Happy Easter Everyone!

It is apparently holiday season again - with only half our members in attendance last Wednesday and a number of people embarking on longer trips in the next few weeks.

Bon Voyage to:-

Pam who is touring Japan

Joe and Ninetta attending the Jubilee of Rotarians in Rome

David and Trish visiting their son in the Northern Territory

Paul who is going to Nepal and the handover of our water project

Bill and Devi traveling to Europe

Don and Lindy also travelling to Europe ( I think!)

Our guests at this week’s meeting were Sally and Colin Morse and Yr 9 students Sam Bridges and Olivia Hobbs from Belmont HS. Sally and Colin are again taking a group of students to Fiji in June. In the past we have given financial support for the purchase of solar lanterns and solar panels to enhance the studies of Fijian students in remote villages. Sam and Olivia outlined their trip, talked about the devastation caused by Cyclone Winston (fortunately the solar panels are still in tact) and told us about their projects this year. They requested financial support towards providing pedal sewing machines for a village and up to 87 solar study lamps for a school. The students going on the trip have had various fundraising activities at school and have raised about $5000.The students were well prepared and spoke confidently. We informed them that their request will be considered by the International Committee and Board.

District Conference: We were well represented at the Conference and all who attended were both informed and entertained by the speakers. The Sweethearts provided great entertainment at the dinner. Thank you to Graeme and Val, Bill and Devi, Greg and Kim, Jan and Rob, Ineke, Carlie who joined me. Conference reports will be presented at next week’s meeting.

Thank you to Don and Ken who are helping out at the Fish Festival to raise money for the RCH today.

Thank you to Bob, Jan, Ineke, Ray, David C and David W who are cooking at the Barwon Timber BBQ next Friday.

And thank you to Don, Graham and Heather Perkins, Ray and Bob who are marshals for the Ride the Bellarine. Thank you and good luck to Peter and Lindy who are riding on our behalf, and if possible please support the End Polio Now cause by sponsoring Peter and/or Lindy.

I am off to Kangaroo Is so will be absent next week and the following week is our meeting free week. So this time …