Club meeting Thursday 4th August – VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
A presentation has been arranged to provide information about the proposed Rotary Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot Project at our club meeting on Thursday 4th August. The presentation will be led by District Governor Elect Craig Dowling and someone (to be confirmed) from the District Communications Team.
It is imperative that ALL Rotarians attend this presentation and learn as much as possible about the intentions and implications of this Pilot Project, as EVERY Rotarian will be required to vote for or against the Project at a time to be determined within the next few months.
It is essential that you make the effort to attend on Thursday 4th August, so that you are well-informed and able to make the right choice as to whether this Project goes ahead.
You must advise Marie by Friday 22nd July whether OR NOT you will be attending on Thursday 4th August, as numbers will determine if we need a different venue for the meeting.
Secretary Sandie Simons
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Welcome Home Gavin -Thursday August 25th 2022
A very special Rotary meeting is being arranged for the above date. All members, partners and friends are asked to make every effort to attend. More detail will be provided early into August. Meanwhile please put this date in your diaries.
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President Peter's Piece.
Thank you everybody who attended last Saturday's Changeover Dinner. It certainly was pleasing to have a room full of people.
Firstly, I would like to thank the following people who worked behind the scenes to prepare for the night.
- Bill and Sandie Simons in particular Sandie Simons (sorry Bill but I am sure that you shall agree with my following comments). This Club is extremely fortunate to have Sandie firstly as a member and secondly as Secretary. In spite of her small stature, Sandie is a human dynamo, a renewal energy source if we could only plug her into the electricity infrastructure! Sandie quietly beavers away and comes up with a solution before you know there is a problem. Indeed I am very fortunate to have Sandie as secretary in my presidential year.
- Roxane Canning and Sue Flaherty came in Saturday afternoon and dressed the room. Both of these ladies are artistic wizards, the idea of having fruit and foliage decorating the tables was unique and shall I say tasteful! Thank you very much ladies.
I was extremely pleased with the Wanera Restaurant on Saturday night. The staff's preparation of the room, Michelle the restaurant manager's ability to accommodate my wishes, table & bar service and the quality of the food was exceptional. The price of $40 per head (inclusive of corkage) was good value. I was thinking that the outdoor area, adjacent to the dining room, would be ideal for fellowship and has encouraged me to consider some future functions, particularly when the weather improves and the sun stays up longer, where we can have what I call the "Rotary family" in attendance; i.e the return of the occasional meeting attended by our partners. I would welcome members' comments on the Wanera, particularly if you have criticism of the venue.
Whilst Club meetings resume from the third Thursday of the month (i.e. 21st July), the Club's board shall be busy preparing for the year ahead. I have asked the Club's service committee directors to meet next Thursday to discuss future plans and activities. I expect that the directors shall address Club members on their plans at the club meeting on 21st July. There could also be an interesting announcement to make at the meeting, more information to follow.
On Friday, Peter & Roxane Canning shall embark on their French adventure. Perhaps we shall receive some French letters (remember I am talking just about correspondence!) about their travels and experiences.
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President Peter wearing the Rotary Collar following the official changeover from immediate Past President Bill.
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President Bill has his final burble
Over sixty Rotarians and Friends of Rotary, and other service and community groups gathered at Wanera Wine Bar on Saturday 2nd July, for the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley’s changeover dinner and induction of President, Peter Perkins.
MC for the evening, Past District Governor Peter Thomas commenced formalities with the Rotary Invocation presented by Rotarian Bryce Lillecrapp, and the Loyal Toast proposed by Rotarian Rick Kessner.
President Bill Simons opened Meeting number 3279 with a warm welcome to all.
A very informative toast to Rotary International was proposed by Rotary District 9510’s District Governor Elect, Craig Dowling, with a response from Past District Governor Robert Brookes.
DGE Craig presented Paul Harris Fellow recognitions to Rotarians Patrick Ritchie-Haydn and Mark Graetz, in acknowledgement of their long standing and valued contributions to Rotary.
President Bill Simons delivered his annual report, which outlined the many achievements of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley over the last
twelve months.
Despite Covid limiting opportunities for fund-raising and fellowship, the club: facilitated preparation of 400 birthing kits in collaboration with Zonta, Probus and the Great Revival Op Shop people; hosted the Sir Condor Laucke Oration after a two-year break; provided cooking and car parking services to various community groups and events; and contributed to the Science and Engineering Challenge for secondary school students.
