Bernie presented Steve Shaw with his PHF last night at the monthly Fire Services meeting. Steve was very humbled by the presentation which was particularly special in front of his peers.
Bernie McKone, who is the current chair of the Paul Harris Fellowship Committee was joined by Neroli McRae to present the Paul Harris Fellowship at a Fire and Emergency Service meeting on 2nd April.
A Paul Harris Fellowship one of the highest awards any Rotary Club or Rotary International can bestow upon an individual and is reserved to recognise individuals for exceptional contributions they make to any humanitarian, educational or community program within their community. Our committee, made up from some Past Presidents and existing Paul Harris Fellows, resolved that Steve Shaw should become a recipient this year.
It is traditional for our Club to award Paul Harris Fellow as our recognition of a person whose actions demonstrate a shared purpose with the objectives of The Rotary Foundation.
The Award is named for our founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.
Steve is being acknowledged for this award because of his services to our community including long standing service in Fire and Emergency New Zealand in Cromwell from 1997 to 2021, when Steve stepped down to join the Brigade Operational Unit in 2021, as well as finding time to support Hockey in the region
We also acknowledge Steve’s long contribution to Fire and Emergency whilst in Gore from 1987 to 1997.
In June 2023 Steve was honoured with a Queen’s Service Order (QSM)for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Hockey.
During his time in Cromwell, Steve was Chief Fire Officer for 14 years and during this time he brought changes to staff morale and wellbeing.
Steve also served the Hockey Association for seven years. He held leadership roles in the Central Otago Hockey Association, refreshing the organisation with a community focus, and was instrumental as a Board chairman in the formation of Southern Regions Hockey Inc.
In 2010 Steve was made a life member of the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade and a Life member of the Central Otago Hockey Association.
Congratulations Steve.
Steve Shaw receives PHF for services to Fire and Emergency
Very talented local artist Megan Huffadine spoke to members about her work passions and inspiration at the T&C meeting on March 11th.
Megan's paintings, sculptures and combinations of the two are informed by her background in anthropology and archaeology, as well as a life-long connection with museums and their collections. Megan had brought several pieces with her to show us the final product of her labours and showed a series of images depicting her current work and scenes at the workshop where the pieces are created.
The content that is driving her at the moment is environmental.
Repository Daylight Beckons (2022), by Megan HuffadineRepository In the Shadow of Memory (2022), by Megan Huffadine
She explained that she works a lot with artefacts, plants and seeds, drawing and abstracting them until they became their own forms. Her parents had always taken her to museums and her husband had always worked for museums, and she said much of her current work ‘‘related back to the museums and collections and the way work is displayed’’.
Thank you very much to Jean and Keith Morgan who did a great job of representing Rotary at the Cromwell Community Expo held on Sunday afternoon at The Gate Conference Centre.
They reported a good turnout to the free event open to all residents and new arrivals. The event provides an opportunity for local clubs and organisations to share information about their activities.
Jean has already sent an invitation to 5 different people and couples who are interested in checking out Rotary. So look out for newcomers at up-coming meetings and make them welcome.
The two RYLA candidates who were supported by Cromwell Rotary spoke to us at our second February meeting.
Julia Anderson and Finn Benton shared tales of their experiences and the impact that attending the week long leadership had on them.
Together with 29 other young leaders from across the country they embarked on a week of experiencing inspiring speakers, leadership development workshops, and personal growth
Activities included 3hour working bee of tree removal and track maintenance in "The Gully"
And in teams they designed and created a series of beautiful contemplative spaces.
Both Julia and Finn were very grateful for the support of the club and were confident that they would be using skills learned in their future.
The World's First 100% Electric, Zero Fossil Fuel Orchard.
Thank you to Orchard Manager, Euan White who enlightened the good number of Rotarians on this cutting edge business in our region.
We learned that Forest Lodge Orchard is a 6-hectare, high-density cherry orchard that operates without burning fossil fuels.
They believe they are the first commercial food grower in the world to achieve this goal.
Everything from irrigation, frost fighting, vehicles and even NZ's first electric tractor are powered through New Zealand's highly renewable grid and through their own power that is generated and stored using an extensive solar and battery array.
Forest Lodge has just over 9300 cherry trees and uses close to 100MWh of power a year to run everything on the farm.
If you missed this fascinating visit and are interested in know more about the project then check out their website https://www.forestlodge.nz/
No fossil fuels means the latest in electrification technology, sourced from around the world and some fine kiwi-ingenuity to fill the remaining gaps. In total, they have electrified 20 machines across the house and farm.
Doreen and Rebecca both test drove the electric tractor.
The World's First 100% Electric, Zero Fossil Fuel Orchard.
Thank you to Orchard Manager, Euan White who enlightened the good number of Rotarians on this cutting edge business in our region.
We learned that Forest Lodge Orchard is a 6-hectare, high-density cherry orchard that operates without burning fossil fuels.
They believe they are the first commercial food grower in the world to achieve this goal. Everything from irrigation, frost fighting, vehicles and even NZ's first electric tractor are powered through New Zealand's highly renewable grid and through their own power that is generated and stored using an extensive solar and battery array.
Forest Lodge is a six-hectare cherry orchard with just over 9300 cherry trees that uses close to 100MWh of power a year to run everything on the farm.
If you missed this fascinating visit and are interested in know more about the project then check out their website https://www.forestlodge.nz/
No fossil fuels means the latest in electrification technology, sourced from around the world and some fine kiwi-ingenuity to fill the remaining gaps. In total, they have electrified 20 machines across the house and farm.
Doreen and Rebecca test drove the electric tractor.
Our first speakers for the 2024 inspired us with their enthusiasm bringing together our Pasifica community in Central Otago. Dioni & Tina mobilised their contacts and formed the group then begun fund-raising for and with their Pacific community for a variety of causes. They also bring the community together to celebrate and promote their cultures on regular occasions
On Sunday 28 January about 30 club members tried their hand at indoor bowls or cheering on the efforts of those on the mat.
Thank you very much to the bowling club, Dave the barman and especially Anthea and Russell Wylie for being so flexible (because the rain began just as we all arrived!) and organising such a fun teams event inside as well as providing a yummy sausage sizzle to finish of the day..
These type of social events are a fantastic way for us all to get to know the other members of our club better. Well done Sue Svensson for doing a great job of herding us all there on a Sunday afternoon to make this happen.
Here are a couple of images showing great bowling style and the serious attitude of the skips encouraging their teams from the far end of the hall.
Beautiful weather and crowds of people in Cromwell over the weekend of 19-21 January proved to be a very successful formula for the annual summer booksale.
Thank you very much to all the Rotarians and friends who helped with the pack in and out as well as volunteering on the sale days.
And a huge thank you again to the community members and visitors who purchased books. We really appreciate the support for this event and are thrilled to announce that over $10,000 was raised.
The funds raised will go towards supporting youth in our community and to international aid programmes such as End Polio Now.
The 30th annual Cromwell Rotary 4WD Safari was held on a beautiful Central Otago day on 8th January. About 30 cars took part in another excellent back country adventure organised by Gordon Stewart.
The event was followed by the usual sausage sizzle and refreshing beverage break. This year most of the participants enjoyed this time for a debrief and catch up on the day.
Some great shots of the day from John Wekking and Keith Morgan.
Rotary Young leaders Awards (RYLA) is a five-day residential high energy program designed to further develop the participants who are recognised as current and future leaders and who are between the ages of 20 and 30.
The Rotary District 9999 encompasses Rotary Clubs around the whole of the South Island and will be holding two courses this year and candidates may attend either course.
RYLA Queenstown on 28 January - 2nd February 2024 and RYLA Christchurch on 14-19 January 2024.
RYLA works in collaboration with the community, cultural organisations, business, civic and national leaders to provide an extensive programme of interactional activities and workshops within a positive and supportive environment.
While on the program, participants engage in seminars, activities, group discussions and interactions with other likeminded adult leaders from all walks of life and for many this is life changing. Participants will also make valuable vocational contacts, new networks, and amazing new friends.
More than 25,000 young leaders attend RYLA courses each year around the world with the aim of empowering young individuals to create growth within themselves and their communities through harnessing their leadership potential.
Our Annual Summer Book Sale at the Bowling Club will be open 19-21st January.
A sign up list will come out in the near future. Please look out for that, we will appreciate you joining in the weekend at any stage you can. Thanks.
We are looking forward to another super sale, we have already had many donations of books.
But, as was mentioned at the last meeting many of the donations have been too large for the space we have there. So we have put notices in the container and in the local press to advise people that if they are wanting to donate books to us, and have more than 2-3 boxes, to please call Pam on 0223539643 to make arrangements for collection or delivery.
The reason for this change is that the container at Freeway Orchard is too small for the large deliveries of books and makes it difficult for customers to browse the books there. Can you please pass on this information to anyone who speaks with you about donating books.
We have also passed on a huge thank you to Kristen and her staff at Freeway for opening and closing the container daily.
At the last club meeting of the year we were treated to an inspiring talk from a very dynamic young local woman Anthea Hussain.
Anthea had received funding from Rotary while developing her Young Enbterprise business plan to produce a book for young girls highlighting the opportunities available in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) sector.
Anthea has collaorated with two fellow students to successfully produce and publish 100 copies of the book. Sales have been excellent and she now only has a few copies left for sale at Paper Plus. She has donated one of every 5 books sold to a school in Fiji, which is her birth country.
Anthea has many other plans in the pipeline and will be studying at university overseas next year.
Come along to the 2023 Club Christmas Get-Together:
This year we will be having an early evening dinner event on Sunday December the 3rd, starting at 4pm in the garden of Doreen Evans house at 25 Foster Place Pisa Moorings.
We will relax and dine al fresco style in the beautifully sheltered garden between Doreen's house and the lovely lake inlet there.
Party goers are asked to pay $10 per person and contribute per household, either a bowl of salad or some sweet treats to the menu.
For your $10pp you will receive
Some simple nibbles to start
A main course buffet of Christmas Ham, roast chicken, fresh bread and condiments which will be accompanied by the salads contributed by members.
Tea and coffee accompanied by the sweet treats contributed by members
Fruit juice and water
There will be some games on the lawn to join in with or watch, and some spot prizes too!
Please bring with you:
A folding chair
A bucket/bag with all the plates, cutlery and glassware you will need to eat the meal and drink your beverage, we are trying to be eco friendly by not using disposables.
Your own beverages if you prefer other than juice.
Parking:
There will be extra parking available in the two empty sections near Doreen's house. Please don't park in front of the garage.
Payment:
To register, please pay $10 for each person going into the Rotary Club account 060921 0065220 00 by Friday 1st December, Please use the surname and the word Xmas as your reference.
Registrations for this event will close at 9pm on Friday 1st December
A great number of Rotarians turned up to the Guthrie Bowron shop in McNulty Avenue to hear the story of the development of this business from Selina the Franchise Owner.
Thank you very much for the nibbles and refreshments :)
The company has expanded significantly and is a great asset to our rapidly growing community.
On the Sunday in rather blustery conditions the 29th Annual Fishing Classic was held on Lake Dunstan. Even though the weather wasn’t ideal for fishing the event was well supported by locals and visitors.
With entries from 84 people the competition was keen. A good total of 47 fish were weighed in with the heaviest fish, a Rainbow Trout coming in at 2.2kg.
We would like to thank our volunteers and supporters for their time, and the generosity of our sponsors for the great selection of prizes for avid anglers of all ages.
Thank you, Amigos, BP 2 Go & BP Workshop Cromwell, Fish and Game Cromwell, Gary Anderson, Goldfields Jet, Highlands, ITM, Million Dollar Cruises, Placemakers, Quantum Print, Stoaker Room Bistro & Bar, Wooing Tree Vineyard, Scapegrace.
As President Richard has mentioned, the weekend of 11/12 Nov was a busy one.
On Saturday, beautiful weather enhanced the experience for the over 200 House and Garden Tour visitors who were able to step inside and discover the creativeness and flair of the owners of a range of fabulous and interesting homes in and around Cromwell.
A huge thank you goes out to these homeowners for the work that obviously went into presenting their properties beautifully for the tour. There were many comments made about the diversity of the properties (there was even a home for animals!) which made the tour interesting.
Everyone was delighted to be able to give support to the Central Otago Resilience Trust to aid those people from this area who are struggling with costs as a result of a medical condition, illness or disease.
We would like to thank the local business sponsors who covered the costs of running the event: Feldwick Insurance, Shoes Unlimited, Guthrie Bowron, Pinot Junction, Barret Homes, Sequioa, Goldenview Lifestyle Village, Trends Kitchens, Sign It Central, Southern Peak Law, Webbs Fruit.
Thanks everyone for a very successful weekend of events.
More than 12 homes and gardens in the Cromwell - Pisa - Bannockburn region are set to go on display on the 11th of November 2023 for the fourth Rotary House and Garden tour.
The primary recipient of money from ticket sales this year will be The Central Otago Resilience Trust (CORT). CORT has been established to support families struggling as result of medical misfortunes.
Most people display a remarkable degree of resilience in these circumstances, and a variety of welfare assistance does much to help. But, it is unforeseen costs resulting from those medical misfortunes that can leave people wondering how they will fund bare necessities, let alone the unforeseen medical costs.
The Central Otago Resilience Trust has been established to verify the need quickly and efficiently and provide assistance to those suffering financial hardship as a result of a medical condition, illness or disease in the Central Otago region.
A wonderful group of sponsors have agreed again this year to cover all the project's organisational costs such as advertising, printing and ticket distribution. So, in purchasing a ticket you are in effect making a significant donation to the Central Otago Resilience Trust and getting to have a very enjoyable day in and around Cromwell.
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the nature of the terrain at some of the houses, there is no wheelchair access, nor are the visits in general, toddler or young child friendly.
Cost is $60 per person.
Registrations are now closed to allow time for event organisation.
We’re reaching out to you as community members who play an important role in our district.
We have launched a bold new project called Shaping Tomorrow Together – The Central Otago Wellbeing Project.
