The 17 April meeting saw 19 members seated for lunch (which left three places set for which we were probably billed). Nevertheless it was a good roll up and we had an enjoyable meeting.

Our guest speaker had to withdraw before the meeting. Club member, David Hart, accepted the task of making a three minute presentation on his recent holiday. More later.

We welcomed the return of Don Philbrook and Phil Bellety, both back after several weeks.

Adrian van ash and Alba Linklater reported that the joint valley cluster meeting at Brushgrove, on 11/4/19, was a great success. Pleasant food, company and atmosphere, with 65 in attendance from all 5 Clarence Valley Rotary Clubs.

Judy Glasson and Bill Paterson advised that the Bunnings BBQ held on 13/4/19 was a success too with the roster working well. The event grossed $1065 and produced a net $857 after few runs to the local supermarket to top up supplies and running out of gas at the lunch peak, but plenty of customers made the day a worthwhile Club fundraiser.

Robert Blanchard advised that a fresh date is being proposed for The Great Gatsby, the movie: a Tribute to Spiro Notaras at the Saraton. A date in June 2019 is being developed in order to allow better promotion of the event.

Incoming board members in particular were again advised to seriously consider going to the 2/6/19
district assembly at Mullumbimby. Registration is required, for catering purposes.

Peter Robison delivered a few words on the 30/11/2019 Carols event : arrangements are ahead of last year’s program regarding the guest artist, staging, paper and print advertising; TV advertising is on hold for the moment; Waiting on confirmation on bus transport; delivered sponsorship packages to business houses; have asked for further sponsorships suggestions from Club members; we now have promises or banked contributions to the value of $10,500 BUT the committee is also open for more businesses to approach. Peter requested that as new sponsorship ideas come forward, please see Des Harvey who will arrange with you for delivery of the packages. Sponsorship is critical: trade persons being one idea.

 

It would be immensely appreciated if members could take the matter up with some urgency.

Brian Lane raised last week’s call for EOI: Should we create a project for Defibrillators for Grafton’s main streets? As mentioned last week, we need two or three volunteers to meet and work out whether we should create a project to provide defibrillators, like we saw demonstrated last week, in the Grafton and South Grafton CBDs noting that there are some already in place in some businesses like Bunnings (Bob has found an app where you can see what is available), work out how many would be needed, at what cost and over how many years if required, consult ambulance service
perhaps, work out a publicity plan and make a  presentation to the Board by say 31 May, or later if
that suits the group.

 

There could be an opportunity for bigger businesses to sponsor some as a legacy for the community. Hands up? Come and see me, call or email. We will review next week.

Working with Children Checks. Brian again issued a reminder to arrange your check or its renewal, for our YEP programme, and to let Amanda know when your check is approved or renewal is made.

 

It will make management of the YEP so much easier. We may have to get Don to provide a link for new members to make application.

Our Guest speaker was Dave Hart on his recent holiday with Ros. They caravanned to western Victoria, Kangaroo Island and South Australia over three weeks, taking to the rail trails on their cross - over bikes whenever they could. David highlighted the grain silo artworks that they visited in several townships, and various sculpture walks (both man-made and natural), the many wineries and the natural features/vegetation and fauna found along the way. He noted that the artworks and rail trails were particularly well used by tourists! They enjoyed a particularly special time on Kangaroo Island, its landscape and fauna, and were impressed by the variety of nature walks within close
proximity to Adelaide.

 

Dave supported his address with many photographs and held everyone’s full attention with his knowledge, well-chosen words and selection of sites of interest. In the absence of our usual thank you certificate, Herman Claassens provided a fitting thank you in the shape of a
serviette with appropriate text and sketches created by Herman over lunch.

Camellia Flanagan conducted an efficient and effective extraction of fines.

Next week’s program: Club Assembly on 24/4/19

Later in the day (evening), our Trivia team (Lee Taylor, Terry Dwyer, Jacqui Lancaster, Brian Lane and
Simon Roberts) participated in the Roches Hotel Trivia night, scoring right on the average at 8th out of
17 teams. All good fun and our Club name was mentioned plenty of times too.