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The Presidents' Pen

Co-Presidents St. Johns Rotary, Penny McGarry (Ph: 021 702 310), and Lesley Harris (Ph: 027 4935 498)

 
It was wonderful to see the many members, their partners, family and friends who attended our dinner meeting along with the new faces that joined us together with invited members from neighbouring Clubs.
A special welcome again to our "prodigal sons' Sam and Oscar who lowered the Club age demographic considerably - for the night only !
 
Roast Lamb and trimmings was enjoyed by all and then we welcomed our very own and very entertaining Simon Jones to present.
 
Simon's presentation was absolutely 'electrifying" - if you will excuse the pun.  He is so well informed and passionate about the project and  for an Accountant he is a 'salesperson extraordinaire'.
 
I'm sure we all wish Simon all the best with his endeavours.
 
Thank you all for making it a very memorable night.  The Rotary Club of St Johns is special and requires all of us to preserve that
quality which we have come to expect and enjoy.
 
Take care
L and P
Stories
Meeting In Review - April 7 2022

What a very pleasant view to see a near full room for our meeting last week,  Not only was it a dinner meeting, which always attracts a good crowd, but having one of our own as the guest speaker also attracts big crowds and last Thursday was no exception.
 
Co-Presidents Penny & Lesley welcomed all 23 special guests and the 22 members present.  Guests included visitors from other Rotary Clubs in the district, prospective new members, past Rotarians from Auckland and abroad and members' partners, friends and family members.
 
More about our guest speaker below, but first a couple of club notices were shared.
  • In Tom's absence, Co-President Penny reminded all members that the cut off for RYLA nominations was fast approaching and as we still have sponsorship available for a few more suitable candidates. Please do not hesitate to forward details to Tom asap.
  • Peter B advised members that a working bee will be held on July 23rd to prepare areas in the Apirana Reserve for the winter planting, so please put this date in your diary.  There may well be an earlier working bee needed and if this is the case Peter will share details as soon as he knows,
  • There are several other special events on the horizon with details in the next story - please be sure to diary these now.
 
Prior to our guest speaker being introduced, member at large Oscar Lyons, was given a very warm welcome and asked to say a few words.  His words were few, but he is delighted to be back in New Zealand for a short break, having recently completed his PHD at Oxford University and he is looking forward to returning full time when his work and business commitments in the UK have been met.
 
In what was very much a role reversal, Sam Lucas was invited to introduce our guest speaker, Simon Jones.  On many occasions over the past 4 years, Simon has had the pleasure of introducing Sam and last week Sam had the opportunity to introduce Simon.  He came to talk to us about "Sea Waiheke" (SW), and the challenges he has faced over the last four years as he, and a small group of investors and entrepreneurs have endeavored to get the necessary approvals to get SW up and running.
 
He wanted his talk to be the story of a project, a process and an ending.  Apart from having many skills, not too long ago Simon was the CEO of Sea-Link and he is passionate about the Waitemata Harbour and would not be involved if the project wasn't going to deliver a positive outcome for the harbour, Auckland and Aucklanders as well as residents of Waiheke.
 
SW's goal is to launch a new ferry service between Orakei Landing and Kennedy Point.  The ferry would be fully powered by electric batteries and the ferry would dock, load and unload primarily vehicles, but also foot passengers and bicycles onto a floating pontoon.   This pontoon would not impact negatively on the current marina, Tamaki Drive, the surrounding suburbs, or the established Orakei Landing.  All SW are seeking is "7" existing car parks to enable a simple access driveway to be constructed between Tamaki Drive and the floating pontoon.  This is only 1% of the Orakei Landing facility. 
 
The approval process to date has taken 4 years and approvals from the Land Owner, Orakei Board, Auckland City, Auckland Transport, Orakei Landing and others are still required.  The recent submission supporting the project recorded a result of 90% in favour which is not surprising considering the benefits outlined to the city, commuters, residents of Waiheke Island and Aucklanders.
 
One of the significant concerns that some interested parties have, relate to increased congestion in the area.  SW have argued that there will be virtually no congestion as vehicles will hold a booking for the hourly service and they will be accommodated on the floating pontoon, as will foot traffic, not on the surrounding roads.
 