This is about identifying what is important to you about living, working or holidaying in Central Otago. What will be important to you and contribute to your wellbeing in the future, and how can we work together to make sure we take care of the things that matter most to you.
This project will help develop a 50-year vision that will be used to shape Central Otago's future.
Click here to register to get involved and be part of the conversation. We want to ensure there are as many people as possible signed up so we hear the real voices of Central Otago.
On Monday 18th members visited The Cromwell Youth Trust and enjoyed a delicious poke bowl dinner from Matsui Sushi.
Cromwell Youth Trust manager Geoff Owen who is new in the role spoke to the club about the job.
Geoff became a police officer when he first left studying and worked for the police for almost 20 years, before moving into more administrative roles.
He has always been actively involved in his own childrens’ activities, both coaching and mentoring.
He is passionate about the need for the youth trust in the community. “It’s filling a role. It’s there to support our school and support our college and help transition our youths to be in the best space they can be. We aim to be a community where young people are vibrant and optimistic through being encouraged and supported to take up challenges.”
The team at Cromwell Youth Trust is made up of a professional counsellor, a social worker in schools, three youth coach/mentors, and of course, Geoff.
The Hangout Youth Centre provides an after-school drop-in safe space for young people
He said the counsellor helps youths through tough times and gives them coping strategies, the social worker in schools is another listening ear and specifically helps in the transition from school to college, and youth coaches/mentors are more involved in practical activities, while also offering a safe space for young people to talk. “It’s another adult who engages at an activity level to engage local youth.”
In addition to holiday programmes, youth mentors also run Te Toki o te Ara Tutuki - a group-based mentoring and adventure-based programme.
Thank you very much Doreen for putting together another great food and visit combination.
This year, on a very windy day a band of enthusiastic Rotarians were joined by the Junior Colts Rugby team members to tackle weeds and rubbish again on the lakefront stretch from The Junction to the Bowling Club.
The area is generally looking much smarter after many years of working along this part of the shoreline, helped by the input of locals who do a great job of mowing areas and creating seating spaces.
Thank you very much to Jan Hopcroft for the welcome and wonderful morning tea .
At the T&C meeting on 11 September Cathy Romeyn and John Ives provided us with an interesting and insightful talk about their experiences on a recent cycling journey they took through the countryside in Japan.
Congratulations to Kaia & Angus for their Class Act 2023 awards. 👏👏 Kaia was sponsored by our club to attend the National Science & Technology Forum in Auckland which cemented her career path. Angus won the Cromwell Rotary Club Award at Cromwell College in 2020.
Cromwell College Class Act recipients have links with Cromwell Rotary
On Monday 28th August at the T&C Club meeting we were enlightened by a very informative talk about sleep patterns and problems by Dr Bartlett who is Clinical Associate Professor at the Central Clinical School of Medicine at the University of Sydney.
Delwyn is a registered psychologist who has been predominantly working in the area of sleep health and psychology since 1993 treating patients with many types of sleep disorders.
The "normal" sleeping patterns she shared with us were very surprising and highlighted the benefits of getting a full nights sleep!
On Monday 21st August a number of Rotary members and friends visited the new St John Ambulance station in Cromwell.
This building is dear to members as much of the funding raised from the Lot 47 house build project went into this building.
The station operations manager, community liason officer and the youth coordinator all spoke with us about the different aspects of the St John role in the community.
They also gave us a guided tour through the facility and we learned of the role that building will play in the event of a big earthquake affecting this region.
Esteban orginally comes from Southern Chile but has been living in Central Otago for around 7 years now. Firstly in Roxburgh and now in Cromwell working for Cherri Global in Bendigo.
It was great to welcome him and his partner Henna to the club meeting and introduce them to our group.
Esteban spoke to us of a period of his life in Chile when he was a student and strongly involved in protesting against the exploitation of the environment and the people at the time.
It was an enlightening conversation about the issues facing Chile and the power of the people against corporations and corruption.
This young man is a great speaker and has many strings to his bow so keep an eye out, as he may well be back to talk to us about other interesting aspects of his life.
New president Richard had the great pleasure on his first meeting of inducting 2 new members. We are delighted to welcome Anthea and Merrin into our club and look forward to getting to know them better as the year progresses.
20 club members and partners attended a wonderful wine tasting experience with Mischa and Andy Wilkinson at their tasting room on Monday 17th. They were supplied with a tasting of six of Misha’s superb wines. The tastings were interspersed with the story of the creation, development and success of the Misha’s wine brand. It was an engaging and fascinating insight into the challenges and rewards of owning a internationally recognised wine business.
Vocational Visit to Mishas Tasting Room on 17.7.23
Pete Svensson handed out several humorous awards to participants in the Beer and Pie July challenge. Here Paddy Breen is being awarded an alarm clock for being the first member to register for the event.
This year the award was presented to Jennie Nicol by new president Richard B at the first Town and Country Club meeting of the year. Jennie was delighted and humbled to receive this award named in honour of her 2 dear friends Mary and Lindsay McIntyre. The evening was made more special by the fact that Mary and Lindsay’s sons Hamish and Richard were present to see Jennie receive the award.
Chris spoke extensively about his observations and experiences during the time him and his family lived in Russia and shared his opinion about the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Chris has recently published a book called The Rabbit Hunter.
It is a tale of New Zealand soldiers' little-known combat in Northern Greece during the Second World War (WWII). The Dunedin based writer said he has always been fascinated with WWII.
“The war’s aftermath shaped the world I grew up in, as it still does, and very few of those who went remain with us. I would like to think that in this book the reader might recognise something of their own father or grandfather.”
A Pie has pastry base, sides and most importantly - a lid. Without a lid it is a 'Flan' or a 'Tart' depending on the content being savoury or sweet. A pie without a crust but with a pastry lid is commonly known as a Pot Pie. All are delicious whatever your preference - and with so many fillings to choose from July is the ideal month to saviour these tasty treats along with a refreshing beer.
The Cromwell Bowling Club is situated on Alpha Street
The venue will open from 6.15pm for registration and meet and greet.
A glass of bubbles will be served on arrival.
Other drinks will be available for purchase from the Bowling Club bar.
Order of Events
7.00pm: Welcome and introductions
7.15pm: Buffet Dinner by The Kitchen Garden Central Otago.
8.00pm: Musical Interlude with Grace Tiko
Theme
Blue and Yellow
Other than being Rotary colours, what do these colours symbolise?
Blue is the color of the ocean and the sky; it often symbolizes serenity, stability, inspiration, or wisdom. It can be a calming colour and symbolize reliability.
Yellow is the colour of happiness, sunshine, energy, positivity and increased mental clarity.
Cost
$45 per person
Includes venue, welcome drink, meal, and entertainment.
Please check your email for payment instructions
So, let us celebrate another Rotary year by sharing fond memories, fine food and enjoying the camaraderie of good people.
The Old Cromwell Town AGM on Monday June 12th was hijacked by Bernie McKone, President of Cromwell Rotary Club, along with members Neroli McRae, Pam Broadhead, Keith & Jean Morgan, to present a surprise Paul Harris Fellowship to Old Cromwell Town Secretary & Treasurer, Barbara Emmitt.
Bernie explained that the Paul Harris Fellowship is the highest award given by Rotary to recognise someone who has gone over and above their duties in a Club or Community capacity – which Barbara has done over the past 14 years for Old Cromwell Town Inc.
Over the years Barbara has been involved with the Cromwell Squash Club; she was a founding member in the days when games were played in Alexandra, and she was part of the committee who organised and built the present Cromwell two court complex in Neplusultra Street. Barbara also had a long involvement with the Lake Dunstan Boat Club and she was treasurer of the Cromwell Rowing Club for several years. In multisports she assisted the Cromwell & Districts Promotion Groups ‘Cromwell Summer Series’, Wanaka Challenges, Motatapu events and the South Island Schools Adventure Races, aas well as Central Otago Primary School Triathlons.
Outside of sports, Barbara has been involved with organizing the Cromwell & Districts School 150th Reunion, 2001 Clyde Dam Reunion and the Bannockburn Town Water supply group.
Aside from all this she loves cats and currently feeds 5 both morning and night - 2 at the precinct, 1 at each of the two Polytech sites and her own!
A hugely successful 2023 Rotary Book Sale supports the Cromwell Menz Shed and other community projects.
The thousands of books generously donated to our sale by the people of Cromwell and districts, will once again fund many health and wellbeing projects in this community.
This year we are delighted to be sharing a good portion of the proceeds from the sale with the Cromwell Menz Shed to build their own shed in Cromwell. Having a permanent shed will allow members to contribute even more fully to community wellbeing via the projects they undertake. In their new facility, the members will be able to provide training to community groups and individuals in a safe environment. The shed will be a community asset and has the support of Council and other community groups.
The book sale was open for more days this year. As a result of that, and visitors coming from near and far, a whopping $22,000 was raised. A heartfelt thank you to all those involved, especially the dedicated team of volunteers who work throughout the year to sort and catalogue the books to make searching easier for readers.
The decision to open from Thurs evening through until Monday morning proved to be a very worthwhile as numbers remained steady throughout the weekend, and we received wonderful feedback on the organisation and quality of the books in the Cromwell sale.
An equally big thank you goes out to the many local businesses and organisations who support the sale. R&R Hiab, Cromwell Bowling Club, Cromwell Lions Club, Goldenview Lifestyle Village, Cromwell College, CODC, Cromwell Fire Brigade and Contact Energy.
Now, we look forward to the summer book sale in January 2024. But in the meantime, the Rotary book exchange container outside Freeway Orchard is open daily and is regularly supplied with fresh reading material. This location is also the place to drop off your quality preloved books for our sales.
March was House to House Challenge for Ronald McDonald House.
Every month, families from around New Zealand travel an average of 210km to get from their house to a Ronald McDonald House®. Our challenge was to ride 210kms per team member over the month to raise money to support Ronald McDonald houses & rooms.
My family have been fortunate to have the support of both Ronald McDonald Houses in Auckland and the Ronald McDonald Rooms in Invercargill. During our time in Dunedin (which does not have any Ronald McDonald ) it was brought home to us what a valuable support this is!
RMH is more than a home away from home. It offers support in so many ways - a place away from hospital to recharge, emotional support from staff & other families, meals, a kitchen, somewhere for families to be a family, support & advice... & so much more!!!
A huge thank you to Pam Broadhead & Trish Bulling for joining the team & fundraising. Also all who have joined the rides with us, donated, inspired & supported . We have raised over $1510. Overall teams & individuals have covered 103,464 kms and raised $185,818.15 to support families with a child in hospital.🙌
To find out more about Ronald McDonald House Charities go to : https://rmhc.org.nz/about/?utm_term=ronald%20mcdonald%20house&utm_campaign=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8qmhBhClARIsANAtboee5rikIYk9z2pQZUypy7DB7-sNRtj48FPY9BAmWfBYIh50aAZfUCYaAm3bEALw_wcB
On Monday night we had the pleasure of welcoming Hayden Rodgers as a member to our club. We look forward to getting to know Hayden and having him involved in our club.
Its official - Books are still as popular as ever!
Cromwell Rotary summer book sale opened early this year on Friday afternoon and it rapidly became evident the community was delighted to have the extra hours for shopping. The queues were the longest we have ever seen at the sale, but the delight and satisfaction were easy to see on the faces of young and old alike as they waited to complete their purchases.
The sale was held slightly later in the month this year and that also seemed to find favour with the shoppers. The number of visitors on all 3 days of the sale, well exceeded numbers in previous years with avid readers taking home well over half of the thousands of pre-loved books displayed in the Cromwell Bowling Club stadium. It was an upbeat fun weekend for volunteers and readers alike which resulted in setting another record for the summer book sale raising just over $10,000 to change lives and create opportunities in our community.
This outcome relies on a huge amount of work behind the scenes, so many thanks to members and friends of the Cromwell Rotary Club who gave their time over the very hot weekend to run another very successful event.
On the Friday evening the local rugby club held a sausage sizzle and raffle at the entrance to the book sale to kick off fund raising for a junior Colts team to travel to competitions in Australia next year. The Rotary Club is delighted to be able to support this initiative for youth.
If you are still to clear out your own bookshelves, the Rotary Book Exchange Container in the grounds of Freeway Orchard on State Highway 8B is the collection point right through the year for your excess books! We welcome contributions any time because this sale is one of two we have every year. The second and biggest book sale of the year is planned to be held again throughout the King’s Birthday Weekend.
Local businesses and organisations give their support in many ways to enable us to manage the logistics behind the scenes for the two book sales each year. Our sincere thanks to R&R Hire Ltd, Contact Energy,Freeway Orchard, Golden View Lifestyle Village, Wanaka Rotary,and TheCromwell Bowling Club.
A chance to go off-road in Central Otago with an experienced guide and fellow off-road enthusiasts
This year we will be driving the
Two Lakes Vista
$120 per vehicle - limited to the first 40 vehicles to register.
Note that all vehicles must be genuine 4WD with off-road capabilities. Four-wheel drive and low ratio are to be engaged when you leave the tar seal. Good ground clearance is essential.
For those registered - please be at the Five Stags car park by 8:30 am on the day of the event.
Click on "Read more..." for more details and to register and pay online.
The final club meeting for the year on the 12th of December included the AGM. As Bernie mentioned above, we were also joined by DG Jan Boustead and her husband Dave, along with ADG Keith McIntosh.
The six blocks of trees at Rotary Point have been adopted and are being maintained by teams of club members. The weather has been kind lately and has alleviated the need for watering. On the other hand however, the weeds are thriving and need constant attention. Hard at work on keeping their block tidy recently are Euan and Andrew.
The club Christmas function in the garden at Matt Connell Wines was a wonderful festive occasion, especially for reconnecting with members and friends.
The setting was beautiful and was only enhanced by the gorgeous buffet of ham, chicken and the array of delicious salads, fresh breads, and scrummy sweets that were contributed, thank you. A special thanks goes out to Vicky and Les Topping for the platter of Crayfish, and to Christine Hansen for her superb Christmas cake.
