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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)

 
We met last Thursday to commemorate Anzac Day as we do each year.  It was a special meeting, and we missed our Michele Mann who was the instigator of the Great Anzac Breakfast and has become our Rotary Anzac advocate!
 
Co President Penny's family came to the fore (again!) and Roger and their Mum, who was 90 on Tuesday, described their Dad and Grandad's involvement in the army overseas in the 1st World War.
 
The presentation was interesting and makes us pause and to think how lucky we are when you consider the conditions the soldiers battled so gallantly in the wars.  Let's hope history never repeats.
 
Upon reflection the words to the verse below are most appropriate.
 
L and P
 
 
Stories
Meeting In Review - April 21st 2022
Our annual ANZAC themed breakfast meeting was enjoyed last Thursday with 31 in attendance consisting of:  20 members, three partners, seven members of the extended McGarry Clan and Roger McGarry (the guest speaker).
 
Everyone was warmly welcomed and enjoyed the delicious breakfast and lively conversation at tables beautifully set with rosemary centrepieces and decorative red-poppy serviettes.  Heartfelt thanks to member Michele Mann for her annual contribution of the table decorations and to Michelle Forman who supplied an RSA poppy / donation box.
 
Rosemary has particular significance to Australians and New Zealanders as it’s found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula and in Australia.  It is often worn in commemoration of our Service Men and Women (more particularly in Australia). The Red Poppy symbol is well known in NZ and it was lovely to see many guests with red poppies as part of their attire.
 
Our Co-Presidents opened the meeting with directors updates:
 
Community – John L advised a connection had been made with Spiral Drillers who have the ‘diggers’ required to remove an old playground and prep for a sandpit install at Ruapotaka School.  It is hoped work can proceed after the school holidays.
 
Environment – Kevin advised the old bark due to be removed from Ruapotaka School will be recycled and used as mulch at Apirana Reserve in Glen Innes, where our club is regularly contributing to clean-up, weeding and planting.
 
Youth - Gary reminded members ‘Have A Go Sailing’ will commence on 5 May.  Any member interested in spending time at Akarana or on the water along with Yachting NZ are most welcome.
 
Club Services - Robyn advised of the upcoming schedule of speakers and activities over the next four weeks.  Details will continue to be highlighted in each week's Bulletin and members were reminded about timely response to RSVP requests.
 
District Conference - Co-Presidents Lesley and Penny advised a group of 10 from our club have now registered for District Conference in Wellington and urged more to join in what is always a great Rotary fellowship event.  (Talk to Penny or Lesley for more details).  Lesley also reminded us that two prizes of $1000 were up for grabs at the Conference as Talent Contest prizes for pre-recorded entries.  She urged members to get creative and come up with ideas to ‘win’ that money, which would be an extremely welcome fundraising opportunity.
 
In lieu of Sergeant’s session - Club Members were given the amazing opportunity to purchase retro “Great Kiwi ANZAC Day Breakfast” mugs, a box of which had been unearthed from member Michele Mann’s storage unit.  Many members present took the opportunity to do this, and will happily be charged $7.50 per mug.
 
Also ‘liberated’ from storage was a rather large ANZAC themed painting which was (ha-hum) snapped up via silent auction.  Funds from the painting are to be donated to the Orakei RSA along with $10 from each breakfast fee collected from our annual ANZAC breakfast.
 
Guest Speaker - Co-President Penny then introduced our guest speaker Roger McGarry. Roger is well known to our club.  Brother of Penny, Roger was ‘Camp Father’ in the year we hosted RYLA and has presented to our Club twice before.  His first presentation (at very short notice) was on his exploits to Antarctic to count Skuas; and back in October last year he entertained us (via Zoom) with stories of his adventures at Bonneville Speedway, Utah.
 
This time, Roger was delighted to have the opportunity to share stories of his Grandfather:  2nd Lieutenant WT Palmer from the Auckland Mounted Rifles.  Roger explained, a tidy up after his death led to the discovery of a box full of letters and photographs his Grandfather had written while serving. The letters revealed details of the transport to Gallipoli; what conditions were like travelling with a ship packed full of horses; and once landed the daily struggles and later descriptions (such as the censor would allow) of his exploits in the trenches.
 
Roger took up the challenge to transcribe and collate the letters, researching his Grandfathers War Records and then presenting the findings (and story) in a booklet for his family.  He made some revealing discoveries, uncovering how incredibly mentally strong and brave 2nd Lieutenant Palmer had been during the Gallipoli Campaign where it is reported a total of 8,556 New Zealanders landed on the peninsula – of whom 7,447 were killed or wounded.  A staggering casualty rate of 87%.
 
Also in attendance on Thursday was Kath McGarry (Roger’s mum), daughter of 2nd Lieutenant Palmer.  Kath is in her 90s and she contributed to the story by telling us how her father NEVER spoke of the war.  She explained he was a farmer at heart, and she knew him as a very loving, fair and hardworking family man who occasionally rubbed a leg that still held shrapnel and despite having a hand missing three fingers, easily milked cows and worked wood!
 