SW are also keen to point out that the addition of a new and additional service will bring to the consumers all the benefits associated with increased competition.
 
There was a very lively Q & A session at the conclusion of Simon's talk and if any members still have questions regarding any potential impact of the project, don't hesitate to contact Simon directly . 
 
 
 
 
 
Club Meetings and Other Important Dates
THURDAY APRIL 14th - BREAKFAST MEETING:  GUEST SPEAKER - Lisa Rudolf;  Topic: Presbyterian Support Northern - caring for our vulnerable.
Presbyterian Support Northern is a charitable social service organisation that supports vulnerable people and enhances local communities.  Lisa will tell us about the extensive services this organisation offers country wide.
 
THURSDAY APRIL 21st - BREAKFAST MEETING:  GUEST SPEAKER -Roger McGarry Topic:  ANZAC - Roger will share his Grandfathers War Story.
Join us for our annual ANZAC breakfast in the Tui Lounge at our usual 7am, Thursday morning meeting time.  Renowned speaker Roger McGarry returns, this time to regale us with stories of Grandfather 2nd Lieutenant WT Palmer from the Auckland Mounted Rifles.  (Roger is the brother of Co-President Penny McGarry and a popular speaker at our Club).  NB:  Due to scheduling difficulties this year's ANZAC Breakfast meeting will be held a few days before 'official' ANZAC Day.
 
 
THURSDAY APRIL 28th - BREAKFAST MEETING:  GUEST SPEAKER - POLICE CONSTABLE CHRIS MALATIOS:   PC Chris graduated with the Ashley Bloomfield Wing, and started 'on the beat' in January 2020, as NZ 'grappled' with the first wave of Covid.  From the viewpoint of being new to the 'force' at that time, PC Chris will humorously share with us how Covid has impacted on Police training; procedures and in 'action'.  He will also share how he stays positive when Police 'cop' so much negative media attention.  
 
 
Driving Range and Fish & Chip Combo
Early Advice - Changeover June 18th 2022
St. Johns Rotary 2022 - Saturday June 18th 2022 - Remuera Golf Club:
 
Full details of this very important event in the Rotary Calendar will be advised shortly but please diary now!!!
Have A Go Sailing Is Soon To Return
One of our special youth projects each year is sponsoring the "Have A Go" sailing programme, offered by St. Johns to primary schools in our community and 2023 will be no exception.
 
This year's programme will begin on Thursday May 5th and again be held in the waters adjacent to the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Orakei.  There will be 375 students participating from 8 schools, being; St. Heliers, Panmure, St. Josephs, St Patricks, Ruapotaka, Churchill Park, Glenn Taylor and St Pius X.
 
....and of course none of this would be possible if it wasn't for the Sponsors and volunteers.
 
Once again Orakei Marina are our primary sponsor, Yachting New Zealand will make it all happen on the water and of course Gary Key has once again pulled it all together.  A huge thank you to Orakei Marina, NZ Yachting and Gary.
 
 
 
Salvation Army Food Packing
  *   Our club has a standing invite to join RC Newmarket to pack at the Mt Wellington branch
  *   We pack on the third Wednesday of each month - next pack for St. Johns - Wednesday April 20th.
  *   We pack again on the fifth Wednesday of each month (if there is one)
 
Location:   18 Allright Place, off Carbine Road, Mt Wellington
Start time:   9:00am 
Ends:    Noonish
Can you assist?   Contact in advance:  Murray Hutchinson 021 069 0203
Murray’s email:   murrayh1@orcon.net.nz<mailto:murrayh1@orcon.net.nz>
Kev's Candid Camera
Unfortunately Candid Kev was unable to attend our last meeting, but once again he secured the services of Aubrey, stand-in extraordinaire, who has submitted the following shots as additions to the album.
 
Peter & Gary doing a great job on the "Attendance Desk and Miles & Claire appear to be happy with the job being done.
 
 
What a great looking buffet - always the most popular place to be!
 
