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President – Jenny Foster 2017/18

September 5th 2017

Volume 83, Issue 10

Secretary@RCE.org.au Chartered 27th March 1935 www.RCE.org.au

Jenny Foster

DATE SPEAKER/EVENT VENUE

12th Sept 2017 Andrew Johnston – Badge Talk & Follow up to the Club

Forum

The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

19th Sept 2017 Carolyn Blackman – Vivid Designs “Spring is in the Air” The Anglers Tavern 6 pm for 7.30pm - Night

meeting

26th Sept 2017 Footys 4 All – Michael Gallus – Grand Final week The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:

This week I begin with a couple of sentences from RI President, Ian Riseley’s message to us all:

"I hope that you not only take time to reflect on your path to Rotary, but also to think about what you can do to help others in your community begin theirs. There is a potential Rotarian in anyone who wants to make a difference, regardless of age or gender, and you can help them join us".

These few words are most thought provoking & I encourage each one of you to consider who you come into contact with each day who have not been invited to visit a Rotary gathering. Rotary is about connecting with our Community & letting others know how they can take Action to help others. In the process they help themselves by being part of something so special & rewarding. Through this journey, good friendships are also made & this was highlighted last Saturday night when some of our

WHAT’S ON NEXT WEEK

Andrew Johnston will give his Badge talk and follow up with club forum where members have their say

The exclusive preview evening, presented by Essendon Theatre Company on Tuesday, 12 September – "Baby

with the Bath Water" This is a fund-raising event hosted by Brumby Babes. This fantastic group work tirelessly raising money for "Relay For Life". The Rotary Club of Essendon proudly work side-by-side in supporting their endeavours so please come along to a night that will be a lot of fun but at the same time "Making A Difference" to so many. See attached flyer for all the details. Bookings are via Trybooking.com and you can either book a table for 10 or individual tickets. For further information or assistance with bookings please contact Maria Kouppas on 0416-122 523 or email: m.kouppas@hotmail.com Hope to see many of you there at the Theatre Night next week. Family & Friends are most welcome to both of course....the more, the merrier!!

Club’s members came together for a Dinner Party hosted by the fabulous Lisa & Andrew Lowcock. Thank you so much for a great night of wonderful food, fun & fellowship.

This week we also read about our very own District Governor D9800, Peter Frueh, who was an enthusiastic participant in Ping-Pong-A-Thon in Oct 2016. The event raised $350,000 nationally for projects aimed at tackling Modern Slavery and sexual exploitation in the South East Asia region. It is anticipated in October 2017 Ping-Pong-A-Thon (www.pingpongathon.com) that approx 100 communities across Australia will host an event, aiming to collectively raise $500,000 for human trafficking prevention initiatives. Participants commit to play table tennis for a minimum of three hours and invite their family and friends to sponsor their efforts. Please take a look at this event & support such an important issue.

Founder of ‘The Pong’, Adrian Rowse explains, ‘There are 45.8 million people (www.walkfreefoundation.org/) who are slaves in the world today. That’s twice the population of Australia who are being used daily like products off a supermarket shelf because their circumstances make them vulnerable to the greed of others. These are the true underdogs of the human community. “Each of these people matter and each deserves the chance to live a life that is free”. Well done Peter & well done all Rotarians who are Making A Difference!! For more fantastic reading please see: http://rotarydistrict9800.com.au/images/17_18Networker4.pdf

Have a wonderful week.

President Jenny

Rotary in Action.

Rotary Club of Essendon & Keilor East visit Children First Foundation - Retreat.

Rotary was there right from the beginning & continue to support the

fantastic work of this not-for-profit organisation bringing children to

Melbourne for life-saving & life-changing operations that cannot be

provided in their own Countries. Working together also with Rotary¹s

Interplast & ROMAC programmes.

Together we can all Make a Difference!

For more information please see: http://childrenfirstfoundation.org.au/about/history/

Speaker for the day - CLAIRE HALLIDAY,

Claire began her writing career doing features for The Sunday Age and, since then, has published more than 1000

articles in prominent magazines and newspapers. She has a strong interest in the lost art of listening and has honed

interviewing skills that help her share powerful, compelling stories. Her books include Things My Mother Taught Me

(Echo).

For more information, please see

http://clairehalliday.com.au The speaker was introduced by PP Lisa Lowcock, Claire

Halliday Author and publisher wrote the book “Things my

mother taught me” using details from her own life

experience as an adopted child. She said she wanted to

leave a legacy to her own children so that they can decide

as to what they think of her as a person who has been

there for them and cared for them, something of her own

life story.

Claire said that she was 11 years old when she found out

quite by accident that she was adopted when she found

her adoption certificate in her mother’s bedside drawer.

She said it was then she started wondering about her

roots and that was the motivation to write the book.

