Wade welcomed Rotarians and guests. As the Club was aware it will be World Polio day 24th October, so dressing in purple to represent Purple Pinkie day along with the raffle was a great way to start this off. Wade also had some End Polio Now badges for sale $5.00 each. Below photos: Eli enjoying getting into purple theme. Tonight's raffle was drawn with Krishna winning the basket, we raised $270.00.
Members Announcements...
Sheryl, as part of the Foundation committee, has once again helped to organise the Great Rotary Christmas raffle. Tickets on sale now. Businesses have kindly donated $3335.00 in vouchers, keeping the whole process local. Members please contact Sheryl for books of tickets.
Mike F reminded of our annual Foodbank drive to raise funds; donations can be made directly to the Charitable account - with names and what it is for as references.
David H advised the Melbourne Cup night 5th November will be 4.30pm start, race should start 5pm, nibbles will be provided at 5.30pm. Remember to dress accordingly... prizes to be won!
Kevin S has Christmas mince tarts $6.50 pack of 6, kindly donated so all proceeds to charity!
Rotary Club of Morrinsville have their annual quiz/auction night Monday 11th November.
Neil Dalton - My life with Polio
Jane introduced guest speaker Neil Dalton, they had been countryside neighbours growing up with their families in each others pockets (farms). Jane knew Neil had a limp but never knew why.
Polio was still in existence in 1951 when 6 month old Neil contracted it, and his family never knew how he got it. The drain on the family time and resources whilst he spent many months at Waikato Hospital was immense, but Neil acknowledges he had an amazing family and lifestyle that others may not have had, so potentially had a better time of it. He got to know many other children of the time that were afflicted and saw the impacts of this cruel disease. He spoke of the timber plates to help straighten his legs, the special boots, the platform in one to help with having a shorter leg. The constant trips to hospital for treatment or monitoring the condition. Surgery for his ankle, with it in plaster for 6 months, did however mean 'goodbye' to the calipers. Later to help save his back from the effects of one shorter leg, he had his longer limb shortened and had to learn how to walk again. A lot of the treatments performed or suggested were groundbreaking, as no-one really knew how best to treat or combat Polio. Neil was grateful for the support of his family; he was very emotional when mentioning his dad, wife Jude helping him and running the family, allowing him to work hard... maybe too hard. He now faces life post polio, increasing fatigue, pain, muscular atrophy, and sleep issues. He is a battler.
Murray was happy to have the chance to thank our speaker today, his father too had Polio so he knew first hand the impact it has on the person and family. And like Neil, his father was reticent talking about it; it is rare for Neil to discuss his condition especially in public so we are very thankful for his time today. Ironically our usual form of thanks is a donation to End Polio Now so very apt.
5-Nov Nibbles $15
12-Nov Full meal $26
Programme
Melbourne Cup night
Annabel Lush
Reception
Kevin
Sing
Merv
King
Reception
Leonie
Tisch
Michael
Farrell
Speaker Intro
NA
David
Johnston
Speaker Thanks
NA
Lynette
Stanley
Parting thought
Krishna
Narayanasami
Lianne
Edwards-Maas
Top Table
Wade, Nicole,
David H
Wade, Nicole,
Annabel & David
Rotary Matamata account numbers
Administration: 03-0363-0018584-000
Charitable Trust: 03-0363-0010566-000
Please ensure you include your NAME and WHAT the money is for as the reference.
Neil Dalton - My life with Polio