Unfortunately there was a bit of a cool breeze but that didn't affect two members from the cast of the up coming performance of Les Miserables from giving stunning renditions of songs from the show.
Thank you also to the Bowling Club and Cromwell Promotions for the tables and chairs.
Drivers and passengers are enjoying the new health shuttle vehicle. Travelling to Dunedin daily Monday - Friday, it transports passengers to & from medical appointments in Dunedin. This is driven by volunteers from Cromwell, Clyde & Alexandra. Bookings can be made on 0800 103 046.
It was a surprised Heather who awarded her PHF at the welcoming function of the Bannockburn Arts - Across the Bridge Arts School.
It has taken a while to arrange an appropriate time to present this award to Heather but past chair of the PHF committee, Pam Broadhead, grabbed this opportunity to surprise Heather on Monday night.
In presenting the award Pam said"with a big heart and a strong sense of community Heather epitomises the essence of community service". Heathers love and passion for community arts, her leadership of the Cromwell & Districts Arts Council as chair for 16 years, her involvement with'Across the Bridge' Bannockburn Arts Festival, membership of the Bannockburn Community Centre committee, a key organiser of Central Otago's Trashion Show, support of the Cromwell Farmers' and Craft Market and the Cromwell Wine & Food Festival.
In 1989 Heather and her then-husband John Olssen, bought land along Felton Road and established Olssens of Bannockburn – the first vineyard in the Cromwell basin. (Now Terra Sancta)
Along with the vines, they planted 8500 trees, shrubs and grasses, established three ponds, and hosted a scarecrow competition, many outdoor concerts and an annual sculpture exhibition.
Heather became the Central Otago Winegrowers Association president, and in 2009 she received an award for ‘Outstanding Service to the Central Otago Wine Industry’. She was the first woman and only the fourth recipient of this award, joining a who’s who of Central Otago wine heritage – Alan Brady, Steve Green and Rolfe Mills.
Other awards in recent years have been the 2017 Community Service Award form CODC; a 2018 New Zealander of the Year Award nomination; the 2020 Arts on Tour Annual Regional Arts Touring Award for ‘Best Individual Community Presenter’.
Heather’s gifts for bringing people together and encouraging and creating opportunities for others—coupled with her ideas and creativity—have led to great things happening in her community.
Forward-thinking, she constantly strives to see how something can be done better and how best to involve people and resources. Heather is a true community champion, committed to making Central Otago a better place.
Great to be part of the Keep New Zealand Beautiful lakeside cleanup on Saturday. Along with many other community groups and individuals we collected approximately 2 trailers of rubbish and 15 of green waste were removed in just 3 hours!!! Great to have the well used lakeside ready for a busy summer👍
Thanks to Murray Kennedy for stepping in at short notice and giving a 5 minute (approx) talk.
Murray told us about his life experiences. He used to think goal setting was most important, but upon looking back it was making the most of opportunities that is more important.
He has had a very varied career that started as an apprentice Joiner at Fletcher’s when he left school at 15. This was followed with builder, Insurance Broker, Casual Security work, included temp bouncer at a strip club, then barman in Mosgiel and all by the time he was 21.
Murray then went on an OE to North Island and ended up staying as a Prison Officer for 4 years.
He married Alaine when she joined his flat at same time as Chris (who brought Gordon Stewart with her).
Back to Dunedin to be a Motel Manager. In 1981 became Production Manager of NZ Towel Supplies, and in 1982 a New Car Salesman for Cooke Howlison.
Murray discovered a natural affinity for business systems so when he was made redundant he went to Otago Uni to do a B.Com with major in finance whilst also being a ‘house dad’ to two children. Alaine was the money earner as she continued her Nursing career. Following graduation in 1985 joined Deloitte as an Auditor. This led to business systems consulting all around the country. About 1989 he became the Financial Controller for six of Eion Edgar’s private companies. In 1994 he set up his own business, Accounting Software & Service specialising in selling, installing and training his clients on how to use accounting software. He sold that business with 700 clients in 2001 to return to Deloitte and business consulting until his move in 2006 to Pisa Moorings. He then became Project Accountant at Jacks Point. In 2008 he became COO at Vinpro, and he retired in 2020.
His interests and other achievements have been equally varied with rugby (until 17 yrs old), squash, Flying Gliders, Scuba Diving, his Spiritual Life, Treasurer for several schools, and currently Golf. He joined the Lowburn Curling Club in 2010, and in 2014 took over as Chair of Pisa Moorings Utilities. Murray was invited to become a Rotarian in 2006, and in 2009 led a Group Study Exchange team to India. He was President in 2013-14.
In a last minute change of speaker, Bruce Potter was asked by President Bernie to tell Club members his story. What a treat was in store for us!
Bruce is used to entertaining children, encouraging their imaginations by Doodling. Bruce has always Doodled, when ideas pop up, and he worked as a NZ Freelance Caricaturer, but he found there was only enough work for ½ hour per day. So he took took up Karate, becoming National 18 Total Champion. Retiring in 2019 with severe arthritis in all his joints coincided with home schooling of his son, teaching Karate to both him and his twin sister, and then his eldest son.
He and Duncan Anderson from Alexandra formed Musical Theatre and they have made 56 performances in 17 Shows including Jesus Christ Superstar. Recently they have bought the rights to Les Miserables, which will be performed in the Clyde Memorial Hall.
Bruce has written several Doodle books, and has painted scenes of Central Otago on a 56M long Mural in the Clyde underpass. He has recently set up a Dojo in Alexandra, with 60 people currently training. His philosophy is to enjoy what you do, keep going, and learn from your mistakes and failures.
After questions, Stuart asked Bruce if he could give us ‘a teaser for Les Mis’ and Bruce obliged. His singing ‘Bring Him Home’ left us spellbound – and waiting for the Musical Theatre production at Clyde.
Sharon Smid was the Guest Speaker at the Club's 22 August meeting
Sharon works with the Cromwell Newcomers Group. Her husband and 18-month-old twins arrived in Cromwell in 1991 for the commissioning of the Clyde Dam. Getting involved with the community was a way to meet others.
By 2015, Cromwell was one of the fastest growing towns in New Zealand. Many of the new arrivals were living here but commuting for work or both parents needed to work. This had Sharon reflecting on the community and how people met others, as they transitioned to retirement or arrived from a new country.
It can be challenging, as we dance around language interpretations, religion, cultural upbringings and kiwi slang. We need to remember to speak a little slower and avoid using too much slang when we invite people for whom English isn’t their first language into our conversations.
Sharon has a great team within the Newcomers family that help run events that provide opportunity for social connection. She would like to run a “Round the World” pot luck and quiz night in the near future.
Newcomers are self-funded and they look forward to working collaboratively with other organisations such as Rotary to celebrate and respect the diversity of our community.
Following her talk Sharon was surprised to receive a Paul Harris Fellow award for her community work. This is the highest award given by Rotary International to recognise outstanding service by a member of the community.
Rebecca is currently a member of Queenstown Rotary Club but is now living in Cromwell so will transfer. She gave club members a presentation showing her variety of experiences, ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’. These included advertising design, Territorial Army (in UK), graphic design, scuba diving, art and she is currently ‘Tech’ Teacher at Cromwell College.
Rebecca is passionate about her Community wellbeing, and would like to become involved in volunteering for adult literacy. She organised the workshops for Luma and Light Up Winter.
Our speakers at the 11 July meeting were Karen Palmer and Beth Wood, from Cromwell Community House (Cromwell ResourceTrust) at 5 Murray Terrace.
Beth gave an overview of the services they provide with 89 organisations or groups available, including volunteers driving people to appointments, referrals for Food Bank, Health and Social Services, help with IRD online form completing and scanning. There are rooms available for hire,
and free rapid antigen tests and masks are available.
During the past year approx. 9,000 people have visited.
Karen (Manager) wants to know where the needs are and what we think is needed for helping the community. She envisages groups/organisations collaborating with each other to provide a service for all the community. They will be applying for funding for a ‘built for purpose building as they are running out of space in their existing premises.
On Friday 29 July there will be ‘a cuppa and a chat’ drop in centre at St John’s Rooms. They need games, jigsaws, books, etc. and hosts - if you can help contact Karen or Beth.
Club members were also encouraged to complete a Southern Health Survey to help know the needs of our community by going on line to www.southerntransition.com
As reported by President Bernie above, a great night was held on the 4th of July at the Town and Country Club and featured an American (Chicago) theme.
Friday, 1st July marked the start of Beer and Pie July 2022 with eager pie lovers swarming to Sanga’s Pies for their first pie of the month. Rotarians were keen to get their hands wrapped around one of the delicious flavours of pies on offer and a merry little get-together was enjoyed too. The cold winter night was made so much better with pastry flakes and bubbles from beer. Thirty-one different flavoured pies for the month of July is Alan Lloyd’s goal, and so far, he’s nailing it. He’s done it before, he’s passionate about it, and he knows his pies and where to get the best. Even his pie graph is worth a gander. Rotarians are planning on re-visiting Sanga’s Pies halfway through the challenge on Monday, 15th July, thanks to a warm invitation extended from both Chris and Rob Sangster, who are keen supporters of the fund-raising event. There is no limit on your imagination during the challenge with shepherds, cottage, fruit, traditional, fish or even a good pastie all making the grade when it comes to choosing your pie of the day. If you haven’t signed up yet, you’ll be late, but better late than never, get involved and put your name down.
At our last meeting for the 2021-22 year Tom Coudret & Hannah Bisset, who are this years Cromwell College Head Students, gave us a brief overview of their focus for this year. Our connection with Cromwell College is important with youth a focus of our club and it is always great to hear what is happening at Cromwell College
We were also delighted to welcome Pam Hardley as our newest member. Pam is the proud owner of our Lot 47 home and is keen to get involved with all things Rotary.
With many hours spent preparing the area and planting natives at Richards Beach, under the guidance of Fin & his team, the addition of a seat to sit and enjoy the area is welcome by many.
The seat has been donated by Cromwell Rotary’s Honorary Life Member, Andrew Burton, a previous president of the Cromwell Rotary Club. Andrew travelled to Vancouver, Canada, and noticed the city was filled with places to stop and rest while taking a walk. This inspired him to come home and arrange seating around Cromwell.
The MenzShed have played an instrumental role in ensuring the macrocarpa bench seat is well built and secured into its final place, overlooking Lake Dunstan.
Rotary Point was chosen as an ideal place to erect a seat, due to Andrew being the president of Cromwell Rotary Club in 2017/18. It was during his time as president, that the Rotary International president put out a challenge for each club to plant 55 trees, Cromwell Rotary planted 400.
A reminder of the email you will have received as a Rotarian or Rotaractor in Zone 8 – Australia, New Zealand and the many other countries that make up our part of the Rotary world.
For the past three years a group of Rotarians and Rotaractors have been working on a pilot project to consider how we can enhance Rotary and Rotaract and ensure we remain relevant for the future while also addressing some of the challenges we have been facing for a while. If you would like to find out more there is information available on the dedicated website, creatingtomorrowrotary.org along with the opportunity to “Have your Say” and “Subscribe” to updates. There will also be opportunities to volunteer and get involved in work groups.
A few hardy Rotarians braced the very cold conditions to bike to Highlands recently to raise funds for Pink Ribbon day and remember women affected by breast cancer. The coffee, cheese rolls and muffins helped thaw our fingers before visiting the Loo with a View prior to our return ride home.
Looking very happy with their efforts are Pam Jackie, Adrienne, (kneeling by the way), Neroli, Lorraine and Cathy.
Another "Guess Who is Coming to Dinner" event was held on Monday the 30th of June. Thanks Adrienne for this well organised event and thanks to the club members who raised $500 to donate to Cromwell's Care and Friendship Group.
Pictured enjoying Neroli's wonderful hospitality and food are Pete, Lyall, Neroli, Sue, Jan and Pam.
A huge thank you to all those Rotarians and friends who came together at the Bowling Club to make another fantastic book sale happen. We raised just over $18,000 which will be a great help for Cromwell Plunket and other community projects.
The decision to open the venue for 3 full days from Friday through to Sunday seemed to work very well as people continued to come and go in a steady stream throughout the whole weekend
We are always grateful for the donations of books and other things that are essential to making this sale such a success. But if you could help the team of volunteers who manage this event by spreading the word that only quality books, magazines etc should be dropped to the book exchange container at Freeway, that will be appreciated.
We get fantastic feedback on the quality of the merchandise at our sale but have real difficulty dealing with the large quantities of rubbish books that unfortunately are often dropped off to us too. This is a delicate subject because we really do appreciate the donations but is very helpful advice you can pass on to anyone who asks about making donations. Thank you.
Thank you very much also for the support and generosity given by many Cromwell organisations and businesses too. This help and support is greatly appreciated. The next sale will be held in mid-January 2023.
ROTARY QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND BOOKSALE A WINNER FOR PLUNKET!
A New Lilliput library was put up in Cromwell last week for children to have ready access to books at anytime.
The little library is located outside the Kidsfirst early childhood centre, facing onto the greenway there. Anyone can take a book from, or put a book into the library.
Nicola Brown, a teacher at Kidsfirst and a Wanaka Rotarian, is the instigator of this project with the children at Kidsfirst, who decorated the libray and helped to stock it with the first selection of books.
Thank you to Richard Broadhead from our Rotary club who made sure that the library was attached firmly to the fence and at the right height for little people to be able to see the books easily.
It was with great pleasure that Pam Broadhead and Neroli McRae awarded Lesley Ann Wilkie a PHF at her home recently.
Together with Lindsay, Lesley Ann has been involved in sorting books for the Rotary booksales and helping customers with their book choices for many many years.
She has specialised in sorting the childrens selection but her careful eye for quality books and good systems has always been of benefit to all the organising team.
This award not only recognises these efforts but also the many other ways in which Lesley Ann works diligently behind the scenes for groups and members of the Cromwell and Clyde communities.
