Events

1 November 2023

Speakers: Two of our own

Mark Cassidy and Warwick Bell

 Mark and Warwick's topic is "Free Masons in New Zealand."

It is always good to hear from Club members and their interests outside Rotary.

Come along and hear these two share about Free Masons, a topic that will be of real interest to us all.

DONT FORGET

Friday - 3 November -  Flash Back Friday - long Friday lunch - this time at Choice Brothers in Guznee Street. 

Please join us and bring along friends and family. To register either use the event invitation or contact me, lbrayburns@gmail.com and I will do it for you :)

Notes for the coming weeks meeting:

• RSVP no later than Monday 30 October 5pm (best do it now). 
• Please make sure you register to assist the Wellington Club staff.
• If you have any dietary requirments please note them in the comments section of the registration
• Include your email address and mobile phone number in the response
• If you wish to bring guests/spouse/partner, please add them when you register
• Remember to click "Save" at the bottom of the page
• If you do not recieve a confirmation immediately after you have registered, you have not completed the process.
• Check the bulletin to see if you have been rostered for a duty at the meeting

Our next Flashback Friday is at

Choice Bros  - Bar and Eatery

62 Guznee Street Te Aro

Looking at their write ups, here's what they say....

Choice Bros is a Bar and eatery and home to Choice Bros Brewery. It is a small brewery and tap room with a focus on experimental, innovative and thoughtful beers. It is located down a private ally at 62 Guznee Street.

Every core range beer brewed at the Ghuznee Street brewery comes inspired by a classic Bowie tune and is music matched to boot. The American diner-inspired menu has enough fried chicken for Gladys Knight. Branding is important for these folks, and each Choice Bros can is designed by Head Brewer Manaia Hunt himself; you’ll see the designs are anything but monotonous. If you’re looking for something a little edgier in style, check out the not-so-core range, also influenced by classic tunes of other artists. The relatively small size of Choice Bros allows for flexibility when jamming out a new seasonal, so keep your ears pricked every month for the new pick.

Sounds like fun!!

We are booked for 12pm Friday 3 November. Please bring friends and family. Click the link - register yourself and register your guests.

Please can you ensure all registrations are in by 1 Nov, 9am so I can let them know our numbers.



 

8 November 2023

CLUB FORUM

The meeting on Wednesday 8 November is our Club Forum. A chance for you to have your say, share your thoughts and contribute to making our Club the best in Wellington - its already pretty great!!!!

Looking forward to seeing you all there on Wednesday morning.

DONT FORGET:

TODAY - Friday - 3 November -  Flash Back Friday - long Friday lunch - this time at Choice Brothers in Guznee Street. 

Please join us and bring along friends and family, all welcome.

Notes for the coming weeks meeting:

• RSVP no later than Monday 6 November 5pm (best do it now). 
• Please make sure you register to assist the Wellington Club staff.
• If you have any dietary requirments please note them in the comments section of the registration
• Include your email address and mobile phone number in the response
• If you wish to bring guests/spouse/partner, please add them when you register
• Remember to click "Save" at the bottom of the page
• If you do not recieve a confirmation immediately after you have registered, you have not completed the process.
• Check the bulletin to see if you have been rostered for a duty at the meeting

15 November 2023

CLUB FORUM!!!

Our meeting on Wednesday 15 November is our Club Forum.

It really is going to happen this time 

It will be a chance for you to have your say, share your thoughts and contribute to making our Club the best in Wellington - its already pretty great!!!!

We look forward to seeing you all there on Wednesday 15th!!

Notes for the coming weeks meeting:

• RSVP no later than Monday 13 November 5pm (best do it now). 
• Please make sure you register to assist the Wellington Club staff.
• If you have any dietary requirments please note them in the comments section of the registration
• Include your email address and mobile phone number in the response
• If you wish to bring guests/spouse/partner, please add them when you register
• Remember to click "Save" at the bottom of the page
• If you do not recieve a confirmation immediately after you have registered, you have not completed the process.
• Check the bulletin to see if you have been rostered for a duty at the meeting

22 November 2023

Our speaker this week is

John Allen

Chancellor Victoria University

John Allen is an experienced chief executive, having led New Zealand Post, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and most recently, the New Zealand Racing Board prior to his current position as Chief Executive Officer of Wellington NZ.

He serves on several boards and is the currently Chancellor Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington.

John's topic is " Challenges facing the University".

