We are at a crossroads – active membership of the Club is at 31, and this reduction is causing acute pain – annual subscriptions that are charged to members twice a year to recover club operational costs are too high. High annual subscriptions are a barrier impacting prospective members and place pressure on the retention of existing members.
The largest single fixed operational cost is venue hire for our weekly meeting – an attendance of 20 members at the bowling Club costs the Club per member $30 – that is on top of the meal cost. We cannot continue without change. Your Board met last Monday and proposed to adopt a reduced number of meetings in that venue – by at least 1 per month when we meet or do something elsewhere. In addition, we will plan an event/meeting to ensure a larger number attend at least 1 per month when we do meet at the Bowling Club by inviting more to attend– i.e. combined with other clubs who will be asked to contribute to venue cost recovery.
To ensure members have their input to this significant change, the Board will lead a discussion on the matter as part of this Monday’s meeting.
Monday’s meeting
The meeting will begin with Member short talks: a random draw will determine who is to speak – the time limit is set at 5 minutes. At the end of each talk, a new draw will be made for the next member to speak. We expect the meeting will hear from up to 5 members in succession.
The topics that members can speak to are those suggested at our recent planning workshop. The Short Talks proposal item gained widespread support from members as a way of getting to know each other – particularly important for our newer members. The topics you can choose from are:
- Your personal life story,
- Developments in your primary career – your vocation – both past decades and in the future
- Your most memorable travel experience
- “Why I joined Rotary”, and what I learned upon joining
- The most satisfying experience so far in my years with the Club and why?
Our Exchange Student Melanie
On Monday 12 August we will hear (and see) the story that will background her life in Denmark and beyond, and her hopes for her year with us in New Zealand. We have set this as a partner’s night so that all can get to know her, and think of outings, events and experiences with you that she might enjoy. Please ensure that you advise your intention to attend with a guest(s) by the preceding Friday (9 August)
Remuera Residents Public Forum
On Wednesday 7 August Remuera Residents Association will host this forum at the Parnell Cricket Clubroom, Bloodworth Park on Shore Road, Remuera. Starting at 6.45pm, you will have the opportunity to hear from our Local Government Politicians – including Deputy Mayor Desley and members of the Orakei Local Board.
At the Forum Remuera Heritage and Remuera Rotary will propose to RRA that we work together to establish a “Friends of Mt Hobson (Ohinerau)“. The first project to involve such a group is the re-planting of the field of daffodils on the northern slopes of Mt Hobson. Club members can expect to be involved in this hands-on and highly visible project with a lasting result in our Community. Approval has been sought and given by Auckland’s Maunga Authority.
30 years of Duffy Books in Homes
There will be a celebration for the reaching of this milestone – on a journey where our Club has been a keen sponsor for every one of those years - at the Due Drop Centre, Manukau on August 12, 2024 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
Please let Secretary Kay know if you are attending for carpooling purposes.
