My week included The Rotary District Conference at Bendigo, a very well organised and interesting few days. It’s always great catching up with other Rotarians and being inspired about what their Clubs are doing in the Community. Some great highlights and outstanding speakers ranging from Mark Balla aka the toilet warrior with his wonderful story, to a local student who stole the show with her speech she gave to win a Rotary speaking contest. She had the whole room spellbound with brilliance!
After the Conference, Steph and I had a few days in Mt Gambier, including a visit to Beachport to see Bruce and Deirdre Crossley who have settled well into their new home and location. They send their best regards to the Club.
On the matter of students and speaking, it’s the detailed planning time for our own Bayspeak School Public Speaking Comp which commences of 7th May. We have 13 schools now participating, with three heats and the final in June. I will be sending out details of times and venues beforehand as I hope members will come and hear the students speak.
At last week's meeting we heard from Dr Netra Khadka who spoke about the importance of self-management of diabetes and gave us an informative slide presentation on the subject. We also handed over a cheque for $6,750 to Sam Dimopolous who is the President of the Brighton Lifesaving Club. This was from funds raised at this year's Kieser Great Bayside Swim.
A reminder now to mark your calendars there's no meeting this Thursday. We're giving a nod to the importance of ANZAC Day, a day that hits close to home for many of us. In my own family tree, the legacy of service runs deep, with my grandfather Walter and his brother Percy serving with the N.Z. Forces in South Africa. Their brothers Arthur and Fred fought in WWI, with Arthur sadly making the ultimate sacrifice at Ypres in 1917, but earning the posthumous honour of the M.C. The tradition didn't stop there - both my father and his brother Fred continued the legacy, donning their uniforms in WWII. I know many of you have similar stories etched into your family histories, reminding
all of us, the sacrifices made and the debt of gratitude we owe to those
who served.
That’s it from me, hope to see all of you Thursday week.
