The sudden COVID induced shutdown caused major disruption to many throughout the state and our club was also a casualty.
The Stirling Hotel advised us that they could not host the next two meetings even after the 6, and ultimately, 3 day "Shelter in Place" order was lifted. The Hotel would still be subject to the existing Stage 3 restrictions governing public gatherings with limits on the number of patrons allowed on the premises at any one time.
As a result, our meeting scheduled for 23 November was cancelled and special arrangements have been made to hold this week's Annual General Meeting in the shed on the site of the Old Stirling Primary School and Community Garden It is located off Old Mt Barker Road between the Sticky Rice Cooking School and the intersection of Old Carey Gully Road.
Please read the papers distributed earlier (including the Financial Report Pauline sent out yesterday) and fill out a Nomination Form if you wish to self-nominate, or nominate a colleague, for a Board position. A significant benefit of joining Rotary is the opportunity to take on leadership roles to develop leadership skills, to mentor others and to help set the course for the club's future success .
Sculpture for Interiors and Gardens
Thanks to all who made the VIP Preview and Opening Ceremony so successful.
In the presence of the Hon Josh Teague, Member for Heysen and Speaker of the House, one of our own, Donna Brink Reid, was celebrated for her career achievements in sculpture in this community, in Australia and around the world, by being invited to formally open Sculpture for Interiors and Gardens 2020. She was introduced by her good friend, the very knowledgeable and impressive, Associate Professor Jane Ruston of the Mid Western University of Esoteric and Profound Studies based in Nebraska, USA.
Author of the (not entirely) best-selling books, “Art, Culture, Fossils, Preservationand You” and “In Search of the True Meaning of Art and What It Tells Us about Life, the Universe and Everything”, she has also published numerous obscure papers in countless obscure journals, documenting her research into obscure esoteric and profound topics. She expounded on her research at great length to a highly engaged, fortunately, well lubricated and attentive audience.
Once again, a special shout out goes to Veronica for the outstanding hors d'oeuvres served; always a highlight of such affairs.
Unfortunately, without notice, we were forced to close the event, mid-afternoon on Wednesday when our COVID Safe Plan was revoked. Tim and Jan leapt into action, though, to inform the exhibitors and those who had already purchased items that the exhibition had closed, hopefully, temporarily. They also immediately secured assurances from the National Trust that we could leave the works in place until we could arrange for their removal or re-open the exhibition.
Within a few hours, everything fell into place. The National Trust agreed approved a re-opening for this weekend (the 28th and 29th of November), all the exhibitors and purchasers agreed to leave their items on display, Rotary extended the insurance to cover the new dates, a new COVID Safe Plan was approved and a new Short Term Liquor License was issued for the Tapanappa wine tasting. Whew!
So, why not join us this weekend (and bring your friends, neighbours and family) to enjoy a day out appreciating the magnificent sculptures, indoors and out, being showcased in a truly beautiful setting.
...and bring a picnic basket to make a day of it!
Bonfire Night was a ROARING Success!
A beautiful, warm Spring evening, a spectacular setting, a congenial group and a terrific bonfire all contributed to a great evening of fellowship. News of successful vaccine trials also lifted the mood at the end of an otherwise annus horriblis
All in all a great night! Thanks to PDG Dick and Liz Wilson for hosting the event and thanks, too, to everybody who contributed to the overflowing table of delicious food!
