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The President's Pen

Kia Ora,
 
We had a small but informative meeting on Thursday learning about the hidden gem called Churchill Park. I know Peter Buchanan is actively engaged with the Friends of Churchill  Park and would be pleased to introduce members if they are interested.
 
The final numbers are in for the Golf Tournament and it was a smasher. Congrats to all involved and I am sure our club will fund great projects in 21/22.
 
I am looking forward to our elite debating event this Thursday so please invite friends and family to this auspicious event. 
 
Take care and see you on Thursday.
 
Hugh

President: Rotary Club of St Johns
Phone: 021 0813 7313
Stories
Meeting in Review - April 29th 2021
Possibly due to the long weekend and school holidays, numbers were down this week, with only 22 members in attendance, plus our guest speaker.
 
However, those in attendance were in fine form! Sergeant of the Day (Aubrey) led a resolutely researched and lively Sergeant’s session which was very enthusiastically countered with the usual St John’s humour and back chat.
 
Our guest speaker was Margaret Voyce, who is a member of the Orakei Local Board and is their Environmental spokesperson. Her portfolio also includes Watercare and Civil Defence.  Margaret opened by advising that she ‘loves Rotary’ and explained that when she was slightly younger, she was a Rotaract member and a RYLA recipient.  She also informed us that Peter Buchanan was a ‘legend in his own lunchtime’ having heard Ruud Kleinpaste talk about Peter on his radio show!
 
As Environmental spokesperson, Margaret discovered there were a lot of different environmental groups working in the area with many common goals, but they were not aware of each other. The Environmental Forum came about as a way to bring these groups together, so they could learn about each other and how they might help each other. This has proved to be a very successful imitative. She advised the main environmental areas the Orakei Board oversees are:
 
Pourewa Valley – apparently the largest urban natural area in NZ. Along with the horse paddocks and valley, it now features the Iwi gardens/nursery and the bike path which is opening up the area.
 
Waiatarua Reserve – the largest urban wetlands in NZ, with main task being water reticulation taking water from roads, and surrounding areas like Stonefields – bringing it through the golf course, into Waiatarua, along to the Orakei Basin and out through Hobson Bay.
 
Tahuna Torea – 25 hectares of unique wildlife sited on the long sand bank extending out into the Tamaki Estuary.
 
Churchill Park - In the second part of her talk, Margaret spoke about Churchill Park, which she calls a ‘sleeping beauty’ and in her view is in need of some care and attention. Churchill Park is 44 hectares (approx. 110 acres) and it is zoned for passive recreation. It has unrealised potential and perhaps because of lack of frontages to the park, doesn’t have great public profile.  As well as Reserve status, it is also a Farm Park (cattle graze there) and an Eco-School utilised by Churchill Park School. Walkers also use the park, it is an off-leash dog area, and has the most extraordinary views from the top.
 
Margaret outlined the history of the (now) Reserve land from original Ngati Paoa ownership who sold to the Crown (they retain tangata whenua); then on-sold to the Taylor family (who had three main farms there, one of which was called Glendowie); then acquired by George Riddell in 1920s; then in 1923 ownership transferred to the Glendowie Golf Club (which didn’t do very well). In 1944 the land was repurchased by another developer for housing and then (thankfully) it was forcibly acquired back in 1945 by the Council for Reserve purposes and patriotically renamed “Winston Churchill Park”. 
 
In the early 50s the council subdivided more of the Reserve off for housing. This was cause for concern for residents in the area, who from that time started to band together to oppose further subdivision plans (most of which were successful), leaving the current Reserve of today.
 
Since around 2011 to the present day, the ‘Friends of Churchill Park’ group(s) have worked tirelessly with the Council and have successfully revegetated about 6 hectares of the park.  Eastern Bays Song Bird Project Inc have also worked hard to control pests and attract more birds into the area with the knowledge that Churchill Park is actually in the flight path of native birds from some of Tamaki Makaurau’s small islands.
 
This year for Arbor Day (Saturday 5 June) a further 1000 trees will be delivered to Churchill Park for planting. Plans continue for removal of the dead and dying pine trees in the gullies; fencing planted areas; and to build a look-out.
 
