"Evening all", Welcome one and all, including our travel returnee's Fred Barrett, Wade Linnell and Michelle Tanner. I had an interesting weekend, attended my daughters groom 'stag do', in Taupo. "Something I would not want to do often!!!! " Great weekend though. Farm Watch: "Spring is here". grass growth a bit behind than this time last year at 53kgs/dm/ha/day. 15mls rain last week, 100% of herd calved,24 day rotation, very respectful 2.3 kgs/ms/day per cow. Important to leave grazed pasture at the 1500/1600 residual level, to maintain pasture quality. Any excess pasture will be harvested into silage, at a cost of around the 25 cents/kg/dm conserved. All is well with supply and processing, with the markets despite again GDT down 1.9%. Wary of Mr Trump dumping product on the world scene. Slight change to meeting agenda, our own Graham Motion is our guest speaker.
A real time advocate for our Matamata community.
Guest Speaker, Rotarian Graham Motion
Graham Motion formally introduced to our meeting by Owen Westlake, who is going to speak on his Para Medic experiences. With his typical unique straight talk that took up 46 years of his endeavours for our community well being. Honest to advise that he was left to fend for himself, as his parents separated while he was quite young. His caveat was not speaking as an employee of St John, but his journey to the end of his chosen career, as a very very well qualified Para Medic serving his Matamata community. Several times during his presentation, Matamata district was his number one commitment to serve. " Caused a bit of grief" for his masters over time, in his drive to get Matamata a 'fair go' with a reasonable trained ambulance service ; at least equal to that enjoyed by metropolitan New Zealand. So as a self motivated youngster, started out as a Farm Cadet, with an accelerated up skilling due to death of his boss , and had to manage the dairy farm for his widow and kids. He then wanted to aspire to be a Veterinarian or Doctor. Had the nous, did the homework and the determination to be accepted for College, but had to give that away due to lack of financial support. So he joined the NZ Army, with the intention of being a Medic. Graham was told only 'Poofters' became Medic's !!!, so being a stretcher bearer was not for him. He did have some fun times though, in his time with the Military. Got badly smashed up in a car accident, his recovery process by the people involved inspired him to become an Ambulance Driver. A self paid course he was accepted into the ambulance service. Always wanted to up skill which included 'new' first aid techniques such as 'mouth to mouth resuscitation' Other courses required him briefing TEAL/Air New Zealand cabin crew on First aid.. He continued to pursue further advanced training, during that time lobbied for technical improvements that eventually becoming one of twenty three Advanced Officers in the Ambulance Service through out New Zealand. Graham believed further skills were essential as first responders . Qualified to be one of the first of the new title 'Para medic' , by being qualified to administer intravenous infusion ( I.V.) medication. Matamata at that time, had doctors towards their retirement, and were not conversant with I.V. in general practice. Younger doctors coming through the training system were taught I.V. as a everyday medical practice. Graham yet again applied himself to become an advanced 'Para Medic', that Included the 'sweat box' windowless classroom, that was deliberately designed to put administrative stress on the applicant. He Passed that Examination, and then served his Matamata Community he was passionate about. He only gave a few highs and lows of his real time experiences, to which he had pages left to tell us of, but time was getting on. He was called upon time to time to transfer patients to Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital. Some with light hearted moments, and some with some level of violence that required Police assistance. One female accepted of being taken to Tokanui, but only if she could be upfront in the cab. Graham had a dream drive ,as the lady lent out of the window and gave a good rendition of a siren; that cleared traffic in front !!. Another call out to a female, under the influence of drugs and naked. Refused to be covered up to be transported to hospital, and again relented to be moved unless she sat in the front and still preferred to be naked. This trip required tdriving down Burwood Road, Graham was more concerned if anyone he knew saw him driving with a naked woman in the cab with him!."but she was wearing a seat belt" ha ha. Then there was the time he had to transfer a female to Tokanui under restraint with an attendant .No problem with the journey , until he assisted the female patient with the female attendant and staff into the womans ward......where a unified cry from the ladies A MAN.!!!.... Graham just made it out of the ward, behind locked doors !!! phew!! another occasion , a violent man, that even took required Police Sergeant Peter Agnew and some bystander on Matamata livestock sale day, so after a run down Broadway subdued the person and then sedated by a doctor for transfer to Tokanui. On arrival the patient, was put into a bare room with a mattress on the floor. Graham's opinion was he was respectful of what Tokanui facility and staff actually did for its patients, it was a happy environment and saw inmates have fun. His opinion of the Henry Bennett facility "is sad by comparison". Other encounters, attending call out to church goers not very well in the pews, but sermons never stopped while trying to give attention. The increased influx of tourists, some whose beliefs forbid females being touched by another man, which made diagnosis a challenge, especially in car accidents. Graham smiled when he passed an obstetrics qualification, using rag dolls and plastic pelvis to cover all the problems that could arise in birthing. In answer to a question on people under the influence of drugs. " persons under the influence of marijuana were always 'happy' and easy to discharge appropriate management. But those under the influence of methamphetamine is scary ,they generally are violent and require Police assistance for everyones safety".
