8 April 2017 OIC Tim Macgillycuddy,Hugh Campbell,Greg Conkey,John Egan,David Foster,Gerry Gerlach,James Hamilton,John Hawkins,Nick Leywood,Rob Nicholson,Rick Priest,David Pyke.
13 May 2017 OIC Mark Hillis, David Hodge,Peter MacKinnon,Paul Murray,Jeremy Riethmuller,Malcolm Robertson,James Ross,Doug Sutton,Darren Wallace,Bob Willis
10 June 2017 OIC Peter Crozier,David Benn,David Byfield John Ferguson,John Ireland,Michael Knight,Paul Milde,Rob Nicholson,Greg O'hare,Ken Taylor ,Pat Ingram
8 July 2017 OIC John Smith,Craig Bromley,Doug Conkey,Travis Downie,Michael Eldridge,John Flynn,Michael Georgiou,Jim Gibson,Ken Cook,Phillip McIntosh,
President Geoff opened the meeting, invited Paul Murray to lead us in singing the Australian National Anthem, and then asked that we observe a toast to her Majesty, the Queen and the people of Australia.
Laurie Blowes was welcomed back from a well earned break, and then visitors were introduced.
Travis Downie had invited guests, Ken and Cheryl Roberts, who are on the board of the Help Cambodia committee.
Geoff urged that the membership prospects that we entertained at Beer de Luxe should be followed up, and invited to our regular meetings. He thanked Rob Nicholson for organising the night.
We have received a report from Nellie Shepherd, and Geoff asked that it be included in the club bulletin. See the letters page!!!! We have had one applicant for RYLA - a young lady called Rebecca Lowe.
The club has received a letter recording the appreciation of the Australia Day Council, for our assistance at the beach activities this year.
John Smith phoned in this morning, and Geoff advised that he was between Ceduna and a very small place, where he was to land, taxi up a dirt road to a servo and refuel. His destination today was Esperance, and he was flying with a group of Mooney followers - that's pilots, not religious fanatics.
Travis travelled to Cambodia last November with a contingent of Wollundry Rotarians, to see how things are progressing with the work of Help Cambodia. He fell into this role, as several members of the group were to be involved in the presentation, but one by one they found "prior arrangements" and Travis was left as the last man standing - a Steve Bradbury role in the world.
There was a short video presentation involving many images of the work of Help Cambodia, with before and after shots demonstrating the progress that has been made.
Help Cambodia is a registered Charity, run by a board that is based in Wagga Wagga, and three of the board members are associated with Wollundry Rotary. The group raises money in Australia to support activities that are identified to assist really disadvantaged groups in rural Cambodia. One of the challenges in providing help to Cambodia is the prevalence of corruption, and the dilution of effective cash reaching the final projects.
Our guys are aware of this concern, and can guarantee that 100% of the money raised in Australia is utilised in the schools and medical facilities that we select. There are no administration expenses or commissions paid to intermediaries.
This Photo is a class photo from "the dump school", literally within a dump, and within Bhopals father in Law's home. One of the aims of Help Cambodia is to relocate the school out of the dump - they will have to change the name - and this is the focus of Darren Wallace. An application is in the pipeline for RAWCS assistance to match a Wollundry Rotary donation, and the RAWCS involvement also provides tax deduction facilities for individual donors.
The Rotary contingent that visited Cambodia in November are pictured above, but there were 14 Aussies in the group, and Travis reported that ages ranged from about 17, to about 45 - Chrissies mother being the oldest. There will be further trips, and Travis urged as many as possible to take the trip.
There was time for questions, and Gerry G was concerned about a previous donation of womens foundation garments. Were they confiscated at border controls? Travis confirmed that three different communities were required to find sufficient women to fit the bras.
Each of the team were permitted to take 30kg of checked baggage, but they travelled with just carry on backpacks, and filled suitcases with cargo for distribution in Cambodia. One of the most sought after objects were spectacles, all in high demand. Gerry was still concerned about the Bras.
Child sponsorship is the best opportunity for individuals in Australia to help this project. This costs $40 Aust per month, and Wollundry Rotary is at present, sponsoring two students.
The dump school is funded completely by assistance from Help Cambodia, and sponsorships of students.
Geoff Breust was so impressed by Travis's generosity - the fact that he left a bit of finger behind, and that was verified when Travis won the wine.
On February 6 - 12, the other exchange students and myself met in Bollnäs for an intense language camp.
I was to catch the bus from my home city, Nyköping, to Stockholm and then change to another bus and go on to Bollnäs. However, I wasn't aware that the buses would be upstairs (Stockholm's station is quite big and I've never been in one as large before) so when the time came for my bus to arrive, I was waiting in the area my bus from Nyköping had dropped us off. And I waited. And waited. 5 minutes past the time it was supposed to arrive I went to the information desk and the lady told me it had left already but I could see if I could catch it upstairs.
