Richard's Passing

It is with personal sadness that I announce Richard, our president passed away last Tuesday 2nd.  This will bring to a close this page of Ramblings that were Richard's trademark for his club over his current presidency. 

I have taken the time to re-read his words to us and would encourage you all to spend a few minutes to do the same.  There is a lot of Richard in this text.  What he felt and what he wanted for our club, for the local community and for humanity world wide.

I think you should be reading his words, not mine, but one thought in my experience with Richard, that best describes him, is our theme for this year -   "SERVICE ABOVE SELF"   (ed - Peter K)

A Tribute to President Richard

On the 22nd of June 2005 on the evening when Richard was inducted as The President of the Rotary Club of Highton Kardinia he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the highest awards in Rotary.  In announcing this award Past President Graham Hobbs after listing Richard's involvement in community and Rotary activities over a long period of time said "His attention to detail, warm friendship, devotion to this club, especially through his illness, his courage and positive outlook have inspired many.  His love of family, wide smile, sense of fun, legendary love of animated music  (I speak here of the music man) has been complemented by his loving partner and soul mate Lucy".

Richard was at various times treasurer, director of youth service, sergeant at arms, football picking competition organiser, vice president, president elect and president.  He was also counsellor for exchange student Kaitlyn Hart.  His involvement and commitment over the last five years continued despite his illness.

Although his time as president was shortened and more limited than he would have liked it to be, he set an example of leadership that was an example to all the people involved with our club.  His appearance at The Highton Bowls Club at our annual bowls clash with Geelong Central, I suspect to make sure that we all behaved ourselves and at a recent working bee with The Friends of Buckley Falls despite his obvious discomfort, and his insistence in inducting Martin Shirley back into the membership of our club when he attended that meeting with great difficulty displayed leadership of the highest order.

Richard introduced the club to Bushikori, The Friends of Buckley Falls and other projects that will be an ongoing part of our club.

Each Rotary Year there is a Rotary Theme This year in the year of Richard's Presidency the theme is "Service Above Self". At every Rotary Club through out the world at the conclusion of the meeting the president encourages members to follow this ideal.  I don't think that there would be a Rotary Club in the world where it's leader has given such a fine example of Service Above Self.  He overcame, illness and pain and was able to put aside these concerns to serve others.

Richard epitomised Service Above Self.  The members of Highton Kardinia Rotary Club were so fortunate to have him as a member and leader.  He will always be a part of the fabric of our club.

Richard’s Ramblings

It was 12 months ago when I attended the President Elect Training Seminar – PETS for short

The Bylaws of Rotary International require the Governor nominee of each district, in cooperation with the current Governor, in the early months of the year, schedule and conduct a training seminar for the incoming club presidents. The PETS is a motivational and leadership-training session designed to prepare the future club presidents for the office they will assume on 1^st July. Among the subjects covered is the implementation of the RI theme for the coming year as well as information about the new and continuing programs of RI.

Time is also devoted to a review of district operations, planning club and district programs, and organising other activities for the year ahead. How to prepare a budget, goal setting, time management, and new ideas for club meetings are just some of the useful skills that club presidents-elect learn when they attend their district PETS.

I am sure that Kester will be able to give much useful input at the seminar and we look forward to his year as president with keen anticipation.

Cheers,

Richard

Richards Ramblings

Now that the Commonwealth Games are with us. (as if we could avoid them) it struck me how disparate the countries are within the Commonwealth.  I read a report that at least two African countries' teams arrived without proper footwear and jackets for their events.  Fortunately Australian companies could kit them up.

As these athletes were representing their countries you can imagine what chance most of their countrymen would have in coping with a natural disaster such as a major flood or earthquake.  The Rotary Shelter boxes provide aid for 10 people  very early on in the case of such a disaster occurring.  You have all been given a DVD and pamphlets explaining how Shelter boxes are made and distributed.  As a major project for our international committee I would like to see every member of the Club approach at least one business to publicise and hopefully get a donation towards the cost of a box ($1200). So far we have had five boxes donated by Geelong Brush Company and one by the Club - it would be great if we could fund at least 20 boxes this year.  So how about we try to do a visit in the next month.  Christine has plenty of spare pamphlets and will have them at the meeting on Wednesday.

At a cost of $100M per day for the cost of the games (I am not sure what is included in this figure) one could be somewhat amazed at the priorities we as a community make in spending Government revenue.  I for one would like to see the balance change to more closely reflect our ability as a nation to help others in need as well as to celebrate sport as a worthy cause.

It's good for me to be back amongst the camaraderie of the ...club after my recent absences.  I look forward to being a regular attendee from now on - all things being equal.  You don't realise how much a part of your week it is until you are forced to miss.

Arrangements are now well in hand for our change over dinner on 28th June, it should be a great evening so make sure that you have the date in your diary.

March 17th being St Patrick's Day

Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups; Alcohol, caffeine. sugar and fat.

The following is an Irish "Cup of Comfort"

IRISH COFFEE

Servings 2

3 ounces Irish whiskey

12 ounces strong coffee

2 tsp. Sugar

Sweetened whipped cream to taste

Crème de Menthe

1. Combine the whiskey, coffee and sugar, and mix until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Pour into two glass mugs, and top with dollops of whipped cream and a drizzle of crème de menthe.

Cheers

Richard

District 9780 Conference

Portland, 3-5 March 2006

District Conference is always a great opportunity to spend time with fellow members and to meet friends from other clubs.  This year's conference in Portland was no exception, and we had 21 Rotarians and partners attending.

