Newsletter. Vol.11 No. 2 March 2017/2560. It is so rewarding to be able to help so many good causes and charities in our local community.

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Damon Maxwell
6 years ago
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Little did I know that those storms would persist for many more weeks! The storms dominated the Rotary Club s activities for the whole of January, and they left a legacy of damage in various ways.

When the cataracts finally dried up, several chasms had been opened up near the school, and an enormous amount of sand dumped against the wall behind the school.

The rebuild of the burnt out houses lost their builders to the flood relief effort around Nakhon Si Thammarat!

Warunee Sarika President 2016/7 Last but not least, the Love Reading Project centred on Baan Nakaai School, Hua Thanon was also temporarily put on hold.

1 Newsletter Vol.11 No. 2 March 2017/2560 President s Monthly Review Reading my last report written in December, I noted that Kids Weekend had taken place in the teeth of the worst storms and floods for many years. Little did I know that those storms would persist for many more weeks! The storms dominated the Rotary Club s activities for the whole of January, and they left a legacy of damage in various ways. The Special Needs School had just taken a delivery of materials for their perimeter wall ready for building when the storms struck. When the cataracts finally dried up, several chasms had been opened up near the school, and an enormous amount of sand dumped against the wall behind the school. The project will need a complete redesign before we can make progress. Likewise, the Wat Lamai Clean Drinking Water project is also on hold for reassessment of the way forward. The rebuild of the burnt out houses lost their builders to the flood relief effort around Nakhon Si Thammarat! The Thai Army who is to do the labouring was relocated to help on the mainland, but should return soon. Warunee Sarika President 2016/7 Last but not least, the Love Reading Project centred on Baan Nakaai School, Hua Thanon was also temporarily put on hold. The Rotary District Governor had planned to visit RC Koh Samui on 6 th January, and witness the handover of a parcel of books gifted by District. The library of the school had also been provided with furniture, curtains, TV and other necessary items. However, the group was unable to make the journey from Nakhon Si Thammarat due to very heavy flooding and road damage. The Official Opening of the library finally took place without the District Governor later that month and the club still await the visit of the District Governor. The floods around Nakhon Si Thammarat were so bad that the District Governor sent out an appeal to all clubs in District 3330 for clothes, household items, food and water. I publicised this using all available media, and with the help of Petch Buncha Stadium in Chaweng, I set up a collection post for donations, which poured in. On Friday 27 th January, a 6 wheeler heavy truck was loaded with all the donated goods, including a load of cabbages to provide much needed fresh vegetables. Now that the storms seem to be over, the club can move forward again, the current priority being the upcoming Golf Tournament. It is so rewarding to be able to help so many good causes and charities in our local community. Our club is always looking for new ways to help those less fortunate than us. If you agree with our philosophy and feel you too would like to become a part of our group, why not come along to one of our fortnightly meetings?

2 Upcoming Events in March

Baan Nakai School Love Reading Project Friday 13th January 2017 was definitely not unlucky for

President Warunee with 5 Rotary members attended a presentation at the school.

scheduled to visit our club. Sadly the devastating floods prevented her travelling here.

Water on Rotary International s list of essential needs worldwide.

demonstrated that they knew English names for animals!

3 Baan Nakai School Love Reading Project Friday 13th January 2017 was definitely not unlucky for Baan Nakaai School in Hua Thanon. President Warunee with 5 Rotary members attended a presentation at the school. This delightful occasion that had been planned for 6th January when our District Governor was scheduled to visit our club. Sadly the devastating floods prevented her travelling here. A parcel of books had been gifted by Rotary District 3330 as part of King Bhumibol's 'Love Reading' Project. Under the heading Supporting Education this also ranks in importance alongside Clean Drinking Water on Rotary International s list of essential needs worldwide. RC of Koh Samui also supplied coloured pencils and drawing books as prizes for children who demonstrated that they knew English names for animals! We do expect her to visit in March, but did not want to hold the children back from enjoying the books. Before the presentation took place, the club upgraded the library of Baan Nakaai. We provided a 55 computer compatible HD TV; 12 chairs; 4 sets of bookshelves; 2 tables; TV/ DVD unit with surge protection & 3m HDMI cable.

February Fellowship Dinner at the Impiana Resort, Chaweng Our February

We have had a close association with this delightful venue, from P

until the room was needed for other purposes, and finally on to

As soon as the invitation was sent out, applications for places poured

Rotarian Ian Dempsey, the numbers rose to heady heights.

thanked Impiana and the indefatigable staff.

