President Electric's Lines

We were privileged to have Tina McKenzie from Wheelchair Sport NSW, as guest speaker last week. This organisation is both a sporting body and a charity. At the moment they are trying to raise funds to send a junior team to the Paralympic Youth Games Melbourne in October – a breeding ground for future Paralympians. Tina stressed how ‘Wheelchair Sports’ has helped with her personal goals.

It was my pleasure to induct our newest Rotarian last Wednesday, David Martin. David is under the Community Service portfolio and I am sure he will be an asset to our club.

Congratulations David.

It was pleasing to receive written acknowledgment from Erkan and David the boys from Homebush High who attended RYPEN. An account of their time spent at Springwood was interesting to read, yet another very worthwhile Rotary programme.

This week a cheque to Shelter Box will be presented to Phil Smith. This donation has been arranged through Paolo Giammarco and the Association of Abruzzesi NSW. We thank them for their generosity.

I received an invitation from the Rotary Club of Burwood this week inviting us to attend the 70th Anniversary of its charter. Burwood is our ‘parent club’ and if you would like to attend the evening on the 12th December please contact Ron Lucas, 9894 2167.

Football everywhere; the State of Origin last Wednesday, everybody hurrying home to catch it on the box. The ‘round ball’ game in Quatar saw the Socceroos secure a spot in the 2010 World Cup, most importantly P.P. Brian Johnson and I saw the Wallabies victorious Saturday night.

It is always good to catch up with Brian and the goings on of the Orange Rotary Club. Brian’s latest venture at the ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ in aid of the Cancer Council saw him pipped at the post in a scone bake-off. This competition was judged by the C.W.A. Brian believed there was favouritism afoot as the mayor of Orange was the ultimate winner. The C.W.A. spokeswomen declared Brian’s scones to be doughy in the middle. Perhaps Strathfield Rotary could include this as a fund raiser next year!!

Browsing the RDU website it was nice to see an article on our major fund raiser – MS golf day and dinner (picture of three smiling golfers – Niall, Les and Ray) – nice work P.D.G. David – great press. Our eighth year working towards supporting MS Research with over $200,000 raised by us.

Our guest speaker Gunilla Denton Cook’s topic this week is ‘Lost Words’ I am looking forward to this.

And remember: Fun and fellowship in Rotary