Numerous announcements.
Mike Batchelor is in Tauranga hospital with an ulcerated leg. Visitors welcome.
Roberta gave a spirited plug for us to attend RLI. Yes, even I had to look it up. For you ignorant souls, it is Rotary Leadership Institute. Next course is on June 7 & 8. Talk to Roberta to sign up.
Warren Scobie then promoted a tree planting opportunity. No, not in K valley, but at the venue of your choice. On 22 April, plant a tree and send the photo to Roberta.
Bob Sutton then promoted the next Guess who’s coming to Dinner. Your choice of 26 May & 9 June. Fill in the form that will be circulated in the next few meetings.
Phil Mangos reported that the golf days that Bayleys had sponsored had been very successful, raising in the region of $17K for charity.
Warwick DeVere requested help from any member who is available to drive House of Science people around to schools on a Monday, or a Friday. See him if you are available.
David Robinson advised that the RYPEN camp last weekend went well, with lots of help from club members. Of particular note were Shaun Piper’s bivouac building skills.
Dan Allen-Gordon and Larissa are helping a family that urgently needs household furnishings including beds. Some for immediate use, and some for a fundraiser Garage sale. Call Dan if you have anything.
Kathy Webb spoke of a new book launch which will be a fundraiser for Alzheime's. 11 April is the date. Annabelle Langbein is the Author, and it will be a recipe book, so very useful to members, and as gifts. See Kathy for tickets.
David MacConnochie is our Duck man. Yes, Duck racing is on the 15th April. Get your ducks in a row. Only $5, or you can get a Corporate Duck, for a substantial premium. Presumably, these are fatter. Not sure about their eating qualities, though.
ur exchange student, Eduardo Mello, then gave a hilarious account of his trip to the little town of Bethly, including his incredulity at the state of NZ roads, the existence of soft white cold stuff that he had never seen before, and the surprising lack of a bridge over a bit of water south of Wellington. Finally, he found a restaurant in the little town, now revealed to be Blenheim. A Brazilian Restaurant, no less. Excellent food, but he could not remember the name. Luckily, your scribe has been to said establishment, also finding it excellent, and can reveal that it is called Gramado’s. A must visit if you are in those parts.
Our speaker was Mike Rogers, CEO of Bay Rugby. He started by asking members what they knew about Bay Rugby, exposing 4 members who confessed to not liking the game, many who woefully underestimated the number of players in the Bay, and one member, JC by name, who knew what colours the team play in. The lack of a suitable stadium in Tauranga was commented on. Our region has the highest growth in female Rugby players and is a strong point of the sevens game. Mike wants to challenge the perception of rugby as being an elite game played by well paid male athletes. In the bay, it is a game that is played or closely supported by over 30 thousand people, many being Maori, and many being from less wealthy backgrounds. It can be a great vehicle for community involvement, and lead people on to better education, and social engagement. Mike is an enthusiastic promoter of the sport of all types.