Visitors: Erica Jackson, Nikki Hansen (guest speaker)
President Chris.
In his new job, Chris visited Matakana Island and was impressed by the efforts of health providers there. He has also been involved with attempting to get 4g cellphone reception to Matakana.
Birthdays & Anniversaries – nil
Guest Speaker Nikki Hansen, Tauranga Arts Festival
Nikki was introduced by our very own arts aficionado, Bob Sutton.
Nikki mentioned that the actual programme had been selected by Artistic Director, Gabrielle Vincent, and that strong bookings had reinforced community support for her choices.
The sad decision to cancel the Festival had been made due to various Covid levels making it difficult to both host events and even get the performers to Tauranga.
24 shows, 124 artists, 17 writers and speakers, 3 venues and 23 flights all were cancelled.
The impact of this was wide affecting hire of the Crystal Palace, Baycourt, equipment and staff. Sunk costs still had to be met such as printing of 37,000 programmes, part fees to artists, marketing and ticket refund charges.
But the good news is some great events and activities are still on:
Te Manawataki o Mauao is a sound walk on Mauao. You download an app or scan a QR code, and listen as you walk on the various tracks. Currently it will be active 21 to 31 October. A unique experience.
Echoes Tauranga Moana - visual art with interactive digital mosaic, will be presented in the Library Arcade.
A Brave New World – street flags on Durham St.
Kete Whaikaro – an exhibition of kete at The Elms.
Violent Legalities – historical incidences of human rights violations at The Art Gallery.
Looking forward to 2022, the readers and writers festival, Escape, is planned for Queen’s Birthday Weekend.
Bryan thanked Nikki for her presentation.
Cycle Shirts
Contact Simon if you’d like to purchase a new Rotary Cycle shirt. $108 brand new. But will there be re-cycle shirts?
Rena Photo Exhibition
Opens for two weeks at Coronation Park from Tuesday 5 October, then moves to The Strand area, Features the photos of official photographer Ross Brown and is a commemoration of the way community came together at the time of the Rena disaster.
Katikati Rotary Garden Ramble
Dan informed us this was set for 6 and 7 November and would make a pleasant outing.
Adidas Gear Storage needed
Contact Dan if you can store this gear for a few weeks.
2022 Very Advanced Notices
26 February our 25th Anniversary dinner to be held at the Tauranga Club.
6 March Bob’s BBQ to be held at . . . Bob’s.
Sergeant Session: Simon Beaton
Simon started by fining Graham Cornes for the previous sergeant’s session which had been more like the presentation of a guest speaker!
Simon pontificated on how accents, idioms and words label us. He was born in London but moved to Scotland, along with his English accent. To survive, he quickly learned a Scottish dialect which he lost when he went to university. Moving to Cyprus, Simon admitted speaking Greek badly. On coming to live in NZ he was often asked, “Do you go home often?” His prompt reply, “Every night, duh!”
Simon met Michele and also her father to whom he referred to and deferred to as paid up member of the grammer (sic) police.
The session concluded with ramblings on the use of the words “ladies” and “chicky babes.”
Raffle Winner John
Parting thought: Dan
Technology can increase technology but cannot increase compassion. The Dalai Lama.
