Stories
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SCONE TIME AT MARTHAVILLE |
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DINNER AT KONCZ TRESIDENCE |
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BROKE CAROLS IN THE PARK BBQ |
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Mark Hughes Golf Day |
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FUN AT HUNTER GARDENS LIGHT SPECTACULAR |
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BYCICLE FOR THE NEEDY IN TOWN |
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FEEDING THE PEOPLE IN NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY |
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BBQ AT PCYC |
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FEEDING THE NEEDY![]() ![]() |
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NEW MEMBERSNew Members Harma Hill, Graham and Helen Rose with President Vicki and past DG Adrian Roach ![]() |
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CHANGEOVER 2021 |
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DECK CAFE LOVEDALE![]() ![]() ![]() |
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BROKE MARKETSWe are holding a BarBQ at the Broke Markets every first Sunday of the month. ![]() |
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HUNTLEE BARBQWe are holding a BarBQ event every second Sunday at the Coles Car Park at Huntlee ![]() |
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Inspiring TeamWhat an inspiring performance by our Cessnock Rotary Club team over the last months since I started my presidency. The energy, the commitment and the dedication shown by members and friends of Cessnock Rotary is truly encouraging. The amazing amount of work, organisation, and behind the scene efforts, which has gone into our fundraising events and community services given, is truly representative of the support our club has provided and will continue to provide in the future to the community and beyond. I would also like to thank our wonderful Sponsors for their continued support to help Cessnock Rotary serve the community. An outstanding achievement!!!! Thanks to all for your tireless efforts. Kind Regards, John Rosee Cessnock Rotary Club President 2019-2020 |
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Donation - Cessnock RSL Sub-BranchDONATION TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY The Cessnock RSL Sub-Branch does a great job looking after the welfare of Returned, serving and ex-service personnel and their families in our local community. However, currently, because of circumstances beyond their control, their normal funding sources are not available to them. Our Rotary club decided that the work that the local RSL club does in our community is so essential that we should assist them with a donation to help carry them through this current period. Accordingly the President of the local Sub-Branch, Mr Max Lewis, was a guest at our club on 30th November and was presented with a donation cheque and a Certificate of Appreciation by President Graham in recognition of the very valuable work they do. ![]() |
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Rotary Cessnock Bunnings BBQYesterday, 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. ![]() ![]() |
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2017 Cessnock Postie Bike RacesOn a cool and rainy 5th November Cessnock Rotary Club once again braved the elements to operate the Sausage Sizzle at the Annual Postie Bike Racing Carnival held in the grounds of Cessnock TAFE and the surrounding public streets. On the front line were Club members John Rosee, Vicki Steep, David Clark, Steve Jackson and one of our valued volunteers, Raylene Jackson, whilst in the background under the shelter shed wrapping the sandwiches was our erstwhile PP Ross Lidbury. Crowds were down slightly on previous years because of the inclement weather but in the periods when the rain stopped the crowds came and we were all kept quite busy. Meanwhile President Graham Farish and Bev Hannay with assistance from members of the Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri and the Girl Guides were doing a marvellous job running the VIP tent within compound adjacent to the pit area. ![]() ![]() |
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HVG Christmas Lights for 20173rd November 2017 saw the first night of the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular and the first night that our club volunteers assisted with helping visitors to the Gardens find their way around. There was a bigger crowd this year than last year, but the night was very relaxed and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves especially the children. The changes this year particularly in the event area up the top appear to be working very well and the fireworks at the back of the Event area were well received. All in all a very good start to this years premier event. ![]() |