In becoming a Paul Harris Fellow, Lesley Ann joins a remarkable company of persons throughout the world, all recognized for their devotion to the ideal of good will, peace and understanding.
We congratulate you Lesley Ann and thank you for your committment to Rotary and your community.
President Stuart and Lot 47 Project leader Doreen Evans showing their delight at winning the L & L Wilson Rotary Club Collaborative award for the amazingly successful community house build at Lot 47. Their big smiles are not only for the award but for receiving "the jug" in place of the absent trophy
On Saturday the 23rd of April Cromwell Rotarians were joined by Rotarians from across the lower South Island as we came together to complete a project that should have taken place during our annual conference, which had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions.
Some 50+ Rotarians got to work planting 220 native trees in an area at Richards Beach alongside the cycle trail. Cromwell Rotary has adopted this section of the Mōkihi Reforestation Trust’s wider plantings at Richards Beach.
After many weekends getting the site ready for the plantings, it was great to see this project take place. A wide variety of native trees were planted in a few short hours on Saturday, proving many hands make light work. Cromwell Rotary looks forward to seeing how this area will develop as the trees grow in the years ahead.
Many local business have also come onboard to support the project with donations of their time and services.
A huge thank you those business supporters, Matt Wilson of Crom-Dig, the teams at HireKING, Farmlands, Nichols Garden Group, Pukerau Nursery, Otago Polytech, Burn Cottage Nursery, Cromwell Fire Service.
A special thank you goes to Barbara Armstrong of the Mōkihi Reforestation Trust, and Cromwell Rotarian project leaders Fin White and Alan Lloyd.
Engrossed in her find The bliss of discovering the joy of reading
SUMMER BOOKSALE A HOTSPOT!
Cromwell Rotary summer book sale returned on the weekend of January 15th and 16th January. The event ran smoothly following COVID Protocols and it soon became evident the community was thrilled to have this annual event happening this year.
Queues formed before opening and then the avid readers pored through the thousands of pre-loved books on display in the Cromwell Bowling Club stadium in Alpha Street looking for their own treasures and favourites. It was an upbeat fun weekend, many people leaving with armfuls of books and contented grins as they headed off to find a shady spot and delve into their finds.
The club would like to thank the community for their generosity and support. This event set a record for the summer book sale raising just over $8000 to change lives and create opportunities in our community. This outcome relies on a huge amount of work behind the scenes so many thanks to members and friends of the Cromwell Rotary Club who gave their time over the very hot weekend to run another very successful event.
If you are still to clear out your own bookshelves, the Rotary Book Exchange Container in the grounds of Freeway Orchard on State Highway 8B is the collection point right through the year for your excess books! We welcome contributions any time because this sale is one of two we have every year. The second and biggest book sale of the year is planned to be held again over Queen’s Birthday Weekend.
Sincere thanks to R&R Hire Ltd for their continued support by donating the container for our Book Exchange and to Freeway Orchard and staff who allow us to park the container there and who open and close the container daily. We would also like to thank the team at the Cromwell Bowling Club for once again letting us make use of their stadium for the summer book sale.
The final meeting of the year at the Town & Country was a night of celebration with some excellent entertainment by the Fine Thyme Bells and a bit of magic produced by Jonathan Usher.
We welcomed Trish Bulling as a new member to Rotary and Sue & Peter Svensson who have transferred from Australia.
We were delighted to present PHF awards to Donald Young for his services to our club as well as both Doreen Evans and Les Topping for their amazing commitment and effort with the Lot 47 project. We are very fortunate to have both Rotary and community members of this calibre in our community.
We would like to thank Neil and his team at the Town & Country Club for hosting us throughout the year.
What a glorious evening to meet in the grounds of McNulty House, Old Cromwell to share pizza and hear about the work Old Cromwell Inc have put in to restoring McNulty House to its former glory.
Helen & Bernie Scoles have been integral with the restoration, as they have with much of what happens in Cromwell so it was a pleasure to present them both with PHF awards.
The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition is our Club and The Rotary International Foundation's way of expressing its appreciation for the exceptional contribution a person makes to any one of the many humanitarian, educational and community programs promoted by Rotary International and to the Rotary organisation.
It is named for our founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.
Rotary Branded Face Masks - A Fundraising/Marketing Opportunity The Rotary Club of Dunedin Central has undertaken a fundraising project that we would like to share with other clubs in District 9980. This project has a number of benefits for your club, being: • Providing your club members with protection against COVID-19 • Marketing Rotary in the community, and • Generating some easy funds for your club We have secured a supply of Rotary branded face masks through Challenge Marketing and would like to pass this opportunity on to your club. Please find the attached flyer, which details the project. We are selling the face masks to your club for $10, and recommend that you can sell these for $15, generating a $5 profit per mask. Kindest Regards, David Black Secretary Rotary Club of Dunedin Central
ORDERS FOR MASKS NEED TO BE TO neroli.mcrae@gmail.com
After a long wait due to Covid restrictions we were delighted to welcome Wainita Proctor as a club member . Wainita has already been involved in club activities and getting to know members.
New homes, old homes, interior styles or landscape inspiration, this year's House and Garden Tour organised by Cromwell Rotary Club is set to be a head turner with organiser Paula Jackson excited to showcase the line-up of beautiful and inspiring homes and gardens from across the community.
Last year we switched things up and hosted a shed tour which was very popular, but this year we are back to our original house and garden tour, with over 12 homes preparing to make up the popular day out.
“People love visiting other homes and picking up different ideas, we have a limited amount of tickets available and encourage those interested in attending to get their tickets early,” Paula explains.
Proceeds from this year's ticket sales will go to K9 Medical Detection NZ, a charity organisation whose aim it is to improve the health of all New Zealanders by using specifically trained dogs working in a controlled clinical environment to assist in the detection of cancer and other diseases.
“This is a wonderful day out, guests come from across the region and always enjoy the tour. “This year due to Covid and restricting numbers, we will give everyone different start houses prior to the event allowing those touring to spread out throughout the day. “We have had exceptional support from our sponsors again this year and would like to truly thank them for their support, as well as home and garden owners and the wider Cromwell community, we have a wonderful tour lined up for everyone and look forward to seeing you all there.”
The House and Garden tour 2021 will be held on Saturday 30 October with tickets costing $60 each.
See below for further information and to purchase your tickets.
Thank you Feldwick Insurance, Trends Kitchens, Guthrie Bowron, Versatile Buildings, Shoes Unlimited, Nichols Garden Centre, Sign It Central, Webbs Fruit and Wakefield Wines.
December is just around the corner which signals we are 2 months out from RYLA 2022.
This amazing event run by the district is held in Queenstown.
The beauty of this event really comes out when the program is fully booked as the participants teach each other as much as the program teaches them, it helps identify their strengths and weaknesses as they can see them in others also.
Currently are numbers are low and we need to either get the applications completed and handed in or find more candidates.
I wish I had been able to attend one of these courses in the past.
I've loved every minute I've been able to assist over the past couple of years.
Please put your thinking caps on and shoulder tap someone you know to apply, or sign up some of your staff or co-workers that fit in the 20-30 age bracket. they will only be away from work for 3-4 days.
This is one of the most cost effective ways to invest in future leaders...
Clubs across the district are looking for candidates to sponsor, so don't fear finding too many in just your own patch, they can be shared around the district, we will find a way to make it work ...
Please get in touch with Leigh-Anne if you need further information.
Rob and Jenny Cormie, owners of AGM Stone, welcomed club members to a tour of their business on Monday evening the 16th of August. The rainstorm during the late afternoon may have deterred some from joining in as the number of attendees was quite light. Those who were there were treated to a tour and explanation of what's involved in sourcing, preparing and installing a wide range of granite and marble products. And thank you to Rob and Jenny for kindly providing refreshments which were appreciated.
Janeen Wood, Executive Trustee at Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust
Janeen spoke to Cromwell Rotary on Monday night about the Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust. The awesome trail from Smiths Way to Clyde is the first stage of the trail network which will also link Cromwell to Queenstown & Wanaka.
Following her presentation we were delighted to present Janeen with a PHF award.
Janeen has served the community in many ways but our first common involvement was the Highlands Motorsport Park race days when we helped at the gates and Janeen was a volunteer coordinator.
Serving on the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group, in 2016 Janeen put aside her reluctance to be in the public eye and stepped up as Chairperson, in a bid to continue the momentum that the group had achieved.
Janeen had also served on the Cromwell & Districts Community Trust, who are the guardians of the community plan. She helped create Connect Cromwell which is an independent and neutral sub-committee to work out how to provide the Trust with better information about the community’s needs and opinions.
We also know Janeen from her long involvement with coordinating the annual lakeside clean up.
Janeen would prefer not to be in the limelight but accepted this award as acknowledgment and thanks for all the work done by herself, and those she works with, to make our community a better place.
A great night was had at the Canyon venue at Bendigo on Saturday night when both the District 9980 and the Rotary Club of Cromwell changeovers were celebrated.
One hundred Cromwell and District 9980 rotary members, partners and friends gathered to celebrate the completion of the year for Cromwell Rotary President, Pam Broadhead and District 9980 District Governor, Dylan Murray. Unfortunately Dylan and his partner, Rebecca, needed to Zoom in to join us from Waimate due to Covid restrictions.
We welcomed Stuart Heal in as the new Cromwell Rotary President and Nick Wood as the new District 9980 District Governor. Nick is the youngest DG in the world!
Our Lindsay and Mary McIntyre plate, which is presented to the member who best exhibits the spirit of Rotary, was awarded to Sally Angus. A very moving presentation with Sally now living in Wanaka and having been close friends of the McIntyres.
Christine Hansen was recognised for her wide and varied contribution to our community with a PHF award.
As I mentioned during my 5 minute talk at Rotary this week, it would be great to see some of you join me this year and take up Radio Hauraki’s Beer and Pie July challenge. Not an official club activity of course but a fun thing to do during the Winter.
There is no need to document it or in fact be 100% accurate with a beer and a pie every one of the 31 days (as I have done) but it’s good fun to give it a try and it makes a good talking point at work or home. You may be surprised at the vast variety of beers and pies around and the improved quality.
And it can be your variation on it if you opt for a ginger beer or other beverage to accompany the pie. Oh, and if you have a bacon and egg pie for breakfast, maybe hold off on the beer until later in the day.
There are only two weeks left to get in some training and to let me know if you are going to share the challenge and have some fun with it.
Check out the Radio Hauraki website next week when they launch the 2021 Beer and Pie July Package.
Rotarians and Health Shuttle Drivers took up the invitation to visit the new St John Station building site last Friday. This impressive new facility is on track to be completed by the end of June at this stage.
The building is being built to the highest earthquake safety rating and so can be used as an emergency headquarters. The facility has accommodation for staff and space for public training as well as ambulance operational facilites.
Thank you to Cromwell Rotary Club Friend, Vanessa Stupples, for doing a shift for the Salvation Army Collection on a chilly day last week at New World.
Rescue helicopters to benefit from annual book sale
Cromwell Rotary members enjoyed an evening with Otago Helicopter Trust representative Viv Seaton and intensive care flight paramedic Ross Kirkpatrick last Monday evening. Having travelled from Dunedin to Cromwell, the pair spoke to Rotary about the valuable support Rotary Cromwell is providing through their annual Queens Birthday Weekend Book Sale. “Each year we are consistently looking for $1 million to help our communities in times of need, the government does fund the bulk of our service, but there is still a large amount required,” Viv explained. Five helicopters service the Southern region from the Waitaki south and demand is increasing. In 2017 there were 890 callouts, while in 2020 that number increased to 1540. “Our 2020 figures include two bases combined, both Lakes District and Otago, however, there is increasing demand for our services and community support is crucial,” Ross said. Helicopters are equipped with the very best medical and night vision equipment allowing paramedics to get where they are needed. The Otago Helicopter Trust relies on support from the community and as many know, when you need help, the sound of a helicopter approaching is incredible. Cromwell Rotary’s Queens Birthday Books Sale will be held from Friday, June 4 - 6 in the Cromwell Bowling Club on Alpha Street. Proceeds from the annual event will go toward supporting the Otago Helicopter Trust. “A very special thank you from me, and on behalf of those I attend too, they also thank you,” Ross added. Cromwell Rotary president Pam Broadhead was pleased the Rotary group is able to help and looks forward to another highly anticipated and successful book sale.
April 12 was a busy meeting at the T&C. After dinner Jayde Wison and Joshua Hancock who the 2021 Head Girl and Boy at Cromwell College, shared their experiences at Outward Bound with us.
Both attended the course at different times but were equally empowered by the experience and the life skills gained.
They are both smart young leaders who have a clear understanding of the leadership responsibilites of being head boy and girl at Cromwell College. They are proud to be part odf an awesome leadership team this year and are striving to lead the students to be The Best They Can Be.
Joshua on the left and Jayde, 2nd from right with their prefect team 2021.
Following on from this Hilary introduced Paul Allison
He is a self-confessed sports fanatic whose life has centred around sport. As an athlete, Paul competed in 27 marathons and represented New Zealand for eight years during the 1980’s and 1990’s. A little known fact Hilary shared about Paul is that he wrote the Speight’s bottle top questions in 1998. He was resident radio rugby commentator at Carisbrook from 1993 to 2011 and is currently the voice of Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium where he has called many famous Highlanders and All Black victories. He was the Chief Executive of Sport Otago and Chief Executive of the Central Lakes Trust.
As well as testing our sports knowledge...he shared many memories of his times in these roles especially some very amusing anecdotes of times with a thirsty Colin Mead. These days Paul is based in Central Otago, and we were well entertained by his passionate recounting of life amongst great sporting moments.
March 29 saw Rotarians and friends gather to dine and listen to Athol Soper, International Police and Security Expert, talk about his long and distinguished career.
Athol is currently an independent consultant for the United Nations Development Programme and now lives in Cromwell. During his after-dinner address he entertained and educated us with a broad overview of his varied career in numerous locations across the world.
Questions flowed afterwards and President Pam had quite a challenge to bring his presentation to an end for the best possible reasons!!