DG Wayne and his organizing team did a great job in arranging some inspiring guest speakers.  Highlights included Sally Millington's talk on the Friday night about her trip to the dawn service at Gallipoli.  Sally is a former RYLA participant who is now involved i running the RYLA program.  She was chosen as one of 25 young people from Australia and New Zealand to travel to Turkey for the Anzac commemoration.  Her description of the atmosphere at the service and her visit to the battlefields was very moving.

On Saturday, Peter Kenyon's talk about the decline of small towns in rural Australia was fascination.  His examples of communities which have bucked the trend and are prospering despite the rural decline showed the importance of attitude and how crucial is local leadership.  The "three evils" of rural Australia are cynicism, negativity and resistance to change, not drought, natural disasters and low wool prices.

In the afternoon, Mervyn Edwards. a recently retired officer in the Thames Valley police gave an interesting insight into anti-terrorism policing the VIP protection.  In the course of this work he had close access to five British prime ministers and members of the royal family.

Out club was recognized for winning a Preserve Planet Earth - Heritage Award for the Boer War Memorial restoration and research project.  Congratulations to PP Rick Hattam for preparing the submission and to all who worked on the project.

Arron Wood is an inspirational young man (2001) Young Australian of the Year) who runs the highly successful River Health Conference for students from around the world.  Arron explained how the children develop a project in their local area then present their work at the conference - students teaching students/  The is plenty of hands-on  learning as the young people develop their ability to co-operate and communicate.  They come away with a sense of purpose and belief in a bright and compelling future.

Black-and-white was the theme for dinner on Saturday night.  We all got into the spirit of it.  DG Wayne and others word convict suits of white with black arrows. While Rick looked like a Mafioso in his black shirt and white braces (Q. Why do Mafiosi wear white braces? a. To keep their trousers up)  The Rotarians and partners listened intently as keynote speaker Sophie Morell told the story of her journey from high-flying young businesswoman living in Dubai to leukaemia patient and bone marrow transplant recipient at the age of 27.

Richard's Ramblings

This week is significant in the context of the District a the District conference is being held in Portland.  It is a great opportunity for new friendships to be made and old ones reinforced.  I am looking forward to hearing reports next week.  I am only sorry that I was unable to attend.

District 9780 covers a large area in two states including a diverse range of interesting and unusual features.  The District Governor and his predecessors together  with District Committee members have probably got to know the District pretty well but for a number of members there would be many areas of the District which would not be well known.  I have wondered whether there would be any value in a club (such as ours) in making up a booklet, highlighting each Rotary Club in the District and it's main and also it's unusual attractions that may only be known to locals.  This might be used in planning a weekend away or doing a makeup and extending one's stay in the area while at the same time getting to know the District on more intimate basis.  Any thoughts!!

Geelong is certainly going ahead - The Play Space is now open for use and I understand that there will be an official opening in April - or when Minister Madden can fit it into his schedule.  This together with other planned works in Eastern Park will certainly provide a focus for visitors to Geelong as well as to us locals.

I hope to see you all at our meeting next week where we will hear about the District Conference as well as getting updated on what is happening in the Club from the Board meeting which will have been held on Monday night.

Cheers

Richard

Richard's Ramblings

In scanning the 2004-05 RI Annual report I was once again impressed at the ability  of Rotary to reach the breadth and depth of so many human endeavors in a meaningful way.

The quick reaction by Rotary to World disasters such as the tsunami event in south-east Asian countries and other less well known disasters in Zimbabwe where Rotary assisted in the distribution of maze to staving people in that country.  Immediate and long term assistance was provided to people in Japan  who were affected by an earth quake killing more than 900 people and causing damage in excess of US$75 million.  The design manufacture and distribution of shelterboxes is now providing a very practical and useful way of providing life support to people affected by such disasters.  Of course the highlight of all these humanitarian endeavors is the elimination of Polio throughout the world.

One could say that we literally ran our way around the world as 232 Rotarians from 15 countries  ran in the Paris marathon held on April 18th last year.  We are very proud to state that 2 members from our club participated in this event which generated huge publicity for Rotary around the world.

Rotary helps greatly in international understanding through it's many programs organised through the Rotary Foundation to commemorate the Centenary of Rotary and to further publicise it's program 5 Centenary bells were cast and were a cause  for celebration as they travel around the Districts.  I n June 2005, the five bells arrived in Chicago, where they simultaneously rang in the 2005 RI convention.  The bells are now on permanent display at RI headquarters.

The is so much that can be achieved through Rotary both at an individual level as well as group and District understanding that I exhort all of you to provide "Service Above Self"

Cheers

Richard

CHALLENGE, CHALLENGE, CHALLENGE

We have been challenged for the third time by Geelong Central to establish who is the premier bowls club.  The date is next Tuesday 14th Feb (unfortunately falling on St Valentine's Day).  Play will commence at 6PM with a 7:30pm finish.  The venue is the Highton Bowls Club on the corner of Roslyn and South Valley Roads.  Play will be followed by a barbeque and sweets tea and coffee is provided and other drinks are at bar prices at the club.  The cost of the meal in $12 and even Geoff Leigh can get value for his dollar there.

Bowls will be provided and your footwear is OK as long as it does not have heels - you can play in bare feet.  It promises to be a great evening's fellowship and I would like to see as many as possible to be there.  If you can't make it by 6 o'clock don't worry you will still have fun and join in with the meal afterwards.

I am also looking forward to our meeting next Wednesday when we will be hearing about then Rotary Shelter boxes.  A presentation will be made at the meeting including our donation to this worthy project

Cheers

Richard

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Last modified: 22-Jul-2006