Happenings at last week’s Meeting
This week started with the mock anointment of Mark as President-for-the-Night as it was his last meeting before he exports himself to the dark North.
President Peter then conducted the Toast and Invocation and introduced Wayne as the Chair for the evening.
Wayne paid a tribute to Mark. Mark has acted as a mentor in helping Wayne assume his role in the Club. He has been steadfastly committed to the Club and has definitely “done his bit” for Club and Community. Wayne is sure that he is looking forward to the long-delayed move and carries all the good wishes from the Club as he looks for a new Club.
Wayne then introduced the Guest Speaker, Josh Hugget, whose subject was Permaculture in our Gardens.
Josh introduced his subject by saying it is about reproducing the layers of a forest and working with Nature, not against it. He gave the Members a large volume of information, the highlights of which are:
- Weeds indicate something is missing;
- There are many insect attracting plants and insects are beneficial;
- All gardens have a microclimate which is unique;
- Indoor plants can go some way to cleaning the air;
- Outdoor plants can be used to define the extent of your plots;
- There are “pioneer” species of fruit trees which can be established early on;
- Fruit trees also have “support” plants to complement them;
- The biggest limiter on garden size and productivity is water;
- Mulch should be at least 70mil’ thick;
- The is a book called “Lost Book of Herbal Remedies” which details the uses of medicinal plants;
- Insects can be used as pest control;
- Soil testing is essential before commencement of your garden;
- The fungal “web” talks about the health of your garden;
- There was an extensive discussion on mushrooms and their varieties; and
- If your garden has a water feature, then copper pipes reduce any algae blooms.
Having given the Members so much information and “food for thought” Wayne thanked Josh for taking the time and presented him with one of our antique communication devises (i.e. a pen).
Now Wayne called for the Presidents Report.
Peter reported that he had been to both the Rosebud and Sorrento Rotary Clubs and gained some appreciation of their unique situations. He reminded the Members about the upcoming Portsea Camp for Kids and also floated the idea of fortnightly meetings which will be discussed by the Board.
Next was the Treasurers Report with Wayne announcing that Shire grants have been received for the Halloween Bonfire and the Tiny House Project.
Chris announced details about the Saturday Market and pointed out that the website has been hacked and is making new registrations difficult. Investigation and repairs are underway. The new Rotary International Referrals System, for potential new Members, is live and working. He also investigated the site offered by Joseph for the Barnard-Brown Art Show, and it looks ideal. The Show will be on the 29th and 30th December.
Greg stated that there are 3 Primary Scholls that are interested in the music program being run at Hamer Hall next year.
Lotto was drawn, and won by Chris, which was followed by a lengthy Fines session resulting from 5 weeks of pent-up fury.
Wayne handed back to Peter who thanked all attendees and closed the Meeting at 8:20.