These two charming women were snapped preparing for the fun at the Stoaker Room
Rose receiving her Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition at Dunedin South Club
Congratulations to Rose Grindley, who became the Dunedin South Club's latest Paul Harris Fellow.
Rose, joined Cromwell Rotary Club on April 12, as a long time member of the Dunedin South Club she was honoured there recently by President Wendy who praised Rose’s accomplishment and achievements, including being club president in the 2016-17 year.
We are thrilled to have Rose as a member of Cromwell club and welcome her into our community with open arms.
Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition
It is that time of the year when we look to our Rotary members and the wider community to acknowledge those who have demonstrated Rotary values when contributing to our community.
The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition is The Rotary Foundation's way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. Rotarians often designate a Paul Harris Fellow as a tribute to a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with those objectives of The Rotary Foundation.
Below are the guidelines we use to determine this. Recipients can be Rotarians and Non-Rotarians from the wider community. For Rotarians a PHF is to recognise something over and above being an office holder or contributing to one project. Previously this has included a relatively lengthy and distinguished period of service to Rotary.
For Non-Rotarians potential recipients should have made a significant contribution to the community, that contribution might be partly work related but should contain a significant element of going above and beyond A previous PHF award should not count against candidates – several Cromwell Rotarians have been awarded additional PHF awards. These are designated by precious stones i.e Sapphire or Ruby PHFs.
We would appreciate your thoughts on who you see as deserving of this honour. Please contact me if you have any suggestions.
Eleven members plus one partner visited the Polytech on Bannock Burn Road on Monday 19th April at 5:30pm.
Kelly Gay, the Central Campus Operations Leader, Head of College and Campus Manager enlightened us with an update on the developments on their still relatively new site. He also explained the many research type project they are; and want to, get involved in to support the local industries.
We visited the Brewery with a promise we were welcome back some time to enjoy a beer tasting. The visit into the mechanical workshop and then out onto the golf “chip n’ putt” course ensured there was enough to interest us all. The visit ended about 6:15pm when everyone headed off home
An Extraordinary & Entertaining Social Night Out for Rotarians, Partners, Friends & Guests
Date: Monday 29th March
Location: The Stoaker Room, at Freeway Orchard, 180 State Highway 8B Cromwell
Time: 5.45pm – 9pm+
Programme:
5.45 – 6.15pm: Arrival time
From 5.45pm bar open for beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. PYO
6.15pm: Short pre dinner musical item
6.30 – 7.30pm: Stoaker Carvery open - Self-service - A choice of two barrel cooked meats served with barrel roasted potatoes, grilled seasonal vegetables and garden salad
7.45-8.30pm: Guest Speaker: Athol Soper, International Police and Security Expert
Athol has a long history of working in international affairs and is currently an independent consultant for the United Nations Development Programme. Originating from Southland and now based in Cromwell, Athol has had a varied and remarkable career specialising in Crisis Management, Intelligence Analysis, Peacekeeping, Government, and Law Enforcement in numerous locations across the world. We are extremely privileged that Athol has agreed to speak to us about his different roles for NZ Police and often risky missions for the United Nations. It is a perspective on local and world affairs that only a few experience and will give the audience a rare chance to catch a glimpse of life behind the news bulletins.
Tickets: $30 per person. Must be booked and prepaid online by Thursday 26th March to secure a booking. To purchase Tickets either:
Four Young Professionals from Cromwell were selected to attend the Rotary Young Leaders Awards in Queenstown in January. Ethan Lunn from Feldwick Insurance, Kelsi Fastier from Cromwell Pharmacy, Sarah Manlangit from Vinpro and Eden Wilson from Cromwell Youth Trust spoke to the February Club meeting about their experiences at the 5 day live in course.
They all agreed that they had learned valuable leadership and communication skills that would be very useful in their careers. The club was heartened to hear of their positive experiences and to be able to offer support to such talented young leaders.
Great to be part of this event helping with food and manpower on the BBQ.
Well done Cromwell Community House, Connect Cromwell, Sports Central, Operation Summer Harvest, Summerfruit NZ & everyone for a great initiative. Over 70 kiwi & international workers attended who are getting the jobs done in our community. They were very grateful for an evening of sharing games & food
4WD Rally showcases Cromwell’s backcountry By Leigh-Anne Fox Wet weather may have postponed the Rotary Club of Cromwell’s 27th annual 4WD Rally 2021 by three days, but that didn’t stop keen adventurersholding off a few days to finally take on the Central Otago terrain. A full lineup of 4WD vehicles spent Monday passing across the rugged Waitiri, Wairau and Mount Pisa Stations enjoying regional backcountry alongside remarkable views while enjoying perfect weather conditions. Originally scheduled to take place on Friday, 8th January, the rally was postponed to Monday, 11th. “The weather simply wasn’t on our side last week and postponing the event was our only option,” says rally co-organiser Gordon Stewart. Thankfully the postponement didn’t affect participant numbers with 35 of the 40 places filled by 9am on Monday morning. “This year’s rally went exceedingly well, this is a popular annual event held by the local Rotary club and always attracts a maximum number of entrants. “The rally gives locals and visitors the opportunity to see parts of the country not easily accessible and this drives the popularity of the event,” he adds. Organised each year by Bill Wilson and Gordon Stewart, the event relies on fellow rotarians to volunteer and it is this support from across the club that helps to ensure a successful fundraising experience for all involved. Proceeds from the event will go to a charity called Shelterbox which provides temporary accommodation and tools for those affected by natural disasters throughout the world. “Without the support from our local farmers we couldn’t host such a great day out and we wish to sincerely thank those farmers who helped to make the day successful,” Gordon adds. A BBQ prepared by volunteers finished off a great day exploring the boondocks of Central Otago for a good cause.
Popularity for Cromwell Rotary’s winter book sale has grown year by year from its beginnings in 2008. It was the strong community support that prompted the introduction of a smaller summer event in January from 2017, meeting the needs of both our local community and the many visitors to the area during the holiday period. Like many charity organisations, Rotary’s book sale events are major projects in the club’s calendar with funds raised helping support many community projects both locally and internationally. This event raised more than $6,500. It also gives Rotarians the opportunity to reconnect with members of our community, meet some of the visitors to the area and answer question on how our Rotary Club contributes to the community. Although there are a number of book sale events around the area at this time of year, it was rewarding to get positive feedback on the organisation of the display, selection of books and easy parking. Much of these benefits come from the opportunity to use the Bowling Club Stadium and the club is grateful to the bowling club for making us so welcome. It also relies on a huge amount of work behind the scenes throughout the year by many members and friend of the Cromwell Rotary Club. The next major book sale event will be 4 to 6 June but until then, thanks to the support of Freeway Orchard and R&R Hiab Services, we will continue our book exchange facility at Freeway on SH 8B.
District Governor Dylan Murray addressed one of his more informal gatherings at the Combined Central Clubs Xmas picnic at the Lowburn inlet on Sunday Dec 13. The sun shone, the kids got wet, people chatted and ate and drank and a good time was had by all. Pictured receiving certificates for Foundation Giving in excess of US$100,000 since their respective clubs were chartered are from left are Mike Elliot (Wanaka), Pam Broadhead (Cromwell), DG Dylan, Lee-Anne Lines (Queenstown), and Gordon Treasurer Nominee from Alexandra.
This month Cromwell Rotary's vocational visit was to Domaine Thomson's beautiful new tasting room on the hills overlooking the vineyard and upper Clutha Valley. The fact that it's almost the festive season when good wine is high on one's priority lists was a very fortuitous coincidence.
Staff member Ashlyn Monk gave us a very lively and informative presentation as she introduced the wines on offer to us, told us about the formation of the vineyard with initial plantings in 2000, and then the subsequent purchases from 2012 of 5 allotments of vines throughout Burgundy France, making them one of the only tasting rooms offering Burgundian wines alongside Central Otago Pinot Noir. (45th parallel in NZ versus 47th parallel in France).
The Domaine Thomson company is now a certified organic vineyard that practises biodynamics, so the vines share the somewhat idyllic space with cattle, hens, and bees as well as a small and select group of passionate staff.
The wines were complimented by an amazing grazing table of assorted condiments, rounding off a most enjoyable two hours.
Thanks Ashlyn and colleagues - you made for a very pleasant Monday evening.
Rods and reels from across the region and beyond turned out for the 27th Annual Cromwell Rotary’s Fishing Classic competition held on Sunday. Favourable weather conditions encouraged a record number of anglers into the event with anglers spanning generations enjoying a big day out. The Lowburn Inlet was a hive of activity for the big weigh-in which took place in the afternoon. Organiser and Rotarian Doug Winter was pleased to see participants enjoy a family friendly day out while supporting the community event. “The annual fishing competition is often a popular event on people’s calendars, but this year has been outstanding. We are 25% up on entries from last year, and whether the weather played a part in on-the- day registrations is yet to be debated, but the weather certainly played its part,” Doug explains. A crew of volunteers from Cromwell Rotary took to task weighing, measuring and formulating the condition of fish ensuring each entry had their prize catch analysed to perfection. Tahlia-Rose Rawcliffe (10) spent the day reeling two rainbow trout in from Lake Dunstan out by Smiths Way enjoying every part of the fishing competition. “One of my fish weighed 1.77 kg, it’s been a good day out,” she says. Volunteers processed 126 rainbow trout, brown trout and perch were fished from the lake with no salmon making the weigh in since 2016. A total of 126 entries made it to registration with 78 of those registering on the day. A 2.12kg brown trout caught by Colin Bailey won heaviest Fish of the Day, Rocco Shaw (8) from the child grade (12 and under) took home a 1.778kg rainbow trout, impressing his grandparents, Joshua Reihana-Flett took out the junior division with a 1.7 kg rainbow trout, Walt Smith caught the heaviest rainbow trout with a weight of 2.05kg, and Tom Scott caught the smallest fish of the day, a perch weighing in at 0.188kg. Doug wishes to thank all those who supported the event on behalf of Cromwell Rotary and welcomes you all back next year
We enjoyed our second Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner on Nov 30 with 5 Rotarians generously opening their homes and more particularly their dining tables to randomly chosen Rotary colleagues who wanted to dine out ;)) Guests paid $25 pp towards our fundraising for ShelterBox.
Five dinner parties took place simultaneously. Pictured here is Doreen Evans with her dinner guests. No prizes for noticing there was a Christmas theme to the evening. From left Keith and Jean Morgan, Lorraine Osborne, Lesley and Bruce McMillan and Denis McEntyre beside Doreen.
Early Sunday morning November 22 will see the keenest fisher-people in the area out in boats or on the bank around Lake Dunstan trying to catch fish that will feature well in the weigh-in later in the day. This is the 27th annual Rotary family fishing competition that sends people off from the Lowburn Hall around dawn and welcomes them back with their catch from 4pm the same day.
Last year 96 participants caught 39 fish, in conditions that could be described as strongly windy. This year organisers are hoping for better conditions. Doug Winter, local policeman and Rotarian, who heads up the project team for this event said that although he himself is the world's worst fisherman he had huge admiration last year for the results achieved and is expecting similarly high numbers this year - both in participants and fish ! One particular challenge is for someone to land a salmon. None have been caught over the last 4 years.
Entries can be made online - see details in the attached poster - or late entries can be made on the day at the Lowburn Hall 6am-8am. Prizes are generous thanks to a bevy of local sponsors, so get your fishing licence (from Central Otago Hunting and Fishing), and fishing gear, register your entry, and head for the Lowburn Hall this Sunday. A good time is assured :)
Twilight bowls at the Cromwell Bowling Club got off to a roaring start on November 10 with all 4 Rotary Bowling Teams looking resplendent in their new T-shirts emblazoned with the words - Rotarians - People of Action. And of course much action was shown on the night ! The Rotary Mowers skipped by Alan Lloyd won the ‘lucky team’ prize and Pam scored a raffle. Captured here by Keith Morgan, who was both bowler and photographer on the night, is our esteemed President showing her fine form on the Green. Go Pam !!
For the first time since it became part of the highway landscape in Cromwell our book container at Freeway Orchard has had a makeover. Jo Lunn and her sister Deb got stuck in on a recent weekend and instead of the rather tired dusty rows of books, they have now set up a number of themed boxes eg kids books, young adult books, fiction, non fiction, magazines etc etc. So much more attractive and tidy it is now. And as an extra bonus - everything is just $2. Such a bargain - tell all your mates !! And naturally we’re still accepting book donations at the container so those of you spring cleaning book shelves know what to do !!
Nick Wood rubs his hands with excitement as he addresses local Cromwell Rotarians at their meeting on Nov 9, and anticipates the high level of energy he’s going to create across the whole of District 9980 once he gets to be District Governor for the 2021/2022 year. Having a two year lead in has allowed him to strategise aplenty, and he can hardly contain his excitement as his big year approaches.
RYLA - Rotary Young Leaders Awards - we need to start now!
The next RYLA Camp is to be held in Queenstown on January 29th to February 3rd, 2021.
Cost is $900pp.
Age is 20-29years.
Applications close 20 December 2020.
COVID-19: RYLA will continue to run during Alert Levels 1-2 only.
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy: Clubs who have paid before 20th December will be fully refunded if the event is cancelled. Payments after this date may be subject to a partial refund only if course deposits have been paid to suppliers and are lost or not refunded due to COVID19 disruptions.
The success of this Rotary programme depends on you. Last year was a huge success with positive feedback and outcomes for the 28 RYLAians who participated. But not every Club participated , in fact less than half did. The aim is make the 2021 camp bigger and better, and the RYLA committee needs your to help to achieve this and it also means EVERY Club needs to participate. A lot of planning, time and resources goes in to organising RYLA, so please get in behind this programme and start your search for nominees now.
Corporate Sponsorship - It's a no-brainer!
