The meeting opened with 26 members with our guest speaker present in person, and two more joining by Zoom. Barry Davidson updated the club about Bill Hurst’s health and that he is recovering well, and  

due to the doctor's advise not to fly, he will be returning from Vancouver by train in the next weeks.

David Hawkins introduced presenter Carson Arthur by referring to Carson’s career as a landscape gardener/designer, t.v. personality, entrepreneur, media celebrity, author and highly successful local business owner. Carson has published two books on gardening-related subjects; “Garden Designs for Outdoor Living” and “Veg, Chickens and Bees” as well as having written for magazines. His twenty year t.v. career has emphasized environmentally-friendly practices.

Carson, who opened his market on Wilson Road two years ago, chose to speak about how changing demographics have a huge impact on our society both nationally and locally. He referenced the rise in house prices in the County, particularly since Covid, as one sign of the influence of different generations concerns and motivations. He identified the three adult groups as “Baby Boomers”, “Generation X”, and “Millennials”. The oldest generation is in the process of down-sizing, paying attention to homes, gardens and pets, Gen X (1961-1980) is the smallest demographic, at 14-16%, but the largest consumers, representing 40% of market spending. This group is generally buying property for investment such as rentals. Millennials are, however, looking to buy a home, away from high-density urban centres and prefer properties which can be renovated or up-graded as opposed to turn-key ones. For many reasons, it is this group that all businesses and other organisations such as service clubs like Rotary are seeking to engage. Millennials’ social and economic habits are also very removed from those of Boomers and, to a slightly lesser extent, from Generation Xers with use of the Internet and certain social media such as Instagram, Tik-Tok, etc. Gardening, which was not as popular with Generation X has enjoyed a strong resurgence as a top ‘hobby’ for Millennials. An emphasis on personal, individual, experience, concerns about climate change and the need to care for the environment have Millennials moving to areas like the County. 

Carson concluded his presentation by explaining how groups like ours, which has no Millennial members, can reach out to this demographic by finding commonalities and organising “one-off” events which, with appropriate advertising on social media, may bring them in touch with Rotary. Carson answered members’ questions including that we should expect droughts rather than floods and even higher winds, in the County, as a result of climate change, and that the Rotary Beach would make an excellent site for appropriate redesign along environmentally-friendly lines. Carson was thanked by Christine who is a regular customer at his Market.

Under Club business, there were no short-term bottle depot volunteer needs, and PP Mike Lattner informed us of a change in the depot where some of the ‘uglies’ bottles can now be included with the coloured wine bottles. The Christmas Party is going ahead at the Legion on December 7th. Lyn & Michelle volunteered to help with the event.  There was a positive response to Barry’s poll about supporting the County's initiative to seek a $10,000 grant for tree-planting in our area. Lana has purchased throws and art supplies for the Foodbank. Michelle requested any further suggestions and reaching out to any other potential contributors/advertisers in the D & D books for next year. MPres Trudy reminded the Club that November is Rotary Foundation month. Pres Elect Ken said two volunteers are needed at the vaccination clinic in Picton on 29 Nov from 4.30 to 7pm. A new President Elect for 2022-23 is still being sought. Dave Robinet will be a director on the new Board but needs someone to take over organizing the Speaker Program. After birthdays and anniversaries (including MPres’s), the meeting closed at 8.25 with the four way test.