Well from a great start of 40 to
42 members attending each week we seem to have gone off the rails the last
few weeks with attendance dropping to around 34 on average. Is it the
food???? (more on that later). Is it the meeting procedure or something
specific, or are we all just busier as we come to the end of the year?? I’m
at a loss, but one continuing problem is the continuing lack of apologies
being notified to Eric Khu or very late apologies being received. This last
week we again had to pay the club $60.00 for people not apologising and not
attending.
I need to remind you all that
UNLESS you are on leave of absence or you advise Eric of your proposed non
attendance for a specific period, you are OBLIGED to either attend,
apologise by Lunchtime Tuesday, or be prepared to pay the next week.
In the current circumstances if
we reduce our ordering, we could end up with insufficient meals being
provided by the caterer and members not being fed as has also happened
recently. PLEASE accept Peter Douglas has a very difficult and responsible
position and he really doesn’t enjoy having to ask for payment from
sometimes "recalcitrant" members.
Also on catering, the club have
advised that if we remain unsatisfied with the current caterer we may
provide our own caterer subject to some hiring charges which still require
some negotiation. Keith Stockall is looking at this prospect and also
alternative accommodation choices. These matters will be raised at our AGM
and club assembly on Dec 4th.
Tonight we very much welcome the
members and partners of Burwood and Concord Rotary Clubs to our joint
meeting at Strathfield Golf Club. Tonight's meeting is specifically to hear
from the returning GSE team from Germany led by President Duncan Berriman
from Springwood. I am sure we can look forward to an excellent presentation
and an enjoyable. Due to the combined evening, formalities will be minimised,
however George Helou and John Mansour will I’m sure have an excellent
raffle, including the well known "Mansour quilt" ( which I still haven’t
won).
On better news (and I needed some
after last weeks prang and tennis cancellation) and with apologies to Graham
True, the Strathfield Rotary cycle team of Keith and Lill Stockall, Euan
Watson, Alan Taylor, Rod McDougall Kevin Freund, Rick Collins and myself
completed the full distance (90km) of the "Sydney to the Gong" ride on
Sydney. Fastest rider was "elastic legs" Stockall, closely followed by Euan,
with myself bringing up the rear to make sure everyone finished safely. It
was a great day, with big thanks to our driver Shirley and Allan and Kevin
providing transport home.
Finally I wish to thank all
members present for their attendance and enthusiasm and courtesy for the
D.G’s official visit last week. I think we left a very positive impression
with John and Susan, and I especially thank Ray Wilson for his generosity of
donating the fruit bowl to Susan Wakefield. Enjoy your free meal this week.
Enjoy tonight and the rest of your
week, and please I and all board members would welcome comment regarding
your preferences regarding change of caterer or meeting location. I also
have concerns regarding the attendance policy please ring me anytime.
Yours in Rotary
Tired but satisfied Steve