I am really encouraging Clubs to seek Corporate sponsorship. This will help take some of the financial pressure away from your Club and can allow you to put through more than 1 nominee. This means that you can give this amazing opportunity to more young leaders and how awesome is that! Its easy to do and I have included information for you to hand out or email to your local business owners, corporate's and industry related employers. RYLA is perfect for apprentices and rising stars within the workplace and comparatively to other leadership courses, it is very competitively placed for price and content. If you get any queries from this sector and need me to explain further, you can give them my contact information.
What happens on RYLA? - put it this way, if you knew, you would want to go on RYLA!
RYLA an intensive 5 day, live-in camp where no 2 days are the same. Participants don't know often till the last minute what they will be doing and sometimes the Programme is not what they think it is with surprises around every corner. This is to keep them on their toes and sometimes (often) takes them out of their comfort zone. Activities, group discussions and challenges will test and often push them to the limit. Well known, professional public speakers, and coaches will inform, inspire and motivate them. Oh and also, the food is amazing!
Online applications - Making everything easy
The following is the direct link candidates can use to make an on-line application. You can copy and paste this into emails if you are emailing potential nominees and they can then go straight in and apply. These applications are sent directly to me and I can let you know if anyone does this.
They can also find everything they need to know and all the forms to download on the District website. You can also copy and paste this to them in an email)
Once a suitable and qualifying candidate has been identified, you need to ensure they have completed either an online application or have downloaded one from the website.
Next the club will need to interview them to ensure they are suitable. Once we have received all the necessary paperwork and payment, your job is done, for now.....
After RYLA - and this is important
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THEM. After RYLA it is so important to get in touch with your RYLAian and invite them back to your club to present on their experience. There are many other things you can do like inviting them to join Rotaract (if your Club or town has one), or better still, to join your Club. They are also a great untapped resource of energy for any projects you have going on or have coming up, especially anything environmental. They love that. Continue their growth by inviting them along to hear interesting speakers. There are many options but the most important thing to do is keep them engaged in Rotary.
Lastly...Lets all be amazing!
It would be amazing if every Club put through 2 candidates each... or more!! Last year one of the Invercargill Clubs had 6, other had 5. Some Clubs generously paid for another Clubs candidate as they couldn't find anyone or had extra funding for more than they could find. And this is what I love about Rotary and it would be fantastic to have this happen again.
So, thanks everyone. Contact me anytime if you need help or have questions.
Together we can make 2021 the best camp ever and give more amazing young people this life-changing opportunity.
Some of Sharon Booth’s Rotary friends attended a ceremony at the Goldfields school hall on Oct 16 to rename the hall in her honour.
During her part in the ceremony President Pam spoke about Sharon’s love of young people and her strong contribution to Rotary over 12 years, as well as her being awarded a PHF on Oct 19 2015, almost 5 years to the day since the re-naming event. Then as Sharon would have wanted, and no doubt expected, Pam and Sally had a drink in Sharon’s honour from the specially produced Sharon Booth wine.
Cromwell Rotary were once again part of the contingent of adults who descended on Highlands on Oct 7 to help provide the Street-Smart young driver programme to 25+ young people from all around Otago. Pictured at the start of the day near Pit Lane, preparing to be coaches, are Keith Morgan,
DG Dylan Murray visited and presented Jean Morgan with her 3 Sapphire Paul Harris fellow pin for her services and support to Club and District. Congratulations Jean.
On the same night Bob Knox was inducted as a new member to our Club and Bill Dunbar was made an Honorary Member to acknowledge his many years of service to Rotary.
Well the 3 big trees have now all been turned into firewood - at last ! Over a few cold Saturday mornings all trees are finally cut up and carted off site to create 2 large stacks of firewood.
It is now drying out for future delivery to needy recipients. A BIG thank you to all the members and others that gave their time to this project.
We agree with Grant that it will be nice to sit at home on a cold winter night, thinking of others that are being kept warm by Rotary Club members efforts - well done!
The setting up of the Rotary Book Sale is always a massive effort by a lot of people. The books have to be taken to a unit in the Industrial area for sorting, pricing and displaying and then on to the Cromwell Bowling Club, who hire us their facility for the Rotary Book Sale event. This means a lot of work for a few people. Always on hand is R & R Hi-ab, whose staff are unfailingly cheerful and clever with manoeuvring their machinery when they bring the container full of books to the Bowling Club.
So, on Thursday evening, members of the Cromwell Rotary Club invited Ray & Stacey Moran along with one of their staff, Scott, to enjoy a drink with them, and have a sneak preview of the books which were ready for the sale on Friday.
We knew that Ray wouldn’t like a lot of fuss. President Pam Broadhead and Nick Wood, the incoming Rotary District Governor for 2021-22 had great pleasure in presenting Ray with the highest award from Rotary, a Paul Harris Fellowship to thank him for his generosity and work in the Community. Congratulations to Ray and his team.
The Rotary Book Exchange container at Freeway, which was kindly donated by Ray Casey of R & R Hi-ab, is again open.
At her first meeting of the Rotary year Pam Broadhead had the pleasure and honour of inducting Jan and Lyall Hopcroft as new Members of our club. Jan and Lyall have recently moved to Cromwell from their Southland farm in Balfour and have already been active in several of our club projects. Grant Lunn our new Director of Membership assisted with the inductions.
We are extremely proud to announce that our Cromwell Club has been awarded two significant district awards in a recent Changeover ceremony. The first is the Lionel and Lynette Wilson award for best club collaboration project. We have won this award jointly with the Wanaka and Alexandra clubs for the Rarotonga Lilliput library project, which involved using recycled glass fronted fridges for Lilliput Library style self help book exchanges for the main island of Rarotonga, along with dictionaries and library books for Apii Nikoa School. This school was built approx. 2 years ago by Chinese Government Funding for Y 1-8. They have a library approximatley 8m x 9m but it has no shelving or books. The school woodwork class will build shelving as a project.
The second award we have recently won is the Charles H Taylor award for the best bulletin in the district as voted by the judges. This is a much appreciated acknowledgement of the work that outgoing president Neroli and current President Pam have put into our Bulletin over the last 12 months.
Pictures is District 9980 District Governor Elect 2020-21 (& Cromwell Rotary member) Nick Wood presenting the award to Pam & Neroli
We also received 2nd place club website so a great day for the Cromwell club.
Recently we gained the well-known local actor, Sam Neill as an honorary member.
Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield in Melbourne, has conducted a series of twice yearly Business Breakfasts for the past ten years or so, attracting high profile speakers and supporting many worthy causes, both Rotary and non-Rotary. Naturally, with the current pandemic, face to face events are not possible, so they turned to the digital medium to stage their event.
Normally they present their Guest Speaker with a wrapped gift or bottle of fine wine, but in Sam's case that was impractical given that he is currently housed in Sydney and as a NZ vigneron a little like giving ice to Eskimos! So the suggestion was made to make him an Honorary Rotarian. We were lucky enough to be asked to be part of this as a club near to his home.
The event went very well indeed and they ended up with the following outcomes.
1. Nearly 150 attendees.
2. 18 Rotary Districts involved.
3. 4 countries registered bookings, including a Rotarian from the Caribbean and a participant from New York.
4. 4 Australian states were covered.
5. 2 Australian Territories registered.
6. Both the North and South Islands of NZ were involved
7. Just over $4000 was raised for the Actors Benevolent Fund in NZ and Australia.
8. Major radio coverage was achieved on 3AW (major Melbourne radio station) and the ABC across regional Victoria and NSW.
Sam was extremely generous with his time and although they had anticipated a 45 minute interview, he chatted for an hour and ten minutes! And he played his ukulele and sang.
He was very chuffed to be made an Honorary Rotarian at 'Crommy' as he exclaimed and was greatly looking forward to meeting us all and receiving a club Rotary T shirt in the very near future. He was also pleasantly taken by our 'tongue in cheek' suggestion at being the Patron of our club's next fundraiser if it was the 'Cromwell Ukulele and Pinot Noir Festival!'
A great way to warm up on a cold morning for a hardy group of Rotarians who braved the cold start to the day to cut firewood for those in need in our community.
The Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield in Melbourne, has conducted a series of twice yearly Business Breakfasts for the past ten years or so, attracting high profile speakers and supporting many worthy causes, both Rotary and non-Rotary. Naturally, with the current pandemic, face to face events are not possible, so they have turned to the digital medium to stage their event.
They have secured the services of the Hollywood actor, Sam Neill who has agreed to donate his services for a 45 minute Q & A session at 7.30am AEST on Friday 19th June at our first ever 'Zoom SHOW-Business Breakfast.' They are charging $25 (AUST) to 'attend' by zoom webinar and will cover a range of topics about his life and interests. Proceeds will be going to support charities of Sam's choice, specifically devoted to supporting out of work entertainers and actors in Aus and NZ, as he has expressed a great concern for this section of our respective communities especially in regards to their current social and mental welfare.
The Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield usually give a bottle of wine or similar to their speakers but as this has its issues (with the distance and Sam producing his own wine) they have asked us if they could present Sam with an Honorary membership to our club. This is of no ongoing cost to our club and may have some benefits in the future. Sign up to support them and watch - details below
The Rotary Clubs of Alexandra, Cromwell and Wanaka, have been working with the Rotary Club of Rarotonga to provide books to improve literacy in the Cook Islands. New books have been purchased for the Apii Nikoa school library and pictured here 2 pallets of quality 2nd hand books left Cromwell this week to be used in lilliput libraries in the villages. Funds were also received from a Rotary District 9980 grant giving a total project value of$11,000.
Pictured : left to right Grant Lunn (Cromwell); Nicola Brown (Wanaka); Mark Willyams (Alexandra)
Can't wait to see photos of the books being used in Rarotonga!
Sally has organised for two teams from Rotary to be involved in the Tuesday night social bowls over the summer. Although the teams have had mixed results they have learnt a lot about bowls, had fun & Rotary has had a 'profile' in the community!! See below the 2 teams in the St Patricks Day final night... minus our leader Sally Angus!!
Local engineer Nigel Longman hosted local Rotarians at his Cromwell Luggate highway workshop recently. Nigel did his training in multiple trades in Australia but has been living in Cromwell since 2009 and running his main workshop in Rogers St since 2014. His more recent move to Lowburn has allowed him to maintain his primary engineering base in town, while at the same time pursue his long held hobby involving the more creative side of his trade. His large premises named 'The Metal Effect' now boast the necessary additional pieces of machinery and tools with which to do the sometimes quite delicate work, and a significant display of large and small art pieces for gardens walls and decks surrounds his new building. Included in these are a very impressive working BBQ and water wheel. Nigel commented that with the upcoming Wanaka Show where he will be exhibiting, he does not expect to get less busy anytime soon. After the last one he had orders for 20 outdoor fire pizza ovens !
Pictured here is Nigel showing his visitors the design features of his heavy duty BBQ
Local Rotarians visit new local Metalwork Design workshop
Rotarians from the lower half of the South Island will be visiting the Clutha District from 17th to 19th April 2020 for our annual conference.
Next year’s conference format is going to differ from previous conferences. In keeping with the ‘people of action’ catch cry and the year’s theme ‘Rotary connects the World’ It is timely to introduce a project day. By making use of the people resource of attendees, coupled with an agreed funding amount we will be able to benefit our community agencies and organisations and raise the profile of Rotary.
The organising committee is keen to make this a grass roots style conference that is family friendly and very affordable. Rotarians are encouraged to bring children, including grown up ones, and grandchildren along to show how they are making a difference. The anticipated programme will be: FRIDAY: To be held at the Balclutha Memorial Hall - 4 Clyde Street, Balclutha
4.00pm – Registrations open 5.30pm onwards - drinks, nibbles and fellowship
SATURDAY: 8.00am - Registration and accommodation logistics 9.00am - Attendees gather for participation in projects, around our communities of Balclutha, Milton and Kaka Point. 9.30am - Roll up sleeves and get stuck in. A children’s programme will operate at Cross Recreation Centre, possibly organised by NRG or Rotoract and Clutha Youth Council. 4.00pm - Return to base and get cleaned up 5.30pm - Keynote speaker 6.30pm onwards - food, fellowship, fun and frolicks ( Balclutha War Memorial Hall)
SUNDAY: 9.00am onwards –
Community breakfast - (at the Cross Recreation Centre - 18 Glasgow St, Balclutha)
Rotary speech competition
Celebration of Rotarians passed
Zoomed speaker
Awards
Home time
Note: This is only in concept form and is bound to change and improve as ideas come and go.
At our final meeting of 2019 Eugenio gave an excellent presentation of his year with us. It has been great to watch him come in to his own and take on the challenges of a new country.
Eugenio left for home in Chile with lots of memories.
Thank you to all members who have welcomed him and in particular his host families - the Wood's, Lunn's & Nicol's.
The Rotary weekend summer book-sale was again a great success with around $6000 being raised. Buyers from all around the South Island enjoyed a wide selection of fiction and non fiction bargains and seemed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. This is the third year of the summer booksale, which supplements the major annual sale at Queen's Birthday weekend.
Rotary extends a huge thank you to all those who contributed books for us to sell or came to browse and buy. And already we're sorting again for next time, so please take your donated books to the Rotary Book Exchange in the carpark at Freeway Orchard. We'll be super grateful !
Rotary Summer Book-sale attracts locals and visitors alike
The 26th 4WD tour was successful in that a full compliment of 44 vehicles negotiated the course. There was a moment of panic when the 2nd vehicle in the line stalled itself in a seriously flowing Fraser River!! Rather fortunately it was able to extract itself. The weather could have been better, but some thought a flurry of snow flakes at the Leaning Rock was a highlight.
The Club is most appreciative of the generosity of the land owners of Northburn & Earnscleugh stations who gave us access. Tony Jack of Pioneer Generation was exceptionally helpful with his information and generous with his time. Denis McEntyre opened the gates at the Clyde Dam and allowed us to cross.
Several club members made major contributions. In particular Richard Broadhead for organising the advertising and processing the registrations. Bill Wilson for his past experience and advice as well as acting "Tail End Charlie". His co-pilot Bill Eade had the task of shutting some 24 gates. Richard and Paula Jackson were the medical crew. Fortunately their services weren't required. John Wekking was the photographer.