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Visit by District GovernorPresentation of Interact Charter On Thursday evening, 12th October, we were joined by special guest District Governor Helen Ryan and partner Mike accompanied by Assistant Governor Kerry Hayes. Also present were 3 representatives from the newly formed Cessnock High School Interact Club, Kyle, Michael and Catelyn, pictured here receiving their Charter and badges from DG Helen. Also present were Kyle's father Phillip and Michael Weatherall Interact Chair from the Rutherford Telarah Rotary Club.. ![]() |
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Rotary Health Hat DayLift the Lid on Mental Health On Friday the 13th October, Cessnock Rotary Club conducted a Bunnings BBQ in support of Australian Rotary Health Crazy Hat Day. ![]() |
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Club Community AnnouncementCLUB COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT. Our Club’s annual drive to help women who are homeless. Refuges are always looking for items for women, and their children, when they are in dire needs. And Christmas time is often the time when things are needed most. We can help! Please bring a few items which we can collect and deliver to our friends at Jodie’s Place. These can be soaps, deodorants, skin care items, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoos, hair conditioners, sanitary items, dish washing items, clothes washing items, towels. And to help cater for the children – tooth brushes, toothpaste, children’s shampoo, talcum powder, disposable nappies, baby needs, tins of food, small toys, children’s books. Do not include anything which will not have a long(ish) shelf life – no foods, or other perishables. Please bring these things in as you can, and leave with Janette, who will arrange for them to go Jodie’s Place. |
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Italian Theme NightThe club meeting venue was turned into an Italian Ristorante for the fellowship meeting of the 31 August. The balloons in the Red, Green and White colours of the Italian flag and the red and white chequered tablecloth inserts emphasised the Italian ambience. Many thanks to Jo Rosee for the idea, Jo and Bev Hannay for the decorations , Jo and John Rosee for the setup and Leisa Craig the club Events Manager for the finishing touches. The buffet style meal of a number of Italian dishes in quantities reminiscent of Italian feasts was beautifully prepared and of exceptional quality. Many thanks to the Club Catering Staff for a great job. Club members were joined by guests Kay Carver, Val Calvey and past member Louise Selmes and granddaughter Chloe. It was a great night of fun and fellowship with Sergeant John Rosee extracting many fines, deserved and undeserved, from all members. At the end of the evening prior to the National Anthem members and guest were treated to a stirring rendition of the Italian Classic O Sole Mio in Neapolitan by our club resident Tenor Peter Carver. O sole mio is a globally known Neapolitan song written in 1898. Its lyrics were written by Giovanni Capurro and the music was composed by Eduardo di Capua ![]() |
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MHERV - Rotary Cessnock![]() ![]() MHERV is coming to Cessnock and Kurri Kurri So ‘who’ is MHERV? ... Mherv is a rural life-saver in a purpose-built caravan that begins its 2017/18 tour of 56 centres across NSW in Cessnock, on the 24th and 25th of August, followed by Kurri on the 27th and 28th. The Men’s Health Education Rural Van (mherv) accommodates a registered nurse who runs some simple health tests for rural men who are notorious for not finding time to see their GP for check-ups. Many just ‘drop dead in the paddock, at work in the mine , at home in the backyard, in the vineyard ’ ... because nobody saw it coming! As a Rotary initiative, MHERV has been visiting rural centres since 2008 especially way out west. But the project has more potential than was being realised on casual outings. Retired Magistrate and Cessnock Rotary Club’s Steve Jackson has recently handed over the role of District Governor to Nelson Bay’s Helen Ryan. During his Rotary District Governorship in 2016/17 he was keen to see the Mherv project really get ‘out there’ Now ... starting in Cessnock, and then Kurri Kurri,mherv is scheduled to undertake men’s health screenings in 56 centres during 2017/18 Cessnock’s Rotary Club president Graham Farish said “ it’s good that we can cooperate on this project with Kurri Kurri Club led by President Paul Hughes. We are having screenings in both towns, one after the other. Cessnock -Thursday and Friday 25 August – Cessnock Supporters Club Carpark Kurri Kurri -Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August – Main St Kurri- carpark at old Workers Club As Rotarians