4 February Fellowship Dinner at the Impiana Resort, Chaweng Our February Fellowship Dinner was once again at perennial favourite Impiana Resort. We have had a close association with this delightful venue, from P Philip Parker s Installation in 2008, holding weekly meetings there until the room was needed for other purposes, and finally on to Fellowship Dinners. As soon as the invitation was sent out, applications for places poured in. With a single group of 20 guests attending for the birthday of Rotarian Ian Dempsey, the numbers rose to heady heights. The leisurely meal was enhanced by a trio of musicians; old favourites of ours. When the excellent meal had been enjoyed by all, President Warunee thanked Impiana and the indefatigable staff. Khun Juthamas (Khun Mas), Events manager was undisturbed, and allowed a ceiling of 110 guests. On the night, guests began to arrive before 6pm, many of them new to our Fellowship dinner list. They happily spent freely on raffle tickets when they saw the array of prizes. When registration was over, everyone found seats at the beautifully presented tables, and the buffet was declared open!

She then commenced the raffle draw, with prizes ranging from a

meal for 2 at Impiana, delightfully won by Fellowship host, Thomas

Finally, P President Adele asked Rotarian Ian Dempsey to stand up,

of Impiana. He happily blew out the candles to great applause.

association RC Koh Samui had had with RC Tormohun, Devon, starting

The evening then progressed to guests taking to the dance floor,

5 She then commenced the raffle draw, with prizes ranging from a computer bag, chocolates and a variety of bottles, through to a meal for 2 at Impiana, delightfully won by Fellowship host, Thomas Polt of Top Ten Restaurant! Finally, P President Adele asked Rotarian Ian Dempsey to stand up, whereupon the trio gave a lively rendition of Happy Birthday, accompanied by all the guests. Ian was amazed to see a birthday cake moving towards him, courtesy of Impiana. He happily blew out the candles to great applause. Then P President Adele took the microphone and spoke of the long association RC Koh Samui had had with RC Tormohun, Devon, starting way back in 2005 in the posttsunami era. The evening then progressed to guests taking to the dance floor, rounding off a wonderful event! Rotarian Geoff Coop from Tormohun had with him a gift from his club for the Project to rebuild burnt out houses in Chaweng. He presented his gift to P Warunee.

New Rotary Club Business Lunch Venture On Friday 10th February the first Businessman s Lunch took place at The Larder, Chaweng.

He thought that businessmen Koh Samui would appreciate the chance of some networking in a social context. It was a sold out event and showed great support for the Rotary Club s community projects.

Rotary District 3330 Rotary District 3330 is located in Thailand, which is known as the land of smiles.

6 New Rotary Club Business Lunch Venture On Friday 10th February the first Businessman s Lunch took place at The Larder, Chaweng. The event was the brainchild of President Elect Alex Starkey, very aware of the success of the Fellowship Dinners over the years. He thought that businessmen Koh Samui would appreciate the chance of some networking in a social context. It was a sold out event and showed great support for the Rotary Club s community projects. The next event will be very different as it is at Frisbee Golf, Maenam on Friday 10th March, where the BBQ wizard, Nigel Mills holds court! Rotary District 3330 Rotary District 3330 is located in Thailand, which is known as the land of smiles. Its area covers the entire Southern Region of Thailand and some part of the Central Region of Thailand, extending from the north-western part of the Central region to the southern Thai-Malaysian border. Rotary District 3330 is one of the four Rotary Districts in Thailand (3330, 3340, 3350 and 3360), and is composed of 78 Rotary Clubs in 23 provinces and more than 2,000 members from many different professions. Our part of the country is renowned for its natural beauty and historic ancient remains. The southern part of our district is internationally well known for its beautiful beaches, forested mountains, national parks and attractive destinations. Our stunning landscape is situated in a narrow peninsula between the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean to the West and the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea to the East. We are in a tropical monsoon climate with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. April is the hottest month with temperatures higher than 35 degrees Celsius while the coldest months are December and January with temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. Each year, approximately 30 Thai and 30 foreign students from 10 countries participate in the District 3330 Rotary Youth Exchange Program. We offer an opportunity to these young people to live for a year in foreign countries, learning new language, assimilating into new cultures and sharing experiences and idea with people in other lands.

Wat Lamai School Water for Life Project Donations currently exceed initial project

Brief overview of site showing condition of existing water supply SUMMARY: Project has

100,000THB Donations/ Offers to Date: 1. Sisters on Samui 2. The Cliff Bar and Grill 3.

PJC Wood Building works as required (including Electrical & Plumbing labour) 5.

Adrian and Terri Tyler Goods in design at 50% discount (2000L Stainless tank, Emaux Sand

Electrical works & Plumbing works - 30,000THB 3.