And a big THANKS must go to the BBQ crew of Nick Wood, Fin White and Grant Lunn who presented a fine selection of sausages, patties and drinks.
There was no objection to the $120 fee per vehicle. Some $5,00 was raised.
When Cromwell Rotary decided to donate a clock to the town to mark 40 years of Rotary in Cromwell, little did they know what a magnificent community effort the project would become.
The clock was decided as the celebratory gift to Cromwell because of its likely enduring usefulness to locals and visitors alike, and it also complements the Big Fruit sculpture that sits across the park and has become a well recognised symbol of the town. That too was a Cromwell Rotary project back in 1987.
The clock itself has been imported from Austria and now sits proudly on a steel pole above a stone plinth in Murray Terrace, adjacent to the pedestrian crossing and car park. It's currently looking particularly magnificent, rising as it does from a large bed of red roses.
Project team leader Fin White is very quick to heap praise on the many people and businesses who have got in behind the project and either donated their time and skills free, or at a significantly reduced rate. "Without the many supporters who've helped us, this clock may never have got to be a striking new part of the Cromwell townscape. From the initial concept design and engineering work to procuring the clock, the site, the pole and the plinth, through to the onsite transport, installation and stonework, and then the engraving, and on site electrical work, I've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and generosity of all involved. Rotary and Cromwell owe all these people a huge vote of thanks."
Cromwell Rotary wishes to thank the following businesses for their invaluable contribution to the project :
In November Cromwell Rotarians celebrated the 40th birthday of their club's beginning back in November 1979 with a meal at the Forage Cafe. Many donned the attire of the day as pictured here. It was great to see some faces from the past.
The book commemorating the last 40 years was launched.
Our MC for the night, past member Will Hope with Sally Angus
Club members Craig & Doreen
President Neroli McRae congratulating Doreen Evans after receiving her PHF from District Governor Tania Lowery
PHF recipients
Former Cromwell Rotary Presidents
Charlie Hughes with the new Cromwell Rotary Club book
Nick and a group of other members have asked me (Pam B) to lead the organising committee for the District 9980 Conference in Cromwell in 2022.
I plan to schedule a meeting of the organising committee before Christmas, to begin planning for this event.
If there are any other members who would like to be involved in the organisation of the conference could you please email me?
We will be developing teams for registrations, logistics, activities, speakers, catering, accommodation etc. If you have skills in any of these areas and would like to be involved in this great opportunity to showcase Cromwell and our Rotary Club please get in touch.
With World Polio Day on 24 October 2019, our Club is providing support for PolioPlus with a contribution of $1,000 which our DG Tania will take with her to the Sydney Ride the Trains fundraiser where Rotarians and friends ride together on the train for a time of their own determination as a fellowship activity and mix with Rotarians from other Clubs in the Greater Sydney train network – 195 stations - help raise $1 million. https://rotarydistrict9675.org/Stories/train-ride-to-end-polio?fbclid=IwAR2Uot_njoLZ5B9E3o6HoUFDy93giZpnXvNDQtEYFvnsdJ7U1rU1x87ExH0
PolioPlus is the most ambitious programme in Rotary's history, as the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating polio. For more than 30 years Rotary has led the private sector in the global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease.
I spoke at the Cromwell College assembly this week about Polio, Rotary's role in helping rid the world of its devastation & the importance of vaccinations - which is quite relevant with the outbreak of measles in New Zealand.
HIGHLANDS MOTORSPORTS PARK, CORNER SH6 AND SANDFLAT ROAD, CROMWELL.
9th November 2019 starting at 12.30pm in the Pit Area of Highlands
Calling All 9980 Clubs.
Fill up as many cars as you can with your club members, family and friends. Car rally to Cromwell in the morning, plenty of routes to get you there so plan some fun stops on the way. BBQ lunch starts at 12.30pm (courtesy of Cromwell Rotary), take your car on and around the Highlands circuit starting from 1pm, and enjoy some great Fellowship and meet some Great Rotarian's and their guests. Prize giving and socialising after the event at the Highlands cafe and bar, beside their Museum.
Highlands have come to the party again to support us! • Use of Pitlane area (secretary office, balcony, toilets, outside asphalt area) – complimentary • 2 x SuperCar Fast Dash vouchers to auction off (valued at $179 per voucher) – complimentary • 2 x controlled track laps including Museum entry $60 per car (includes 1 x Museum entry for the driver) • Additional Museum entry $10 per person (normally $25 per person).
So, $10 per person for lunch and $60 entry fee per car, for those wishing to take their car on the race track. Auction of the Two SuperCar Hot Laps with all proceeds after expenses to go to Rotary Projects.
Then maybe try a wine tasting or two once done at the many vineyards in the area or just enjoy Sunny Central to your hearts content. Highlands have lots to do and see, so maybe a friendly grudge match on the go-karts or a blast around the track in a Ferrari. The Hamilton Cup is up for grabs for the best turned out AG's area so get your thinking caps on and race gear organise
PLEASE LET YOUR PRESIDENT KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING ALONG AND HOW MANY WILL BE IN YOUR VEHICLE SO WE CAN PLAN THE CATERING.
FINAL NUMBERS NEEDED BY 5pm on FRIDAY THE 1ST OF NOVEMBER
Thanks to all Cromwell Rotary & St John members who helped with this year’s Stroke Foundation of NZ BP check at New World Cromwell. We assisted 78 people with BP checks, advising 11 that it would be worth discussing the result with their doctor 🙌
After lunch at the Black Rabbit we enjoyed an exhilarating afternoon abseiling at Bannockburn on Sunday. Anne, the lucky ticket winner at Changeover, managed brilliantly after a nervous start! Eugenio and Lilly were very keen starters and came back for more as did Murray, Chris, Fin, Keith and Gordon. Craig was the competent catcher at the bottom of the rope and the rest of us provided enthusiastic support!
It was a fantastic afternoon and a huge thank you to Bill for taking his time to make it such a great day.
Great to be asked to support & then help judge the Cromwell Cubs Scouts Pinewood derby cars with Guthrie Boron & Mojo. Well done to everyone - some awesome cars & VERY close races 🙌
A great turn out at the first meeting regarding the Cromwell Rotary and Cromwell Lions Clubs house-building fundraising project for St John. Don’t miss out if you have skills or products to offer.
Next on to another joint project with the Cromwell Lions Club at the meet the candidate meeting 👌
Plans are afoot for Cromwell Rotary and the Cromwell Lions Clubs to jointly undertake a house-building fundraising project where a house will be built with the support of the Cromwell community and sold at auction. All profits made will be donated to the St John Central Otago Station Rebuild in Cromwell.
This fundraising project will provide a wide range of opportunities for local businesses, contractors and tradies to donate their time, skills, experience and products to help secure the future of St John Cromwell.
Land has been identified at Prospectors Park. Local architect, Jessie Sutherland of S A Studio, has designed a beautiful open plan 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. The team at SBS Bank have agreed to support the project by providing bridging finance when required, as well as their time. Already Trends Kitchen have kindly donated a kitchen for the home and Beggs Security have agreed to provide all locks and a security system.
Cromwell lawyer and Rotarian, Doreen Evans, who is leading the project says she has been overwhelmed by the positive responses she has received to date. Ms Evans believes this project will enable the community to support St John, who in turn provide support to members of the community when they are at their most vulnerable due to illness or accident. "The Cromwell community is full of so many positive and supportive people and businesses that I'm sure this project will be a huge success. It will certainly help secure the future of St John Cromwell. I'm already being approached by many local tradies and businesses who've heard about the project and are keen to be part of it."
To launch the project, a meeting is being held at AWS Legal offices on the corner of Barry Ave and McNulty Road on Tuesday Sept 17 at 5pm. Speakers will present the project to members of the community who would like to get involved, in particular contractors and tradies as well as suppliers. Please do come along to learn more, have your questions answered, and register your interest. Drinks and BBQ will be provided. If you are unable to attend on the night but would like to be involved, please call Doreen on 445 4111 or 027 277 0972 or email doreen.evans@awslegal.com. All support is very welcome. This is going to be a very exciting venture.
When Nigel Longman from the local Rod & Gun club, and Fin White from Rotary got talking about the undergrowth that was hampering access to the lake shore between Lowburn & McNulty Inlet they realised that with a combined effort and getting lots of permissions lined up, they could probably make the area much tidier before the summer.
So one weekend in August saw a few people and two large items of machinery do what it took to start to effect the clearance. It's taken over a year to get the plan into action but once CONTACT Energy and LINZ and the CODC were all on board, the working bee took place and this one-off project is now well on the way to creating a much tidier area for locals and visitors alike to throw down their picnic rugs and enjoy themselves close to the lake shore.
When talking about it earlier this Fin White expressed his huge thanks to Matt Wilson from CromDig, Nigel Longman and his son Nikolos from the Rod and Gun club, and Hartley Johnston from HeavyTrax for their time and machinery to complete the clearance so efficiently.
Rotarians gathered to shift some of the larger stones and tidy up the larger sticks before Jack Davis came with his tractor and leveller to do a final tidy up.
The goal of more recreational picnic areas along the shoreline for locals and visitors is almost complete with only the piles of undergrowth still to be dealt with.
Following Rotarians’ efforts during the week bunching and distributing daffodils to local businesses, efforts continued on Friday at New World. The Cromwell Rotary club has a long history of helping support the Cancer Society with their spring appeal, with funds raised going towards vital research into better ways to detect, treat and reduce all forms of cancer. They also help fund a range of support services, information booklets and health promotion activities. Club members were, as always, impressed by the generosity of the community in supporting this well recognised organisation. The streaming sun brought an extra dimension to these welcome harbingers of Spring.
Out latest vocational visit was to the Cromwell Brew School at the Otago Polytech as part of our monthly programme of visits to businesses in and around Cromwell.
During the evening we heard from brewer Geoff Collier about the development of the brewery school and its significance within the Polytechnic teaching environment. The Otago Brew School is the only full-time brew school in the country. This is its first year of operation and its small initial class of students from across the country all aim to eventually work in the brewery industry. The students spend two days a week on practical skills and two on theory as they build their knowledge of all things to do with brewing beer. They also have the chance to do two 2-week placements during the year. Already this year one student has completed a placement at the Heineken Brewery in the Solomon Islands.
Surrounded by gear imported from China and Slovakia, Rotarians heard that the aim is eventually that the Brew School will become a recognised brewery - with a tasting room for visitors definitely on the agenda.
We then headed to The Stoaker Room who have their 'Ne Plus Ultra' brew on tap for refreshments and a bite to eat.
Helping high schools build student leaders who support junior students.
The Peer Support Programme offers secondary schools the opportunity to provide new entrants to secondary school a structured introduction to school under the guidance of senior students who are trained as leaders.
•Helps students beginning high school build self confidence & resilience
•Develops leadership qualities In year 13 students
•Equips teachers with skills to relate better with their students
Members needed to get in quick to book their seats for a night at the movies at our very own Arthurs Cinema. A full house (of 23) enjoyed catching up over a drink & pizza before watching Peter Jackson's moving documentary made from WW1 footage. A sobering & unforgettable watch.
Thank you to Anne & Laurie McAuley (past Rotary PHF recipients) for telling us about how Arthurs came to be & looking after us so well.
We also raised $90 for the Cancer Society Daffodil Day
VACCINATING 100,000 PACIFIC ISLAND CHILDREN BY 2021
Rotary Give Every Child A Future is a Rotary Australasia centenary project to save lives by vaccinating 100,000 children across nine Pacific Island countries against three diseases and to establish sustainable vaccination programs in each country.
PROJECT VISION - ‘To prevent cervical cancer and save the lives of children in the Pacific’
It was inspirational to visit The Hangout - the newly branded Cromwell Youth Trust building and to hear Rhys Smith talk about his work with and vision for our young people. We are looking forward to supporting their plans.
At changeover we were delighted to present PHF awards to Barbara O'Kane, Kaye Moore and to our very own Ross Hansen for their services to the community. Craig Lunn was also presented with a Sapphire Pin.
Jimmy Woods was presented with a his PHF earlier in the week
Paula Jackson received the Mary & Lindsay McIntyre Award which is presented to the Cromwell Rotarian that best exhibits the spirit of the Rotary Organisation
As you can see in the photo, there was a great turnout of Rotarians with partners, friends and family at Amigos on Monday evening.
James Emanuel shared his his story of developing the Amigos chain of restaurants and his plans for a new enterprise in The Mall selling and supporting local producers.
It was an excellent evening with great food and fellowship. Thank you for organising this Doreen.
Over Queens Birthday Weekend another very successful booksale was held at the Bowling Club. Donations of a spectacular number of quality books from our community and generous volunteer hours from our members resulted in sales of $15900. An amazing achievement by all concerned. The nett funds from this sale will be donated to St John Ambulance to assist with the rebuild of the new Station hub here in Cromwell.
Thank you to the Jake & Myah, the head students at Cromwell College, for speaking at our meeting. You represented your school very well & we wish you all the best for the coming year. Our RYE student, Eugenio (who is also a student at Cromwell College) did an excellent job of chairing the meeting! 👍. A real focus on youth tonight 👌
Last term a new community initiative, THE BREAKFAST CLUB, was set up at Cromwell College. This is a supervised, volunteer run (mostly Rotary members) scheme whereby all students at Cromwell College have the opportunity to have a free breakfast every morning. although we would like to think this type of service is not needed in Cromwell the aim of this project is to ensure those students who need this kind of assistance are getting it. Sponsorship has been gained from Sanitarium and Fonterra, and toast and spreads are also available(honey is donated). Breakfast club is open from 8.15-8.45 daily in the Home Economics Room. We need extra help for this term. If you are able to help sign up on ClubRunner or give Hilary a call.
