I am writing this bulletin just after our “Rotary” weekend. I know many of you were involved at some point or another but for a variety of reasons not all could be. It is days like Saturday that remind me just how good Rotary is for our community, our country and ourselves. The day started with the planting of about 250 native trees at Rotary Point. Fin’s dedicated team had the site well prepared and with about 50 volunteers helping we planted, fertilized, watered and protected the trees. That morning’s work was so satisfying and while we still have some tidying up to do back at stage 1 and some ongoing duty of care for all of our plantings, the area is really taking shape.

In the afternoon a wonderful lunch was prepared by club members and helpers at the Bannockburn Hall for many of us, including others from around the District.  We gathered to support DG Nick to farewell (or at least start the process) District 9980 as we merge with D9970 to form a new District (D9999) covering the whole South Island. It is interesting to note we were one district until the early 1980s so it is back to the future a bit. Nick made a very thoughtful and emotional speech about his role and his journey along the way. I have felt sorry for him and Beth as they missed so much by not getting to the International Assembly for their DG training, and the Convention which are two events that truly demonstrate the internationality of Rotary. Nick, as is his way, shrugged that off and found other positives to focus on. Nick you have led this District well under really difficult circumstances.  I recall your goal was to have fun and you have encouraged that across all clubs. Our Club is proud to have you and Beth as part of the Cromwell Rotary team.

During the afternoon a number of awards were made. Our Club received commendation for our bulletin and won the best project with Lot47. The fact we partnered with Lions and the Community was noted and created a number of questions for me from interested clubs after the presentation. So again congratulations to all involved in that great project. We also had the pumpkin weigh in won by the Brown team from Wanaka with a monster weighing a bit over 160kgs. This was a great project that still needs sponsorship support so please give this your consideration. Nick’s target across the District is $33,000 or about $30 per member and with the Gates subsidy this would grow to $100,000 to help with our fight against Polio, so please dig deep.

It has been agreed that the funds raised at this winter book sale will go to Cromwell Plunket and their manager will speak to us at one of our May meetings.

Finally, your directors have made the decision that we are planning to get back together again. Subject to Covid and the Town and Country being available, we intend meet face to face on May 9 and May 23 at the T&C. (But watch for last minute e-mails in case there are any changes to this plan).  I recognise some will not be ready to meet face to face yet and I simply ask everyone to respect all views.  If you are not comfortable please put in an apology in the normal way as I do not want the T&C over catering and therefore losing money.

I know a number of our members have had the Omicron virus and while reports to date have varied from a cold through to a nasty flu it is still not pleasant by all accounts. Please stay safe and look after yourself and each other.

Stuart