News Notes 31st July 2025 - Notes on the Run from the President:
Good Morning Members and Friends,
Off to a good start for ‘25/’26 but we cant slack off we do need to make sure that we are showing ourselves as People of Action.
There’s plenty in the pipeline to help us do that though.
We have the Hiroshima Nagasaki memorial serve this Saturday at the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell from 10 till 11. Don’t forget that the Rotary antiques fair is on at the Albert Hall at the same time so you can support two Rotary projects in one go!
Shortly after we have the International Day of Peace ceremony. This year we are running it on Friday the 19th September. Astrid and I have a meeting with the United Nations this afternoon to go through the final programme.
Backing up after that is our stall at the Candle Festival where we are going to expand our offerings to ninja sausages to complement the pancakes, beer and sake. I’d like to add some pizzazz to the sausages to make the true to form Ninjas. I’ve got some ideas but if anyone else has some ideas love to hear them
Having meaningful service activities is a vital part of our club. While we have a few coming up. I’m very keen to get something new started. If you have even half an idea let me know and we can see what we can do. Litter pickups, helping out at an aid station on a big running event or something else..
Let’s all keep plugging away and achieving our goal of being people of action. United.
Warrick
Last week's Guest Speaker: Jenny Horsefeld talking on her book about Rania MacPhillamy.
We were fortunate to hear from Jenny Horsfield, a Canberra-based writer and historian with a particular interest in the lives of post‑Federation women who shaped society during times of social transformation. Jenny spoke about her book, Rainbow: The Story of Rania MacPhillamy. The book was recognised as the Nonfiction Book of the Year at the ACT Writers and Publishers Awards in 2008.
Jenny described how she came to write Rania’s story – being an historian is like being a detective. It started with an intriguing entry about Rania as a bridesmaid at the wedding of local Canberran, Mary Cunningham from Lanyon. Further research found family members who were willing to share information and their treasure trove of original letters, documents and photos.
Rania MacPhillamy was born into a well-to-do squatter’s family from Forbes in rural New South Wales. In 1915 she travelled to Cairo to serve as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse at No. 2 Australian General Hospital during the Gallipoli campaign. After her fiancé Ronnie MacDonald was killed in action in August 1916, she remained in the region and, alongside Australian philanthropist Alice Chisholm, helped establish and run the Empire Soldiers’ Clubs, canteens that offered meals, comfort, and support to Light Horsemen in Egypt and later in Jerusalem.
Jenny’s presentation was enriched by a wonderful array of archival photos and her vivid storytelling especially about the Light Horsemen. It was a humane portrait of a pioneering woman who was respected by all for her wartime service and organisational leadership.
Astrida
Decisions from last week's Board Meeting:
The Board started the year with an energetic Agenda of business which will keep the Club busy for the next 12 months.
Ross reported that the Club’s finances are in a reasonable condition however a conservative approach is needed give the uncertainties of significant price rises in several areas.
Some of the main decisions are:
*The Club members dues are set at $350 after a subsidy from the Club.
Invoices will be sent out on about 1 August.
*Lunch costs increase to $45 per week , commencing 14th August.
*The WEEKLY PROGRAMME WILL CHANGE. Following concern about the interruptions to the Speaker’s presentations, The Board will experiment with a reversal of the programme- after the Opening to the meeting, Toasts and Welcomes the Guest Speaker will be introduced and their presentation continue from 12.40 to 1.10pm. Questions may then be asked and con be continued after the end of the Club programme at 12.30pm.We anticipate lunch will be served about 12 so there is an unavoidable interruption at that point. The Chair/President will then continue with Club business from 12.15pm to Close at 12.30pm. Let’s see how it works and then discuss how it might be improved.
Warrick.
Programme and "To DO" List:
Date:
Chair:
Guest:
Member to propose Toast to Rotary, introduce guest, Thank, Write Up for Bulletin
31st July at 11.30
Warrick
Tour of National Gallery by Russell
NB: Lunch at NGA Café. 12.15pm
7th August
Bill
A Latvian Odyssey – Juris’ life adventure!
Liz
16th August
Bill
RAWKS -What does it do?
Neil
23rd August
Bill
Lunch at the Red Shed, Black Mountain Peninsular – discussion about distribution of Community funds.
30th
Bill
End Trachoma Now.
Rotary In-joke of the Week:
1. What do you call a fake noodle? An Impasta.
2. Want to hear a joke about paper? Never mind, it’s tearable.
3. Why do bears have hairy coats? Fur protection.
5. What’s the difference between a poorly dressed man on a tricycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle? Attire.
6. Two peanuts were walking down the street. One was a salted.
7. What’s Forrest Gump’s password? 1forrest1.
8. How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together.
The Candle Festival at Canberra Nara Peace Park is fast approaching on Saturday 25th October. Make a note in your diary as we will need all hands-on deck to help with the sale of millions of Ninga Sausages, Beer, Wine and Sake, and Taiyaki pancakes from about 3.00pm to 9.30pm.
News Notes is sent out each Monday. Please send items for inclusion to Bill Andrews, email andrews79@iinet.net.au, by 10 am Monday.
