As I write this bulletin from the far North this weekend, I am reflecting on what a great team we have in our Rotary Club. Things tick on successfully and I think we can be very proud of our efforts as we head towards our Christmas break.

I am certainly looking forward to celebrating our Christmas Luncheon at Matt Connell Winery, and much thanks to Pam, Sue and Jean for ensuring we have a great afternoon. I have some special guests, whom many of you will know coming along to give us a sneak preview and taste of what is being planned for the season of Les Misérables next year in Clyde. Who would have thought that the Broadway musical in 1985, based on the novel by Victor Hugo would be performed in a small hall in Clyde, Central Otago nearly 40 years on!

We will also host a small group of Paul Harris Fellows at our lunch to continue to recognize their contribution toward the community.

Thanks also to Keith Morgan for his work (supported by Stuart) to secure an anchor partner for the Lend a Hand Foundation, which will be known as the Pulse Energy Lend a Hand Foundation for the next two years. The ability to leverage off local support by Rotarians, Local Businesses and Pulse Energy will mean that many deserving projects will benefit from a lift up, creating a strong and diverse range of local activities that benefit our region. Keith will continue in his role as a Trustee, and there is some small tidy up around the Trust Deed to reflect the new relationship with Pulse Energy. Well done Keith.

I have been in touch with  Lloyd from the Dunedin Rotary project in Vanuatu, seeking monetary support. We did not get to discuss this at the last directors meeting, but there is an appetite from the board to support this as part of our international contribution in the pacific. Rose has also enquired whether there may be some Vanuatu workers in our region, and it may well be there is a strong desire to contribute. Contributions to date range from $1,000 to $4,000 across various Rotary clubs, so I am sure we will land on a suitable contribution once we revisit this. As the project is not dependent on District Grant subsidy, we can work to this decision at the next meeting.

We had a fantastic Fishing Competition, and many thanks to Mark and his team, from everyone who contributed to make this a great success. I know there was plenty of fun, and fish, and the weather was superb for fishing. I am sure this event is ‘back’ after a Covid break and is in good hands.

After trialing the new Guess Who is Coming to Dinner format, with bringing either a starter plate or a dessert, we will repeat this successful event in 2023 on January 30^th.

We are working through an application for the RYLA event being held in Queenstown in 2023. I am sure we will achieve at least one candidate in that space. If you have any late contenders please don’t hesitate to contact Jennie Nicol.

We had a great evening with Kate Agnew as our guest speaker with 57 members and guests present. What an inspirational presentation and it was amazing how aligned to ‘changing lives’ Kate’s presentation was. It was great to welcome the presidents of the Alexandra and Queenstown Rotary Clubs as well.

Fin has been keeping an eye on the Rotary Point project and there may be some ‘tweaking of duties’ rather than organizing any special working bees. Keep an eye out for those including, weeding around your trees, and tending to any rabbit barriers that need refixing with longer spikes.

The Melbourne Conference Early Bird Discount Registrations close shortly on the 15^th of December. If you are thinking of Conference in Melbourne, please chat with Adrienne and remember the inaugural District 9999 Conference dates of 24-26^th March 2023 in Oamaru. We will get a small working team in place for these fun events in the new year.