Chairman Doug was in a slow recovery mode after his hectic trip to Hong Kong. To be sure, we advised all those with either poultry or pigs to keep clear as Dr John H was not yet sure if the symptoms Doug exhibited were Avian TB or Swine Flu!!

Although ailing, Doug did manage to bring his “useless bits of information” to amuse and entertain the members, however his update on the new Dragon, naming and identifying all of the dragons who will be on display, processes for freight, assembly and subsequent blessing prior to Easter was terrific. Looks like those able bodied will be able to participate in some of the activities, see the museum website for more information. Thanks Doug for a great impromptu presentation and update.

Ian Doak, Swap Meet Treasurer was a quick visitor to present a cheque for $5,250.00 to Glenn Maloney. With an overall profit of $68,800.00, those organisations who assisted in the running of the Swap Meet received a similar amount, Junortoun Fire Brigade, Marong Football and Netball Club, Riding for the Disabled, Bendigo Lacrosse Club and the Eaglehawk Y’s men and women.

Thanks Ian and Glenn for the fantastic work, time and effort you both commit to the Swap meet.

 

Local community member and avid cyclist, Scott Eldridge gave members a quick overview of his planned ride in the Tour De Cure, Riding to Cure Cancer, from Sydney to Geelong as part of a 140 strong group of riders. The club will be making a contribution to support Scott once approved by the Board on Tuesday.

 

Judy gave a quick update on member’s welfare. Thank you to all who have been supporting Wayne and Linda.

 

Cathie identified that there has been a low response to Mark, to participate in “Guess who’s coming to dinner”. Please let Mark or Cathie know ASAP if you wish to be involved.

From the Youth Cluster meeting, Cathie informed members:

 

Bruce advised that over $20,000.oo has been raised from the BBQ’s this Rotary year, with the most recent being $2,000.00 from the V-Line breakfast.

 

Jim informed members that there will be two more off site visits, to the RANCH for an update and overview of the knitting project and to the Discovery Centre. Jim has some exciting speakers lined up; however members are encouraged to provide Jim with new opportunities.

 

Ted has received great feedback from the market stallholders at Australia Day. Overall responses were; well organised with good systems and processes in place, great volunteers and plenty of them.

Entries for the Easter Market will be open soon.

 

Toni has happy to report that in “having some time off” she has been able to be more involved with the club’s activities. Toni and Adrian will be attending the “President Elects Training Session” (PETS) in Ballarat March 23/24.

 

Geoff reminded Directors that there will be a Board meeting at 5.00pm at St Aiden’s this Tuesday.

 

Ray has some “Computers for Congo” to be delivered to the storage at Epsom. Let your friends know if they also wish to support this great project.

The incoming Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) will be in Bendigo March 24-28. Ray has all the host organised and the itinerary for the time they are here in Bendigo. Thanks to the Carrington’s, Cannon’s, Hinneberg’s, Woodburn’s and Judy for offering to host our visitors

 

Phil asked if the club was going to support the Queensland Flood Relief fund. After discussion, John Cannon volunteered to work with Phil to identify if there were any Rotary Clubs in Queensland involved and how/if we as a club can support them.

Gerard provided by note (he had to leave early) a number of both, questions and ideas re catering and security at Australia Day. These will be discussed at the Board meeting on Tuesday as time did not permit at the meeting.

 

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussions and to the club’s activities and projects.

 

For those who are rostered on for welcome and set up please ensure that you have a replacement if you cannot attend the meeting.

Welcome; bring down from upstairs the box with all of the name badges and set up on a table near the bar. Ideally be at the hotel by 6.45am. Meet and greet all Rotarians with their badge and guests and ensure the guest speaker is introduced to the chair for the morning to arrange their breakfast and program.

Set up; again from upstairs bring down the briefcase, laptop, gong and gavel and the raffle ticket container. From the bar ask for the Rotary key for the small box adjacent to the right hand side of the dining room.

The box contains;

 

Pull down the screen on the end wall. It is not automatic.

 

Connect all leads, test for sound and turn on the laptop. Turn on the projector with the remote control.

At the end of the meeting reverse the order of set up and return the key to the bar.

 

Graeme