The club continued to support youth focussed projects, including University Scholarships and local secondary school awards, Rotary Youth Driver Awareness, National Youth Science Forum, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. A major achievement was the roll out of a dental health education program for school children in Uganda, which was instigated by Rotarian Gavin Sidhu. Donations were made to several local ongoing projects
and global Rotary projects.
President Bill also mentioned that the Barossa Airshow will be managed again by the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley in 2023, and again will generate funds to be dispersed to those in need, both within our local community and the global community.
In concluding his report, President Bill thanked all the Members and Friends of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley, for their support over the last twelve months, and particularly acknowledged the efforts of Team Leaders, who have facilitated the events and projects.
President Bill stated that thanks to the support given to him in his year of being President, he has the confidence to go forward in his new role of Area Governor of Area 5 from 1st July 2022.
Following a delicious main course, President Bill inducted Rotarian Peter Perkins into the position of President of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley 2022-2023, and was duly thanked by the new President for his contributions to the club during 2021-2022.
President Peter Perkins then asked DGE Craig Dowling to unveil the 2022-2023 Rotary International theme banner, and DGE Craig explained the story behind the design featured on the 2022-2023 Rotary International Theme banner.
President Peter introduced each of the 2022-2023 Board and Team Leaders, and DGE Craig presented them with their 2022-2023 pins.
In his closing remarks, President Peter mentioned that when he was President of the club for the first time in 2004-2005, Katina Jones was appointed as the first female District Governor of District 9500 (now combined with District 9520 to make District 9510). Since then Rotary has continued to demonstrate gender diversity (without quotas!), and we now celebrate the first female Rotary International President Jennifer E Jones, for 2022-2023.
President Peter highlighted the need to recruit younger members to Rotary, which is paramount for its continued success, and suggested that we seek to diversify our fund raising sources. He also reiterated he wished to continue Past President Bill’s work in maintaining co-operation and collaboration with other service clubs and community groups.
After reciting The Four Way Test, President Peter closed Meeting number 3279.
MC Peter Thomas concluded the evening’s formalities by thanking everyone for their participation in the changeover dinner, and delicious sweets were enjoyed during fellowship amongst all attendees.
Congratulations Bill on a great year - Editor RB.
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A few of the large crowd who attended our Rotary changeover.
And a few more
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Paul Harris Fellow recognitions being presented
Patrick Ritchie-Haydn presented with a PHF recognition from DGE Craig Dowling.
Rotarian Mark Graetz receiving his PHF Sapphire recognition from DGE Craig Dowling.
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District 9510 Changeover and Induction of
District Governor Paul Thomas:
A very different approach was taken by District Governor Elect Paul Thomas, for his induction to the position of District 9510 Governor 2022-2023 held on Sunday 3rd July.
Over 120 people attended the celebration which was held in a large old shed on Redwing Farm at Weetulta, south of Moonta, and members from our Club who attended were President 2022-2023 Peter Perkins, Immediate Past President Bill Simons and Secretary Sandie Simons, and Past District Governor Robert Brookes and Peggy Brookes.
Formalities were interspersed by three talented local singer/musicians who provided the entertainment for the afternoon, and a delicious “country-style” afternoon tea was supplied, including traditional Cornish pasties containing both savoury and sweet sections – a new and unexpected experience for some! The van supplying free tea, coffee and hot chocolate was very popular.
After his induction, District Governor Paul introduced those of the 2022-2023 G-Train who were in attendance, and thanked his club of Northern Yorke Peninsula for their support in preparing for the changeover. Even his mother-in-law aged 92 contributed her jelly slice!
It was good to catch up with Past District Governor Jeff Neale and Jenny, and District Governor Elect Craig Dowling and Kiki, and members of other clubs in our District, some of whom had travelled great distances.
p.s. R.& P. Brookes -distance travelled was 353.4 kilometres.
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Saturday Fellowship at Bethany Reserve.
We have been restricted in activities due to COVID, so when the restrictions eased, we took the opportunity for a friendly get-together at the Bethany reserve. We had a few sausages and patties in members' freezers, a credit with the Barossa Council for the use of the shelter so we put on a sausage sizzle. Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch?
The weather was perfect for about 25 members and friends (and two dogs) to enjoy a pleasant afternoon in the sunshine.
Thanks to Keith Millington for organising this event. As Keith said we did intend to play a couple of rounds with the Bocce Balls together with an Egg and Spoon race. However it didn't happen even though Sue Graetz had organised prizes and an Egg and Spoon Trophy for the winners. There is always a next time.
A pleasant Saturday afternoon
Discussions in the sunshine
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