Visitors: Roy Dykes ( visiting Rotarian ) Clara, (our exchange student)

 

Welcome–from President Michele, with notices of Guess who’s coming to dinner, either 1 or 8 June, and Alzheimer’s collection, 24 May

 

FYI: Les G. excelled, once he learned that the microphone had to be held close to his mouth, not his ears, or his belt. How to get a mention of Stormy Daniels, and her campaign to make America horny again into an environmental address?. No problem to our Les!. Anyway, the environment got a mention. Did you realise that you can pollute less, and save $39 a year, by getting a smaller waste bin, just contact your friendly council hot line.

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker  Not a guest, but our own Bill Holland , on the recent club trip to Japan. This was the third club trip to Japan, and followed earlier trips led by Bill for Boy’s college rugby, and other teams. Tokyo, Kasaoka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kusatsu, back to Narita, all skilfully executed, on the fast trains. A highlight, among many, was to be hosted, and shown the best places and shouted to restaurants by the president of the Kasaoka Rotary club, and assistants. Another highlight was the tour of very different parts of Tokyo, from our own Graham Cornes’ son, who lives in Japan. All in all, a great experience. Bill finished by strongly recommending that we embrace any future possible trips to overseas rotary clubs.

Later, we learned that Bill first joined Rotary at the age of 34, back in 1986. Sadly, he suffered a stroke 18 months ago. He has to sleep at the time we have our meetings, so will not be attending our meetings. President Michele immediately confirmed that he has been appointed an honorary member, so hopefully we will get to see him occasionally.

 

 

Speaker thanks Was given by Ron Fife. He remembered a trip to Tokyo where he had the guide from Hell. No details, but 2 of his fellow guests spent 6 hours lost in the Tokyo Subway system, without getting up to the surface. Fortunately, not the consequence for any of our Rotary trip members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change-over, 13 JULY, Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club. Reserve the date now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GWCTD. Yes, you can decipher it, 1 and 8 June. Sign up next week. Can you host?.

 

Raffle: The vino was won by Dave Mc Donald, but he gave it straight to Bill Holland. Great work, Dave, well deserved, Bill. You will have to wait for 4 years before you win again, Dave.

 

Sergeant at Arms – was meant to entertain us all. Sold as Kathy, but someone appeared called Steve, who seemed strangely familiar. He told us that there was no need to go to Japan, there were Cherry blossoms in the Otumoetai railway reserve. Then on to marble trees, just do not let  the kids swallow the marbles, they come out a day or 2 later, with a matt surface. The Rotary publication, “a pocket full of jokes” revealed only one politically correct attempt at a joke, then on to what to do with used marital aids, and the life working for Te Whatu ora, ending now thanks to voluntary working euthanasia. They will miss having a scape goat. We need you, Steve.

 

 

 

 

 

Parting Thought : Firstly, the news that our much loved Doctor, Neil Matson is moving to Wellington. We will miss the wisdom, the sports dedications, and the toast mastering. Not to mention, Santa, to be Chris Dever.

 

Parting Thought 2 : Ashdeep:”The older you get, the better you get under your banana”. I may have misquoted.