Good Morning all,
It has been a wonderful week for our Club!
Last Saturday, 11 Brazilian Rotarians arrived in Beechworth. The fun started with lunch at the Brewery lots of noise and banter - thanks to Harry for organizing. Saturday night they dined with their hosts and thanks go out to hosts who included local members who were not hosting but sharing the involvement in Rotary Friendship Exchange.
Sunday they attended the District RFE meeting in Benalla. Celso the group leader made a presentation and it was a wonderful opportunity for our guests to meet their host families from Shepparton.
Monday, we travelled to Yackandandah for a mine tour, thanks to John Strang for organising . After the mine tour, off to Mt Pilot and Lucas Mill. Huge thanks to Geoff and Tess for welcoming the group to their amazing facility. Monday night we dined at the Empire.
Tuesday, a walk past the cascading falls to Woolshed falls where we had lunch. Lunch was make your own rolls....thank you to Wendy and Jocelyn for putting together such a healthy offering ! Tuesday afternoon gave them an opportunity to look around the town.
Tuesday night, with visitors from Milawa and Mt Beauty, and two friends of Rotary, we had a tremendous night. Our Hall looked fantastic and it was a great opportunity for us to show it off - we received wonderful compliments - so give yourselves a pat on the back everyone! Thanks to Wendy who coordinated the catering, Harry and John S. for cooking - the steaks were done to perfection. Thank you also to members for bringing along food to be shared - the array was certainly varied and absolutely delicious. I presented our banner to the group, together with Presidents of both visiting Clubs. Celso from Brazil gave a presentation and Julio, who is an accomplished choreographer, tried desperately to lead us in a dancing repertoire! I am so very proud of everyone who all worked together in making it such a great night. Steve sent out an email expressing in his opinion " The best night he has had in Beechworth Rotary " That about sums it up.
I would like to thank our hosts, the Thomas', the Kellys (two families), the Strangs , Jim and Jocelyn and George and I. To our members who did this for the first time, a HUGE thank you. It is a big commitment to have people in your house (Harry's couple could not speak English) for four days, but all of them did our Club proud. I hope each one of you have the chance to travel overseas so that they can return the favor. As Rotarians we have a common goal 'To make a difference' in the world, in hosting members from other countries, you have made friends for life and their homes will always welcome you.
We hosted Celso and Celia, the group leaders and their comment to me was that their stay in Beechworth was very relaxing and the people so friendly and accommodating. As President of the Club, I am so proud of each and everyone of you - thankyou. We bid our guests farewell on Wednesday in Benalla, they travelled on to Shepparton for four days and then to Sydney to begin their return home.
John and Beryl leave next week for South America- we all wish you well, travel safely and we look forward to hearing about your experience on your return.
This week's meeting is on Monday night and 10 of us are travelling up to Mt Beauty for the Paul Harris Dinner. Thanks to Nigel for driving, meet outside the town hall at 5.30pm
Wednesday, I am laying the wreath at our Anzac Day service. Have a look at the wreath....red, white and blue with a touch of yellow included to recognise Rotary.
On Monday Week, George and I are going away for 17 days.
May is the month where we promote Bowelscan in our Community. This Rotary project has been going for many years and last year in Beechworth, there were three positive results from the tests. Simon is going to be promoting. Bowelscan through the local press and on social media.
Tuesday 1st May, Dinner Meeting at Tanswells, John C. Chairman
Saturday 5th, Farmers Market, Howard, Bryan and Simon are at the controls.
Tuesday 8th Board Meeting, John C. will be Chairman, Jim Fiford will record the Minutes.
Thursday 17th Victorian Rotary Caravan Group arrive in Beechworth and we are having a dinner Meeting at Tanswells on Thursday 17th (note - not Tuesday). There are 60 in the group. Harry is Chairman for the night.
Sunday 20th, we are catering for the Group at the Caravan park. I have organized a caterer - this is a chance for us to make some money.
On the Wednesday 23rd, we are dining out at the Press room. No Meeting on the 29th.
Larry and Di, Jim and Jocelyn are all away at the moment - safe travels to you all.
I think that is enough for one week, Program attached for the rest of the year.
Lesley