I am sure all of you who attended our inaugural, periodic “Writers’ Festival” on Monday night enjoyed meeting and hearing from Rachael Meade, a published poet, writer and art critic who lives in the Hills.

 

Holding an Honours Degree in Classical Architecture, a Masters in Environmental studies and a PhD in Creative Writing, she was offered a residency in Northern Italy on an Eco-Poetry fellowship in 2009 before joining an archceological dig in Australia..

 

She has just published her first novel, The Application of Pressure, taking inspiration from the many extraordinary stories recounted to her by First Responders with SA Ambulance. 

 

Although fiction based on real incidents, The Application of Pressure offers an unfiltered glimpse into the real experiences of our beloved “ambos” and into the lives of everyday people, often on the worst day of their lives.

 

   

 

Pauline acted as interviewer and through her informed and thoughtful questioning, we all got a real insight into the process of writing a novel and of then trying to get it published.  At Pauline's prompting, Rachael graciously read a few excerpts from the book which were captivating, highly amusing and, in turn, both tragic and heart-warming.  First Responders invest everything they have every day, professionally and emotionally, into making a difference and saving lives but often at great personal cost..

 

            

 

Several members have already read the book and tell us it is a great read but an emotional rollercoaster!  The Application of Pressure is available from Matilda Bookshop (a Friend of Rotary) and online through Amazon.com.au.

 

The Community Outreach Committee has committed to supporting the SA Bushfire Garden Revival group formed after the Sampson Flat fires.  Pauline is coordinating the collection of unneeded plants from our gardens to be distributed free to bushfire victims at their first Open Day in Cudlee Creek, on 12 September.   

 

   

 

Already after 2 days of effort by a small group of "potters", she has amassed a great selection of plants to contribute. 

 

The especially hard working Susanne Marie recently addressed the Rotary Club of Prospect, the home club of Jeff Cluse, the Area Governor of Area 12.  She explained her role as Deputy Governor overseeing all 12 Area Governors and is the direct link to DG David Jones. 

 

As a  member of the District Leadership Board she is now also working on the D9510 District Training Plan.

 

                  

Join us on Monday night to hear the entertaining guest speakre, Henry Muradzikwa of Zambezi Crafts in Hahndorf.  You will not want to miss his story of fleeing conflict in the civil war in Zimbabwe, his experience as a refugee and migrant to Australia and about the business he now runs with his partner, Lia, focusing on ethical sourcing of hand crafted work from Africa..