are often seen raising money with barbecues, raffles and other events, but people rarely see where that money is being spent. Rotary will be doing these health tests without charge, it’s a community project ... already on previous outings mherv has saved lives.” MHERV is generously supported by The Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution. They have world’s-best-practice aged care facilities in Cessnock and Kurri Kurri, and also offer home care packages in the area. The RFBI has provided funds for the registered nurse who is soon to join the project to conduct the tests. The dedicated mherv nurse will be assisted by community nurses whenever possible, so the two consulting rooms in the van can be used at the same time. Paul Cousins , CEO of the Cessnock Supporters Club is sponsoring the Cessnock leg of the Mherv visit On screening days both the Cessnock and Kurri Clubs club will have their barbecue lit up - hot and sizzling, close to the MHERV van in The Cessnock Supporters Club carpark and . All those who get checked will get a free sausage sandwich or whatever is on offer on the day. Screenings there will be between 9am and 5pm on both days. President Graham Farish says “it doesn’t matter if you’re farmer, a miner, a footy-fan or a publican, the local community needs you! ... so if you’re one of those blokes who hasn’t seen your GP for a checkup in ages ... ‘man-up’ and get checked for free!” It’s a five minute ... non-invasive group of tests. • Blood pressure just to check the heart isn’t too stressed. • Blood sugar levels ... just a pin-prick in the finger, to make sure there’s no type two diabetes ... which is manageable even if there is. • Cholesterol ... just another pin-prick to see if levels are high and need attention. • There’s also a test for bowel cancer …we’ll provide the kit, but that needs to be done later at home. See! ... nothing to it! But in the past when mherv has shown us a bright red light, we know that lives have been saved. C’mon girls! ... don’t lose the one you love for the sake of five minutes with MHERV “ drag them in “ Girls! ... be persuasive! A health check with mherv is completely FREE. It is a community service provided by Rotary and our sponsors. You will see and hear about mherv before the van arrives in town. Local Rotary clubs will make sure you know all about it. Where the van will be parked, and the times it will be open to do the tests. Rotarians will host the project, they are people you know from your district ...they will be on hand throughout the visit. So... Visit MHERV ... just man up and get tested – your family will be glad you did ![]() |
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The 2017 (80th) Changeover Dinner.On the 29th June 2017 The Cessnock Rotary Club held its 80th Annual Changeover Dinner at the Potters Hotel and Brewery. District Governor and club member Stephen Jackson performed admirably in the role of MC for the proceedings. An evening of fun and fellowship was also the setting for the presentation of a number of awards and donations to Rotary Members, Community organisations and outstanding members of the community. The prestigious Community Innovation and Excellence Award was made by Past President Vicki Steep to Helen Scott for her tireless work in the Branxton Community. Club donations to the community were made to the Girl Guides, Cessnock Volunteer Rescue Association, Wheeling and Able and Jacaranda Lodge. PP Vicki Steep also accepted a contribution to the Umoja Orphanage in Kenya and the club made a donation to Past District Governor Janette Jackson for the District Governors Partners Project, End Polio Now. President Ross in one of his last official duties presented Peter Carver and John Jowett with a well deserved Sapphire Pin to their Paul Harris Fellow award. President Ross was surprised by being made a very deserving Paul Harris Fellow. As the culmination of the evening President Ross presented the Chain of Office to incoming President Graham Farish who outlined his vision and plans for the club for the ensuing year. President Graham was then able to induct our newest member into the club, Bev Hannay. Special mention must be made of the 2017 Changeover cake which was a masterly creation by Claudia Koncz. A very Special evening finished with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. ![]() ![]() |
