Our President Elect, Mike Smith, took over as host this week and read out the few apologies. He then welcomed our guests, Sharon Judd, Shane and Dianne Musgrove, and our Guest Speaker David Gill.
Mike then passed over to our Chair, Harry, who just a quickly called on Secretary Mark for his announcements:
- Reminder, again, of the Club AGM on the 30th November, and the By-Laws vote on the 7th December;
- The Club needs to address Membership issues at a dedicated meeting night;
- The Club Board meets again on the 14th December;
- Maintenance of the Strategic Plan and the development of Directors Guides will be a Board topic; and
- All the best for the Market.
Harry noted that there had been communication from Libby Wilson of Rosebud Rotary about setting up a Zoom meeting to begin discussions on the 2024 Club Amalgamations.
Chris now spoke about the December Twilight Market preparations:
- If we have another Raffle, like last year, it was suggested that the proceeds go to the Dromana Community House. Last year we raised $7.5k;
- Flyers for this Market are being prepared;
- The approval process is progressing and looks to be Ok; and
- It was suggested that the charge at the AGM should be $20 per head.
Harry now introduced our Guest Speaker, David Gill, to talk on Bees.
David now ran us through an enthralling talk, which included a mass of information:
- Bees descended from Wasps;
- There are approximately 20,000 bee species world-wide;
- Bees are vegetarians, as apposed to wasps;
- There are approximately 2,000 native bees in Australia with 400 exclusive to the Peninsular;
- Bees have become quite diversified and some specialise in only one type of flower;
- Queen bees are able to be posted, so as to maintain or expand bee hives;
- 70% of bees burrow, just like wasps;
- This week was National Pollinator Week and birds and bees are our main pollinators;
- If we lose our bees our crops will fail and we will starve. There is no viable way to pollinate mechanically;
- Mozzie mist sprays also kill the pollinators;
- Loss of habitat and broad spectrum sprays also kill the bees; and
- Honey Bees are only a few of the bees we rely on and they are the only ones who make honey.
At this point, David recited some facts about honey bees which should make for some interesting thinking while having your next toast and honey. A 450 gram jar of honey requires:
- 1152 bees;
- To travel 180,246 km;
- And visit 4.5 million flowers collecting nectar; and
- That equates to 156 km per bee.
Spare a thought for these industrious little beggars as they only live about 6-8 weeks in summer. (must be over worked. Ed)
David admitted that he could talk for hours on these fascinating little beasties but had to be cut short, at half an hour, because of further club business. The meeting gave him an enthusiastic round of applause.
Director Charles now continued his talk on the Rotary Foundation. Rotary International receives funds from the Rotary Foundation. These funds have been directed to:
- Polio Eradication, since 1979, at about $3 per child;
- The promotion of World Peace, through helping deal with –
- 70 million displaced people, half of whom are children; and
- Training volunteers in Conflict Resolution
- Fighting disease, such as Malaria, AIDS, Alzheimer’s;
- Providing clean water;
- Supporting education; and
- Saving Mothers and Children and providing a healthy future.
Now Harry called for the Lotto (won by Ailsa) and Fines. Sergeant Pete has now hit on another means of expanding the coffers, by auctioning off a mysterious wallet. This wallet may, or may not, contain a value equal to the bid. (fiendishly clever is our Sergeant. Ed)
Director Lyn is looking for a replacement emblem for one of the scholarship plaques.
It was good to see Tyrrell back with us but there were some comments about him being caught drink driving (boom boom)
Mike reminded everyone about the support required to make both the Market and the Movie Night a success.
A very informative meeting closed at 8:05.
Polio Movie Event
Don’t forget that we have the opportunity to raise more funds for the fight against polio with this movie event.
Make sure you choose the correct site.
The Blister Pack Collection
Just a reminder to keep collecting all those pill blister packs, when you’ve done with them, or any aluminium foils. Elaine is organising a big working group session coming up soon so get them to her of Rod as soon as you can.
The Club International Services
