Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) was not even recognised after the wars and yet the symptoms played such a visible role in my life when I consider what my parents went through in the war.
My father was a navigator for a bomber squadron, shot down and then held in a German POW camp. He escaped once, got caught and was tortured, then escaped again and was helped by the Russians to get home to England.
After visiting the Jewish Museum at the Mall in Washington last year I was able to gain a greater insight into the trauma these prisoners were subjected to. I have witnessed very sad things but am glad that I did not participate in War-time.
Anzac day is a way to remember, and to realise that it is not just about blood wounds, but about the mind as well.
We look forward to seeing you at our ANZAC Day Breakfast on the 25th. NOTE: Children under 10 yrs. will not be charged for breakfast.
It is with great sadness that we record the passing of Geoffrey Amos last Friday afternoon, April 12th. The following e-mail was received by President Allan from our District Governor - these few words say it all;
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2019 11:41 AM To: Allan Smith Subject: Geoffrey Amos
Dear Allan,
It is with much sadness that I inform you of the passing yesterday afternoon of Geoffrey Amos, of Taveuni Rotary.
Most of you will know of the enormous contribution Geoffrey has made to his community through Rotary.
His legacy will be the many lives he has changed.
He has been an inspiration to us all.
We send our condolences to his family and his community
Despite a slow start selling tickets, this fund raising event was a sell-out on the day, with the full house participating in a fun filled quiz night. The crowd bought into the Fiji Oxygen Project and all dug deep into their pockets to ensure that the evening was a success. We were very fortunate to have Associate Professor Stephen Howie present to up date guests on the need for the project, and why it is an essential fund raising project.
The goal is that no child in Fiji dies for lack of oxygen. The long-term outcome is to reduce death and sickness from hypoxic illnesses in the population.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Remuera, (the project leader), Dr David McAuley updated the audience on the financial state of the fundraising to date and our very own St. Johns member Francis Benge, who is CEO of CureKids, also spoke and sincerely thanked both Rotary Clubs for their tremendous support of this special project.
The winner of the Quiz itself was a Remuera Rotary Club team, better know as the "Vicar of Quizzly's". Congratulations Vicar and to all teams - you are all winners, some just knew more answers on the day than others.
A sincere thanks also to Chris Herlihy, Principal Glen Taylor School, and of course the last word must be a huge THANK YOU to Donald Bowie and his teams of helpers and volunteers from both clubs - great effort everyone!
Click "Read More" for more pictures of the evening.
This is a very special day and one that we recognise by holding a very special breakfast at St. Johns Rotary. Diary this now and RSVP to Michelle at; carecookmichele@gmail.com Full details in the flyer below and as we are expecting a full house it is very important that we have your RSVP ASAP;
NEXT MEETING - BREAKFAST MEETING, THURSDAY APRIL 18th:
The guest speaker will be Nic Russell who founded "Kenzies Gift" in 2006, with the intent of providing appropriate and research-based psychosocial support for children experiencing grief and loss within the family. Nic has a degree in Psychology, and a post graduate degree in Communications Management and PR.
When serious illness, a diagnosis of cancer, or a bereavement occurs within a family, everyone is affected. Kenzies Gift supports children, young people and their families through these emotionally challenging times. Kenzies Gift are fortunate to have Nigel Latta as their ambassador.
ANNUAL DEBATE - THURSDAY MAY 2nd (Remuera Golf Club):
The annual debate between St Johns Rotary and Auckland East Rotary is scheduled to be held at RGC. This is an evening meeting and our team has been selected - Be sure to support our team of Angus, (Team Leader), Lynnette and Murray who will be debating the Moot " Should Auckland City Sell Eden Park", and our position is the Negative.
FISH & CHIP NIGHT - FUN NIGHT FOR ST JOHNS ROTARY MEMBERS AND GUESTS:
Friday May 17th. Diary now - this will be held at Remuera Golf Club, $20 per person, (Fish & Chips, Salad, Cash Bar), Bingo and an evening of fun and fellowship. RSVP to Michelle Foreman, mertie.forman@gmail.com
CHANGE-OVER DINNER - "FRIDAY JUNE 28th.
More detail to follow, but in the meantime please enter this date in your Diary now. This is the dinner where President Allan will pass the baton to PE Robyn. This event causes a few other date changes so please also take note of these noted here;
Change-over Dinner - Friday June 28th
Scheduled Breakfast Meeting June 27th cancelled
Scheduled Dinner Meeting on July 4th changes to a Breakfast Meeting. (i.e. no dinner meeting in July)
HAVE A GO SAILING:
This will take place during the month of May at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club with support from Orakei Marine. This year we will be sponsoring 488 students in years 4, 5 and 6 from up to 20 schools in our area and a lot of work has already been undertaken behind the scenes, by Gary and Ainie to solicit the support from the schools - thanks guys!
Although the programme is run by Yachting New Zealand, if anyone is interested in being involved, contact Gary for more details, (gkey@xtra.co.nz).
EASTERN BAYS HOSPICE, DOVE HOSPICE SHOPS GARAGE SALE:
1st and 3rd Saturdays every month at 8 am.
Corner Elizabeth Knox Place and Thomas Peacock Place, (off Morrin Road). Go along and assist with the sale or just go along and shop - some great bargain's. More details from Murray H.
Glen Taylor School is a Decile 1 school in West Tamaki Road and most readers will be aware that St. Johns Rotary are good supporters of the school and the school is very supportive of our efforts, as was demonstrated once again last Friday when our Quiz Night was held in the school hall. Principle Chris Herlihy is also an active member of our Club.
Each year the school runs a school camp for years 7 & 8 students and again Chris is looking for community support, in the form of sponsorship, to ensure all students have the opportunity to attend this camp. Chris' email is inserted below as is information on the camp and a sponsorship form. Each year, for many years, our club has supported the camp by funding transportation costs and several members of our club have individually sponsored a child. The total cost per student required is only $70 and is a contribution towards the full cost of $250 per student. If you are in a position to assist, your support will be greatly appreciated and allow a student to have an incredible experience that otherwise they may not have.
From: Chris Herlihy <chrish@glentaylor.school.nz> Date: 10 April 2019 at 3:26:47 PM NZST To: undisclosed-recipients:; Subject: GTS Camp Scholarships
Hi Kind People
Once again we are going out into the community to see if people may be in a position to sponsor some of our Year 7/8's to camp next term.
Attached is all the information.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me here at school.
RYLA (Rotary Young-Person Leadership Awards) is a week-long leadership development programme for 20-28 year-old participants, running 29th June to 6th July 2019, hosted and sponsored by Rotary Clubs in District 9920. RYLA is a live-in programme designed to help young people develop their team work and communication skills and fulfill their potential as leaders, both as individuals and in leading teams.
St Johns Rotary are seeking applications now these close on April 30th. Please consider who you know that may benefit.
Rotary 9920 are seeking to increase the number of company sponsored attendees and therefore if anyone is able to provide introductions to companies then please let Tom Street know on tstreet@outlook.co.nz.
If you would like copies of a small booklet with more details please contact Tom, or for full details of the RYLA Story, view the website; www.ryla.co.nz.
Did you join Rotary to do good things in the community?
You can help or join in all projects (whatever the committee), just contact the committee director and/or project team leader. In most cases, you can include family and friends.