Farewell to the 'Naki

Stratford is a town of nearly 6000 people within the urban area and approximately 9000 when the rural population is included. Our last club visit in Taranaki was to the Stratford Rotary Club. "The region gives the Stratford Rotary Club tremendous support in terms of sponsorship of its projects. The concern is that this doesn't rub off in terms of new members" laments Board member Peter Doyle. The support given by the community is epitomised by their backing of the Usbourne Dictionary Project, a major undertaking of the Stratford Club. "At present we have embarked on presenting all aged 7-8 year olds in Central Taranaki Schools with dictionaries" President Barrie explained to me. "To date we have presented 5 schools with 238 dictionaries. We have 6 schools still to go". Congratulations Stratford. This is a significant achievement for a small club. Let's see if we can translate that community support into some new members.

And so we said farewell to the 'Naki, ,and we were sorry to do so. As we cruised back to Wanganui on the state highway that I has spent so much of my younger career days improving Margaret reminisced at the lingering smell of the cowshed and the endearing sight of calves and lambs frolicking in the fields.

It was riveting stuff, whatever it was

President Barrie Smith, prospective new member Julian Yuliang Xv, and Stratford Mayor Neil Volske

Coming up, Week 6 and we are in Wanganui ; the home town clubs shape up.