You know that a Rotary year has ended when the Past President has presented his report to the Club detailing the performance of his year, as Russell was able to do at our AGM held on 1 October. A copy of his report is attached to the Bulletin for your reading pleasure.
From my point of view, thanks to Russell for your commitment to the role of President of our Club during the 2018-2019 year. You should be very proud of what was achieved - well done from me.
Attached to this Bulletin is a copy of a report to the Club from Outbound Exchange Student, Ella, on her latest adventures in Belgium.
The ‘Rotary Youth Exchange’ program is a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience a change in culture and this Club is making a significant contribution to this Rotary program this year with two outbound students and, of course, our inbound student Hanna from Sweden.
I am also appreciative of the support from club members for the recent “whip round” to fund a bungy jump for Hanna. In addition to these funds our Mayor Jim Boult, along with John Taylor, had also spoken with AJ Hackett and a ticket has been provided for her. The funds raised from the whip round have been given to Hanna in support of her South Island tour. Thanks to all who contributed, your generosity is appreciated.
I have been privileged to have had some communication from both Carola Nygren, and Nils Bergea Nygren, Hanna’s parents. They have both expressed appreciation to our Club for your continued support of Hanna during her tenure with us.
As for exchange students, it is always a great opportunity to experience other cultures and Rosanna and I have just returned from 7 days in Hong Kong. Despite the international news bulletins about the protest uprising in Hong Kong, we were fortunate to not see any evidence of protests or violence. There was, though, plenty of opportunity to speak with locals regarding the political issues and there is no doubt that their concerns are real.
We were free out in the streets and were under no pressure or sense of discomfort. A local told me that the violence was more likely to occur at the weekend as, generally, youth had to work at their places of employment during the week ostensibly to fund the “filters” for their gas masks.
Now we are away to sunny Nelson for another conference. I should be back by the time your receive this Bulletin.
The Club Directors will be meeting on 7 October for a further Board meeting so I will report back to you on the key points from that meeting.
Take care Rotarians
Ross
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