Meeting notes from Wednesday 8^th December  2009

Presidents Brian Plain welcomed members of the District GSE Team, District rep. Gina Growden, inductee Glen Frost, Tia & Alonso & Ann Connor.

With Ian Salmon as his mentor, Glen was later inducted into the club. President Brian outlined the ideals of Rotary, with its emphasis of Service above Self.

Glen said that on his previous visits, he had been impressed by such projects as Shelter Box, Bandah Aceh & the Bo Hospital. He mentioned that he is with Price Waterhouse where Vincent Bhebhe is working.

Alonso, sporting a newly shaved head, told us of his need to avoid sunburn & his enjoyment of the Gladesville club’s barbecue & bush dance for Exchange Students. He received a Mexican flag from Secretary Julie.

Tia shared her reflections on her National Park visit, sailing, snorkelling, visit to Jenolan Caves & her Year 11 Harbour Cruise. Her celebration of Finnish Independence Day was rather different (summer.)

Jay Thorogood, born exactly 100 years after Einstein, gave an interesting vocational talk cum personal profile. Born in Canberra, grew up in Gosford, worked in father’s computer shop, dabbled with travel before starting Signpack his own sign-writing company. He has progressed from Changeable Signs, to now providing his services to over 600 private & public schools. Working largely off his website, he gets most of his business from repeat orders & referrals.

His interests include gliding at Gosford, Temora & Bathurst.

He was recently married to pharmacist Celsia Shek.

Secretary Julie reported that Sheila’s hip operation had been successful.

Numbers for Christmas Party needed by Wed 9^th.

UNWRAPPED gifts for Exodus Foundation  are requested on the night of the party.

If bringing children or grandchildren, please leave a LABBELLED gift for them in the back room.

Gavin reminded us that money is needed urgently for Christmas cake orders & the Australia Day Harbour Cruise.

Dennis de K reminded us that the Rotary’s 2010 will begin as usual with the Bobbin Head barbecue on TUESDAY 12^th January. Time is 6 pm. Parking fee should not be required.

Tiger Mason reported that Sue Marsh is struggling with her health & will not be able to attend the Christmas Party.

Paul Rickard said he will be distributing the sheet re the Gordon Markets roster for 2010.

He made reference to the Turramurra Community Gardens which are to be established in the park next to Hillview.

Sgt Bob first promoted the District Conference & the Shelter Box Project.

He proceeded to fine real estate folk, ladies (new premier & all) & Bradfield voters.

Heads & Tails was won by Ted Pasfield.

THE GSE TEAM was introduced by Trevor Lowes who had been involved in the selection of team members. He recommended home hosting for visiting GSE Team members, admitting that he preferred the females! The host takes them to various venues during the week.

TEAM LEADER Mark Anderson introduced the team & referred to their visit to Westphalia in Germany. It was a 4 week cultural & vocational exchange. There was preparation time of 6 months plus some obligations to follow. Their time was VERY busy with very little free time. He ran up a $1600 mobile phone bill! They raised $7000 to cover gifts, brochures & their presentation. With some money left over, they graciously gave a Paul Harris Fellowship to a German Rotarian, Wolfgang, who had helped them enormously.

The area they visited was quite restricted. Observations? Rotary there was very male dominated & elitist. They don’t do much – just donate about $2000 each with attendance not emphasised. Their one day District Conference was boring.

Alison Turner reflected on the food, dog lovers, the formality of business. She had an interesting experience in a working coal mine, having to be brought out on the conveyor belt when she experienced problems.

She gained a lot from her vocational visits. As a business development manager, she was amazed at their huge cluster development programme. She surprised them with her explanation of our Aussie innovations.

Joaquin Gelvez, a mechanical engineer who works for Siemans, benefited from his visit to a factory where they make gear boxes for windmills. He was amazed by a Rotarian’s collection of 120 vintage cars. The speed of their trains & cars on autobahns was impressive.

Lauren Sheen who worked for Meriton, learned a good deal about tourism, the hospitality industry & event management. Despite a bike mishap, she enjoyed watching a production beginning with sheet steel and ending up as a car. Her horizons were broadened.

Question time led to praise of German beer, but disappointment at how grey & drab was the industrialised Ruhr Valley. They did see green fields via a flight, & forests during a 48 km bike ride. Graffiti? Only on the preserved, protected section of the Berlin Wall.

Nuli thanked the team members, emphasising how we can learn from each other & sharing.

President Brian thanked all our guests. A great night was had by all.

The raffle was won by Sandy.

Scribe: Grahame Marr