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Presidents Annual ReportCessnock Rotary Club - President’s Report 2016-2017 From the first night, that being the change over (combined District and Cessnock club) on the 2nd July 2016 it has been a hectic pace during my year as president. During the 12 months, the club had the following guest speakers: A big thanks to David and Val for the organisation of guest speakers Vic Lair (retired journalist) John Cormick (University of 3rd age (U3A)) DG’s Wife Janette Jackson – district challenge Sara Fenton (Mobile Travel Agent) 4 Mt View students presenting their experiences with MUNA Rachael Pullicino (Potter Tavern Events Manager) Tracey Frost (Ingenia – lifestyle development) Michael Brendton – Little boats Marine Bullen – Endeavor Sailing Ship Brian Oakely NGSE Damien Alley – Mayoral award 2016 Events that the club took part in 2016 - 2017: A big thanks to Vickie, David Clarke and Graham Farish for the organisation of these events. Branxton Markets (Book Stall) Vintage Car Rally (B-B-Que) Bunnings – (B-B-Que) Postie Bike race (B-B-Que) Hunter Valley Lights (Nov – Jan) Guides Fire in the Park – Guides Cessnock Council Christmas function – Guides Special needs Christmas party (Santa and helpers) Stomp Festival Mayoral Awards Effie O’Neil Debate Cessnock Art Gallery Dinners Some of the events that shaped the Rotary Year 2016-2017
During the Rotary year the Cessnock Rotary club has seen the passing of past president, Brad Dewhirst, John Jowett’s wife Meg and past member Ian Marshell. The last twelve months has whizzed past and the club is already starting to organise its 80th Birthday in November 2017. Thanks, must go to the Club’s media crew, George Koncz – “Spoke” club newsletter, David Owens – Club runner, a job well done. I wish to thank all the board members for their support during the year, for without their dedication this rotary year would not have been the success it was. Cessnock Rotary President Dr. Ross Lidbury |
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Effie O'Neill Debate 2017On Thursday 8th June 2017 the annual Effie O'Neill Debate between student teams from Cessnock High School and Mount View High School took place at the Cessnock Rotary Club. The debating teams were given a choice of three topics for debate and chose "School tuck-shop menus should be chosen by the students/Teachers and parents". Cessnock High School took the affirmative position and Mount View the negative. Each team consisted of 3 speakers and a researcher with the first speaker from each team speaking twice to present the opening and closing arguments. Each speaker was allowed 3minutes with the timekeeper indicating the 2minute mark with a green light, the 2minute 30second mark with an amber light and the 3 minute mark with a red light at which point the speaker had 30 seconds to conclude before point penalties could be applied. The moderator was David Clark, the timekeeper was David Owens and the Adjudicators were; Judy Clark, George Koncz and Nicole Craft who, incidentally, had been a team member during the first Effie O'Neill debate. Both teams conducted a well prepared and vigorous debate but in the final analysis Mount View High School were adjudged the winner and were presented with the shield and first prize. ![]() ![]() |
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Guest Speaker Damien AlleyLast Thursday night the club had a very interesting guest speaker. Damien Alley. Damien gave us an insight into the challenges associated with, firstly, primary school teaching and then the work/life balance with a young family and currently undertaking the Diploma of Building Design. Damien is a very impressive young man and we hope to see more of him in the future. ![]() |
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Bunnings BBQ in aid of Bushfire AppealCessnock Rotary Club, ever ready to grab a fundraising opportunity, were contacted by Bunnings Cessnock and asked to fill a community BBQ fundraising slot that had become vacant at very short notice. A scratch crew were immediately organised by IPP Vicki Steep and our club decided that all profits generated would be dedicated to the Rotary District Bushfire Appeal which is explained in the following extract from the District 9670 website:
Following the extensive bushfires which have occurred in central western NSW recently, the Rotary Club of Mudgee and Mudgee Sunrise have jointly sponsored and established a fund to assist individuals and families suffering significant loss and distress caused by the fires. The fund has been established through the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society – an arm of Rotary Australia World Community Service - and has been listed as a charitable fund. This means it has Deductible Gift Recipient status so that donations made to it are tax deductible. “Moneys donated to the fund will be used to assist those who have exhausted any assistance available from Government and Insurance resources following the Sir Ivan, Kains Flat and other fires in the Mid-Western Regional, Upper Hunter and Warrumbungle regions” the Project Manager, Margaret Barnes of the Rotary Club of Mudgee Sunrise, said today. “At last count 31 houses had been lost, as had 104 outbuildings and an unknown but significant number of livestock. The village of Uarbry, decimated by the Sir Ivan fire, lost 9 of its 12 houses and its church” she added.
