Ngamotu News
Monday May 25th 2020
Zoom Meeting 7.00pm
District Governor: John Mohi
President: David Lusk
Secretary: Stephen Bovett
Club Website: www.rotaryngamotu.club
Present:David Lusk, Murray Gillespie, Sally Morch, Des Friedrich, Tony Bird, Geoff Harding, Wally Garrett, Mike Makein, Jan Dempsey, Gary Brown, Harry Duynhoven
Apologies: Owen McCluggage, Dennis Eales, Chas Wilcox, Stephen Bovett, David Gibson
Willie Still. QSO
David advised the meeting that Willie Still, who'd been a current Honorary Member had passed away 2 days short of his 94th birthday.
He joined Rotary in 1969, been an active member for 40 years, a former President and Paul Harris Fellow. Willie was instrumental in building and selling two units in Wallath Rd as the seed capital for the current Lemon St Flats.
Murray mentioned that Willie had given him a book: The Willie and Rosalie Still Story.
It details Willies amazing life particularly his achievements in Business and Community Service.
David will record The Clubs Condolences in the Death Notices website for the Daily News.
Camilla Cattini (Our Rotary Youth Exchange Student 2018/19 from Italy)
Jan Dempsey who'd been Camilla's counsellor has been in regular contact with her since returning to Italy read a recent email from Camilla about life in Italy entering Level 2 after a 2 month lockdown.
Camilla was invited to be a guest speaker while zoom meetings were the only means of meeting. Unfortunately she couldn't do it in person as suitable timings coincided with critical exams/tutorials she is currently undertaking. She did however offer to send us a video recording which was shown at the meeting.
To view the video click on this link:
Guest Speaker: Des Friedrich
Introduced by: Wally Garrett
Des talked about the first 2 weeks of his 6 months in China, Inner Mongolia with a slide presentation.
This was spent in Korchin a city of 400,000 close to the border with Mongolia. He went their initially to experience Inner Mongolian conditions. Inner Monglia (around this city) is a very desolate, desert like part of China with primitive concrete roads that are "as rough as guts" They generate power largely through extensive wind farms.
He stayed at the 10 year old lavish racing complex designed for racing and entertainment which also provides Hotel and Conference facilities.
Impressive stabling facilities for 2000 horses (thoroughbred, mongolian) are all built of refrigerated panels and double glazed windows to provide for the all year round extreme climate conditions.
While there is a grass track this is not used because it can't survive the extreme winter conditions.
The horses race on a sand track which is extremely hard on the their legs requiring salt bath relief in purpose built facilities.
Des said he another New Zealander added some credibility to their racing operations while there. Often posing with winning jockeys and owners in lavish presentation ceremonies.
Gambling is not permitted China, they instead use a Lotto type system with credit vouchers rather than money.
Des commented (when visiting the city) that they were a real novelty to many of the local population (most of whom were Mongolians) who hadn't seen Europeans.
Food and drinks are inexpensive, sometimes served in very basic facilities.
Thanked by Geoff Harding
We look forward to Des's next instalment.
Website and Newsletter: Murray Gillespie
Murray explained that The Newsletter/Bulletin is now called Ngāmotu News and written using Club Runner which means all Newsletters will be available on the club website:
www. rotaryngamotu.club.
This now can be sent out to a regular mailing list automatically (anyone/potential members can be added to the list if you think they might like it i.e. 180 contacts in the District could be sent the Newsletter if desirable.
The Website is also being updated with more menu options and Member only(when logged in) links to document storage e.g. Constitution, Bylaws, AGM minutes, Board Meeting Minutes, Financial Reports.
A menu item has been created for The Trust and Satellite Club. More Items can be added i.e for Club Projects; On Line registration for Sponsorship and Entries to the tournament. The calendar is now live and can show upcoming meetings and events.
Currently to fill the site Rotary International news items have been entered but need to be replaced by relevant club news articles.
Murray invited Club Members to contribute.
For a full video transcript of the meeting click on the following link or copy and paste it into your browser.
Next meeting Monday 8th June
Discussion revolved around the possibility of having this meeting at The Auto Lodge.
Decision to be made by The Board at the Board Meeting on Wednesday 27th May
