Rotary Stawell, stawelltalk 21 to 28 January
21 TO 28 JAN. 2014
Hello to members families and friends of the Club, we hope our newsletter finds you all well, particularly for the members and active supporters of the Club Of course the fires have been the major topic of concern over the past week or 10 days, up to this time over 50 thousand hectares have been burnt in the Northern Grampians alone, with the Ouyen and Gippsland fires as big. PP John Artz and his Lady judy asked to leave with over 500 others doing the same, from Hall Gap. Contact was made with Rtn Kaye Harris, but Kaye was her cheerful self, and said that she and one of her son “Murray” stood on the veranda and watched the flames, Oh Dear!! Still it seems the cooler change that came in on Friday night did assist the fire fighters, but the photo below gives some small idea of the danger
Of course the fire jumped the Western hwy. at Dadswells, and two homes were lost there before it was brought under control, in the early hours of Saturday morning. While the best illustration of the fluky winds was the main fire raging in one direction and for a short while the fire in the Black range was reported to going the other direction. It seems that the major losses were 40 Sundry sheds , Farm equipment, fencing and stock and10 homes, and even though we are told that the fires are under control, it does not look like it in the Black Range.
The recommendation a this point of time is to wait until the professional people have finished their work, Church and other welfare groups, particularly concerning housing, Insurance people Dept. of Primary Industry, State and Local Government, Victorian Farmers Federation, CFA, Police etc., etc. By now with several of theses events under our belts we need to be aware that the assistance we can offer is limited, to a certain degree, but the one thing we should not do is try to get involved while the official people involved are still on the ground. But let us hope that the worst is over, and the healing process can begin quickly.
This latest fire may impact on the efforts the club is making for the Philippines support, but we are committed thus far to $1200. And again the suggestion is to continue without pushing to hard the efforts already started.
News from the polio eradication is in part very good, the Good news, is that India has just completed its 3rd year free of the dreaded disease. India was or has been considered on of the hardest places in the world to achieve this level, mainly in part to a transient population moving from region, so that is good news indeed
The other bit of good news was the safe return of the Vietnam, tour team. A huge vote of thanks must go to PP Pauline, for that result, of course there were others including the youngsters themselves that had a great input into the events as they transpired, but without the efforts of our most experienced Rotarian on the tour in PP Pauline, the result may not have ended as well as it did. But we are yet to have a full breakdown of the tour so reports to the members are limited until then, but for the greater part of the tour the result was very good with the youngsters bonding extremely well, and coming away with a good experience. Reports and talks to various groups are being organised, so that will be interesting as well. That briefing is to happen next Tuesday at 5.00 PM at our venue..
PP Pauline was in charge of the latest meeting, although Pres Kim did come to the meeting, she requested that the Vice Pres. run the meeting, as she was still in a fair bit of trouble with her Knee, and the after effects of the Vietnam Bug.
Pres Kim is to contact the girls putting the Power Point together, and we hope to have them next week. 28 Jan 2014,. as well we say farewell to PP John and Su Qin, who will be away for 5 weeks, in China, we wish them well and look forward to them coming safely back to us.
The invitations for the, Artists for the Art show have all gone out, the drop off point for this year will be at 108 Main St, on the corner of the passageway to the car park, opposite the Commonwealth Bank, we are fortunate to get the use of the corner area from the Shire, we have it for three days Monday to Wednesday 14 to 16 April 2014. Rtn Robin has kindly offered to man the Place from 10.00 to 3.30 PM, so some relief for him will be required please. Notify Rtn Robin direct or the Secretary, if you are able to assist.
Other areas of discussion at our last meeting covered, the Jazz festival, that is in hand with the request for all hands on deck. And the Great Western Races on Friday 25 January, most arrangements have been made with PP John and Rtn Robin, RTN Kaye and PP Val in charge, and Pres Kim to assist Val with the Raffle sales.
The boys to check out the BBQ for enough products for 500 odd servings, and to give it a good clean up. Robin to deliver the BBQ Trailer Thursday Morning about 10 AM, to the Race Track.
Kimberley has signed off on the Presidential Citation for 13-14, and we stand an excellent chance of getting it providing it does not get forgotten by the DG, as happened the year before last.
And while mentioning things , our thanks also to Norman and Noelene, for their very gracious assistance at our opening meeting last week, and for having the air-conditioner on in their home it was still extremely hot at about 7.00 PM, and plans had been changed due to the heat, and so Norman and Noelene threw their home open for an excellent meal, taken in comfort, very much appreciated., and that is the best lead in to Normans nonsense for a long time.
Burial at Sea
Mick and Paddy had promised their Uncle Seamus, who had been a seafaring gent all his life, to bury him at sea when he died.
Of course, in due time, he did pass away and the boys kept their promise.
They set off with Uncle Seamus all stitched up in a burial bag and loaded onto their rowboat.
After a while Mick says, ‘Do yer tink dis is fer enuff out, Paddy?’
Without a word Paddy slips over the side only to find himself standing in water up to his knees.
‘Dis’ll never do, Mick. Let’s row some more.’
After a bit more rowing Paddy slips over the side again but the water is only up to his belly, so they row on.
Again Mick asks Paddy, ‘Do yer tink dis is fer enuff out Paddy?’
Once again Paddy slips over the side and almost immediately says, ‘No dis’ll neva do.’ The water was only up to his chest.
So on they row and row and row and finally Paddy slips over the side and disappears.
Quite a bit of time goes by and poor Mick is really getting himself into a state when suddenly Paddy breaks the surface gasping for breath.
‘Well is it deep enuff yet, Paddy?’
‘Aye ’tis, NOW hand me dat shovel.’
[oh P you will pay for this]
Finally all the best to Val, Kim, Pauline and Wilton hope you are all well very soon.
So there we are for this week folks;
Remember:
Let our names, be part of those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truths sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won.
Have a great week in Rotary cheers Ed.