Claire said that she found out that her natural mother, a

Nurse, was 21 years old and her father was 19 years, a

Postman. She said that as she grew older she wanted to

track down her natural mother and as she had an unusual

name and lived in Tasmania she rang all the people with

the same surname until she finally got in contact with her

mother, she said she introduced herself to her natural

mother by first asking whether she knew about the day

Claire was born, she said there was initial silence before a

short conversation started. Claire said that the sad thing

was that later her natural mother did not want to have

any contact with her and encourage her to move on and

forget the past. Claire said that this was a difficult thing

for her and continued to look for her natural father whom

she managed to contact and found a half-sister with whom she is very close now and said that it is amazing how similar they

are in certain ways and said that genetics (nature vs nurture) have a way retaining certain characteristics in us all. Claire

encourage all to buy her book for more details and said that she had interviewed many people to find out how their parents

had influenced their lives. She reminded us that it is the little things that you do for your children that create a bond and

built goodwill and memories of you in their later years.

Other matters

President Jenny welcomed the guests Janice and Laura her daughter as well as Gaye Cariss and welcomed Alistair Fraser back to

the club after his operation.

Jenny spoke about the DIK project and stated that John Odgers is now a member of the Board. She said that the DIK

warehouse will be re-locating to shed 39 as the rent is cheaper.

President Jenny informed all that Anglers had informed he that the cupboard that we store goods needs to be cleaned up and

called for volunteers, please contact President Jenny if you wish to assist.

Member birthdays and anniversaries – Stephen Chandler had to pay a fine for celebrating his anniversary

Andrew Johnston won the raffle but failed to draw the joker and had to speak for 3 minutes, he decided to talk about the

housing market and the recent sales and prices in the vicinity.

ROTARY CLUB OF ESSENDON FACE BOOK ACTIVITY

Att; All members, with our new Face Book presence and webpage improvements we are seeking to publish photographs of our club activities. At each function, lunches, events, fundraisers, social events - in fact every time we do anything in relation to and as representatives of our club we will be taking photos of our club "IN ACTION" and "MAKING A DIFFERENCE". I seek a written response from any member who DOES NOT give permission to have their image published on our social media and webpage. Please email secretary@rce.org.au if you do not wish your image to be used or if you have any other questions about this matter.

Thanks, Lisa Lowcock”

THE BRAEMAR GATHERING – The Leasks & Hendos adventure story

Whilst Melbournians were twiddling their thumbs during a footy free weekend, the Leasks and Hendos got there sporting fix at

the Braemar Gathering. This is the final fixture of the Highland Games circuit in Scotland. We enjoyed ringside seating on a

beautiful sunny day. Traditional highland dress was the norm. Kilts everywhere (which can be a bit disconcerting in the urinals).

These are serious games with highly trained athletes including teams from the defence forces competing alongside children and

young people in various highland events.

The major athletic race was the cross country hill run. About 100 competitors of all ages and both sexes set off around the

arena to the roar of 25,000 fans before vearing off into the heather and up a 1000ft mountain. Half an hour later the announcer

drew our attention to the small specks on the mountainside only visible because of the hi vis vests.

Meanwhile there were activities all around the arena. Bagpipe bands played continuously. A raised stage hosted highland

dancing with many teams of girls from 7 to 17 years old competing. Out of view behind this stage was the long jump pit where

the Hop Step and LEAP took place. And the defence teams played Tug of War. It was keen. Perhaps an extra ration of rum for

the winners?

Roaming around the centre of the arena were about 10 goliaths known here as "champions". These blokes threw a range of

medieval items around the place. The shot put was actually a huge rounded stone, then there was the hammer which actually

looked like a giant chupa chup, with a cannonball attached to a broom handle. Another apparatus was a heavy lump of iron like

an anvil on a chain and finally there were lamp posts called cabers.

The anvil was not only tossed as far as possible it was also swung between the legs and then hurled as high as could be to clear

the equivalent of the pole vault bar. Cabers were 21ft long and weighed 55kgs. All you had to do was lift it up then take an

almighty run and hurl it up so as it spun over just once. This is apparently the signature event and the crowd were enthralled.

The winning tosser was later presented to the Queen.

Had I forgotten to mention that the Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and his sister Anne were sitting just 100 metres from

us? How lucky were they!

Mary and I were quite concerned about an elderly official whose job appeared to be marking where all these things landed.

With little regard for his personal safety it was like he was surviving a Luftwaffe bombing raid of rocks, cannonballs, lumps of

steel and lamp posts.

The Scottish are most hospitable. Local Rotary clubs hosted an official welcoming marquis for international guests. They had

the best job - shook your hand, got you to sign the visitors book, and then join you for a "wee dram". You were then directed to

the genealogy section where your ancestry was quickly determined.

Our attention was drawn back to the arena as the cross country runners started to return - at first at top speed making a gallant

effort to win, but the stragglers took another 45 minutes to return on a one by one basis - all to the encouragement of the

spectators. We noted their legs were covered in mud, dust and blood from scratches. It must have been tough up there.

