I arrived late to the meeting last Wednesday, so I missed out on some of John Lynch's presentation on his life and experience with Rotary, but what I was able to hear was impressive and passionate. I think we need to work on better using some of that passion to our public-facing communication. It's got to be carefully done, we don't want to wind up looking like cult members, but I know sometimes I'm a bit dry when I talk about our projects and our work with non-Rotarians. I'm going to try to be more honest about the emotional aspect to what we do.
We're certainly not winding down towards the end of the year. There are plenty of fellowship activities happening, playgrounds coming out of the ground and other projects to be delivered and worked on.
What's happening now? • Today, maybe even as you read this, Bob Davies and a team of volunteers are at the Whitehorse Spring Festival. • This Wednesday we'll hear from Hajera Akram, one of our two sponsored RYLA participants -- and an honorary member of our club. • The Umbrella Dementia Cafe session is also this Wednesday. If you missed out on a chance to help this time around and would like to help with the 12 November event, let Silvana or Bob Davis know.
Coming up sooner than you might have thought:
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle on 1st November. Speak with Russell if you are able to help out.
The Whitehorse Farmers Market on 9th November -- and our egg and bacon shift in December.
The Youth Achievement Awards across the two weeks of 12th and 19th November.
And our end-of-year event -- more details soon.
One further thing: I promised some additional information about the two candidates for the position of Rotary International Council on Legislation Representative. Both Paul Mee and Linda Humphries, of Rosebud-Rye and Inverloch clubs, respectively, are incredible candidates with long and impressive histories in Rotary. I'll pass around their bios at the next meeting. One will be the representative, and one will wind up as the alternate, but I'd be happy to hear from club members on this issue.
John Lynch spoke about his Rotary Journey which started when he joined the Rotaract Club of Nunawading at the age of 25. He was subsequently selected for Group Study Exchange to visit District 119 in the Lake District of England. Finally at age 37, he was inducted into the Rotary Club of Nunawading.
John stated that the things that personally keep him in Rotary are:
The Dementia Cafe is on this Wednesday and we are looking for afternoon tea donations, either store bought or homemade, something bite sized. If you are able to provide some afternoon tea, you can either drop it off on Wednesday morning at Shia's house before 10:00am where Silvana will collect it and take it for you. Or you can contact Silvana directly to arrange collection with her.
Thanks for your contribution, it is very much appreciated. From the Community Service Committee.
The Umbrella Dementia Cafe is scheduled for every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the Hollows, Level 1, Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, 70 Middleborough Road, BURWOOD EAST.
Our Club's contribution is to provide a lovely afternoon tea, often based on a theme (see below). Contributions from you all will make it extra special. If you're able donate anything — baked goods, sandwiches, or other treats — that would be fantastic.
Please contact Silvana if you are able to assist. The more members that are involved, the better.
October • 8th – Regular Café • 22nd – Spring Racing Carnival November • 12th – Remembrance Day • 26th – Preparing for Christmas December • 10th – End of Year Christmas Party
We had 3 members report on a wonderful outing - Ed.
From Stuart Williams -
On Friday 17th October we visited the historic homestead--Mont de Lancey. It was a lovely morning, the sun was out, and the 24 attendees had a wonderful time. Glenys Grant had recommended the venue and so many of us said: “Why haven't we been here before.”
A special thanks to Harvey Lane for organising the day. We had a tasty lunch and a coffee for $22. Entry fee, which included excellent guides, was $10.
A delightful way to spend 4 hours... home to home.
From Harvey Lane -
This historic 1882 homestead originally stood on 80 acres and now just 4 acres of home and gardens, outbuildings and a cafe. The visit allowed the members to discover what daily life was like back then. The museum area and home photographs illustrated the history of Henry and Martha Sebrie and 4 children commencing a 4-generation, 100-year commitment to the area.
From the local history, both Sue Warmington and Barb Williams found their own local connection. A comprehensive 9-minute video showed the development of the Wandin area. The early need for major tree clearing that was required to provide the pastoral land today. The early focus was on fruit growing and Wandin today is now known for its fresh berry and quality cherry supply to local and interstate markets.
The tour also provided interesting blacksmith and wood turning presentations by local representatives and the day finished with a pleasant lunch and fellowship at the Two Peas Cafe, on site. A good day was had by all.
From Ken Smith - (with photos)
Harvey's time machine was hard at work, taking us back to 1867! Following a very friendly greeting we were transported back to a time where man and bullocks helped clear the land of dense trees which, in turn, were used to build their homes and outhouses. Our Friendly guide - 'Liz Harvey' delivered a thorough narration of life at the time, taking us through the original church, the Homestead and outbuildings, including the working Blacksmiths! If you're game, you can enrol for 'Blacksmith Classes' at $400.00 over four Saturdays between 9.00am - 12.00pm. Hot Work!
All in all, a very enjoyable reflection of the history and workings of the time. Followed by a country lunch and terrific banter.
A new school, Keysborough College has only recently organised a day with Anton and with so little notice it was too late to involve another Club. Hence, we seek six Nunawading volunteers for Sandown greyhound track on Monday 27th October. My email gained two members, Ken and Ian so we need another four please. Email me please if you can assist.
Last Friday Gabby, Graeme and I teamed up with Maroondah to assist with 230 Year 10 Yarra Valley Grammar students. 22nd October sees six Rotarians from M.A.S.H. assisting Koonung Secondary and 23rd October has Boronia and Mitcham clubs assisting students from Boronia (new), Whitefriars (new) and Mullauna Colleges. 24th October, Barb and I will team with Wonthaggi Rotarians at Bass Coast College in Wonthaggi.
28th October is Carey Grammar with 300 students at Lilydale with three from each of Lilydale, Maroondah and Nunawading Clubs making the nine volunteers. Our volunteers are Roger, my schoolmate Hans and me. 11th November is another new school, Lilydale Heights that Lilydale club is assisting and 1st December, Billanook College needs three also from Lilydale Club. 3rd December is the last scheduled day with Nazareth College at Sandown, and we have our six in Gabby, Roger, Stuart, John, Col and me.
Last school year, 65,000 students Australia and New Zealand wide attended Ryda days. Our District assisted around 5,000 students with their days and this year will be closer to 6,000 students for 2025.
We are planning to run some Cup Sweeps for Club Members and Partners.
The draw will take place on Wednesday 29th October at planned Melbourne Cup evening. As most appreciate, the actual 24 horse starters are not finalised to the Saturday before Cup Day, so only your horse number will be draw on the 29th. We ran 3 sweeps last year to cover the member and partner requirements. The entry fee remains at $5/horse. For each sweep: First prize is $70; second $20; Third $10. If you wish to enter, I need the following:
Your name and Partner name (if participating)
Number of horses required.
Allocation 2 x $5 = $10 Blue Sweep or 4 x 5 =$20 Blue 2 & Red 2) $30 All 3 sweeps
I am keen that all members get a horse, so I will control the sweep allocation, depending on the numbers participating. If members would like other family members to be involved. please provide their names for consideration and inclusion, after all members and partners are catered for. Those first in, with a email advice or phone call to me ( harvey.gglobal@gmail.com) will provide the order of preference. I will run a further yellow sweep if required.
With 24 horses per sweep, 12 members and partners will complete a single sweep. Please pay Russell to the General Account before 29th November, when I confirm your horse allocation. Ref: Your name/Cup Sweep/ $ Spent
Get in the spirit of Cup Week early and let me know your sweep requirements Harvey
Hello all,
