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Last Meeting – 14th November  Our omni-present President-Elect John Hawke in the Chair. Social discussion. Note the Youth evening meeting below planned for Tuesday 28th November – marking our return to the Remuera Golf Club. David Bradshaw referred to the recent chartering of the Green Lane Club, with an emphasis on younger members. They would be invited to some of our meetings and occasions – the challenge for us is to make them feel as welcome as possible. Next meeting Tuesday 21st November 12 noon for 12.30 at the Epsom Community Centre Laurence Pascual “Pastoral Robotics” Tuesday 28th November Remuera Golf Club Peter Ross is organising this evening meeting back at the Golf Club, with a strong focus on Youth. Partners and young people especially invited. Responses to John Hawke or Peter Ross. Previous meeting - 7th November “Property investing with a philanthropic focus” Three representatives from the Dilworth Foundation, including Farquar Somerville, General Manager and Emma Zigan, Director of Advancement spoke of James and Isabella Dilworth, the background to their bequest for the School and the Foundation’s property holdings. In 1844 Dilworth bought the Home Farm at Epsom consisting of 150 acres. His bequest in 1894 amounted to 100,000 pounds. There are now 52 properties in the portfolio with $1.1billion worth of assets. It is one of the largest, if not the largest, charitable foundation in the country. The income provides free education for 500-550 school boys. 1 in 5 applicants are selected. The Foundation is embarking on significant medical and “build to rent” developments in Remuera and Newmarket. Farquar and Emma answered a steady barrage of questions on a variety of topics including investment strategies, the proposed new developments, diversity, the difficulties of developing a separate school for girls, and the terms of James Dilworth’s will.  Sallies Foodpacking Final pack at Mt Wellington last Wednesday morning, after three years of regular weekly commitment [interspersed by covid lockdowns, etc.]. A thank you “last hurrah” morning tea provided to the team by the Salvation Army. Walk For Polio - Saturday 25th November: As District Polio Ambassador, John Hawke reminds us of the Walk for Polio from the Domain down Khyber Pass Road to Lumsden Green. District Clubs will be involved. Starts at midday : corner Park Road and Carlton Gore Road (top of the hill behind the Grandstand). Stay till 3 pm or later. Participation then in the “World’s Greatest Meal” at the Lumsden. Monday 4th December: Blues “Pack the Bus” present sorting at the Mt Wellington Salvation Army: 8.30am – 3.00pm Members are invited to provide assistance with the selection and categorisation of 20k children’s Christmas gifts collected by the Blues immediately prior. [The “Fill the Blues Bus” 2.0 campaign: https://www.blues.rugby/fill-the-bus ] We are limited to providing 10 helpers to supplement the overall crew required [about 80]. Even if you can only assist in the morning please let Alan Hayward know if you are available. Saturday 16th December: Traditional Club Christmas Royal Oak Sallies food packing at 691 Mt Albert Road: 9am – 12 noon. Contact John Hawke Mark your diary now |
Members will have seen the advice from Secretary Jeff Smith about Mike’s resignation as President, and from the Club. We wish Mike well for the future. Thanks to Peter Ross for agreeing to undertake the role of Interim President through to March 2024. Nominations are sought by this coming Tuesday for an Interim President [s] thereafter. We have been very fortunate that PE John Hawke has stepped up to the plate and taken over many of the day-to-day responsibilities of running the Club over the last few months. Thanks John. He will pick up his full role on 1 July 2024.
This year the Community & Environment Committee is again offering members the opportunity to purchase Aotea Bakery Xmas Mince Pies. Last year we had a trial with a dozen packs which were well received by members. This year we are asking those members who generously supported this project last year to put their hands up again, and we are encouraging all members to purchase one or more packs for your family, staff and friends and we also have the opportunity to again support the Salvation Army Xmas Hampers project.