Our Speaker, Prof. Simon Mitchell - on Monday evening gave a very authoritative and graphic account of the quite remarkable rescue of the 12 Thai lads and their football coach. An anaethetist at Auckland University's Medical School, Prof. Mitchell, who's hobby is cave diving, knew well the risks and dilemmas being faced by the rescuers. In fact he knew most of them personally - a fact that made his address so riveting and he was also able to explain the intricacies of the sedation process. The process that had to be applied to put the boys totally under to enable them to be swum out of the cavern. He emphasised that the doctor administering the sedations looked on these injections as "euthanasing" the boys - as he was not at all confident of success. That all, including their coach, were rescued was quite miraculous! The Professor was also able to answer many questions and give us remarkable insights into what actually happened up in the hills of northern Thailand and the acceptance of overseas help, and co-operation given, by the local Governor.
It was very pleasing to welcome Davina Johnston and Honorary Members Roy Austin and Hugh Garlick to this Meeting and, also, Kevin Tavir who is off this week to Victoria University. Kevin has received a scholarship to Victoria and. I am told, he has been working non stop at the Pauanui Club right through the summer to enable him to meet expenses through this coming year.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - RYLA - we are calling for applicants, 21 (at 1 May 2024) to 30 year olds, to attend RYLA which will be held as usual from Saturday 29 June to Saturday 6 July. It is a superb leadership course. One week live in at Willow Park, Eastern Beach - motivational speakers, leadership workshops, a boot camp, a charitable project and a semi formal dinner - RYLA has been life changing for many! Cost is $1,250 + GST and we, Remuera Rotary, has budgeted to fund 3 applicants. However, should more suitable candidates apply, further funding may be arranged through District. Who do you know in this afe group who is of leadership material and would benefit from attending RYLA? Applications should be made online - Google RYLA - District 9920 2024 to apply.
Regards
Bryan
14 February 2024
