Present : President, Wally Garrett; David Brownson; Geoff Harding; John Pitman; Dennis Eales; Murray Gillespie, Sally Morch,  Des Friedrich,  Majoie Hemelaar, Michael Archer, Ian Smiley, Jan Northrop, Tony Bird, Jan Dempsey

 

Apologies Myles Derry, Simon Northrop (LOA)

 

Guests: Gaylene Lines (Rotary Club of Tawa), Kay Worth (Guest Speaker)

 

Fines: Ian Smiley fined members on their knowledge of The Salvation Army.

 

 

 

Introduced by Des Friedrich

 

 

 

Kay is the Business Manager for The Salvation Army,Taranaki she's only been in New Plymouth 3 months previously in Hamilton for 14 years where she was National Appeals Manager.

 

The major fundraiser is their Book Fare which will be held in the Skating Rink (both buildings )at The East End Reserve, 10-12 October (School Holidays)

A concern is providing a new venue for sorting books (100 sqM)

 

Looking for volunteers to help on the till, helping to set up and packdown afterwards.

 

They are in the process of remodelling their Foodbank (in Powderham St) into a kind of Supermarket with Chiller Storage and the ability for clients depending on circumstances to be given points which will enable them to pick their own food. Healthier foods given lower value points to influence decision making. The intention is to eventually set up a kitchen to provide meals at reasonable prices, teach clients to cook and help with self sufficiency.

 

She mentioned a volunteer that despite having a string of convictions (describing himself as unemployable) had demonstrated a hard working cooperative attitude. She wrote a glowing reference for him and he managed to get full time work. While pleased for him it left a gaping hole in her volunteer group that she was struggling to fill.

 

Also talked about the addiction bridge programme they run supported by a Recovery Church Fellowship each Wednesday in New Plymouth.

 

There are 3 active Churches in New Plymouth, Stratford  and Hawera. A major current challenge is to set up a Recovery Church in Hawera where there is a desperate current need. 

 

Kay was thanked by Jan Northrop.

 

 

Geoff talked about a recent trip he did on the Northern coast of of the South island from Picton to to Farewell Spit.

 

Highlights: Boat trips down Pelorous Sound and to Fernleigh Lodge, trip to Farewell Spit (most norther part of SI and due east of Kapiti Island), Salmon farm in Takaka caught fish were cooked for them to eat, Bombing of London, Battle of Britain Simulator at The Peter Jackson vintage Plane Museum in Blenheim. Great trip for 9 days run by Weir Bros.

 

 

Mentioned the recent well attended working bee finishing off the cleaning down of the Flats. They are looking great.

 

Geoff Harding and Janet Dunlop have done great work planting in the retaining walls, looks a picture. Janet now on a retainer as the gardener.

 

Likely to be a couple of vacancies shortly (full at present) a strong waiting list.

 

While there was a poor turnout for the recent trees releasing at The Forest, 250 trees were released. 

 

 

Pink Ribbon Breakfast-Hosted by Waitara Rotary Saturday 18th May at Knox Church 17 Great St, contact Peggy Savage $20/per person 027 329 5036 to book

 

 

 

 

"Do a little bit of good where you are; its those little bits put together that overwhelm the world"- Desmond Tutu