The morning shift consisted of PE Graham Farish, Mark Simpson, David Owens, Vicki Steep with all the essential equipment delivered on time by David Clark. There followed a morning of fellowship punctuated by some periods of hard work with substantial sales being made and with some generous donations to the Bushfire appeal by Bunnings patrons. The afternoon shift of Greg and Lorraine Bevan, President Ross and Vicki continued on the good work culminating in a successful day with the profit of $857.20 donated to the bushfire appeal..
I should also mention one of our morning shift members who suffered a heavy fall whilst setting up but showed great dedication to the cause by completing his shift.
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End Polio Fundraising DinnerEND POLIO NOW FUND RAISING DINNER
AN EVENT JOINTLY HOSTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF CESSNOCK AND THE ROYAL OAK HOTEL CESSNOCK
On Thursday 23rd November the Rotary Club of Cessnock substituted its normal club meeting with a very important community event to raise funds for the Rotary International Foundation campaign to end polio in the world. Club members, Immediate Past President Vicki Steep and John Harvey (Royal Oak Hotel) organised the dinner which was held in the Hotel’s 5 star 221 Restaurant and Bar. A superb dinner was prepared consisting of an entrée of pan seared Canadian sea scallops accompanied by a Domaine de Binet Pinot Grigio 2015 followed by a main of Sous Vide Duck Breast accompanied by Audrey Wilkinson Tempranillo 2016.
The dinner was attended by 32 members and guests who enjoyed a great evening of fine food and fellowship. Guest speaker was Past District Governor Peter Raynor who spoke of the history of the Rotary Foundation and its links to the campaign to eradicate Polio in the world which at this stage has managed to isolate this deadly virus to only two countries in the world, a mighty achievement of which Rotary can be justly proud.
Successful fundraising on the night gained significantly from a very generous donation by John Harvey of $800.00 from the night’s takings at the Hotel. A useful amount was also raised by the clubs usual fun game of “Heads or Tails”.
A vote of thanks must go to the organisers, particularly Vicki and John, for what was a very enjoyable and successful evening. The evening was finally rounded off by a hearty rendition of the National Anthem.
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New Member for Cessnock ClubWelcome to our Rotary Family.......![]() On Thursday, February, 15, 2016, Mark Simpson was inducted as an active member of Rotary International. He was accompanied by his wife, Rosemary and sponsored by his neighbor, John Rosee.
Mark has been attending our weekly gatherings for the last three week or so and has fit right into the club. He and Rosemary have already joined in with our Adopt-a- road project.
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Paul Harris Fellow AwardsLes Elvin posthumous award![]() The Rotary Club of Cessnock presented two Paul Harris Fellowships last Thursday night. The late Les Elvin was represented by his family to receive the highest award that Rotary can bestow. The award can be to a member of Rotary or someone that the club holds in high regard.
The Paul Harris Fellow is named for the founder of Rotary. He and three business associates had the first meeting in Chicago in 1905. The Paul Harris Fellows was established in his honour in 1957 to express appreciation for the contribution to the humanitarian and educational programmes of The Rotary Foundation. These programmes include an array of projects that save and invigorate the lives of people around the world and enhance international friendship and understanding.
Foundation programmes provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunisations and shelter for millions of persons. These activities are funded, implemented and managed by Rotarians and Rotary Clubs around the globe.
Rotarians award a Paul Harris Fellow to recognise a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives and mission of The Rotary Foundation to build world understanding and peace.
