Meeting declared open by President George and handed to Chair of the day: John Ilott.
CHRISTMAS CRACKERS WITH HATS AND GIFTS ON THE TABLES TO BE SHARED BY ALL.
TOAST TO ROTARY BY ASSISTANT GOVERNOR, BATMAN CLUSTER, IAN SELAK.
John Ilott commenced the meeting talking about the Indian Chiefs (Northern hemisphere) discussing the weather of the coming year and concluded that they should collect firewood as the winter was to be long and cold.
One chief rang the weather bureau some days later to check on the official view and was told,THE WINTER WILL BE LONG AND COLD AS THE INDIANS ARE COLLECTING FIREWOOD AS NEVER SEEN BEFORE!!
John then introduced both Anne (STEPS OUTREACH SERVICE) and Amanda (LENTARA ASYLUM SEEKERS PROJECT).
PRESIDENT GEORGE the presented an envelope to each containing $750 value of shopping vouchers as donated by Marjorie and Bernie Gerlinger.
[L to R: Peter Duras, Bernie, Anne, Margaret, Marjorie and Amanda]
Both Anne and Amanda spoke for a few minutes on the assistance offered by their organisations to the needy people (especially at Christmas time) and both thanked the RCCMS for their special efforts that gave them the pleasure of actually seeing the joy bought by these gifts-over 100 Christmas hamper bags.
Margaret Thomas was mentioned in that she organised the purchase of spices, etc. for the Christmas hampers.
Peter Duras announced that the Club was thankful for the opportunity that Anne and Amanda gave through their organisations to assist those in need.
John then handed over to Gerard Hogan and his Heroes to assist with the SINGING OF CAROLS.
So to the melodious efforts of all we enjoyed the rendition of the following:
O COME ALL YE FAITHFULL
HARK THE HERALD ANGEL SINGS
GOOD KING WENCELASS
HAIL THE HALLS
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Well done all!
A COOKED BREAKFAST WAS ENJOYED BY ALL.
John Ilott allowed Tony Thomas to participate as SERGEANT who arranged the joke session.
Jokes told by Kevin, Peter and Frank were judged by the audience and Frank won on a questionable selection of jokes-CONGRATULATIONS FRANK.
NO SANTA APPEARANCE AS HE WAS TOO BUSY REPAIRING THE OUTFIT [for activities on Christmas Eve].
But Kevin Walklate, as Santa's stand-in, distributed many sweets to all.
Kevin also announced that he had made a decision to reserve booking at the GALA DINNER at the District Conference for all RCCMS attendees.
PRESIDENT GEORGE CLOSED THE MEETING after reminding us that Roger had won the special effort raffle and presented him with a cheque for $902.15.
George wished all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
BE A GIFT TO THE WORLD
Fellowship continued with much wishing and talking with friends, guests and visiting Rotarians.
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With a background of beautiful keyboard music played by Essendon Rotarian John Gilbert the champagne, mineral water, laughter and conversation flowed freely for much of the night. In sharp contrast, you could have heard a pin drop as the two representatives of "Youth Projects", the group we are supporting, told us about the work carried out by their Night Nurses' Patrol. Caroline Radowski, their Clinical Services Manager and the diminutive Sarah who has worked
