Adrienne and I are just back from a few days in Canterbury firstly for a work function and then a few days R&R at Akaroa. It was such a relief to get out and about and take time to refresh. We were so relaxed we took time to book flights to go to be with our daughter in Spain later in the year. It seems we have got to the point of needing to establish what the “new normal” might look like and realise we cannot lock ourselves away forever!! Don’t worry caution, masks, social distancing and common sense are all part of this “new normal”.

Thanks to Bernie for standing in for me at Monday's meeting and to get 25 along was very encouraging. We meet face to face again on June 13 so keep an eye out for details of that meeting.

DG Nick has updated us on progress with fund raising for Polio and the update from the pumpkin project. In summary club, individual and pumpkin sponsors raised just over $42,000 which with a district contribution of $7,500USD and then with all of the Gates and Rotary Foundation matches our money grows to about $175,000 NZD. This is truly amazing and a great reward for all of the work and effort DG Nick put into this particular project. Given that Covid did restrict Nick from visiting clubs and led to clubs not meeting regularly makes this effort even greater in my view. Well done to all concerned.

Applications for funds from the Lot 47 project close in a week or so and I am advised we will have more applications than funds available and while that creates some challenges it also shows the need in our community. The applications will be processed during June and after the combined Lot 47 committee reviews them the Lions and Rotary directors will be asked to make the final recommendations. This has been a wonderful project for our club and our community with a real benefit being it has brought the Lions and Rotary closer together which is great….we are not competitors!!

It is quite amazing to think this is the second to last bulletin I am writing. The year has flown by and because we have not met regularly there are a lot of my plans that simply did not get a chance to get started. However while I am sad we have not been able to meet very often this year we can all be proud of what the club has achieved through the year. I will summarise that next time.

Take care…..Stuart​