"I gave Matamata the best I could". Owen Farmilo thanked Graham for his presentation, and nice to know to have someone with your skills, in our midst.
David Hulme via email to members thru Secretary Dave J. appreciated thesupport efforts for 'Cure Kids' Red Nose Appeal last Friday , Whether providers of the 800 plus cup cakes and or those who delivered them to pre arranged businesses or street collection. $1820 collected. We truly do belong to an awesome club!
David Wheadon, Matamata A & P Show --Saturday 6th October. Car Parking and show entry ticket sales. Morning/ early afternoon shifts organised. Members have come forward at this meeting, more persons would be good. Able to help fellow members, contact. David Wheadon Club Champion for this. m. 0274 845 445
President David had contact from Australian Scouts, 500 of them. To see if we could provide a lunch for them as they pass through Matamata on January 11th between 11am to 1pm. Directors decided this was a project we could not undertake while Rotary was in recess. Meeting agreed.
Another contact to President David, a Rotary District asked if he could take on a Brazilian Exchange student on 48 hours notice. Appears some difficulty with that student. David advised that he would have to consult with Club members, and declined. Meeting agreed. But Club will discuss within appropriate Club protocol , whether to consider accepting another student exchangee. in the future. There was a consensus in support such discussion.
Sad note, father of a previous guest speaker Liz Coutts (nee Wilson) Selwyn Wilson was a pioneer of breaking in land around the Tapapa district. He liked his bulldozer and explosives!! Editor had spoke with him, before his health went into decline at Country Lodge.
Blood Pressure week, but communication on this not really forthcoming, plus members are involved with A & P show.
Members would have got District email . Reference 'Taste Waikato' book launch. Valentine Room, St. Peters School. Thursday 11th October, 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Rexine Hawes, Oxfam 100km walk in Whakatane.to raise funds for 'Global Poverty'. In training mode right now. Just need some pointers on how to attract sponsorship support. Plus , a Rotary support crew would be nice. Thank you. m. 021 477 089 rexine.hawes@gmail.com
'Spud in the Bucket' time again. So start promoting some fun competition within our community. Official Start growing date is New Zealand Labour Day, which has always been the fourth Monday in October. So Monday October 22nd. Weigh in, possibly first Tuesday in March 2019. Competition 'Spud in the bucket's' availability will be advised.
CLUB DUTY
9TH OCTOBER
16th OCTOBER
CLUB HOST
ROSS BAY
BRYCE SCOTT
RECEPTION
JIM BREMNER
KRISHNANSAMI NARAYANASAMI
RECEPTION
MIKE STEINER
GRENVILLE STOCKER
BAR STEWARD
LACHIE DUNCAN
DAVID WHEADON
BAR STEWARD
LYNETTE STANLEY
BRIAN HUNTER
SPEAKER INTRO
DAVID PARKER
GARRY MOORE
SPEAKER THANKS
KEVIN SING
PETER THISSEN
TOP TABLE
DAVID PARKER
GARRY MOORE
TOP TABLE
TBA
TBA
PARTING THOUGHT
LYN DOBBE
SHERYL ERTEL
KITCHEN
JANE BELTON
LEONIE TISCH
KITCHEN
REXINE HAWES
HARRY DAVIESON
Jane Belton...Programme
Oct 9 – Nilah Turner – Driving dump trucks in Australia
Oct 16 – Angela Coupar and Rosemary Locke – Guide dog Services -
Oct 23 – Tim Hampton – Mata Digital Limited -
Oct 30 – End Polio Now – Michelle Tanner -– dress in purple
Nov 6 – Melbourne Cup night –
Nov 13 – TBC
Nov 20 – Mimico visit after dinner
Nov 27 – TBC
Dec 4 – Club night
Dec 11 – Last night Rotary – Think Christmas
Good 'ole mic and the sound system was very good this evening. Heard lectern presenters very well.
