November is Foundation Month: Doing Good in the World

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1 Volume 76 Issue 20 Tuesday 23 November 2010 November is Foundation Month: Doing Good in the World We Welcome our speaker today Mark Cowan-Aston who is currently a Director with Ernst & Young Management Consulting. Approximately 30 years ago as a 20 year old he was a member of the British Army Queens Regiment based in Northern Ireland, having just completed his officer training at Sandhurst Academy. Mark gave an insight into his life during his five month posting. Mark explained that the problems in Northern Ireland were not contained to the 1970 s: In 1170, English barons seized land in Ireland. Then in 1541 Henry VIII declared himself King of Ireland and tried to enforce the Protestant religion upon the largely Catholic society. In 1948, the Republic of Ireland was created although six counties were to remain part of the UK as Northern Ireland. Entire streets being bombed, a posting to the most shot at Police Station in UK, having bricks thrown at the troops by eight year olds, having pet dogs trained to bite people in uniform and pubs being leveled by car bombs were all part of day to day life. More British troops lost their life on patrol in Northern Ireland than by the Australian Army in Vietnam. Despite the constant dangers, Mark enjoyed his time in Northern Ireland and the hospitality afforded by the vast majority of people. He had real empathy for the Republican cause; he just did not enjoy being shot at! He believes they made a difference and helped pave the way for the relative stability the country is now enjoying. For example, while there Mark was able to help get Police back walking the beat in Belfast which had previously ceased due to concerns for their safety. Our (very esteemed and popular) past member, Ron Lukav has passed away in Wodonga. Committee Meetings The Funeral details are; Friday Fellowship Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month 26th November at the Conway Community Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month Funeral Home, 20 South Street, International Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month Wodonga, at 1pm. Youth/Vocational Meets 1st Monday of the month Other Committees As required

2 Are you looking for a Gift this Christmas? Don t Forget the E R Cook Book! All proceeds go straight to the club Contact Anne Rogers Ph Trailer raffle: Sales are off to a very good start. Approximately $1500 was raised last weekend at DFO and Olive Festival. Sellers are still required, especially for Election Day and also assistance with towing the trailer. Contact Alistair Fraser or Roger Leask if you can assist. Kinglake Memorial Rotunda: The construction of the rotunda has been completed thanks to the $5000 contribution from Rotary Club of Essendon Our Condolences go out to Alister Abraham. Alister s father, James, sadly passed away on Wednesday. How many new members hands did you shake today? Relay for Life: It is vitally important that registrations, including payment of $15 per person are forward to Michael Mahoney before 30/11/10.

3 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ROTARY CLUB OF ESSENDON INC TUESDAY 30TH NOVEMBER, 2010 Fredericks Restaurant Alexander Motor Inn 980 Mt Alexander Road Essendon, pm AGENDA Welcome, apologies - Glenn Smith President s Report Anne Rogers Financial Reports Anne Rogers/Vic Abfalter Office Bearers Steve Roe Nomination President Glenn Smith Any Other Business

4 The Four Way Test Rotary s Four Way Test was written by Chicago Rotarian Herbert J Taylor (RI President ) in The test contains the following four questions to apply to things we think, say or do: Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Trek the Great Wall of China and Help beat heart disease: Friday 6 th May- Sunday 15 th May For more information call Tom More information or tickets see Michael Pepi or ring

5 The Rotary Club of Essendon P.O Box 161 Essendon, 3040 Phone: Club President: Glenn Smith Club Secretary: Shirley Kukk Contact Editors: Bits and Pieces Attendance at today s meeting 35Members & 2 guests Bahay Tuluyan Cocktail party: Shirley Kukk advised that the night was very successful with approximately $13,000 raised. Thanks to all donors and volunteers. UNDERSTANDING ROTARIANS AT ESSENDON Please or FAX your completed questionnaire before Friday this week. Peter Halaseh peter.halaseh@halmed.com.au Raffle: Chairperson for the day, Neil Henderson, managed to have himself drawn as the lucky raffle winner. He was however not organised enough to also draw the Joker so the jackpot increases. Ray Landgren also won a bottle of wine in the consolation draw GOOD TOUCH BAD TOUCH AND THE CONFUSING. The type of touch depends on the current state of the receiver. Food for thought. Aphorism: A short, pointed sentence that expresses a wise or clever observation or a general truth. 1, The nicest thing about the future is. That it always starts tomorrow. 2, Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him way his tail. 3, If you don t have a sense of humor you probably don t have any sense at all. 4, How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night. 5, Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without. And this one for the holidays. 6, Seat belts are not confining as wheelchairs CONTACT If you did not receive a copy in mail then please contact CONTACT editor Peter Halaseh to ensure your name/address details are on the distribution list. Conversely, if you prefer to obtain an electronic only copy via /web then please also contact Peter Halaseh to have your details removed from the mailing distribution list.