Andrew’s Thoughts
Well, it was a strange week. With news of the Covid outbreak at the Golf Club, I consulted with Board members where I could and importantly with Chris Manahan, President RC Moruya. The consensus was we should defer our annual Cinders battle. I shall be contacting Chris to see what alternative dates they would prefer. I have obviously apologised to the Golf Club on behalf of both Rotary Clubs.
Against the odds of forecast rain, the sun eventually shone on the righteous(!) and Sunday’s Markets was a great success, all things considered. Mike is banking almost $1,300 which is excellent. Thanks to everyone for their efforts.
Thursday is our fundraising movie night at the Kinema. So dress up, come along, and have fun watching ‘The Duke’. As we have publicised, all proceeds will go to Rotary Australia’s National Flood Appeal for people in the flood affected areas in QLD and NSW. Regrettably, many will be getting another deluge over the next few days. A special mention to Ange for her great efforts organising things for Thursday.
Tuesday next week sees the next meeting of the Prostate Cancer Support group so please spread the word to those who may benefit.
Otherwise, it is upwards and onwards mes amis!
THIS WEEK
This Thursday 31st
It’s our film fundraiser at the Kinema for Rotary Australia’s Flood Relief Appeal to see ‘The Duke’. It’s 6.30 for 7pm. Cost $20 (including wine and nibbles)
‘The Duke’ is the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London in 1961. It was the first and only theft in the Gallery’s history.
Please bring your family and friends AND we encourage you to dress up as maybe Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent), his wife Dorothy (Helen Mirren), the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya or even the Duke of Wellington, or anyone related to this event. Prizes for the best outfit.
The Week that Was
Sunday’s Markets
The weather forecast for Sunday, rain during the night, and a brief shower on Sunday morning resulted in the cancellation of 27 of our expected 47 stallholders, especially books, many clothing and knickknack stalls. When the sun came out, customers started to arrive and our van was flat out to about 12.30pm. Our market manager Chris O’Brien said most stallholders she spoke with reported excellent sales so they were very happy with the results.
Mike Young said despite the cancellations, the markets resulted in $1,290.32 being $580 from stallholders, $509.12 from van sales (including $57.87 net of tap and pay on our Square device) and $201.20 from the unattended wishing well. Thanks to everyone for the great effort.
Cinders postponed
It was disappointing our annual Cinders Trivia Challenge with Moruya Rotarians had to be postponed at the last minute until a hopefully a more Covid-free time (is there is such a thing). Everyone was keyed up and ready to go, Chris had the questions and activities all organised, and the Cinders shield had a polish ready for us to regain the honours once again. The overly confident Moruya President Chris put in their current bulletin, he and Andrew agreed to postpone our “whipping” for a date to be determined. Not likely Chris! New date is still being discussed.
From our Tertiary Scholar Elise Dixon
It was lovely to hear recently from our Tertiary Scholar Elise Dixon via her counsellor Lynn Hastings:
I hope you and the Rotary team are well. I’m now in week 5 and enjoying the subjects that I am doing. I have recently decided to transfer out of a Bachelor of Medical Science and into a Bachelor of Science (most likely majoring in human biology). I made this decision as I am still unsure of which career path I want to take and I feel that making this change allows for more opportunity and flexibility to try new things.
A Bachelor of Science provides the opportunity to study a range of different courses, compared to a Bachelor of Medical Science which follows a structured plan. I understand if this may affect the scholarship. Hopefully I am able to find what I’m passionate about soon. Wishing you all a happy Easter and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Out and About
Bega Rotary’s Book Fair at Easter
After a couple of cancellations due to Covid, Bega Rotary’s Book Fair will be a monster at Easter because they are overflowing with good quality books. Bega Club is also very pleased to announce that the family of the late Margaret Searle have generously donated her wonderful collection of gardening books to our book fair.
Unfortunately Bega can’t accept any more books at this time.
Moruya Rotary boosts its profile
As reported in our last week’s Beacon, Moruya Rotary featured in the very successful Mardi Gras and River Lights weekend for the Sydney Harbour Bridge 90th celebrations, organised by a hard working subcommittee of Moruya Business Chamber that just ‘got the job done’. Moruya Rotary’s ‘man of action’ Rohan Gleeson, wearing both Chamber and Rotary hats, was one of the main architects of festivities. In Moruya’s bulletin this week, Rohan reflects on what Rotary should take out of its $2,000 sponsorship and its involvement in the event.
“We certainly as a Club made our presence felt and we built some very strong community friendships,” he said. These included with the Moruya Markets Committee and with the local Koori community.
The bike built for six was a challenge “but it did show community spirit”. Rohan said the bike will be finished and be “an asset for future events when it will stand Rotary out from the crowd”. The Club’s marquee also provided an information hub, a sales hub for restaurants within the town and a centre for the sales of memorabilia as part of the 90th birthday celebrations. Rohan said while “the toughest nut ‘membership’ has not been cracked yet, interest in Rotary certainly was given a leg up”.
NEXT WEEK
RYDA 4-5 April
The Rotary Youth Drivers Awareness (RYDA) programme is one of Rotary’s most valuable Community Services. About 180 Year 11 students from high schools in the Eurobodalla Shire are expected each day. Batemans Bay Rotarian Neil Simpson is the organizer. Our Club funds the bus hire each year from Narooma High – Moruya return and provides two helpers on the day Narooma High students attend.
Tuesday 5th April
Narooma’s Prostate Cancer Support Group meets again this Tuesday evening at 6.30pm at Narooma Men’s Shed. Guest speaker is Sarah Lambert, a counsellor from Cobargo.