Uncle Les Elvin (as he was known to many), who passed away unexpectedly 16thAugust 2015, aged 77, not long after his seventy-seventh birthday. Uncle Les was an Aboriginal elder, an Wonnarua man, the first elder of the Aboriginal peoples recognized broadly and warmly in our community. He worked hard to bring people together and close the divide that unfortunately still exists between our Indigenous first Australians and those who came here later. Les was a Wonnarua man who was proud of his Indigenous heritage and was always willing to share his culture and heritage with everyone. Les is survived by his wife, Jan, his three children and his seven grandchildren. Les was a well-respected Aboriginal elder, artist and teacher. In 2008 he won the Australian NAIDOC Aboriginal Artist of the Year award and has since designed a number of the Newcastle Knights Indigenous jerseys. In 2011 he became the fourth person and the first non-former mayor of Muswellbrook to receive the keys to the city. In 2012 he was named Cessnock city’s Citizen of the Year.
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Cessnock's Citizen of the Year
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Wheeling and Able Christmas PartyPlease note that by clicking on the name of the photo album in the right hand column, you will see more photos of the most enjoyable event.
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HUNTER VALLEY GARDEN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS |
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Club EventsDue to the large number of members involved in the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights, attendance at our regular Thursday night assemblies has been down but it's been reliably(?) reported that they still managed to have a good time. David Clark is still short of a few volunteers to fill his rosters so please make yourself available. It's an opportunity to raise substantial funds for the club.
The Wheeling and Able Christmas Party is on tomorrow night and, whilst we do have a couple of people attending, it would be nice to have more. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy yourself in the company of nice people.
Our AGM will be held on Dec 10th.
Our Christmas Party will be held on Dec 17th. If you haven't already RSVP'd Vicki it is imperative that you do so tonight. NO RSVP = NO TUCKER!
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Members' NewsSick List: We've still got George, and Jack on the sick list, and now they've been joined by Meg Jowett. (hopefully they have all improved in the past two weeks.)
Birthdays: Peter Carver.
Anniversaries: John & Meg Jowett
Lucky Draw: was won by Peter & Loarraine
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Gift of Life![]() |
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Did You Know?Clubrunner Website
Our Clubrunner site provides a handy repository for:
This is the collective "tribal knowledge" that we always seem to lose!
It was designed by Rotarians for Rotarians. Provided you follow normal security procedures with your password your stored information is totally safe. The same personal information that would be on Clubrunner used to be written on cards. Older Rotarians will remember that there were many times that nobody even knew who had the cards!
When you decide to jump in and have a look, please call me if you have difficulties.
Cheers, Ellis
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Lack of Education For Girls![]() Worldwide, 75 million children – 41 million of them girls – do not have access to basic education. Give to Rotary and support education and literacy: http://on.rotary.org/
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DISTRICT 9670 Conference at Forster |
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110th Rotary Birthday |
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Hunter Valley Gardens |
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WHEELING AND ABLE CHRISTMAS PARTY![]() |
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STUDENTS AT OUR MEETINGWe had our own student Iver Harsjoen from Norway, who was christened Viking One by some of our members. Mara Vogel is hosted by the Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri and we also had Chloe who is the granddaughter of one of our members, Louise Selmes.
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BOARD MEMBERS 2014 - 2015 |
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2014 CHANGEOVER |
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Mark Your Calendars!Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!
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75th Anniversary Celebrations![]() The function was held in Cessnock Supporters Club with guests including present and former district governors from district 9670 and incoming exchange students.
President, Gail Thomas took the gathering through the proud history of the club that began with its charter in 1937 at a time when some in Rotary thought a club may not be viable on the Coalfields.
But survive and grow it did with many of its achievements evident at this present day. Cessnock Rotary Club built the scout hall and girl guides hall, was highly involved in launching the PCYC and the former Crippled Children’s Association.
President Gail also spoke of the legendary Pit Horse Derbies that began in the dark days of World War II when huge amounts of money was raised that provided comfort funds for our troops overseas.
At its peak the club boasted a membership of around 70 and has retained a solid foundation to keep up its work in the community.
The evening also featured an audio visual presentation that took the audience through photos of past presidents, club projects, portfolio of each Inbound and Outbound Exchange student, and other club activities.
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