Happenings at last week’s Meeting
Back at the Sailing Club and, after some preliminary chats, Sergeant Greg called the Meeting to order and handed it over to President Charles. Charles proposed the Toast and called for the Invocation. He then welcomed our two Guest Speakers, from the Volunteer Marine Rescue of Mornington and Hastings, Mark Morris and Alec Owen before handing over to the nights Chair, Michael Anderson.
Michael read out the Apologies and then introduced Mark, the Volunteer Marine Rescue President, and Alec, the Secretary.
Mark briefly introduced himself, 7 years in the Rescue after 45 years in the Police force. Alec had had a career in Electrical Engineering and Business Management. He travelled the world and, in retirement, joined the Rescue.
Mark began by thanking Rotary, with its local and international reach, for its support and then went on to outline the Rescues history and functions:
- It was formed in May 1980 when a boating accident within site of land could not be attended due to the lack of a local ready action unit;
- There are two units, Hastings and Mornington;
- Hastings is the more challenging environment;
- 200+ callouts per year;
- They act as an addition to the Water Police as the later is unable to cover all of the Peninsular;
- All members are multi-skilled in what each boat needs because the manning in an emergency depends on “first in best dressed”;
- 70% of callouts are breakdowns but the remainder can be more serious;
- There are debriefing protocols to be followed after each callout;
- It is a volunteer organisation with strong community spirit;
- Demand for its service is only going to grow;
- They are separate to the Coast Guard but with the same mission statement;
- Calls go to the Water Police first and they distribute them to the most appropriate, using the latest in technology; and
- Up to 80% of callouts are “pretty vanilla”.
Mark and Alec now took questions from the Members and then Michael presented them with a token of our appreciation and thanked them for an entertaining and informative talk.
Charles now gave the President Report. Last week he had been at the 70th Anniversary of the Rosebud/Rye Rotary Club. It was a very pleasant night with the Club showing a great range of memorabilia and entertaining speakers. He called for volunteers for the Balcombe College Mock Interviews which are to be held on Thursday 26th June.
The Chair now called for the Secretary’s Report.
Wayne reported that:
- There was no May Board Meeting;
- The David Jarman board is missing and needs to be found prior to the Changeover Night;
- Directors Reports are urgently needed;
- The options surrounding future Committee Meetings were discussed. Wayne to investigate the further use of Two Buoys;
- The new Board will meet on 2nd June;
- RSVP required for the Changeover Night;
- On a more philosophical note, the Club needs to recognise the limitations of Age but aim for what can be done; and
- The Changeover Dinner cost is actually $65, not as posted on the Invitation.
Chris now called for volunteers for the Market and reminded the Meeting of the Bunnings BBQ on the 8th June. He also said that an e-mail would be sent out when the new website was up and running so that all Members can access it and improve its “traffic” figures. This is a key measure in making the site a success.
Mark reminded the Members that Maggie McGeever requires any spare tip vouchers to help in her clearing out. Also, he noted that Rotary Membership has increased in the District.
As the Meeting had been so full, we now had a quick Lotto draw which was won by Adrian.
The Chair handed the Meeting back to Charles who announced that the Social Night would be at the Peninsular Club and reminded all Directors of the Board Meeting. He once again thanked our Guest Speakers, and the Meeting ended at 8:10.
Views of the Market
Last Market before Winter and a surprising turnout.
