We are back! It feels like a lifetime ago since I last wrote a report and we had an official meeting. I must firstly congratulate all of you who volunteered and contributed to the success of arguably the best Commonwealth Games ever. It is very interesting to hear the tales from those who worked as ‘house-keepers’ at the Games Village. From all accounts a never to be forgotten experience.
A couple of instances that warrant mention and were not so good however. The first was the totally unacceptable behaviour of the professional unwashed protesters who disrupted the Queens Baton Relay on the Spit, just when our Darrell Brown was about to embark on his leg of the relay. The second was the attitude of some of the supervisory staff at the Games Village, who tried to make life unpleasant for some of our volunteers. However, I have it on very good authority that a couple of them pushed their luck a bit too far and our Mr Nice Guy, Geoff Croad, put one of them firmly in their place.
Robby and I hosted a Rotarian couple from Scotland. They are members of Troon Rotary Club, but they now live in NZ. When asked if they have joined a club in NZ they commented that their local club is far too formal and old fashioned for them, so they haven't joined but maintained their membership in Troon. I don't think we could ever be accused of falling into that category.
Our Change-over lunch is fast approaching, only about 6 weeks away on Sunday 17 June at the newly refurbished Kurawa Surf Club.
Charmaine Wheatley is coming to talk to us about her project in South Africa where she has first hand seen the difference our Wheelchairs have made. She would like to share this with the Club and particularly acknowledge our Wheelchair Project team.
Charmaine has been a Member of Rotary International for over 11 years now and has project managed 50 volunteers to South Africa over a period of 10 years and 7 self-funded volunteer trips.
RAWCS assisted greatly in the past. MAERSK have now twice donated a 40 foot container from Brisbane to Johannesburg (all sea freight charges covered) and which have since been converted into a classroom and business centre.
Last Saturday, Ms Toni Kirton of AB Paterson College visited our Project Shed to discuss a new Community Service project her school will instigate. Ms Kirton, in her position of Director of Positive Education and Leadership is a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the college. Des La Rance introduced her to the various aspects of our operation. We understand that, initially, the college's students will make 5 wheelchairs for us. This could be the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship between Surfers Sunrise Rotary and AB Paterson College!
Our newest Rotarian will turn just 40 in a couple of months... Here is a professional in full flight of his career: by the time you read this, Charles will have taken over his business! Congratulations! But let's go to the beginning: he is an "original" Gold Coaster, having been born and bred right here. His father (also a Rotarian) is a well known Veterinarian. After Trinity Primary School, Charles continued his education at TSS. Recounting a funny episode: visiting the Gold Coast and TSS by Peter Phillips (Princess Anne's son - that's him on the right), Peter was billeted at the Thomassons. As is traditional in such occasions, if there is no spare room, the guest sleeps on a mattress on the floor. Charles' mum however thought that "one could not possibly ask a Royal to sleep on the floor", but tradition did indeed prevail: Peter did sleep on the floor (and was quite happy about it! ☺). Following TSS, Charles attended University in Brisbane, studying Accountancy.
Initially he worked in Brisbane, but then spread his wings to go to London. His employer for the first three months, a major Hairdressing organization, happened to also employ a highly attractive young lady named Angela... Yes, you guessed it, she became his wife in 2008. They married in Angela's home country, Wales. They now have two lovely daughters aged 5 and 7. Charles moved quickly over to Finance, and upon return to Australia, to Stockbroking. His company, Wilsons Advisory, is a major national Financial Adviser organization. As mentioned, Charles has just taken over the local franchise.
And for leisure? Cricket, Rugby and Golf. His current handicap of 18 still has "room for improvement". And of course, regular trips to the family's holiday house on Stradbroke Island.
Adrian Crowe was at the door Larry Murray was Chairman (for Mario Fairlie) and Ian Mayberry was Sergeant.
We had an apology from DG Darrell Brown, Mario Fairlie, Ray Higgs, Al Sirovs, Tania Laird, Rosie Rocco and Angus Miller.
