A small but select group of members of the club assembled on Tuesday with everyone, particularly Julian, in a jocular and talkative mood. This was positively a good thing, as our speaker, Caitlin Goldsack, whom we had sponsored to the Innovative Young Minds programme, had fallen ill with glandular fever and wasn’t able to make it. Never mind, we entertained ourselves in the best traditions of Port Nich.
Seriously though, the attendance was just 18 members and this is a concern. I appreciate that Tuesday is not the usual day for our meetings, and that people get used to Wednesdays. Nothing would please me more to go back to a fixed day; hopefully soon.
We even had a member this week schedule a dental appointment for Tuesday to avoid the weekly meeting on Wednesday only to find that the meeting turned out to be on Tuesday. A small example of how the constant changes mess with the orderly running of the club, and are an obstacle to attendance.
Your board met on Monday night, and again the attendance was light. Five members were away or couldn’t make it. Like the attendance at club meetings all the absences were for legitimate reasons, but it concerns me all the same.
One important decision that the board did make was to dispense with the role of “meeter and greeter” at club meetings. Often (but certainly not always) the person assigned to the role either doesn’t turn up at all, or is late. Members also don’t seem to value the service so we have dropped it.
One point that does arise from this is the arrival and care of the speaker. The board has assigned this responsibility to the person who is to introduce the speaker. The Introducer should introduce themselves and “look after” the speaker. Make sure they get a cuppa, become familiar with the breakfast regime, know where to sit and are helped with any equipment or presentation they may have.
We have also set the date for the Christmas Party. It is Wednesday 6 December in the evening at the Miramar Golf Club. Dinner and the very best entertainment the club can offer. $50 per head, but no morning meeting that week.
We are looking to do gifts for the House of Grace (details later). The last meeting of the year will be Wednesday 13 December. This will also be the AGM of the club and the meeting may be Christmas themed. No speaker that day.
Finally, my thanks to the very many people who have texted, emailed or called about young Christopher’s victory in the general election. Rosemary and I are pleased and proud parents, and we thank you for your good wishes.
