This blog details the projects, and events that will be part of my life in the next two-three years. It will be a life changing experience and I look forward to giving and sharing during this journey. The District theme this year is "Actions Count". Together we "Build Communities and Bridge Continents". Become a follower of this Blog and get others to join as we continue to 'do good in the world'.
Here is a win-win situation. A Rotary Club (New Plymouth West) selects a school (Moturoa) - assistance is given (advice and dollars) to create shade houses, children are excited about seeing the plants grow from seedlings, the community benefits from the plants which are planted at the local port facility (Port Taranaki). What a great programme!!
The beauty of Rotary is the unique, autonomous nature of each Club. Jenny and I visited New Plymouth West tonight and we turned up at the same venue we went to last night. The food (understandably) was similar, but the room was laid out differently, there was another excellent group of enthusiastic Rotarians and I had the opportunity to listen and learn from those I met. President Mick ran an efficient meeting, the sergeant session was extremely well prepared and the raffle winner went home with a wonderful gift basket. This Club has great plans - like many others, including Cluster projects, a Murder Mystery Dinner to raise funds for Ruchi, a Family Street Market, a Drive-in Movie as well as a number of publicity initiatives. New Plymouth is well served by our rotary service clubs - and in the process they are all becoming bigger, better and bolder!! Read the next blog about their Trees for Survival project.
At the visit this evening to New Plymouth West, I had the honour of being presented the District 'talking stick'. This taupiripiri was first presented to PDG Stuart Frame in 1982 and has been handed to each respective District Governor since that date. The District Directory explains in more detail the significance of this maori carved stick. I will be bringing it with me on my future Club visits. Ray presented it with due ceremony. This has been yet another significant event on our journay around the Clubs. [Pictured: Ray presented the histroy and explained the meaning behind the taupiripiri]
For many in our district, RNZWCS is just another 6-letter acronym.
After being greeted by AG David Gibson and wife Rosalie, we were taken to the West End Bowling Club where we met with the Board. It was good to hear of them submitting an application for a district Grant. They have big plans for a Picnic Proms next March and also erecting shelters along the wonderful walkway along with the other New Plymouth Clubs. It was good to recognise Honorary Member Don Holyoake, Don and Gary Brown for their contribution over the years. A great meeting - and my fist around a fire place!! Boy it's cold up here next to Mt Egmont!! 
At Palmerston North this weekend the Shelter Box was on display and as part of the local "Ideal Home Show".
I mention when speaking to Clubs the importance of regular activity amongst members and how this invigorates and makes Clubs vibrant. Clubs that are active are those Clubs where members are engaged and keen to invite others to enjoy the same level of involvement.
[Pictured: Group - (Top Left) fresh and ready to go - and (Top Right) once on top look at the view. (Bottom Left) President Mark looking as fresh as ever and raring to go!! (Bottom Right) what is a good walk without a cup of coffee at the end!!]
It is always a pleasure to see rotarians honouring their own Club members. In this case at Terrace End 
Bigger, better and bolder.
PDG Pat Waite reports "Numbers of those interested (in travelling to India in January 2011) continue to increase and I have just heard from District 9930 that some members from Hamilton are interested as well so we may well end up having 2 groups if the numbers stay at this level but I realize that things come up and some people will need to withdraw. The Immunization Programme is expected to be at a similar time to our visit in 2009 – mid January. As soon as I hear I will come back to you all. In the meantime though we need to continue to plan!"
