14 August 2023 Vol 45 No 6
Membership and New Club Development Month
President Bryan Haggitt
To all Members and others who receive Remoirs:
Only 20 were present at our Meeting last Monday but Frances Loo, our Speaker, spoke delightfully of the history of tea. Back to its origins in China and how, thanks largely to the Dutch East India Company, tea came to Europe - a very valuable commodity. Then the growing of tea spread to India and eventually to Ceylon and now Sri Lanka. The advent of fashionable tea parties and of politics and the Boston Tea Party which lead to the American War of Independence. The tea clippers in the 19th century racing to bring tea from China to Europe.
Frances went on to describe the various teas available and passed samples around for inspection. Frances owns Chapter a Tea, Books and Coffee House in Mt Eden, very near the family green grocery. Frances explained that, rather than import supplies of tea direct from Asia, she deals with a middle man in the USA - this to ensure continuity and quality of supply. A fascinating and enlightening insight into the tea business - a little sadly, time ran out and Frances didn't get to inform us about the books - romance novels which comprise the other side of her business. Quite intriguing and a number of questions were asked which Frances answered cheerfully.
Frances is the immediate Past President of Mt Eden Rotary - a club of only 7 members. We at Remuera Rotary wish them well and, should Mt Eden Rotary some time decide to amalgamate with another club, they will be most welcome to come to Remuera.
DATES FOR THE CALENDAR:
Directors Meeting next Monday, 14 August, at 8pm at my house, 96A Lucerne Road, Remuera
Crate Party, Friday, 18 August from 5.30pm also at my house, 96A Lucerne Road, Remuera
Meeting & Auction, Monday, 9 October at the Good George, 71 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay - to raise $15,000 for a shower hoist for disabled youngsters - in conjunction with our Cluster clubs
Our Christmas Party, Monday, 11 December, at the Parnell Cricket Club, Shore Road, Remuera
Yours in Rotary
Bryan
Norman Johnston thanks Frances Loo
Please check Upcoming Events at left, particularly the Crate Party 6.00 pm 18 August.
