On Thursday 16th May our club was host to a very special group of visitors. They were the Family, Carer, Social Workers and a Specialist Nurse all supporting an amazing 21 year old named Eliza York (Pictured Centre next to President David) who has lived her whole life with the insidious disease, Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Eliza spoke eloquently of her life and how it has been affected by this terrible affliction. You could not fail to be moved by the courage and fortitude shown by this young lady as she battled throughout her life against almost insurmountable odds.  Her mother, who is also her primary carer, spoke about the effect on the family and the adjustments required to respond to the special needs of their daughter and sister.  Also speaking about the wider problems faced by sufferers of CF, particularly in the Hunter New England Local Health District, where there are currently 120 individual CF patients from as far north as Tenrterfield, as far west as Narrabri and as local as here in Cessnock, were Cathy Morrison (Cystic Fibrosis Social Worker), Kim Cookson (Cystic Fibrosis & Lung Transplant Coordinator) and Melissa Frost from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The presentation on the night from all who spoke was very interesting and thought provoking and the Club has decided to refer  the matter to the Board to determine how we can assist. It may even be possible to run a specific event in aid of the foundation in our local community. 

On Thursday 29th the club visited the Binnorie Dairy situated at 25 Lodge Road Lovedale. We were hosted by the owners Simon and Sally (Pictured below with President David) who made sure we had a most interesting and enjoyable evening. The Dairy has its own cheesemaking factory on site and although it wasn't operating during our visit Simon was able to give us a very detailed and informative explanation on the cheese makers art and the type of product they manufacture at Binnorie. We were then treated to a wonderful meal finished off with an enormous cheese platter accompanied by some excellent wine. The Binnorie Dairy is a relatively new business and deserves to be a great success and we would encourage people to support this local business as they support our local community. At the end of the evening our hosts were thanked by President David who presented them with a Certificate of Appreciation for their support of our Vocational Night.

On Sunday 16th September Cessnock Rotary Club and the Cessnock Girl Guides combined to provide catering support at the Spring Cruize-in event held at the Hunter Valley Gardens. 
The event is hosted by the ANSMA Australian National Street Machine Association and proudly supported by Hunter Valley Gardens. At the same time members of the Rotary Club provided a BBQ for the Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club at Mount View Park (The Basin).  Our brand new Rotary Catering Trailer got a real workout but everything worked perfectly and was such a vast improvement over the old trailer. Even so it was only through the generous loan of equipment from the Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri that we were able to have such a successful day. Many thanks to all our members Friends and Volunteers who worked tirelessly during the day, the success is due to you.

Two weeks after we farewelled our Finnish exchange student Ossi,  we have welcomed our newest exchange student Emil Beyer Jensen who is from just around the corner from Ossi in Denmark. Pictured below 2nd from the left is Emil on his arrival at Sydney Airport with a group of Rotary Exchange students who arrived on the same flight. Emil will be staying with President David and Janette for the first few days to get all of the administrative details finalised. Emil is enrolled in St Phillips Christian School and has already had a personal guided tour by the Registrar Lindsay O'Reilly. He starts school proper on Thursday 26th July and will be in Year 10. In the short time he has been here he has visited the Newcastle foreshore, toured Fort Scratchley and has had his first Australian meat pie at Harry's Café De Wheels. He will be at our meeting on Thursday night to be welcomed to our club.

Ossi's Farewell

 

It is with deep regret that we record the passing of our esteemed member, David Clark. David passed away unexpectedly on the 23rd February 2018. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Judy and his family. David's funeral will be held at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Vincent Street and Aberdare Road, Cessnock, at 11am on Monday 5th March 2018. David was a long serving member of the Cessnock Rotary Club and his wise counsel and boundless enthusiasm for the Rotary cause was an inspiration. David was passionate about Rotary projects that supported and enhanced the local Cessnock Community and his guidance and determination in that area will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace David.

To all our members, friends and our local community, have a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

Yesterday, 12th November,  The Cessnock Rotary Club conducted a fundraising BBQ supported by Bunnings Cessnock. The Board of the Rotary Club had decided that the proceeds from this particular BBQ would be donated to the Cessnock RSL Sub-Branch who are currently prevented from fundraising on their own behalf which is having a serious negative affect on their ability to assist the veteran and ex-service community in the Cessnock Area. It turned out to be a very successful day with assistance provided by club members Graham Farish, Mark Simpson, Greg and Lorraine Bevan, Bev Hannay, David Clark, Val Calvey and the very welcome addition of Raylene Jackson from the Ladies Auxiliary of the RSL.. It was a fine example of Rotary doing good in the local community by helping another community group who, through no fault of their own, are currently unable to carry out their normal community support activities.