First, huge thanks to Wayne Brewer for holding the fort last week whilst I took advantage of the school holidays to escape to the bach with my family.
Last evening – great to host so many from the Rotary Clubs of Auckland East, St John’s and Ellerslie Sunrise - and especially great for us to have Jonathan Fraser speak to us on the marvelous developments in the treatment of diabetes! Jonathan is at the forefront of these developments in his work for Eli Lilly in the USA. Also to learn his views on Sir Bob Elliott’s work in that field in developing pig islet transplants, work that had involved this Club some time ago. Jonathan, by now, will have returned to the States – we wish him well in his hugely important work as better treatment or control of diabetes is so important to so many sufferers.
For newer members of the Club, Jonathan’s Dad, Keith, was a member, past president and, with a small group of golfing mates, ran annually very successful Golf competitions – the biggest fundraisers in the history of the Club. An insurance broker, Keith cheerfully tapped so many of his clients cajoling them into donating prizes and sponsoring “closest to the hole” competitions. His death at a very young age was tragic.
And Jonathan’s Mum – Robin, lovely to see you again, a real stalwart – a pioneer in the remedial reading at Tamaki Primary and now doing wondrous work in that field at Wesley College – just ask Kevin Tavir!
63 attended – a tremendous start to this new Rotary Year - next Monday our Rylarians give us a debrief on their week at Willow Park and problem solving under military rule.
Bryan – 18 July 2023
Jonathan was thanked by Norman Brookes