I could not.
So I had to buy a train ticket, 640 SEK which I payed for in AUS Dollars as I didn't have that insane amount of money on me in cash.
I got the ticket and headed straight down to the platform to wait, there I met another exchange student, Emily from Australia, who had also missed her train because the one she was one had been delayed 45 minutes. Sticking together, we finally made it to Bollnäs around 6pm.
We met the other exchange students, of which there were 10 of us all up. 7 from Australia: Samantha, Emily, Gabby, Nathan, Soma, Phillipe, and I. 1 from Brasil: Julia, 1 from New Zealand: Jess, and 1 from Thailand: Non.
After we had a brief meeting about what this week was going to be like we had free time until 10pm. We all decided to take a walk to a nearby grocery store (similar to Woolies), called ICA. We figured we would stock up on lollies and chocolate, especially Oreo Marabou (Marabou being the best Swedish chocolate ever), so we all rugged up and walked 30 minutes to the store (it took so long because we had to figure out how to get there) spent 20 minutes getting and choosing junk and then another 30 minutes back to the school we were staying at.
We get to our common room and dump all the goodies on the table, skittles, mnms, lollies, chocolate - no Oreo Marabou.
Turns out, the only thing we went for was the only thing we didn't get! So we would have to go all the way again the next night.
Then it was Tuesday, we had our first Swedish lesson, got some booklets and learnt some songs. Then after lunch we went to a spa and sauna. It was the nicest thing ever - there was a spa that overlooked a frozen lake there was a salt spa inside, those two were the ones we spent the most time in.
We also went in the sauna but it wasn't one of those ones with the water, it was just really hot - Jess and I went in after the shower to dry off.
Then we had a fancy expensive dinner, you know the type - the ones where they ration out the food because they didn't order enough in and have to make it last.
The others complained about the meat but I thought it was fine, perhaps they were just used to fancy food, or maybe they're super picky, I don't know but I really enjoyed it.
Then on Wednesday, after lessons, we went to a movie in a Swedish cinema, which was super comfy because the chairs are tilted so you can recline, rather than sitting straight up like in Australia. I could have fallen asleep. We saw The Light Between Oceans which was okay but I thought it lacked a plotline - it was really just kissing and crying - the photography was cool though, really picturesque.
On Thursday we had Swedish lessons and some history and religion lessons and afterwards went to a rubbish plant to see how they recycle and turn rubbish into heat. It was interesting but I would recommend you take nose plugs. We went for a walk to get more chocolate afterwards and we triple checked we had the Oreo Marabou, and then we went and got burgers at MAX, which is like Maccas but it only sells burgers.
On Saturday we had a farewell party and we were given a type of Swedish cake which is just like a large sandwich with stuff in the middle and prawns, tomatoes, ham, zucchini and egg on the top. Everyone was saying it was bad so I didn't have any at that time.
Then I got home by bus, through Stockholm, thankfully without incident as I went straight to the info desk and asked where I should wait.
The other highlights of February would be me learning to knit and finishing a whole bundle of yarn in one night! I'm going to make a scarf that's super super long but I'll give it to my sister because she can't decide on whether to dye her hair red or pink and this scarf is both so it's perfect for her.
I'm also improving on my ice skating and hoping in three more days on the ice I'll be pretty much a pro.
I went to a birthday party of a good friend of Helena's (my host mother) and she had the Sandwich cake as her birthday cake so I had some then and it wasn't as bad as the others had said it was, it was actually okay and I would have it again. I'm going to learn how to make it.
Then on the Monday after the party I went with the woman's daughter to an intense spinning class, we rode on machine bikes for 30 minutes while a scary lady yelled swedish at me. It was terrifying but it made me go. I definitely will go back to that, as a way to keep off the weight I might put on while I'm here.
I have lost my wallet - in it was my VISA, my Australian Debit Card, my Swedish Debit Card, my travellers card, my bus card and my school's library card. It also had like 40 SEK, $30 AUS, and Ł15.
I'm getting a new Visa and a new Swedish Card next week though, which will be nice.
Last night we had some friends over and we knitted and had a fika and I played with their super cute dogs which was really nice.
Next month, March, I will have some things on such as: My first Swedish party with people from my school; a glitter fest, a trip to Stockholm, giving my presentation at Rotary, a trip to Kiruna to see the Northern Lights and the ice hotel, and then Spin of Hope, to raise money for cancer I will ride on a bike for an hour, then after that I will have a trip to Vemdalen to learn how to ski.
I am terrified of skiing. But I'll do it, my dad always says: Go out and do something and something will happen.
Of course recently, that something was me losing my wallet so...