7 Wat Lamai School Water for Life Project Donations currently exceed initial project requirements *** Any surplus will be applied to the next WATER for LIFE project. Brief overview of site showing condition of existing water supply SUMMARY: Project has been on hold due to extremely wet weather and Holiday Season Original Budget Estimate: 100,000THB Donations/ Offers to Date: 1. Sisters on Samui 2. The Cliff Bar and Grill 3. Pumipat Lamai/ Chaweng Goods on Account Rotary 4. PJC Wood Building works as required (including Electrical & Plumbing labour) 5. Karolina Lehman (Friend of Rotary) 6. Amy Village Goods in design 7. Adrian and Terri Tyler Goods in design at 50% discount (2000L Stainless tank, Emaux Sand Filter and pump, Hitachi Pump 150 GX2) Further expenditure Estimated: 90,000THB 1. Electrical works & Plumbing works - 30,000THB 3. Purchase new deep well pump and Service Pumps (including existing deep well pump) plus service filtration and build filtration to drawing 30,000THB 4. Purchase Goods 15,000THB 5. Purchase Stainless Sink and Bench 15,000THB

January Dinner Party at Top Ten Restaurant, Chaweng Our Fellowship Dinner venue for January was

Chef Thomas did not disappoint with a 3 course meal in which the starter and main had choices

In that region the storms and floods have been worse than Koh Samui, and fresh fruit and

Once seated, and with free flow wine and beer indeed flowing, the assembled guests had their

The lorry was due to leave Samui early Saturday morning.

The meal followed in leisurely fashion with the 59 guests enjoying the opening meal of 2017.

With a total of 9 prizes, there was plenty of opportunity to win!

the staff for their indefatigable and cheerful service.

8 January Dinner Party at Top Ten Restaurant, Chaweng Our Fellowship Dinner venue for January was again the Top ten Restaurant, North Chaweng, where we knew we could expect a superb meal. Chef Thomas did not disappoint with a 3 course meal in which the starter and main had choices to suit every taste! In that region the storms and floods have been worse than Koh Samui, and fresh fruit and vegetables were in short supply. Once seated, and with free flow wine and beer indeed flowing, the assembled guests had their taste buds awakened with an amuse bouche. The lorry was due to leave Samui early Saturday morning. P President Adele then handed the microphone to new member Ian Dempsey to draw the raffle. The meal followed in leisurely fashion with the 59 guests enjoying the opening meal of Delightfully it fell on the Lunar New Year! With a total of 9 prizes, there was plenty of opportunity to win! When the meal was over, Past President Adele thanked Chef Thomas for the excellent dinner, and the staff for their indefatigable and cheerful service. She then tendered apologies for the absence for President Warunee, who was busy with Rotary Relief work loading a 6 wheeler lorry with clothes, dried foods and 700 kg of cabbages for the beleaguered residents in and around Nackhon Sri Thammarat. Bizarrely, most of the prizes went to guests seated at 2 tables! Among the prizes were 3 dinner vouchers from Top Ten; Chef Thomas had given us 2 the previous year, so perhaps if we return next year, might we get 4?

Special Needs School - Bangrak - Fencing and Gate Project on hold pending Tessa Ban involvement For over 3 years, Rotary Club of Koh Samui has supported the construction of a Special Needs School,

It will be necessary for Municipal intervention before the wall can be built!

Quotations for the construction were sought, and at the end of 2016 appointed a constructor and the building materials delivered.

9 Special Needs School - Bangrak - Fencing and Gate Project on hold pending Tessa Ban involvement For over 3 years, Rotary Club of Koh Samui has supported the construction of a Special Needs School, and during the latter half of 2016 made the decision to fund one more project - the building of a perimeter wall and sliding gate to keep the children safe, and to facilitate landscaping. It will be necessary for Municipal intervention before the wall can be built! Concrete Perimeter Fencing and Stainless Steel Gates Major damage to the grounds has occurred during the recent flooding, which requires intervention/ participation by the Tessa Ban and Engineers. Quotations for the construction were sought, and at the end of 2016 appointed a constructor and the building materials delivered. Since then the continuous torrential rain has caused enormous damage to the area, with the school grounds filled with over a metre of sand and surrounded by chasms! Three new substantial watercourses have appeared bringing almost half a metre of sand across the entire property. This will require diversion (external to the property), additional footings for the already proposed concrete wall (cannot be costed until after the Tessa Ban involvement) by the already engaged contractor as well as drainage from within The Special Needs School property to the nearby road (through an adjacent housing complex and to be decided by the Tessaban). This is indeed a disaster and unfortunately without the Tessa Ban involvement we cannot move forward. Remembering that our current contractor has the necessary high level contact and will arrange a meeting with them, himself and P. Warunee all we can do is wait Tessa Ban is obviously inundated for some time. While we wait, we should all start to ponder this project as a whole my feeling is one of major expense, requiring more involvement by the community and other groups as well. Our current contractor (for the fence) is the correct person for a Civil Works project of this size involving: Removal of sand Drainage and diversion (big Time) outside Drainage and diversion inside the property Substantial footings for the new fence etc.

