Sampler Week 12

Pahiatua
"Turn around where possible so you are facing in the opposite direction to the direction in which you are directing your vehicle now" instructed my GPS . I ignored this and continued in the direction in which I was directing my vehicle. After repeated attempts to persuade me to turn around my GPS gave up trying to take me into the Manawatu Gorge, which of course I knew was closed, and assisted me over the Pahiatua Track to Tararua College where we were greeted at the door by Past DG Bill Carthew. We spent a lovely afternoon with Bill and his wife Diana and President Glynis before the Board and Club meetings were upon us. Bill and Glynis showed us some of the projects Pahiatua Club had been involved with over the years including the Polish Children's Refugee Memorial, Rotary Park, The Tararua College farm, Marae and Manaakitangi, Scout House and the playground at the domain. At the club meeting I was delighted to present a PHF to Diana.

The Scout House, built in a day by the Pahiatua Rotary Club, then numbering about 40 members

Bill Carthew and Diana at Rotary Park donated to the former District High School, now Hillcrest School

My name should be here somewhere. Bill and Diana search for Bill's name on the Governor's chain. President Glynis assists

Dannevirke

The following day we were on the road heading again towards the Manawatu Gorge but this time we took the Saddle Road to Dannevirke. Dannevirke Club is very much focussed this year on youth at risk and disadvantaged young people which fits well with World President Kalyan's focus on families. We were joined at the club meeting by members of the former Woodville Club, Past President Glan Johansen and Jim Worboys. Dannevirke are planning a motorbike tour through remote countryside of the Wairarapa. Watch for more details of this.

The Dannevirke gong

Mayor Roly Ellis, Dannevirke President Glynis

Foxton

Foxton Club's focus this year is to bring more young people into their club but to bring in, not new members,but new Rotarians. As Past president Charlie Petersen puts it : (We want members who will) " Be a Rotarian and live the life of a Rotarian", a sentiment I totally agree with.

The members dressed the tables appropriately

Otaki

Otaki Club told me they are keen to participate in a Pacific Island project. Martin Garcia, this your cue. Otaki Club meets at Rotary House, a former Church Hall which they bought.

Sergeant for the night Wilf Geerling ran an entertaining quiz on the Rugby World Cup

Once again Margaret meets up with an old school mate. Rochelle (nee Swan). On the right is AG Christine Osborne, who, we found out, was also at school with Robyn.