'Who Has Inspired Me' ..Barry McKey
Three people I recall. My Mother, a housewife, great cook, served St John and a well organised person. Always had the pantry well stocked with basic ingredients. My Father a dedicated railwayman. Started off as a clerk for New Zealand Railways, promoted on merit to be finally be 'Senior Stationmaster', responsible for several railway stations. A tidy person and liked all our shoes to be nuggeted and polished every Saturday.Our bicycles also turned upside down, to be lubricated and wiped over with an oily rag.Third person of influence was my Intermediate school teacher,Mr Ewen Merry. Instilled in me, the skill of mental arithmetic.Two years ago,I was able to support him celebrate his 100th birthday. So, these are my three great people that inspired me.
Calendar please: Rotary Day, February 23rd 2019. To raise public awareness of what Rotary achieves for members and our communities here ,and around the World.
Lion Foundation. Has $400k + for distribution. David Hulme has more information. So contact David for more detailed information. Maybe one or more Rotary projects may meet the eligibility criteria for a grant application to be successful
All Committee Meeting Minutes are able to be viewed by members accessing our Web Site. Link ID is clearly shown at the bottom of this bulletin. Certainly a lot of energy going into all committees, which their respective meeting minutes clearly show. Editor Suggests of having a look at those.
Te Reo over a coffee , has now attracted over 40 people. Liz Samuels and Joanne Aoake the leads in this. Make enquiries when sessions are being held, café corner Tainui St. and Broadway.
Inner Wheel
USED POSTAGE STAMPS: In a past issue of Rotary Down Under there is a contact of a person in Melbourne who can sell used postage stamps. If anyone has these, they can be passed to Eric Muckle or Kevin Sing. ‘Just leave stamps on envelope paper, leaving about 1cm margin around the edge.’ NZ stamps are in particular demand. Many thanks,Jean Muckle. Please contact:- Eric and Jean ph. 888 3784 e. jeneric@xtra.co.nz
Charlene Connor, Pohlen Foundation. Real Home and Garden Tour will be held again this year, so save the date for Saturday, 17 November. Tickets now on sale direct from Charlene.
Directors Chat:
Calendar please: Rotary Day, February 23rd 2019. To raise public awareness of what Rotary achieves for members and our communities here ,and around the World.
Not helpful with foreign money being put into Sergeant at arms fine box, been quite a bit of valueless donations last few months. Frustrating for our team who manage our financials.
President David has lodged a District Grant Application to support Interact. The purpose of that application is t0 construct a basketball court and hoops. Matamata College Board of Trustees have ok'd this initiative. Quotes are in the $24k - $25k bracket
Parting Thought
Raymond Baxter, a well recognised United Kingdom TV presenter was requested a quote in 1976.
"For most the pressing problems of our time (remember this was 1976).
Malnutrition, over-population, the energy crisis, pollution. Science and technology offer potential solutions. If they are ignored, don't blame the scientists, blame the politicians".
Brian Hunter....................Rotarian
Raymond Baxter, well known UK TV personality.
David Wheadon (L) discussing with Wade Linnell, Matamata A & P Show car parking and ticketing. Such things as who is parking and directing vehicles, some members can be rostered to take show entry ticket sales.
Two main roster periods to cover the busy period;-
8.30am to 10.30am
10.30am to approx 1pm
Some members will be available to be there all morning. More members welcome to assist.