 
Special guest Jinny also looks pretty keen to join the food queue as well!
 
 
Aubrey continues his search for the Whale Tales.
 
 
Great to see you back Oscar - looking forward to future visits and receiving updates from Oxford.
 
 
HM John doing a good job hosting guests.
 
 
Great job holding that bar up Brian - looks like you belong there.
 
 
Hey John - what's your secret to growing a full head of hair?
 
 
Do you think my talk was as good as Sams?
 
 
 
Time For A Smile

A Quote from Billy Connolly;

"I've always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives.",

 

....and an extra from PP Robyn - thanks Robyn.

Rotary Four Way Test
 
 
 
 
Next Meeting:
 
Thursday April 14th 2022
 
Breakfast Meeting 7.00 am for  7.15 am. 
 
Venue: REMUERA GOLF CLUB
Contents:
  • Presidents Pen
  • Review of April 7th.
  • Club Meetings & Other Important Dates
  • Diary May 5th!
  • Diary June 18th!
  • Have A Go Sailing
  • Salvation Army Food Packing
  • Kev's Candid Camera
  • Time For a Smile
  • Rotary Four Way Test
Speakers
Apr 14, 2022 7:00 AM
Presbyterian Support Northern - Supporting our Vulnerable
Apr 21, 2022 7:00 AM
ANZAC Theme - Roger will share Grandfather's War Stories
Apr 28, 2022 7:00 AM
Covid Vs Police
May 05, 2022 6:00 PM
Golf Range & Fish and Chip Night
May 09, 2022 5:30 PM
Meet Monday 9 May - topic TBA
May 12, 2022 7:00 AM
Meet instead on Monday evening, 9 May to support our Debating Team
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Food Parcel Packing at Salvation Army
Apr 20, 2022
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Food Parcel Packing at Salvation Army
May 18, 2022
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Food Parcel Packing at Salvation Army
Jun 15, 2022
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Food Parcel Packing at Salvation Army
Jun 29, 2022
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Food Parcel Packing at Salvation Army
Jul 20, 2022
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
View entire list
Meeting Responsibilities
Thursday 14 April MORNING
 
Set Up / Set Down
Robinson, Colin
 
Attendance
Robinson, Beryl
 
Greeter
Mcphee, Angus
 
Close
Harris, Lesley
 
Thursday 21 April MORNING
 
Set Up / Set Down
Ingram, Robyn
 
Attendance
Hartstone, David
 
Greeter
Fabian, Graham
 
Host
McGarry, Penny
 
Thanks & Close
Hutchinson, Murray
 
Thursday 28 April MORNING
 
Set Up / Set Down
Jolliffe, Cheri
 
Attendance
Cain, Miles
 
Greeter
Gibson, Steele
 
Host
Ingram, Robyn
 
Thanks & Close
Walsh, Peter
 

Club Contacts

Co-Presidents': 
Penny McGarry 021 702 310 &
Lesley Harris 027 4935 498
Secretary, Treasurer & Apologies: 
Alex Gatt 021 571 722
Presidents' Elect: 
Gary Key 021 611 169 & Graham Fabian 021 826 292
Club Services: 
Robyn Ingram  022 0200 171 
Foundation: 
Gary Key 021 611 169
Community: 
Hugh Scott Russell 021 0813 7313 & John Lewisham 09 5288908.
Youth: 
Tom Street 021 685 651
Science Technology & Education:
 Peter Buchanan 027 434 1832
Sergeants: 
Michelle Forman 021 0277 9456, Angus McPhee  09 575 1007 & Cheri Joliffe 021 037 7559
Membership: 
Beryl Robinson 021 652 802. Email: berylrobinson@xtra.co.nz
Bulletin Editor: 
Pete Walsh 021 747 858. walshp@xtra.co.nz
Club:
www.rotarystjohns.club
Area Governor:
Ashwini Sadhu
021 305 261,
email: marysadhu99@gmail.com  
Our Meetings:  (Subject to COVID19 Restrictions)
 
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:
Beryl Robinson 021 652 802. Email: berylrobinson@xtra.co.nz
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