Regards

Louise

Notes for the coming weeks meeting:

• RSVP no later than Monday 20 November 5pm (best do it now). 
• Please make sure you register to assist the Wellington Club staff.
• If you have any dietary requirments please note them in the comments section of the registration
• Include your email address and mobile phone number in the response
• If you wish to bring guests/spouse/partner, please add them when you register
• Remember to click "Save" at the bottom of the page
• If you do not recieve a confirmation immediately after you have registered, you have not completed the process.
• Check the bulletin to see if you have been rostered for a duty at the meeting

Rush Family Car and Motor Bike Collection Feilding  - Sunday 26 November 

“The Rush family collection has to be seen to be believed”

A couple of months ago I visited this collection of vehicles and memorabilia and was amazed at the items on exhibition.  There are some very important cars from N Z motorsport history as well as many others of great interest, and an incredible collection of books, photographs and other memorabilia. Terry Rush was one of the people instrumental in getting the Manfeild Racetrack built back in the 1970s.

https://nzv8.co.nz/2018-12-11-preserving-motorsport-history-the-rush-family-collection

We will take a leisurely drive to Feilding (approximately 2 hours from Wellington).   Proposal is to arrive at the Museum by 11.30am for talk and tour that will last about an hour to an hour an a half.

Tea and coffee will be provided by Terry and Joy Rush on arrival at the Museum.

We will then stop for lunch on the way back at a venue yet to be arranged but possibly the Woolshed Café on the Himitangi Straights. If anybody has any other suggestions let me know.

A great day out with friends and a chance to take that special vehicle for a bit of a drive, or an opportunity to admire someone else's.

Cost for the tour is $20 per person (including $5 to Club projects) payable to Peter Whittington on the day in cash.

Meet at the Tawa Countdown Supermarket carpark at 9am for a 9.15am start.  We may schedule other meeting points on the way depending on where people are joining from.

Come along for a great day out with your Rotary friends.  Family and friends are all welcome.  Don't forget to include any family and guests in the registration.

Here is the intended route including lunch at the Woolshed Cafe (happy to consider other options so let me have suggestions).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/z5WneqdiRbmc9FdY8

RSVP no later than 22 November 2023

29 November 2023

Our speaker this week is

Daniel Gamboa

NZ National Refugee Youth

Daniel Gamboa is a youth development specialist and a former refugee from Colombia. He is the co-founder and current national president of the New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council, the only NGO in New Zealand that is entirely operated by refugee background youth for refugee-background youth.

In his work with the NZNRYC Daniel works to empower, advocate and support newly arrived refugee youth to have a successful sustainable life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Daniel knows that if we empower young people and give them the right tools, they will become champions of change.

Daniels topic is "Refugee youth in New Zealand".

Regards

Louise

Notes for the coming weeks meeting:

• RSVP no later than Monday 27 November 5pm (best do it now). 
• Please make sure you register to assist the Wellington Club staff.
• If you have any dietary requirments please note them in the comments section of the registration
• Include your email address and mobile phone number in the response
• If you wish to bring guests/spouse/partner, please add them when you register
• Remember to click "Save" at the bottom of the page
• If you do not recieve a confirmation immediately after you have registered, you have not completed the process.
• Check the bulletin to see if you have been rostered for a duty at the meeting

The Lady Demands Satisfaction

By Arthur M Jolly 

"A fierce, feminist farce" 

Synopsis:

When a young maiden who has never touched a sword learns she must defend her inheritance in a duel, she struggles with a milksop suitor, a servant girl posing as a Prussian fencing master, the actual Prussian fencing master who believes he is there to marry her, a stodgy lord, and her domineering aunt – the finest blade anywhere - to save her house and lands.

If you are interested in going to see this play, please register below by Wednesday, November 15, 5pm and I will buy the tickets.

Ticket prices:

• 2 for $30 or
• Senior $20 or
• Waged $30

When I know how many people are going, I will buy as many 2 for $30 as needed and people can put the money into my bank account.

6 December 2023

Our speaker this week is

Stephen Turnock

Director of DCM (Downtown Community Ministry)

DCM (Downtown Community Ministry) is the leading social service in Wellington working with people who are experiencing homelessness – in particular, those who are rough sleeping or without shelter.

Their mission is to provide mana-enhancing services to empower these whānau to reach their housing and social aspirations.

Stephen's topic is "Te rahi o DCM - Supporting the housing and social aspirations of Wellingtons most vulnerable".

Regards

Louise

Notes for the coming weeks meeting:

• RSVP no later than Monday 4 December 5pm (best do it now). 
• Please make sure you register to assist the Wellington Club staff.
• If you have any dietary requirments please note them in the comments section of the registration
• Include your email address and mobile phone number in the response
• If you wish to bring guests/spouse/partner, please add them when you register
• Remember to click "Save" at the bottom of the page
• If you do not recieve a confirmation immediately after you have registered, you have not completed the process.
• Check the bulletin to see if you have been rostered for a duty at the meeting

PORT NICHOLSON XMAS FUNCTION!!!!

Register now!

Get ready for a fun afternoon playing a few rounds of Croquet and sharing a light supper.

Further details to come.

Some food will be provided supplemented by shared plates from members. There will be a charge per person of approx $40 a head to cover hiring costs - we will confirm once we know how many can come.

