The meeting was opened by MPres Trudy with 23 members and 1 guest present, including David Smith who was with us in person for the first time in 18 months. David was warmly welcomed back and so was Norm Dodgson on his second visit to the Club. Barry and Peter joined by Zoom and MPres Trudy updated us on Bill Hurst's situation - physically better but stuck in Vancouver for a while longer. 

Since there was no formal program, MPres Trudy initiated discussion on a number of topics of immediate concern to the Club. The possibility of the Club participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange scheme was raised and, after Ted’s explanation of what would be expected of Wellington members, there was no volunteer to assume responsibility for this endeavour and the Club would not proceed with it, this year.

 

Dave Robinet informed us that virtually all the Diners & Duffers discount books had been sold but there are a few which needed tracking down. Anyone who can shed light on this should contact Dave asap.

 

There was then some discussion of the timing of our golf tournament next year and Colin confirmed that the WOTL Golf course owners had contributed $300 to the Foundation.

 

Chris and Pres Elect Ken led further discussion of the Club’s major goals and initiatives, specifically, the Foodbank relocation, Kate’s Rest and summer camp opportunities for young people. The Foodbank is currently supporting 446 individuals, including 132 children from the Wellington area as far west as Carrying Place. Its current premises are not at all suitable though some lessons have been learned from Covid restrictions. After considerable research, no suitable solution to relocating the Storehouse Foodbank has yet been found but the search will continue. The Committee on Kate’s Rest was scheduled to meet later that day by Zoom and more information would be available subsequently. The Club had received an offer from the Children’s Foundation to arrange for 12 camp places for $4,800 next summer but Pres Elect Ken is very clear that this must be run under the Rotary banner and opined that suitable candidates might be identified through contact with the Foodbank volunteers.

 

MPres Trudy also informed the Club of the possibility of buying and installing beach mats at the Rotary Beach to increase accessibilty, as has happened at Presqu’ile and Sandbanks Provincial Parks. Tim pointed out that this would be a desirably hands-on project as distinct from many that are financial assistance. She also shared that the Hospital Foundation is soliciting for ulta-sound and colonoscopy equipment to the tune of $210,000.

In Club business, Bill’s bottle depot volunteer needs were met. Christine reported on progress with arrangements for the Anniversary/Christmas party at the Legion on Dec 7th. She thanked Tim & Lyn for help sorting out the Club’s storage space and brandished a Wellington Rotary branding iron that had been discovered there. John gave an interesting back story on this article. Numbers of attendees are needed for the caterer by Dec 1st. Volunteers are requested to help with set up from 4pm and clear up after.

 

MPres Trudy reminded us of the next District Conference which will take place in Oshawa from May 13th to 15th and about which further information can be found on the Disrict Website. Finally, before the meeting closed with the 4 Way Test at 8.30, she updated us on the whereabouts of Jacques and his wife on their trans-Atlantic voyage.