Thanks to the tenacity and dogged determination of groups such as ‘Friends of Churchill Park’ this beautiful reserve continues to remain available to the public and continues to develop.  BUT they really need reinvigorating and ongoing help.
 
Cue Rotary Club of St Johns and the possibility of planting and weeding assistance and collaboration with Trees for Survival with Churchill Park School, etc. We all look forward to stepping up our environmental assistance in this area and thank Margaret Voyce for her extremely informative presentation on the wonderful nature Reserves right on our doorsteps.
 
Note From Ed.  A sincere thanks to IPP and Club Services Director Robyn for the excellent "meeting in review", above in Ed's absence - as if she didnt have enough to do without this being loaded on to her work load - THANKS ROBYN
Club Activities & Other Important Dates to Diary
THURSDAY MAY 6th - Dinner Meeting - Annual Debate between St. Johns and Auckland East Rotary Clubs;
It is our turn to host the much anticipated Annual Debate with our 'chums' at Rotary Club of Auckland East. Partners and guests encouraged to come along and support this year's Debating Teams. 
 
Moot; "Should Covid-19 vaccinations be compulsory for 18 years old and older?".  The RC St Johns has been assigned the affirmative – arguing in favour - RC Auckland East assigned to negative – arguing against.  Be sure that you RSVP so that you too can be witness to St. Johns lifting the highly sort after trophy!
 
 
THURSDAY MAY 13th - Breakfast Meeting - Club Assembly, AKA "Brainstorming".  President's Elect Penny & Lesley will lead discussion on their 'shared' focus for the upcoming new Rotary year. 
 
 
THURSDAY MAY 20th - Breakfast Meeting - Guest Speaker TBA
 
 
 
Have A Go Sailing
After a year's absence due to Covid, the Have a Go (HAG), sailing programme, which is partly sponsored by SJRC, is back.  This year Orakei Marina are also back supporting the STJ.RC. Thank you Orakei Marina. 
 
A big thank you also to New Zealand Yachting who run the programme which is commencing at the Auckland Sailing Club (ASC), on May 10th.  The ASC are located right next door to Fergs Kayaks at Okahu Bay. 
 
Weather permitting, the programme will run for 12 days and if any members are interested in getting up close and personal to the action, please contact Gary Key.     
 
Put your Thinking Cap on - be creative
Another thought provoker as we head towards the 13th of May and our all important Club Assembly (aka Brainstorm) where YOU will have the chance to help shape our club for the year ahead. We are vibrant now, but in true St Johns Rotary fashion are always looking to do even better.
Four District Events for you to consider
  
The following Event information (details under 'Read more ..") has been received from District 9920 and is passed on for your consideration.  If interested, please respond directly to the Event organisers - also see the District Calendar at https://www.rotarydistrict9920.org/events/calendar
  1. Rotary 100 Year Centennial Showcase
  2. District 9920 Conference
  3. District 9920 Conference Formal Dinner
  4. District 9920 Changeover
Read more...
Kev's Candid Photo Album
At last weeks meeting, Kev was once again taking his photographers role seriously and below are more shots to be added to his Candid Album. Did he snap you this week?
 
No sign of Graham taking his shirt off this week!  By the way the winning Caption last week was won by no other  than our Chief Photographer - Kev K.  His winning caption was; "So I ran into the phone booth, unbuttoned my shirt and then realised Beryl hadn't washed my Superman outfit, so I went to Rotary".
 
 
Now listen up beautiful people!
 
 
I can't understand why Penny doesn't pickup when I call.
 
 
I can't believe that we are having Technical issues.
 
 
Sargent Aubrey continues his push for a record fining session.
 
 
It may have been a small audience, but they were very attentive!
 
 
Aren't I photogenic!' 
 
 
Time For A Smile
A SIGN IN A SHOE REPAIR STORE READS:
"We will heel you
We will save your sole
We will even dye for you."
 
AT AN OPTOMETRIST'S OFFICE:
"If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place." 
 
ON A PLUMBER'S TRUCK:
"We repair what your husband fixed." 
 
ON AN ELECTRICIAN'S TRUCK:
"Let us remove your shorts."
 
ON ANOTHER PLUMBER'S TRUCK:
"Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
 
AT A CAR DEALERSHIP:
"The best way to get back on your feet – miss a car payment."
 