In light of Rotary's support of the Otago Community Hospital at their upcoming fund-raising appeal at New World, Christine Pacey (above) spoke to Cromwell Rotarians at their meeting this week. Christine is one of the Community Hospice team and gave a very full explanation of their role in improving the quality of life for patients as they prepare for death. Patients and their families get support in their own home with their physical, emotional, social, family and spiritual needs in a way that has them feel valued and comforted. The Community Hospice philosophy of care is carried out with the help of counsellors, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and a group of volunteers.
Rotary will be helping with the Community Hospice fund-raising collection at New World this Friday May 17. The Community Hospice team, Rotary and the 200+ current patients will welcome any donation you can make.
Recently we visited Lake Dunstan Pharmacy and Jackie Hamilton informed us of her life to date - she’s one busy lady. Thanks Jackie we appreciate you going out of your way to give us an insight into your business and personal life.
For those who attended Conference, we had a great time mixing with fellow 9980 Rotarians and our own members, some great speakers and Oamaru was beautiful. If you haven’t been to one before we recommend you go next year, Tania has something special lined up.
The Professional Development Exchange was very successful for Cromwell/Alexandra’s clubs, they were a great bunch of young talented adults and some of the places they visited whilst in our care were fantastic, Thank you Murray Kennedy for organising, a great job and others members for your part too helping make their stay enjoyable.
Sakhr Munassar came to NZ as a Rotary Scholar in 2016. A Yemeni passport holder, he came via the United States to study a Masters in peace and conflict studies at the University of Otago. While he was in New Zealand, the American immigration rules changed, which banned Yemeni passport holders from access to the US. Yemen is in the grips of war so going home has become an equal challenge.
Now graduated, Sakhr works as a youth coordinator for the Red Cross in Otago. He runs multiple youth programs throughout the district, has assisted with the many Syrian refugees now settled in Dunedin and is actively involved in the community through Rotary, Rotaract and music. The strength of Rotaract in Dunedin is very much due to the effort and energy he put into it as a student – creating a sustainable organisation. He is an all round excellent citizen, but his first application for residency has been turned down by Immigration NZ. Sakhr has decided to appeal that decision, but that comes at a price. Rotary D9980 is inviting support from members to assist Sakhr in the legal costs of challenging that decision. His lawyer is an experienced immigration appeal lawyer and is confident there is a good chance of a successful appeal.
Sakhr really appreciates the support Rotary members have given him
Donations can be made direct to the District 9980 bank account number: 01 0678 0015978 046
As a reference please put your Name or Club Name and Sakhr
At its meeting last week Cromwell Rotary celebrated 30 years of having women in its club. Rotary International was started in Chicago in 1905 as a men only business club but now welcomes women to its membership. In this part of the country Cromwell Rotary very much led the way by inducting its first three women to the club in 1989. They were Gill Adams, Shirley MacAllister and Shirley Howard. However not only were they the first three women in the Cromwell Club, they were the first three women in any club in our District (the lower half of the South Island). Shirley Howard is still an honorary member of the Cromwell Club and lives in Clyde. Unlike Cromwell, many Clubs were slow to accept the change and in a number of cases lost male Rotary members who were not willing to accept the changes that Rotary International introduced.
Guest speaker at the celebratory meeting last week was Jenny Scott. Jenny joined Rotary in Gore in 1994, the first woman to be invited to do so. She transferred to the Cromwell club in 1995 where not only was she warmly welcomed but became the club's second woman president in 1998. During her address she talked about the challenges of still frequently being alone in a sea of men at Rotary gatherings back then. She also read a lovely message from the club’s first woman president, Gill Adams, (1992) now living in Australia, who echoed Jenny's sentiments about how hard it was to break into the previously male only domain. Again Cromwell scored a first as Gill was not only the first woman to be President in the Cromwell Club, she was also the first woman President in New Zealand.
In this colourful line up are Rotary Presidents Bonnie Miller Perry (2016), Jennie Nicol (2003) Jean Morgan (2014), Jenny Scott (1998), Helen Wreford Dunbar (2009), and incoming presidents Pam Broadhead (July 2020) and Neroli McRae (July 2019).
Great to be part of the Cromwell Greenway Festival with #rotaryrocks - rock painting and Guess the Number of 'Rocks' in the Bottle. Well done Connect Cromwell for a great day.
The entrance to Cromwell from Tarras & Alexandra is looking so much better now. Some community members have been spraying over the summer and Rotary (with some help) had a few working bees to tidy the weeds away - love working with the community👌
A great day out with Gordon Stewart taking us on a ramble around some of Bannockburn and filling us in on some of the history. A big thank you to Gordon for all the information (& a wee dram!) & for the piper Roddy Maxwell. We finished the avo off with a lovely meal at the Black Rabbit
The past 2 and a half months have flown by sooooo quickly. I can’t believe I am nearly a quarter way through this exchange. I am so happy with my decision and I would never change it for the world. Yes it is extremely hard to pack up and leave your friends and family for a year (especially at 17). But if it was easy then everyone would be doing it.
This past weekend was my host sisters wedding and that was amazing in itself. I may have cried a little bit, but that was because I am a very emotional person. This coming weekend (30.03/31.03) I am going away for two and a half weeks to travel around “southern” Europe. I am so excited for this opportunity as I am going to meet so many amazing people and I am going to travel to parts of the world where, surprisingly, my parents haven’t been.
We are finally getting into spring with the weather finally warming up. I even have been wearing shorts around the house for the first time since I got here.
The rotary meetings here are kind of boring at the moment because I have no idea what they are talking about. I can pick up a few words here and there but I can’t fully grasp the meaning of what they are saying. But the food is absolutely amazing. German food is the best food you could eat. The bread is amazing, the bratwurst is amazing and I will probably become sick of potatoes by the end of my exchange because we eat potatoes with every dinner
Report from Jasmine Dunnet - our RYE student to Germany
Well done to our RYE student Eugenio who walked the track with the 9970 and 9980 students and thanks to our club members Craig, Denis & Richard who accompanied them.
Jolene and Matt from The Workshop Fitness Centre, welcomed our members along for an up close look at Cromwell's latest 24 hour gym. Jolene told us a little about themselves and their philosophy behind their new business. If you could not make it tonight, check them out at www.theworkshop-fitnesscentre.com or https://www.facebook.com/Theworkshopfc/
Monday night saw a team from Cromwell Rotary and some enthusiastic community members turn out to clear dead plants and unwanted growth from both sides of the access road to Cromwell at the eastern end of the Deadman's Point bridge. Tussocks now have more than a fighting chance of survival. Do stop off and have a look at the clearance next time you are passing. Rotary says a huge THANK YOU to the members of the community who came along to help - and also acknowledges the lovely toots received from many of the motorists and truckies as they drove past during the clean-up.
(Pic below)
Rotarians and locals get to work at the bridge entrance to Cromwell. including Rotary exchange student Eugenio Monasterio, (white t-shirt) newly arrived from Chile, and studying at Cromwell College this year.
The Trustpower Lend a Hand Foundation, in association with the Rotary Clubs of Alexandra and Cromwell and local businesses, aims to assist small charitable organisations and individuals in the Central Otago area. Although supported by local Rotary Clubs, the Lend a Hand Foundation is administered independently by appointed trustees. Keith Morgan is currently Cromwell Rotary Club’s appointed trustee together with trustees appointed by Alexandra club to represent the Alexandra and Roxburgh communities. Application information, business supporters and contact information for the current trustees is available from the Trustpower Lend a Hand Foundation Web page [www.trustpower.co.nz/getting-to-know-us/community-involvement/lend-a-hand-foundation
Thanks to Cromwell Rotary and the Otago Motor Trust Club the children attending Cromwell's primary schools, preschools and kindergartens are now more clearly visible when they are out and about around the town. Pictured here is Rotary President Craig Lunn in the playground at Kids First Kindergarten surrounded by some of the children sporting their new fluoro jackets.
Forty one vehicles enjoyed this years Heartland Safari which traversed from the starting point at Forest Range station and concluding at the Old Stockman’s hut in the Lindis Pass. Russell and Jeanette Emerson lead the tour and provided some local knowledge along the way. The participants gained over 1100m in elevation starting at 466m above sea level.
This was the first time in the events history that it had to be postponed due to the wet weather the previous Sunday. As we set off from Forest Range station the weather looked a little unsettled as we traversed the Grand View Ridge. Lunch was enjoyed at West peak, however by the time the last ten drivers had negotiated a small mud hole the cloud had descended limiting the view.
After lunch we continued on and with the weather clearing we had fantastic views from Breast peak and into the Lindis Creek which we crossed before completing the day back at the Forest Range Woolshed where Nick and his crew had a cool beverage and sausage on offer.
Another fantastic Safari thanks to the efforts of Bill, Ross and their team. These events wouldn’t be possible without the generous support from the landowners and Russell and Jeanette did a fantastic job leading us through the their and neighbouring properties.
Hundreds of donated books have now been re-housed to eager new readers following the Rotary summer book-sale over the weekend. Held over 2 days at the spacious Cromwell Bowling Club stadium in Alpha street, the sale netted a little over $5000 with an average price of $2 per book. Pam Broadhead, one of the organising group reports that about 100 banana boxes full of books were sold. "We are very grateful to the locals and visitors alike who came to browse and buy - and of course to the many who gave us the books to sell in the first place. We're now going to have a little rest and then get stuck in to the mammoth task of sorting the hundreds of new donations that have been received recently for the June book-sale. That's the super-size sale. The Bowling Club stadium will be groaning to cope with all the books (and CDs and LPs and magazines, and puzzles) we've got ready for the winter book-sale the first weekend in June."
Anyone with books, CDs, LPs, magazines to donate can drop them in at the Rotary book exchange container in the forecourt of Freeway Orchard. It's open 363 days a year during business hours.
Rotary also acknowledges the generous support of sponsors and supporters : Continental Party Hire, R & R Hiabs, Nichol's Garden Centre, and the Cromwell Bowling Club.
Some of our Rotary members have been working hard to upgrade the Lowburn end of the 45th Parallel track. Many locals & visitors that take the opportunity for a bit of a blow out... the view at the top makes it all worth while!
Thanks Paul Piebenga for a very informative evening visiting your impressive new premises. Thanks also for your support of our 45th Parallel Track upgrade 👍
Rotary President Craig Lunn took huge pleasure this week in presenting Dave Anderson, St John Manager, with a cheque for $15000 towards the St John rebuilding project in Cromwell. $13,500 came from the recent Rotary organised House and Garden tour, and Rotarians decided to top it up to $15000 with funds they've raised from other recent projects.
Both Craig and Dave once again thanked all participants in, and sponsors of, the tour, as well as the most important people of all, the 12 home-owners who made it all possible.
The second tour is expected to be held in the latter part of 2019. Home-owners who'd like to offer their homes as part of the itinerary are most welcome to contact Rotarian and House and Garden Tour Committee chair Paula Jackson on 0275 725 457
Cromwell Rotarians joined in the social activities at the town's new Lifestyle Village. With over 70 people now living at Golden View, we rocked up with food and BBQ skills to join them in a few ends of bowls, lots of chat and the occasional wine and beer of course. It was a gloriously sunny evening so lots of laughter and general enjoyment ensued. And who won the bowls ?? Well let's just say there was a range of skills on display !!
Our work with the Mokihi Trust down along the Lake edge now has its own marker ! On Oct 2 Finn and Denis cemented our wonderful purpose made sign in place so that runners and walkers using the track can see what we've been up to in the general beautification initiative in the area. Good work guys ;))
In September we had Monique Harvey, Supportive Care Services for the Central Lakes Cancer Society, speak at one of our meetings. Following on from this she asked us to help in two private gardens in Cromwell. A lovely way to spend our usual meeting night - gardening for some very grateful members of our community in their time of need. 🌱👍
Apologies Apologies on the website are only necessary for the nights when we are dining at the T&C club.
On the other Monday nights, when we plan activites or visits, you will be sent an email about each event. You need to SIGN UP for these events by following the instructions in the email.
If you have any problems with this please call Neroli 0274346014
It was great to be part of an awesome community event with the Lakeside clean up. Deadman's bridge was our area of focus this year. Thanks to Cromwell Rotary members & friends who helped, along with Mokihi Trust members.
The senior debating finals teams are pictured here with Shirley Howard who presented the Bob Howard Memorial Trophy for the 36th year to this year’s winning team Mount Aspiring College. The topic for this year’s debate was - That the glass is half full.
Pictured L to R: Jake Nicholson, Joe Strawson, Isobel Smith (Mt Aspiring College Team), Shirley Howard, Bethany Johnstone (rear), Tamara Hansen (front), Myah Scott (Cromwell College Team).
Lucy Laws proudly holds the John Webb Memorial debating trophy which she and her co-debaters Joshua Hancock and Jemima McCombe-Rae won in the final of the Central Lakes Schools Junior Debating Championship for 2018 at our meeting on August 20. The topic for the debate was "That we need more heroes".
Ainslie Webb was on hand to award her trophy. She commented in her presentation speech that her husband and our good mate John W would debate both formally and informally. It was her comment about the informal debating that got the biggest cheer from the gathered throng.
Rotarians and other local women volunteered their time this week to help bunch daffodils in preparation for the Daffodil Day appeal for the Cancer Society. Pictured getting the flowers ready are from left : Helen Wreford Dunbar, Sandra Guyton, Shirley Calvert, Rie Trimmer, Shirley Howard, Maureen Butcher, Neroli McRae, Karen Ross and Yvonne Knox
Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.
After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.
For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.
After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.
What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.
A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.
Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."
The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.
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It was a surprised Heather who awarded her PHF at the welcoming function of the Bannockburn Arts - Across the Bridge Arts School.
Rob and Jenny Cormie, owners of AGM Stone, welcomed club members to a tour of their business on Monday evening the 16th of August. The rainstorm during the late afternoon may have deterred some from joining in as the number of attendees was quite light. Those who were there were treated to a tour and explanation of what's involved in sourcing, preparing and installing a wide range of granite and marble products. And thank you to Rob and Jenny for kindly providing refreshments which were appreciated.
Janeen Wood, Executive Trustee at Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust
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For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.
What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.
Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."