Steve's Snippets.

Happy New Year everyone and welcome back. As you know tonight is our first meeting at Strathfield Golf Club, and I'm sure we will have a long and happy stay here. Because of changed food serving 
arrangements it may take a week or two to "gets the bugs out" of our meeting procedure, but I am
conscious of the member's view of finishing on or close to time.
For those able to attend last weeks bowls night, our last night at South Strathfield Bowling Club, after I believe 20 years or so (I'm sure somebody will tell me exactly), I'm sure you will agree it was a great night, with good bowling fun, an excellent BBQ (thanks to George Helou, Shirley and cook Brian
Johnston) and short speeches. I believe we left the club still friends, and we have agreed to continue our yearly bowls night with them. Two weeks ago some 31 members and partners attended Axi's
restaurant at Hunters Hill for an excellent meal and pleasant post Xmas conversation, even though it was on one of the wildest nights of the year.

I have also received from Moree on Gwydir Rotary Club receipts for the donations made to the bush Xmas appeal, and another letter of thanks. They have also sent an article to Rotary Down Under about our combined approach to assisting those in need.

The revised Xmas stocking format was a great success thanks to the hard work and organisation of Angelo Franco. Angelo will provide an update tonight but  I think we raised over $4,500 NET. Certainly sales at Strathfield Plaza were not terrific (as we predicted) but the self fundraising by charity groups selling tickets (like the Infants Home and St Anne's church) was terrific

OK then, you're back at work now, holidays are over, we've moved, and I'm sure the food and
ambience will be good, so let's get on with the program!!!!!
As I indicated this is now going to be a very busy six months with,
the Golf Day in about THREE or FOUR WEEKS,
our huge charity fundraiser in about SEVEN WEEKS,
the conference in EIGHT WEEKS (we are BBQ'ing for Sunday lunch),
the new "Olympic Park Cycle challenge" in early May,
our new "Policeman of the Year" award also in May,
followed by the FUN RUN in late June.
Have I missed anything ????
I'm sure there will be other things happening like a car rally and lunch to Ross Brown's home at
Yarramalong, and a return visit (also a car rally) to the Alvaro's in Bowral. Keith Byrn is also organising a weekend away to Moree, and I'm sure there will be the odd theatre party or two as well organised by club Service Director Keith Stockall.
We can also expect a visit from the visiting GSE team from Scotland in late February

By the way be warned fellows, PP Euan has asked me for a five minute spot EVERY WEEK to talk about our fundraiser.

Unfortunately RYLA was a disappointment this year with Both Joe Campisi's applicant and my own son unable to attend, both because of work complications. Thankfully additional applicants from other clubs filled the void so I hope it was still a successful camp, and we will get a refund of the fees paid.