Having a lovely time! Starting to miss home a little,
Nelly Shephard
.....and the response from President Geoff.
Hi Nelly,
Thank you so much for your entertaining and detailed report on your activities over February. Apart from losing your wallet you seem to be having a great time and learning a lot, especially trying new things which is what the exchange is all about.
You will find Stockholm a beautiful place – built around the river with many islands. The old city is very interesting – very Viking – and if you get a chance, visit the museum which exhibits an ancient ship – the Vasa – which capsized and sank in the early 1600s. It lay on the sea bed until it was salvaged only recently. It is quite incredible.
I note you are in Nykoping which is out of Stockholm – have not been there but I have been to Linkoping which is further south from Stockholm and where the SAAB aircraft that Rex flies were manufactured along with the fighter jets built for the Swedish Air Force. Much of the factory is underground.
Thanks again for your report and continue to have a great time.
Weekly Quote: "You can't get rid of what is part of you, even if you throw it away" No idea what this means!
Next Board Meeting Monday 20th March at Commercial Club 5.30 pm start.
Food & Wine Festival meeting14th March at Commercial Club 5.30 pm start.
Thank you letter received from Riverina Summer School of Strings. This year 21 of 106 came from Wagga, the rest from around Australia. Well done and thoroughly enjoyed by the Priests.
Thanks also from Cassie Nimmo at Wagga Council for our involvement at Australia Day Celebration.
Rotary Club of Holbrook advised of their Art Show in August.
Remember the Food and Wine Festival needs you and your partner where ever and whenever possible. There are still positions unfilled on the roster so check it out.
Tim Barter briefed the members on preparations for the Food and Wine Festival.
We are now just two and a half weeks away from the festival, and most planning is behind us, but dealing with unexpected detail requires being flexible and adaptable.
The emphasis now relates to marketing, and maximising the effectiveness of traditional media and online networking.
The single biggest change this year is the introduction of the Restaurant Challenge, with the four most prominent fine food outlets in Wagga Wagga competing for the Golden Plate Award.
Last Saturday, we had a story, and half front page photo in the Daily Advertiser, but we had only a few hours to get our story out - and had to scramble to get the photo talent together..
“Did you know that the Rotary International Office at level 2/60 Phillip St Parramatta has an Arch Klumph Society recognition wall in its foyer?” There are nine Arch Klumph Society Members in Australia
Bob Willis
Sergeant at Arms:
John Gray was sergeant, and the fines were memorable, not for what John said - more for what he insinuated, what was not said.
Daniel Burns for last weeks profile, Mark Hillis for being a week older than last weeks milestone, Rick Priest, inviting the team back to the Palm and Pawn, Pat Ingram for old fella time, Ken Cook for slack Rotary Info rosters, Richard Rossiter - an easy target, James Ross, another pink shirt.
No wonder we all look forward to J Gray's parades.
Rotary Information:
James Hamilton provided this report for Rotary information on 28 Feb. as a background to the Rotary Peace Awards that we supported in Wagga Wagga.
The Australian World Peace Bell was awarded to Cowra in 1992 for its long standing contribution to world peace and international understanding. Capital cities usually reserve the right to erect the World Peace Bell, however Cowra's commitment to the World Peace Bell's objectives has meant Cowra was awarded the honor. The Bell is made of coins provided by 103 member countries of the United Nations, which were melted down and cast into the Bell. The Cowra Civic Square now proudly houses the Bell. The Pavilion is decorated with pottery tiles reflecting the community's ideas about the World Peace Bell and its association with Cowra. An audio presentation has recently been installed at the Peace Bell, explaining the significance of the bell and its association with Cowra. A ceremony is held on World Peace Day - 3rd Tuesday in September - to mark the opening of the Disarmament at the United Nations.
There are a number of peace bells around the world including:
Peace bell of the Alpine Countries
Himoshima peace bell
Millenium peace bell - is the largest free swinging bell weighing 30 tonne located at Newport Kentucky
Washington DC freedom bell
German Freedom bell in Berlin
Japanese peace bell located in NYC
Bell of the 11th September
Liberty bell
Presented by James Hamilton
Gears and Beers:
Phil McIntosh reported that the link to allow registration and payment on the Gears and Beers website is now active, and we are getting riders to sign up, and Pay..Pay...Pay.....
ATTENDANCE:
VISITORS AND CLUB GUESTS
Exchange Student - Willis Cheng
Guests of Travis - Ken and Cheryl Roberts.
Apologies
Hugh Campbell, David Benn, Peter Crozier, James Hamilton, Greg O'Hare, Craig Bromley, David Byfield, John Ferguson, Frank Fuller, John Ireland, Andrew Irvine, Tim McGillycuddy, Stephen McCoy, Robert Pearson, Jonty Schuter, John Smith, Rob Nicholson.