ROCKS to the Rescue Phase 2 - Rebuild Following the very successful and dynamic undertaking by the Rotary Club of Koh Samui and the local community to provide the replacement necessities of life to

A direct approach to Sister Rotary Clubs in both Scotland and Hong Kong requesting assistance has already been undertaken and a timely response is expected.

The overwhelming response by Friends of Rotary and the general community has encouraged us to take this additional step PHASE 2!

10 ROCKS to the Rescue Phase 2 - Rebuild Following the very successful and dynamic undertaking by the Rotary Club of Koh Samui and the local community to provide the replacement necessities of life to the displaced families of the Chaweng Fire, our club, under the leadership of President Warunee, has agreed to undertake the construction of seven new houses to replace those destroyed by fire. A direct approach to Sister Rotary Clubs in both Scotland and Hong Kong requesting assistance has already been undertaken and a timely response is expected. Already cash donations totaling in excess of 130,000 THB have been received from both Friends of Rotary and the Local Community. The overwhelming response by Friends of Rotary and the general community has encouraged us to take this additional step PHASE 2!! Already the previous residents and the local Thai Community have undertaken the clearing of the site and removal of the rubble. Further Professional clearing will be required and these services have been volunteered to this Project by Khun (Poo) Raviwan and her husband s business. President Warunee with the help of Khun Orawan Markprim (Ke) has been pro-active in securing a new three-year lease on behalf of the displaced families to ensure longevity of this ambitious project. Already our friendly Architects, Khun Eaknarin Kulsrisombat have donated their time and skills to survey and provide the attached plans and Bill of Quantities. After approach by President Warunee, the Army has offered to undertake the construction of these seven homes as soon as we have sufficient funding to fulfill the BOQ We are appealing for funding assistance in the amount of between 300,000 and 400,000 THB IN TOTAL (between $US8,500 - $US11,000 or 8,000 Euro 10,500 Euro) and inclusive of any donations of goods and building materials from the BOQ plus offers from suitable construction companies for donated skilled labour and sundries to complete these seven homes. The Initial THAI donation by the Petch Buncha Boxing Stadium Khun Arm and his friends (34,200THB) has been received by P Warunee. Donations/ Contributors to date: Val Mowbray Meng from Singapore through Susan Field Old Bridge Club through Eric Tarleton Marjory Flynn Eric & Heidi Tarleton Petch Buncha Stadium (Khun Arm) Rasha & Steven Karolina Lehman Iris and Fred Matheis

Thailand Public Holidays 2017 Rotary Club Calendar of Events Please save the following dates in your diary for our upcoming fellowship dinners in 2017: Friday, February 24 th Impiana Resort, Chaweng

11 Thailand Public Holidays 2017 Rotary Club Calendar of Events Please save the following dates in your diary for our upcoming fellowship dinners in 2017: Friday, February 24 th Impiana Resort, Chaweng Noi. Friday 31 st March Prego at Amari Friday April 28 th Rocky s Sunday 28 th May Squire s Loft, Fisherman s Village, Bophut. Friday 30 th June Provisional Date for Installation Night, At Centara Grand, Chaweng. Rotary Club of Koh Samui Contact information Board of Directors and Committee Rotary Club of Koh Samui 36/11 Moo2, Tambon Namuang, Koh Samui Phone: rotaryks@rotarysamui.org President Secretary Treasurer Immediate Past President President Elect Warunee Sarika Adele Smith Adele Smith Philip Harnett Alex Starkey The Rotary Club of Koh Samui meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month. (Exceptions may be made for Public Holiday dates). Meeting Place: Nikki Beach, Lipa Noi at 7 pm. Optional meal follows the meeting. Paul Harris Fellows Ken Chung 1987 Paul Hawkins 2006 Paul Watson 2006 Mike Langaskens 2007 Sister Clubs R.C. Tormohun, Devon, England R.C. Hong Kong South, Hong Kong R.C. Sritapee, Suratthani, Thailand R.C. Makati South, Manila, Philippines R.C. Khok Chamedun, Hat Yai, Thailand Past Presidents Ken Chung (Charter) 2003 Bernd Schillig 2003/4 Paul Hawkins 2004/5 Paul Watson 2005/6 Rico Stapel 2006/7 Adele Smith 2007/8 Philip Parker 2008/9 Claudio Cerquetti 2009/10 Peter Breaks 2010/11 Philip Parker 2011/12 Adele Smith 2012/13 Jeffrey Martin 2013/14 Jeffrey Martin 2014/15 Philip Harnett 2015/16 ROCKS Newsletter compiled and edited by Peter Breaks

August 2015/2558. President s Monthly Review. Volume 10 No. 2. Phil Harnett. President Are you such a person?

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