While giving the outline of his Grandfather’s time at war, Roger displayed extracts of the neatly penned and descriptive letters he had written, along with photographs his grandfather took with a pocket camera.  He also had his Grandfather’s Ceremonial Sword and original photographs on display for members to look at.
 
It was very poignant to Commemorate ANZAC Day (early) with our ‘breakfast’ and hear this ‘family’ story.  Our Club is very thankful Roger and Kath were happy to share this story with us all.
 
(A big thank you to our Director Club Services (Robyn I.), for submitting the above text in the Editors absence.
Club Meetings and Other Important Dates
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.  RSVP to Robyn no later than 26th April please. 
 
 
THURSDAY MAY 5th - DINNER MEETING ALONG WITH AN EVENING ON THE GOLF RANGE
Commences at 6.00pm on the Range, followed by Fish & Chips at the 19th!  See poster below with full details.  RSVP to Robyn, no later than May 2nd, Please.
 
 
MONDAY MAY 9th - ANNUAL DEBATE WITH AUCKLAND EAST ROTARY: 
Be sure to attend to support our team comprising of; David H, Lynette and Angus.  This year's Debate is hosted by Auckland East at their weekly meeting, Monday May 9th at the Tamaki Yacht Club, Tamaki Drive.  The Moot is, "Are Smart Phones Making Us Dumber"? RSVP to Robyn no later than May 6th Please.
 
THURSDAY MAY 12TH - MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO DEBATE BEING HELD EARLIER IN THE WEEK, MAY 9th.
 
THURSDAY MAY 19th - BREAKFAST MEETING GUEST SPEAKER: PP HUGH SCOTT-RUSSELL:
PP Hugh and wife Jackie were able to take time off in mid April to visit family in South Africa.  At a time when travel is so complicated by Covid, Hugh will report on how their trip went.
 
 
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!!!
Kev's Candid Camera Album
Photo's from last weeks meeting to add to Candid Kev's album.
 
As can be seen in the photo above and the following, Candid Kev captured the bright colours on display perfectly.
 
 
More splendid colours!
 
 
Penny conducting the line up of McGarry speakers, or is she playing auctioneer for the silent auction?
 
 
I've got plenty more stories if you would like to invite me back again.
 
 
These three members look more and more a like each time we see them!
 
 
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 May 18th.
  *   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>
Time For A Smile
A man in a hot air balloon is lost over Ireland .
He looks down and sees a farmer in the fields and shouts down to him, “Where am I ?”
The Irish farmer looks back up and shouts back, "You can't fool me. You're in that basket up there."
Rotary Four Way Test
 
 
 
 
Next Meeting:
 
Thursday April 28th 2022
 
Breakfast Meeting 7.00am for 7.15am. 
 
Venue: REMUERA GOLF CLUB
Contents:
  • Presidents Pen
  • Review of April 21st Meeting
  • Club Meetings & Other Important Dates
  • Diary May 5th! - Fellowship.  Evening Dinner and Golf Range
  • Change-over - Diary June 18th!
  • Kev's Candid Camera
  • Salvation Army Food Packing
  • Time For a Smile
  • Rotary Four Way Test
Speakers
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 - moot 'Smart Phones Are Making Us Dumb'
May 12, 2022 7:00 AM
Meet instead on Monday evening, 9 May to support our Debating Team
May 19, 2022 7:00 AM
South African travels
May 26, 2022 7:00 AM
Club Assembly
Jun 02, 2022 6:00 PM
Exploring the 'Shadow City'
Jun 09, 2022 7:00 AM
Living the Dream - Surflifesaving & Coastguard
Jun 16, 2022
Changeover is Saturday 18 June
Jun 18, 2022 6:00 PM
View entire list
Upcoming Events
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
 
Club Changeover
Jun 18, 2022
6:00 PM – 10:00 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 28 April MORNING
 
Set Up / Set Down
Jolliffe, Cheri
 
Attendance
Cain, Miles
 
Greeter
Gibson, Steele
 
Host
Ingram, Robyn
 
Thanks & Close
Walsh, Peter
 
Thursday 5 May EVENING
 
Attendance
Gatt, Alex
 
Greeter/Host
Harris, Lesley
 
Greeter/Host
McGarry, Penny
 
Thursday 19 May MORNING
 
Set Up / Set Down
Buchanan, Peter
 
Greeter
Tedcastle, Isabella
 
Attendance
Boyd, Lynette
 
Host / Thanks / Close
Leyland, Penny
 
Thursday 26 May MORNING
 
Set Up / Set Down
Robinson, Beryl
 
Greeter
Lucas, Claire
 
Attendance
Robinson, Colin
 
Thanks & Close
Gerrard, Tricia
 
Thursday 2 June EVENING
 
Set Up / Set Down
Mcphee, Angus
 
Greeter
Fergus, Brian
 
Attendance
Scott-Russell, Hugh
 
Host / Thanks / Close
Richardson-Jones, Aubrey
 
Thursday 9 June MORNING
 
Set Up / Set Down
Ingram, Robyn
 
Greeter
Gibson, Steele
 
Attendance
Street, Tom
 
Host / Thanks / Close
Bell, Patrick
 
Saturday 18 June EVENING - CHANGEOVER
 
Changeover Team
 

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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