We certainly have had a week of action and “serving the community”.

Last Saturday was Colourfest, a new event for Timaru, organized by the same team as Illuminate, and thanks to Mike Parr, Lionel Wilson, Melissa & Greg Sugrue, Jess Wooffindin and her Mum, Annette who assisted in Colourfest activities, it was a fun and busy day. And, due to changed circumstances and there being no power available for us at the planned Swapmeet, the Hot Dog Van was available, so we swung into action, selling chips and drinks, no Hot Dogs which proved to be a good move resulting to in funds being raised. Thank you, John Rushton, Gary Rushworth, who assisted me in the van, and Jenny Ensor, Jess Wooffindin and Lionel Wilson who made sure we were stocked up with supplies and moved into position.

On Tuesday night we were enlightened by Corrie Andrews, of Enviro NZ, on the recent NZ kerbside standardization changes instigated nationally, why these changes have been made and what impact they will have. Most of us are still struggling with which bin we now put our paper in.

Thursday 11th April, Timaru hosted the 2nd day of RYDA (Rotary Young Driver Awareness) and thanks to Gilly Oppenheim, Robin Peterson, Jim Garden, Russell Finlay, Judy Dolman, and myself, The Rotary club of Timaru assisted about 160 Students from Timaru Girls High School and Geraldine High School were taken through some valuable Road Safety lessons, at Levels Racetrack, learning to identify crash factors, appreciate personal risk and develop personal safety strategies to lower risk (around speed, impairment, vehicle safety, distractions, mind state and sharing the road).

An address from Mitch-a crash survivor- was met with many questions and was thought provoking. Mitch is now playing wheelchair rugby, has a positive outlook and thinks “Rotary is the Bomb!” – he appreciates the work Rotarians do in the community and will do anything to help when Rotary is involved – such a lovely guy to meet today, along with Liona, the RYDA organizer.

Saturday 13th April is our next “Kindling wood” working bee, this will be followed by a Celtic theme Pot luck lunch, and “tasting” of Gary Rushworths (our “Brewer”) latest three brews. This is open to everyone, including partners, (you don’t have to have been at the kindling morning to participate). Address: 97b Avenue Road, meet 12:30pm, lunch 1:00pm.

April is such a busy month, with something happening for everyone to participate in – no room for boredom.

The Board at their meeting held on 9th April, approved a draft budget for 2024/25 and set the date for Changeover as 9th July 2024, with a Mid Winter Christmas theme.

Looking forward to catching up with you all again at our next official meeting on April 23rd.