump into the conversation. We then moved onto the history of Botswana and then ended up discussing the Pope John Paul II visit to Australia in 1986.
Of course you can’t have a discussion about political history and the Monarchy without discussing our alignment with the United Kingdom and the Australia Republic Debate. As always discussion was respectful and informative.
On of the members recommended watching ‘The Wave’ although very disturbing this movie is based on a true story and events.
********************************
Leeton Kaamatan Harvest Festival
Unfortunately, our guest speakers being the Leeton Kaamatan Harvest Festival Organisers were unable to join us. The Leeton Kaamatan Harvest Festival is planned for 11 June 2023 to be held at Yanco Hall. Harvest Festival, or commonly known as Tadau Kaamatan, is a sacred tradition to honour the bond between the Creator and Creation. According to legend, this is to give thanks to their god, Kinoingan, for sacrificing his daughter, Huminodun, by cutting her to pieces and spread it across the field which then produced a fruitful harvest of the paddy. The word ‘Kaamatan’ means “harvest” in Kadazandusun.
********************************
Graeme’s Something to Smile About
“How do you harvest a crop in winter? With an ice sickle.”
********************************
Carmel’s Brain Teaser
You’re the pilot of an airplane, traveling from Denver, Colorado to Sydney, Australia. The plane is travelling at 652mph, taking four pit stops and facing severe weather conditions. On the fourth day the plane finally arrives in Sydney and everyone on board although tired, enjoyed the flight. What is the pilot of the planes name?
********************************
Director’s Roundup
- Rotary Club of Leeton Board Meeting – commences 7.00pm Tuesday 16 May 2023, SunRice Koshi Room.
- Farmers Markets – held last Saturday proved very successful, thanks all who assisted on the day.
- “Stories of Resilience” – Grant funding event to be held in conjunction with Leeton Business Chamber. Wednesday 31 May 2023, Historic Hydro, 7.15-9.00am. Panel discussion, all Rotarians and guests welcome. Everyone must register at HTTPS://STORIESOFRESILIENCELEETON.EVENTBRITE.COM.AU
- No Meeting – Thursday 1 June 2023 – Rotarians attending Stories of Resilience in lieu of normal gathering.
- Hands & Feet – Community Services – A helping hand to provide food to the homeless, food to schools to feed children who come to school without breakfast or lunch and food hampers to families in crisis & are trying to join local organisations to continue this much needed work.
- Yanco Ag Institute 50yr Reunion – Club has been invited to cater for 50yr reunion on 27 August 2023.
********************************
Sergeant’s Session
After a few weeks of trying Laurie finally got to be Sergeant, think of it this way he had a few weeks to get his material together although he informs us that most of his material was used. Laurie continued the political and monarchy theme by commenting on King Charles III and his predecessors. He went on to fine himself after apologizing for his last Leeton granddaughter obtaining her P’s. He was then fined because he couldn’t tell us his jokes without laughing.
********************************
Silly Joke / Meme
What else would the subject of this weeks meme be?
********************************
Carmel’s Optical Illusion Photo
Infinity pier?
Or just a long one? The Cherry Grove Pier juts out 985 feet into the water off North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, but this optical illusion photo makes it look like it goes on forever. The pier was built in the 1950s but was lengthened in 1999 after surviving Hurricane Floyd. Now, it’s a popular fishing and tourist attraction.
********************************
Graeme’s Quote of the Week
********************************
Free Training Opportunity
There is an opportunity for individuals to attend a free course including First Aid, CPR, RSA or RSG course. The Western Riverina Community College (WRCC) has been funded to deliver a certain number of courses for free and has to get them completed by the end of financial year.
If interested in signing up or for additional information please contact Ron Arel, WRCC Leeton Campus Manager on 02 6953 3777 or mobile 0456 444 574 or alternatively email Ron at r.arel@wrcc.nsw.edu.au Answer: You’re the pilot, what’s is your name? Read the first sentence!
********************************