The day drew to a close with the massed Bagpipes Bands making an encore appearance as the Royal Party departed. The

Queen had her car window down as she performed her famous hand twirl. We were close enough to wink at her.

Thinking of travelling to Scotland? Then pencil in the first Saturday in September so as not to miss this marvellous event.

Besides - there's no footy on anyway.

More details about the ART SHOW

In order to keep all members informed about the Art Show we will be regularly updating you on plans and how you may be able

to help. As you are aware the new committee has been formed and is already busy planning our 2018 show. The committee

comprises the following members of the Rotary Clubs of Essendon and Keilor East.

Essendon: Jenny Foster, Stephen Chandler, Grant Sheldon, Veronica O’Sullivan, Maria Kouppas, Shirley Kukk and Jane Odgers.

Keilor East: Gerard Mahoney (Chair), Virginia (Ginny) Billson, Steve Pennicott, Phil O’Brien,

Chris Rundell and Annie Webb.

Dates:

Gala opening night

Friday 23 March 2018 6.30 – 11.00pm

Art show

Saturday 24 March 11.00 am – 5.00 pm

Sunday 25 March 10.00 am – 4.00pm

Venue:

St Columbans Mission

North Park Mansion

69 Woodland St

Essendon

Once again we will be having stalls on the Sunday. If you know someone who is involved in a fair trade business or is crafty and

would like a stall please let us know. Examples of products that could be sold are fair trade products, scarves, candles, jewellery

and so on. In order to have no products competing with our BBQ and other catering, no food products are allowed. Our Days

for Girls group will have a stall, so if you are planning to weed your book collection please let us know if you have any

appropriate second hand books you are willing to donate.

Many thanks for your help. It is much appreciated.

Thought for the day –

EVENTS CALENDAR DATE SPEAKER/EVENT VENUE

12th Sept 2017 Follow up to Club Forum – Members to have their say

Andrew Johnston – Badge Talk

The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

19th Sept 2017 Carolyn Blackman - Vivid Designs "Spring is in the Air"Gardening Presenter on

Radio ABC 77.4 & ABC Gardening Aust

NIGHT MEETING

The Anglers Tavern 6pm to 7.30pm

26th Sept 2017 Footys 4 All – Michael Gallus – Grand Final week

The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

3rd Oct 2017 Deb Slogget & Helen Penna – Cambodia The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

10th Oct 2017 Steve Sammartino – “The Lessons School Forgot”

The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

17th Oct 2017 To be confirmed NIGHT MEETING

The Anglers Tavern 6 to 7.30PM

24th Oct 2017 DG visit – Peter Frueh The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

31st Oct 2017 DIK Dinner @DIK – CWA Guest Speaker TBC At Donations in Kind – West Footscray

7th Nov 2017 NO MEETING – Cup day

10th Nov 2017 – Friday Cambodian Dinner – Hosted by Care for Cambodia

Strathmore Bowling club – guest speaker

Jessica Whitney, Director Safe Haven

13th Nov 2017 – Monday Shine Tour – TBA – Host Anne Ramsey

14th Nov 2017 Therese Nichols – One Plate Charity The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

21st Nov 2017 Peru Trip – Delegates to present to club NIGHT MEETING

The Anglers Tavern 6 to 7.30PM

24th Nov 2017 Golf day & dinner TBA

28th Nov 2017 Club AGM – Maria Kouppas to present to club The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

1st – 3rd Dec 2017 Days for Girls weekend away Sugarloaf Retreat more info to come

5th Dec 2017 Club Committees to present The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

12th Dec 2017 Christmas party – Fellowship The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

19th Dec 2017 Board meeting & Club meeting

16th Jan 2018 Fellowship dinner with Nth Essendon or Cluster

The Anglers Tavern 12.30 pm for 1pm to 2pm

4th Feb 2018 RCE BBQ TBA

16th & 17 Feb 2018 Relay for Life

20th Feb 2018 Foundation dinner with Cluster – Speaker TBC

27th March 2018 No Meeting – Art Show

15th May 2018 Charter Night TBA

15th June 2018 President changeover dinner TBA

Winner for the Worst Hat: Sam Tartaglia

Have you taken any photos on your iphone, or camera in

this past Rotary Year?

Can I please have them forwarded to:

M.Kouppas@hotmail.com

Many of these photos will form a special memento of this

past year, and I would like to use them as part of the

year in summary.

I appreciate your help with this. Remember any Rotary

function or event….

Thanking you in anticipation

Maria

John L Gregory

Certified Practising Accountant

272 Keilor Road,

North Essendon, VIC 3041

jgregory@netspace.net.au

Telephone: 03-9379 1705

Help yourself and help the Club by banking with Strathmore Community Bank. For example, take out a home loan

and the club will receive up to $500. Take out a 3 month fixed term deposit and the club will receive up to $50.

For more details drop into the branch at 337 Napier St or call branch Manager Philip Stewart on 9374-2607.