In The Chair: President Peter.
Guests: Kevin Watts – Wollundry-Wagga Wagga Rotary Club
Exchange Student Javian
Speaker: Kevin Watts – impromptu - in lieu of the scheduled speaker.
Kevin was born in Narrandera and his family were original settlers at Euroley – just over the river from the Yanco High school. He attended Yanco Primary (where he was Dux of the School) and Leeton High School.
He was in the first year of students at Murrumbidgee College (then Yanco Agricultural College) in 1963. This was a one-year course designed for farmers’ sons who were going to return to the land. He thoroughly enjoyed his year at Yanco and feels it set him up for the future.
He sold the farm in 1979 and moved to Wagga with no real job prospects but was immediately contacted by a friend who suggested that he apply to the newly reconstructed Wagga Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre. He was quickly appointed as the Scales Operator but with 18 months was the manager of the Centre – a position he held until retirement.
This Centre is one of the most active in the country for both Beef and Sheep. On one occasion, while he was Manager, they sold 60,000 sheep and lambs. Now, with expansion of the centre, the record is more than 80,000.
He joined Rotary when he moved to Wagga and was a member of Kooringal and then Wollundry-Wagga Wagga but had to resign due to work pressures. He rejoined Wollundry-Wagga Wagga two weeks ago following the death of his wife. It is an all-male lunchtime club that is very active with over 50 members. They were instrumental in operating the Saturday Farmers Markets for many years but now the major fundraiser is the Beer and Gears Festival, which they organise, and which attracts over 1000 participants at $100 each. It also provides additional fundraising opportunities for other Service Clubs in the town.
Kevin is organising a 60th Anniversary for his College year in October. He is seeking help for the late breakfast on October 22.
Market Day
It was a beautiful day for the markets and there were plenty to help out on the day, including Javian who proved himself adept at the Aussie BBQ.
Special mention to Carmel who starred as the Bain Marie attendant.
********************************
The Brain Teaser
If I am holding a bee, what do I have in my eye.
********************************
Director’s Roundup
- President Peter: Congratulations to all who were involved in a very successful ball.
- Secretary Brian: Looks like the ball will make a little over $3,000.
- Treasurer Len: Reminder that subs are due but going well. District and International dues have been paid.
- Dan Cotter: Had coffee with Ken Dachi who mentioned that a group has been formed to rejuvenate the Wattle Hill shop as a social service hub. They may need some help over time.
********************************
Sergeant’s Session
The sergeant was his usual ruthless self in ensuring we all paid for our sins. He even took Javian to task for his dancing skills at the ball and Andrew Raadgever for his acting talents.
The joke left a few people stunned so is repeated here for those who were a bit slow. “ A termite walks into a hotel and asks ‘ is the bartender here?’”
********************************
Joke?
It is common practice to expect new Rotarians to give a talk to their fellows about themselves, their early life, their training and the job that they do. This is called a "Job Talk" by some and "The Man Behind the Badge" by others.
Later in Rotary life the Rotarian is often expected to fill the speaker diary by giving a talk which is NOT connected with his work. A hobby such as stamp collecting or model trains would be a good example.
My story recounts the time when Fred arrived at the meeting of his Rotary club to be reminded that he was the speaker for the evening and this was not a "Job Talk".
He had forgotten and was not prepared. He sat at the top table, beside the Chairman for the evening, and thought about a subject during the meal.
When he was announced he spoke about sex. The meeting listened to every word and asked many questions. It was a success.
When he arrived home, Mary his wife, asked "How was Rotary?".
"It was a good meeting" he said.
"What was for dinner?" she asked.
"Beef, and it was good" he answered.
"Who was the speaker?" she continued.
"I was" he replied.
"What did you speak about?"
Now he can see trouble looming!
"Sailing" he lied.
The next morning Mary was shopping in the town and visited the butcher who was also a Rotarian.
"Fred gave a wonderful talk last night." he said.
"Yes" said Mary, "but I don't understand why he chose the subject. The first time he did it he was sick and the second time his hat blew off".
Later in Rotary life the Rotarian is often expected to fill the speaker diary by giving a talk which is NOT connected with his work. A hobby such as stamp collecting or model trains would be a good example.
My story recounts the time when Fred arrived at the meeting of his Rotary club to be reminded that he was the speaker for the evening and this was not a "Job Talk".
He had forgotten and was not prepared. He sat at the top table, beside the Chairman for the evening, and thought about a subject during the meal.
When he was announced he spoke about sex. The meeting listened to every word and asked many questions. It was a success.
When he arrived home, Mary his wife, asked "How was Rotary?".
"It was a good meeting" he said.
"What was for dinner?" she asked.
"Beef, and it was good" he answered.
"Who was the speaker?" she continued.
"I was" he replied.
"What did you speak about?"
Now he can see trouble looming!
"Sailing" he lied.
The next morning Mary was shopping in the town and visited the butcher who was also a Rotarian.
"Fred gave a wonderful talk last night." he said.
"Yes" said Mary, "but I don't understand why he chose the subject. The first time he did it he was sick and the second time his hat blew off".
Acknowledgement: Beechworth Rotary Club.
A: Beauty – because Beauty is in the eye of the be(e)holder.
********************************
From a Member:
From John Connolly in ‘The Australian’
Before we go on, I know you have been hearing a bit about AI.
“Don’t worry about it. AI will never replace managers, politicians, public servants or journalists because it’s not designed to be useless.”
********************************
Peter’s Quote of the Week
Hope reduces feelings of helplessness, increases happiness, reduces stress and improves our quality of life.
********************************