More of the 'Naki

Phase 1 of our Taranaki club visits is complete. We were looked after superbly well by Assistant Governor David Gibson and his wife Rosalie. Margaret and Rosalie hit if off right from the word go and there was a great deal of belly laughter during the 4 days of our stay, which caused some sideways glances and funny looks. I had a good look at one of Davis's business enterprises and may be able to help him solve a small problem. Business networking is one of the core objectives of Rotary of course.

David had organised a meeting with Mayor Harry Duynhoven who is very supportive of Rotary and gave us some thoughts of how we could help the underprivileged in the community. This is right at the heart of RI President Kalyan's focus of Strengthening Communities and I'm sure we will take these suggestions and develop them into community projects. The Taranaki 1 Cluster is working well under David's stewardship. They have formed a Trust to build a Men's Shed and all five clubs are on board with this. David raised this with Mayor Harry who suggested a plot of land where the shed might be established.

I am aware of other Cluster Groups considering Men's Sheds. David would be a good contact for advice as would the Masterton South Club. I was delighted to meet PDG Barbara Williams again, to become acquainted with PDG Nigel Hayton (and to find out he is an engineer) and to present his wife Beryl with a PHF. Back to South Taranaki this coming week with a foray to Waitara on Wednesday.

Noho ora mai.

Bob and Margaret

Fellowship at Fitzroy

A triad of engineers at New Plymouth North: PDG Nigel Hayton ( Electrical Engineer), President Geoff Ward ( Mechanical Engineer), Self ( Civil Engineer) with Beryl Hayton and Margaret.

We are indebted to AG David Gibson and Rosalie for the time they gave to ensure our stay was memorable