President Andy Bell welcomed all members and - for the last time as a visitor (see below), Jim Blackburn. He conducted a straw poll to determine what members thought of his weekly President's Message in the bulletin. A majority of members politely held up their hand to confirm that it indeed did meet their requirements for weekly inspiration, motivation and energizing, thus fully repudiating your Editor's suggestion that members may require a higher degree of stimulation and incitation... [your Editor humbly apologizes...]. Whilst at it, Andy also expressed his sincere regret if there may have been any member who felt being bullied... On more serious business: we need to think about where we can temporarily meet during the Commonwealth Games, since almost certainly there will be severe traffic restrictions and also the SLSC club will overflow with visitors.
Andy and Membership Director Paul Seymour then inducted our newest member Jim Blackburn (picture right). Jim is an expert in all things electrical and electronics, and is also a director of a distribution company specializing in Bee Products. Welcome to Surfers Sunrise ! Looking forward to your Man behind the Badge presentation.
Simon Brook confirmed with members that now that everyone has approved the new badge designs, they are now on the way. Des La Rance emphasised that there must not be any misunderstanding about members and guests visiting the Project Shed: everyone is most welcome to come to the regular volunteers working bee, every Saturday morning between 07:30 am to 12:00 noon. Wheelchair Trust Chairman Daryl Sanderson advised that a shipment of wheelchairs to Fiji had to be cancelled since they really required "City style" wheelchairs. We also expect the recently arranged relationship with the Rotary Club of Brisbane International to be very beneficial to both parties.
Col Laurenson, the chief of the Northern Region of Donations in Kind, invited any member and friends to visit the DIK depot at 152 Freeman Road, Durak. They work there every Thursday. See Col for more details.
President Elect and Conference Chairman Jo Gorman urged all members to register for the upcoming District Conference at Seaworld. We'll aim to all sit together at the Smorgasbord Dinner on Friday night.
This Wednesday, 21st February 2018, we'll present Pride of Workmanship Awards to several worthy recipients. It will be an evening meeting in lieu of our usual breakfast. Of course, bring your partners and friends along too! Several nominations have already been received, but if you have anyone in mind who deserves this award, simply contact Vocational Services Chair Richard Smith and provide him with details.
Surfers Paradise RSL Club
9 Beach Road
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
(you can park in the Bruce Bishop Car Park across the road)
"If Jack bought 10,000 shares at $3.00 each and he sold 75% of them at $8.00 each to Jim, just before the value went down to $2.00 each, what did Jack end up with?"
"He'd end up with Jim undying wrath!"
The big money is not in the buying and selling. The big money is in the waiting. Charlie Munger.
--- Stocks fell sharply today on prediction of rumors of negative indicators ---
.jpg)
Last Saturday, Ms Toni Kirton of AB Paterson College visited our Project Shed to discuss a new Community Service project her school will instigate. Ms Kirton, in her position of Director of Positive Education and Leadership is a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the college. Des La Rance introduced her to the various aspects of our operation. We understand that, initially, the college's students will make 5 wheelchairs for us. This could be the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship between Surfers Sunrise Rotary and AB Paterson College!.jpg)
Our newest Rotarian will turn just 40 in a couple of months... Here is a professional in full flight of his career: by the time you read this, Charles will have taken over his business! Congratulations! But let's go to the beginning: he is an "original" Gold Coaster, having been born and bred right here. His father (also a Rotarian) is a well known Veterinarian. After Trinity Primary School, Charles continued his education at TSS. Recounting a funny episode: visiting the Gold Coast and TSS by Peter Phillips (Princess Anne's son - that's him on the right), 
Peter was billeted at the Thomassons. As is traditional in such occasions, if there is no spare room, the guest sleeps on a mattress on the floor. Charles' mum however thought that "one could not possibly ask a Royal to sleep on the floor", but tradition did indeed prevail: Peter did sleep on the floor (and was quite happy about it! ☺). Following TSS, Charles attended University in Brisbane, studying Accountancy. 
Jim is an expert in all things electrical and electronics, and is also a director of a distribution company specializing in Bee Products. Welcome to Surfers Sunrise ! Looking forward to your Man behind the Badge presentation.
This Wednesday, 21st February 2018, we'll present Pride of Workmanship Awards to several worthy recipients. It will be an evening meeting in lieu of our usual breakfast. Of course, bring your partners and friends along too! Several nominations have already been received, but if you have anyone in mind who deserves this award, simply contact Vocational Services Chair Richard Smith and provide him with details.
DG Darrell Brown: 12:28 pm .jpg)
"Dad, can you help me with my homework?"