DG Nick presents Rob with the PHF Award
Our meeting last week began on a high note with President Grant giving a brief overview of the origins & significance of the Paul Harris Award in Rotary. Euan Hilson then gave a citation for recipient Rob Thomson outlining some of the highlights of his activities as a Club member since joining us in 1999.
District Governor Nick Courtney then presented Rob with his Paul Harris Pin & Certificate after which Rob briefly spoke including sharing with us his appreciation at being recognised for this award.
Rob was well supported on the night by his wife Andrea, his daughter Alesha & son in law Simon with their two children Grace & Sophia, and his son William & his partner Tae all in attendance.
An Industrial Engineer’s Journey
Our speaker last Thursday evening was Simon Dearsley, an Industrial Design Engineer who is a Design Director for the Microsoft Corporation.
Simon gave the history of his employment journey from working for Navman in New Zealand to his current position with Microsoft. This included two years with Nokia in London where he learnt about leadership and management.
He then worked for them in Norway. After a couple of years there Nokia appointed Simon to develop their offices in Beijing where this training continued.
In 2014 he joined Microsoft in Seattle to develop their mobile phone product. There he was running a design office of 200 people.
The onset of the Covid 19 pandemic persuaded Simon and his young family to move back to New Zealand to continue developing products for the future.
In conclusion, Simon shared that developing strong cultural values greatly assists in making a successful company.
Welcome Phill!
President Grant had the pleasure of inducting Phill McEntee, who was accompanied by his wife Christine, as a new member of our Club. Phill brings with him a wikde range of experiences including in the real estate and transportation industries plus his passion for the environment
Denis McMurtrie was appointed as mentor for Phill who was allocated to the Community Service committee where he can continue to persue his interest ebvironmental activities.
After receiving the 4-Way Test, name badges and a Rotary Pin, Phill then gave a brief introduction of his work and interests which he will be following up with a more detailed talk in the near future.
Vintage Treasures Fashion Show
Lois spoke to the meeting about this up-coming fundraiser Fashion Show and made promotional posters available. Tickets are now also available for sale.
We have a target of 200 attendees so please talk to your friends, neighbours and personal associates and encourage support for this interesting and professionally run event.
Contact Lois for tickets at loisflanagan@gmail.com (021) 735 404.
Brown Paper Bag Auction
Be Very Afraid … Arie, who scored a rather interesting book during a previous similar evening, is running our Brown Paper Bag Auction at our weekly meeting on Thursday the 12th of August. Family members and friends welcome … remember to let Deryn know they are coming.
Bring along something of $10+ in value either in a paper bag or wrapping paper and enjoy the fun! If it is worth a significant value, please let auctioneer Arie know so we can ensure it gets a good price.
Our recipient this year, which was suggested as a Rotary supported worthy cause by our DG Nick, is going to help flood stricken local residents affected by widespread and devastating recent flooding on the West Coast.
Raised funds will go into a special Rotary bank account that has been set up for this purpose.
Tree Planting Opportunity
When: Tuesday 10th August 9.30 - 12.30.
Where: The Papanui Bush, Bridgestone Reserve 42 Langdons Road near the Railway Crossing opposite Mitre 10.
Who: Rotary, Locals and anybody who wants to walk the talk and have a chance to plant native trees in the lungs of Papanui.
Wear gloves, strong footwear or gumboots. Planting spades provided.
See the Papanui Bush which at one time rivalled the Riccarton Bush and have a chance to plant your “Rotary Tree” and bring back the birds.
Hope to see you there.
Regards Denis McMurtrie
McMurtrie@xtra.co.nz (021) 125 1920.
Food for Thought