OUTSIDE A MUFFLER SHOP:
"No appointment necessary. We hear you coming." 
 
IN A VETERINARIAN'S WAITING ROOM:
"Be back in 5 minutes. Sit... Stay..." 
 
AT THE ELECTRIC COMPANY:
"We would be delighted if you send in your payment on time. However,
if you don't, YOU will be de-lighted.
 
IN THE FRONT YARD OF A FUNERAL HOME:
"Drive carefully. We'll wait."
 
IN A RADIATOR SHOP:
"Best place in town to take a leak."
 
SIGN ON THE BACK OF A SEPTIC TANK TRUCK:
"Caution - this truck is full of Political Promises'. 
Rotary Four Way Test
 
Next Meeting:
Dinner Meeting;
 
Thursday 6th May 
6.00pm for 6.30pm.
 
Venue - Remuera Golf Club
 
Bulletin Contents: 
  • The President's Pen
  • Meeting in Review - 29th April 2021 
  • Activities and other Important Dates
  • Have a Go Sailing
  • Put Your Thinking Caps On
  • Four District Events
  • Kev's Candid Camera Album
  • Time for a Smile
Speakers
May 06, 2021 6:00 PM
Should Covid-19 vaccinations be compulsory for 18 years old and older?
May 13, 2021 7:00 AM
Club Assembly (aka Brainstorm)
May 20, 2021 7:00 AM
May 27, 2021 6:00 PM
EVENING MEETING - LegaSea NZ
Jun 03, 2021 7:00 AM
Jun 10, 2021 7:00 AM
Jun 17, 2021 7:00 AM
Jun 18, 2021 6:00 PM
Please diary
Jun 24, 2021
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Annual Debate with RC of Auckland East
May 06, 2021
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
 
MUNA 2021 (Model United Nations Assembly)
May 28, 2021 9:00 AM –
May 29, 2021 5:00 PM
 
View entire list
Meeting Responsibilities
Thursday 6 May EVENING
 
Set-Up
Robinson, Colin
 
Attendance
Ingram, Robyn
 
Greeter
Key, Gary
 
Host
Scott-Russell, Hugh
 
Debate Thanks
Scott-Russell, Hugh
 
Close
Robinson, Beryl
 
Set-Down
Hutchinson, Murray
 
Thursday 13 May
 
Set-Up
Richardson-Jones, Aubrey
 
Attendance
Forman, Michelle
 
Greeter
Cain, Miles
 
Thanks & Close
Peacock, Shaun
 
Stand-By
Gibson, Steele
 
Set-Down
Fergus, Brian
 
Thursday 20 May
 
Set-Up
Robinson, Neil
 
Attendance
Gatt, Alex
 
Greeter
McGarry, Penny
 
Host
Roake, Muriel
 
Thanks & Close
Mcphee, Angus
 
Set-Down
Hillman, Mark
 
Stand-By
Leyland, Penny
 
Thursday 27 May EVENING
 
Set-Up
Figueiredo, Avinash
 
Attendance
Fabian, Graham
 
Greeter
Rutherford, Christie
 
Host
Fergus, Brian
 
Thanks & Close
Bell, Patrick
 
Set-Down
Lewisham, John
 
Stand-By
Gilmer, Gavin
 

Club Contacts

President: 
Hugh Scott-Russell 021 0813 7313 
Secretary, Treasurer & Apologies: 
Alex Gatt 021 571 722
Presidents Elect: 
Penny McGarry 021 702 310   &
Lesley Harris 027 4935 498
Sergeant: 
Michelle Forman 021 0277 9456
Club Services: 
Robyn Ingram  022 0200 171 
Bulletin Editor: 
Pete Walsh 021 747 858
Membership: 
John Lewisham 021 375080
Website:  www.rotarystjohns.club
Our Meetings
 
We meet Thursday for breakfast at
7:00 am for 7:15 am start,
except for the first Thursday of the month, when we meet in the evening at 6:00 pm for dinner.
 
Remuera Golf Club
120 Abbotts Way
Remuera
Auckland 1072
New Zealand 
 
All Rotarian's are welcome 
including family members.
 
Others wanting to visit are most welcome - please phone or email:
John Lewisham. Ph: 021 375 080, email; jdlewisham@gmail.com
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