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Do YOU want to Make A Difference to the Youth and our Community? Are you committed to making positive changes in our community and the world while having a bit of fun at the same time? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.

Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back while having fun.

Annual 4WD Trip

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.

Another Successful Rotary Book Sale

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.

Visit to Domaine Thomson

December meeting

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.