A face to face meeting last week - wow wasn't that something special! Zoom has assisted the club maintaining dialogue each week, but only to a degree and over the last few weeks the numbers participating were decreasing week by week so returning to the RGC last Thursday was very timely. A big thank you to Grant and his team at the Club for the efforts that they have gone to, to keep us safe and allowing us to gather as a group larger than 10. Let's hope that we can stay in Level 2, or lower, and to maintain a degree of normality from here on in. President Hugh welcomed all, outlined the agenda for the meeting and called for notices; Peter B. confirmed that the weekend visit to Rotoroa Island was still scheduled to operate for the 10 members registered and should there be any changes he will be in touch directly. Robyn thanked all who have been assisting with the Salvation Army Foodbank, Leslie thanked members who had been assisting with ERK packing and for supporting the MS Street Appeal, (now cancelled). Our guest speaker Mr. Brian Fergus was then asked to share the highlights of his cruise experience on the Queen Mary 2 late last year, pre COVID. Most members were waiting with great anticipation to hear all about the cruise experience, the food, other cruise guests, cruise activities and all the wonderful ports visited......well weren't those members disappointed!! Mr. Fergus had other ideas, as did the audio visual system! Instead of the above, we were treated to a history lesson on Canada and in particular the Eastern Provinces. Many of the historical facts shared with the meeting appeared to be a surprise to many members. At times Brian tried to convince us that he had lost the plot, but despite this and despite the video presentation prepared to support his talk taking on a life of its own, it ended up being one of the great talks that we have had at the club. Prior to wrapping up his talk by sharing with us how nice the Canadians are, his surprise that they knew what a Flat White is and that Canada is fascinating and a great country, he still wouldn't want to live there - too cold!!! Thanks Brian - a great presentation - we look forward to the next one. |