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Editors Rant
What? FELLOWSHIP?
A decade or so ago now it became fashionable to diss the word FELLOWSHIP at rotary international training ( yep that’s what we now know as learning & sharing) sessions….the line was that this excluded and might possibly alienate the young and the species from Venus. Well did it? NOOOoooo… other distractions have and from Big Wig Ed ‘s observations perhaps not practising as often as we used to by making every Rotary event a Fellowship event. In this issue we bring you several example this past week of members, partners, family and friends indulging in Fellowship aka Rotary in Action…from a stroll among some Auckland gardens to an old school THANK YOU get-together in a member’s home
As we approach the end of 2022 and the coming seasonal celebrations, I still struggle to find a better word to describe this essence of rotary. Fellowship Noun. Friendly association with people who shares one’s interests “ they valued fun and good fellowship as the cement of the community”
Yes siree Fellowship is the CEMENT of Rotary.Just do it! Be inspired!
Ron Seeto
Dave's Rave
An Inspiring Week
This has been an inspiring week.
A small, dedicated, perseverant, and talented team organized a tour of 20 great gardens.
A person whose business was nearly destroyed by a malicious hack, is courageously fighting back.
I learned something new about sheep, carpet and operating a business sustainably.
Rob & I attended a political debate like no other.
People who had made tough decisions, surprised me by keeping their minds open to changing their decision – a rare thing.
A group of caring and generous donors helped put presents into the hands of children they’ll never meet.
Yes - all just another week of Rotary projects and shared moments with Rotary members. Inspiring.
How has your week been?
Club News and Notices
Bremworth : Our most trusted carpet
Our Zoom speaker last Tuesday was Auckland University graduate and industrial chemical engineer, Dr Kristine Hulse, Bremworth’s General Manager, Health & Safety, People & Sustainability.
Bremworth is a 60 year old carpet firm, which in 2020 made the significant decision to pivot back to all-wool carpets for markets here and in Australia. Effectively NZ owned, the firm’s commitment to natural fibres is great for the environment, kiwi sheep farmers and customers. The reduction of plastic fibres is an important global goal. There are three plants in Wanganui, Napier and South Auckland. The emphasis is on quality and design. With wool prices at an all-time low, it is good to hear of consumers coming back to woollen rugs and carpets. Bremworth is undertaking vigorous on-line and off line marketing campaigns. Carpets are one of the largest users of strong wool in the country.
Kirstine was particularly proud of the year’s Primary Industries’ Sustainability Award, achieved by their cross functional team.
Environmental commitments include the firm’s carbon reduction programme, and compostible rugs.
Partnerships include links with MPI, EECA, AgResearch, Callaghan Innovation, the Project Accelerator and the University of Auckland.
Kirstine handled well some searching questions from those present – a real enthusiast for her role, and someone who is making a real difference.
Garden DesignFest
Boyne and Paul reported on the very successful weekend, and the ongoing benefits accruing. Over 1200 tickets had been sold. Kay Madigan from The Village Trust had done a great job in securing and placing the volunteers. President Dave expressed warm appreciation from the Club for what had been achieved.
Kindness Collective
Alan Hayward & Ariana Edwards reported the Christmas presents and $500 + donated by members have been delivered to the Kindness Collective. Contributions can still be made directly to the Collective https://www.kindness.co.nz/donate.
REP Aorere
The final reading and mentoring session for some of the Year 9’s at Aorere College was held last week. More volunteers welcome to join the team on Thursday mornings during term times next year – contact Scott Burridge burridgesscott@gmail.com
LIMITED OFFER. Brand new Sun Umbrellas
like this one featured ( still in their packaging) going for a Song.
Your chance to grab a memento from the Auckland Garden festival and support our club.
Contact Paul Monk paul@montec.nz
Members Slot
Ruby's Teatowels x Auckland Garden DesignFest
Fantastic to see so many people out last weekend to visit the gorgeous gardens in the Auckland Garden DesignFest presented by GDSNZ & Rotary Newmarket. There was a bit of rain but also lots of sunshine, anyway, gardeners are a hardy lot!
I was a Saturday volunteer garden minder and foolwoing a request from the girls, Ruby and Noon had a Ruby’s Tea Towel stall set up at the beautiful and historic Cotter House next to the Ellerslie Sunrise Christmas Pudding stall. As well as stock of Ruby’s latest tea towel design, was stock of aprons and tea towels from past designs to sell – and sell they did! It was super busy and luckily Kate Carter from Starship Foundation was there to help - it was a sell out!
Special thanks to Kay Madigan and her meticulous organisational skills. Minder instructions were simple and stall set up was easy. Looking forward to the next DesignFest already!
If you weren’t involved this year, I encourage you to help next time. It was a fun experience and they are always short of minders. Sharon Seeto
Photos
• Thro the Cotter House Window • Stallholders Ruby Seeto & Noon Seeto
• Shopper Paul Goldsmith MP & Sharon Seeto
Kate Carter, Starship Foundation . Can you SPOT Paul Monk & Boyne Drummond in their RCoN tees in the background contemplating Rotary Christmas Puddings
the STRANDS x Auckland Garden DesignFest at 38 Bella Vista Mt Eden
Global Scholar Aanchal Thadani THANKS 1.2M rotarians
Big Wig Ed's friend, Bill Davis Rotary Cadre Technical Advisor The Rotary Foundation 2016-2020 Scholarship co-chair D 5890 2016-2021
Member Rotary Club of Lake Houston Area (formerly Humble) Honorary member R.C. of San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia Honorary member R.C. of San Jose de Cucuta II, Colombia recently sent me the following message.
Rotary Global Scholar Aanchal Thadani – update from London.
Aanchal is a student at Baylor College of Medicine, class of 2024, pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine.
She was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to Texas to attend Baylor University where see earned a Bachelors Degree in Medical Humanities.
Aanchal will earn a Master of Science in International Health Policy at London School of Economics and Political Science.
She is sponsored by the R. C. of Pasadena, (Bill Barmore,) in District 5890 in Texas and is hosted by R.C, of Harrow in London.
Aanchal wishes to thank the 1.2 million Rotarians around the world who contributed to The Rotary Foundation which funded her scholarship.
Dear Rotary Family,
My goodness it’s incredible how time flies! We are almost at the end of our first term and the
assessments are looming. My first few months here have been more than I could have
dreamed. I am so fortunate to have not only landed in the perfect program for my future career
goals, but also surrounded by people who embody the purest forms of kindness and altruistic
ambition. I don’t even know where to start this recap!
I am so very grateful for it all – the coursework that I hoped to be engaged in, the professors
and mentors who take the time to shepherd me,......
Our Zoom speaker last Tuesday was Auckland University graduate and industrial chemical engineer, Dr Kristine Hulse, Bremworth’s General Manager, Health & Safety, People & Sustainability. 
Fantastic to see so many people out last weekend to visit the gorgeous gardens in the Auckland Garden DesignFest presented by GDSNZ & Rotary Newmarket. There was a bit of rain but also lots of sunshine, anyway, gardeners are a hardy lot! 
I was a Saturday volunteer garden minder and foolwoing a request from the girls, Ruby and Noon had a Ruby’s Tea Towel stall set up at the beautiful and historic Cotter House next to the Ellerslie Sunrise Christmas Pudding stall. As well as stock of Ruby’s latest tea towel design, was stock of aprons and tea towels from past designs to sell – and sell they did! It was super busy and luckily Kate Carter from Starship Foundation was there to help - it was a sell out!
Kate Carter, Starship Foundation . 
a good piece of smoked salmon washed down with choice tipple helps 
Rotary Global Scholar Aanchal Thadani – update from London.