Register now and pop the date in your diary

Don't forget to register your partner or spouse

Registrations close 26 November 7pm

Perambulators Xmas Walk and BBQ lunch Sunday 17 December

Our annual Christmas Perambulators BBQ and walk on Sunday 17th of December.

As in previous years the Shackleton's will be organising two walks:

• David will lead the gentler hike which normally takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
• The second, the tougher one, will be led by Sheryn and will take about an hour and half. Both will traverse the wilds of Karori and surrounding hillside. 

We plan to meet at the Shackleton house at 9am for a 9.30am start.

The address is:

47 Homewood Ave

Karori

Tel: 04 476 6129 Or 021 654 738

David will provide directions for those who aren’t familiar with the area. If you just want to join us for the BBQ we will start about 11am.

At the end of the walk we will gather in the garden for the BBQ at around 11am. If the weather is inclement we will lunch inside.

Please bring a dish of your choice (starters/salads/desserts) to share and any meat of fish you would like to cook. Just let the Shackleton's know what you will be bringing so they can plan accordingly. They will supply beer, soft drinks, juice, coffee etc

Just as a heads up, they have 2 golden retrievers so if you have any allergies to pets just let David know in the comments.

When you RSVP please outline the following in the comments:

• what walk you would like to do, or if you just want to join us for the BBQ 
• what dishes you will bring.
• if you have any allergies to pets.

Please RSVP by Sunday 10 December 

Multi Day Hike to Nydia Bay Marlborough Sounds Friday 2 February to Sunday 4 February 2024

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/pelorus-and-kenepuru-sounds-area/things-to-do/tracks/nydia-track/

Bill and Sue Day volunteer as wardens at the DOC lodge at Nydia Bay every year.  We visited them in 2018 as part of a trip that included hiking in the Nelson Bay region. On that trip we walked in and out the same way so this time we are going to do the complete trip.

The first step is to get names together so we can book the lodge at Nydia Bay.  Bookings are already open and are likely to fill up fast.  Once we have the group confirmed we can consider the logistics of getting to and from.  I have been in contact with Pelorus Sounds Water Taxis who run a pick up service to and from the ends of the track.  Pick up could be either at Picton or Blenheim depending on whether we arrange to fly in or go by ferry. The van is limited to 11 people.

Suggestion would be to fly into Blenheim and get a shuttle (as above) to the start of the track at Duncan Bay (1.5 hours from Blenheim or 2 hours from Picton).  Walk to Nydia Lodge, approximately 6 hours according to DOC. This section is through “one of the most beautiful parts of the track with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees and tree ferns”. We would then stay at Nydia Bay lodge for 2 nights, exploring the surrounding area and Bill and Sue’s hospitality. Sunday we would walk out to Kaiuma Bay (Havelock end) approximately 4.5 hours.  We would get picked up by shuttle there and returned to Blenheim (or Picton).

There are several other options for transport e.g. hire a van and leave it at the track start or at Kaiuma Bay to be retrieved at the end.  We could arrange a water taxi, or perhaps Bill to ferry in the heavy food and drinks so you will only need to carry a light load. Before any of these options are considered we first need to have numbers to ensure we can book the Lodge.  Currently there are rooms available for the nights proposed but we will need to move quickly.

Let me know as soon as possible if you are interested.  Numbers are limited by transport options and space at the lodge. I have been asked if non-walking partners could attend. That will be dependent on space at the lodge and the need to make separate arrangements to get to the lodge from the airport via water taxi.

The priority is to get names to book the lodge. 

If you are interested RSVP no later than Friday 29 September.  We will then book the lodge and all other logistics can be worked on over the coming months.

Patuna Chasm Walk Sunday 17 March 2024 10:30am

“One of the best hidden places in the Wairarapa! Beautiful scenery and well worth the travel”

“Patuna Chasm is an Amazing Experience!

Fantastic hike with incredible scenery! This is not a hike for the faint of heart but is totally worth it. The first half (of the 2 - 2.5 hour walk) is through fields and forests along the side of the chasm and has great flowers and babbling rivers. The second half is up/down the river, in knee to mid-thigh deep water, so be sure you have good hiking shoes to wear. Amazing carved rock formations, eels and scenery. Highly recommended.”

We had attempted to do this walk back in February but Cyclone Gabrielle and the various storms that followed prevented that.

For more information click  https://www.patunafarm.co.nz/#chasmwalks

The cost is $45 per person. I will do the bulk booking, so the fee will be payable to me. I will advise you once the booking has been made.  There is a maximum of 28 persons on each trip.  Currently no-one else is booked on this date and time.

The website states 3 hours for the walk so we will have time for a late lunch somewhere afterwards.

Google Maps tells me it is a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Wellington Railway station.  We need to be at the Farm ready to go at 10:15 am at the latest.

You will need to have dry clothes with you in your car as you will get wet.

Please RSVP by Friday 29 September so I can book the trip.  The entrance fee is payable as soon as I have booked.

Other logistics can be worked out closer to the date.