The meeting started with an acknowledgement of the White Island tragedy.
Birthdays – Chris Dever
Guests -Warren Banks’ daughter – Shianne
Welcome back to Mike Batchelor who is looking very sprightly indeed.
Notices
The first meeting of 2020 will be at the Raft Café on 10th January
Les – The get together at Zest café was well patronised and a great evening
Glenys – Update on Vinna is that she is based in Port Vila and her leg is stable. She will be able to go back to her village for Christmas.
Lynda – International Committee – We have received a grant of $4,000 from the Rotary Foundation towards our sponsorship of Threads Across the Pacific. More about this in the New Year.
Bob’s World famous in NZ BBQ is on again around 28/29th February (not to be missed)
Mary – Barry Vercoe is recovering from surgery. May be going back to live with family in Boston but would welcome contact from members.
Volunteer required to cover as Treasurer for Ray Scott who will be away for the first three months next year. Please contact Ray- be in quick to avoid the rush.
Guest speaker
Our very own Henry Kayser
Born on the east coast of America had a long and distinguished career in US Marines.
Trained at the US Naval Academy his first deployment was to the Mahabi desert.
Has been deployed all around the world from Saudi Arabia, Iraq (twice) Japan, Philippines, Germany to name a few. With his career punctuated with continual education, he rose to the rank of Lt Colonel.
Gaining an MBA in military studies, being in charge of 35,000 marines, being Head of Procurement in Detroit are just some of his career highlights.
He met his Kiwi wife at the US embassy in Saudi Arabia and they were married in Las Vegas in 2005. (not by Elvis). Retiring from the army, they moved back to Tauranga in 2019 with their two children Ryan and Finn.
Now a Project Manager for STX Technologies we welcome him to Tauranga and the club.
Raffle – Won by Dan
Sergeant Pauline (wot - again?!)
On taking her dad back to England a few years ago she gave us a rendition of an overflowing of Christmas carols. However, the most special moment was being at an old people’s home where they may not remember the present, but sang carols word for word whilst reliving a moment of their past.
And finally........I told my wife I was going to make a bike out of spaghetti. She couldn't believe it when I rode pasta
