Well a new rotary year has begun! I hope you all enjoyed changeover as much as I did. It was a great setting to enjoy the sun and I appreciated not heading out on a cold winters night - maybe I’m getting old!! A big shout out to The Stoaker Room for the beautiful (& ample) food.

 

When Paul Harris Fellows are presented I am always humbled to hear how much community & rotary members do for our community. None more so when we heard of the lifetime of achievements of Barbara O’Kane, Kaye Moore and our very own Ross Hansen. Jimmy Woods received his PHF earlier in the week as he was unable to make the day. Craig Lunn also gained a sapphire pin. Paula Jackson was a very worthy recipient of the Mary & Lindsay McIntyre award for exhibiting the spirit of Rotary.

 

Our new District Governor, Tania Lowery, is on a mission to help with the total eradication Polio as part of our involvement in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Tania has proposed each club in 9980 donates $1,000, with the hope she can present a cheque for $31,000 in Sydney at the Ride the Trains for Polio fundraiser on World Polio Day (24 October 2019). Tania has also set each president a challenge to “fill a 1 litre jar”, which funds will be counted at the 2019-2020 District Conference. I am adding to my jar each time I use a reusable coffee cup rather than a disposable one. Feel free to join me & add to my collection for Polio!

 

I was sorry to have missed Renee Heal speak on her life as a diplomat as I was away supporting my son Matt in the National Young Farmer of the Year in Napier. He came a credible 4^th with only 6 points separating the top 4!

 

We are joining with Wanaka & Alexandra Clubs along with the Rotary Club of Rarotonga to apply for a district grant to assist with 3 literacy projects in the Cook Islands. We are hoping to provide “Lilliput Library” style book libraries in the community, dictionaries in schools and books for Apii Nikao school. Watch this space.

 

Libby Smith has kindly agreed to take over the role of Care & Friendship (Almoner). Please let Libby know of any members or their families who are needing some support.  A big thanks to Maureen who has done this role for many years.

 

I am looking forward to seeing you all challenge yourselves to “connect” in Rotary this year and get involved – Let’s have fun while FUNdraising.

 

Neroli

Cromwell Rotary President