President's Message

 

If classic and rare cars are your thing this is the place to be on March 1st. This is the 5th anniversary event held at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

This is a free event. Last year approximately 1,000 vehicles registered. Last year we ran a sausage sizzle and took the opportunity to meet the public and talk about what we do for our community.

Talk to Geoff Thompson about how you can help on the day. Website https://www.briteurocarshow.nz/

 

Mark Sunday 15th March in your calendar. This is a major annual project for our club and we need everyone to help including their families where possible. Last year we had about 800 entrants from school kids to adults who had a range of courses based on their age.

We support Howick Coastguard, an important first responder service to our community, through this project. They will provide a large number of members and supporters to assist on the day. Set up starts literally at the crack of dawn so all hands to the pump, no Sunday sleep in! And don’t forget it all has to come down and be put away afterwards. There are administrative tasks, marshalling, sausage sizzle and many other needs. Talk to John Osborne about how you can help. Website http://www.howickfunwalkrun.co.nz/

 

Last year we had an increase in membership and we want to do even better this year. Our membership committee provides a focus and organisation around this vital task but it is the responsibility of us all to talk about how Howick Rotary supports many good causes both locally and further afield when the need arises. Our financial support for Riccarton Rotary who provided assistance for those who were so cruelly affected by the mosque attack. We support Howick College in many ways, and Howick Coastguard to name a few. Talk to anyone you know about why you are involved. Invite them as a guest when we have a speaker. Talk to Ian Fox or any member of the committee about anyone who is interested.

 

If you have never experienced a district conference this is your opportunity because it is being held in Auckland between 15th – 17th May. Jeannette and I first attended 3 years ago when it was last in Auckland and we had a great time. Fantastic inspiring speakers, made lots of new friends from other clubs and got a lot of ideas to bring back to Howick. A great social occasion as well. Website https://rotarydistrict9920.org/page/district-9920-conference-2020

 

This is one of my favourite Rotary programs and it is aimed at 20-28 year olds who are leaders or potential leaders in all areas of life – business, community, charities, sport, corporations, education etc. RYLA has been running for many years and has provided a boost to many who now hold important positions in our society. Look at family, friends, church, sports clubs, other organisations. To find out more or to register go to www.ryla.co.nz

 

Geoff Thompson spoke to the club about a visit to Warbirds at Ardmore aerodrome about 20 years ago and asked if anyone was interested to repeat the event. Most members were keen so watch this space for possible dates.

 

Have you ever wondered what is going on in our district (9920)? Check out the website https://rotarydistrict9920.org/

 

Marjorie Burton wife of long time member Bruce Burton died last Friday after a long illness. Her funeral will be held at St. Andrews church, Ridge Road at 11 am on Friday 17th.

 

Rob Mouncey would like everyone to know that Mary’s health has deteriorated

“Hi All,

I should have done this before. Please pass this message on to any other person you consider would like to know.

Mary went into Auckland Hospital on the 23rd December with a suspected stroke and difficulty swallowing. The CT scan did not reveal any substantial evidence of a stroke but she may have suffered a minor stroke as her eye and mouth now droop a little. While in hospital she was reassessed and is now in need of hospital level care.

We arranged a new care home with these facilities and transferred her to them on New Year’s Eve day. She is at Ambridge Rose Manor Room 141 overlooking the estuary in Pakuranga. The location is ideal as it is nearby for Nickie David and me to visit. She has settled into her new home away from home and is eating and taking fluids well.

If anyone is intending visiting I would suggest that it is made in the morning as she is liable to get quite sleepy in the afternoon.

This is yet another step along her unfortunate Alzheimer’s journey but she is in good care and the family has come to terms with this new situation.

Best Wishes to All

Rob”

 

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One for all the Grand Parents out there with the gift of Grandchildren.

 

This is my favourite story/joke so far in 2020,maybe even for all of 2019 too.

RETARDED GRANDPARENTS - (this was actually reported by a teacher).

 

After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school.

 

One child wrote the following:

 

We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa.

They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Batemans Bay where everyone lives in nice little houses, and so they don't have to mow the grass anymore!

 

They ride around on their bicycles and scooters and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore.

 

They go to a building called a wreck centre, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now. They do exercises there, but they don't do them very well.

 

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on.

 

At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts!

 

Nobody there cooks, they just eat out.And, they eat the same thing every night --- early birds.

 

Some of the people can't get out past the man in the doll house. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked centre for pot luck.

 

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too.

 

When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out, so they can visit their grandchildren.

 

PRICELESS!

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