Emma Watson
The first presentation was by Emma Watson concerning her three-month exchange in Australia sponsored by Port Nicholson and RANZSE (Rotary Australia and New Zealand Student Exchange). As part of the exchange Imogen, an Australian student, had spent the previous three months in New Zealand with her. As part of the her exchange Emma was based in Sydney although she pointed out as it was winter the beach wasn't a great place to be. However she had great other aspects to her trip including a road trip in Queensland and also cooked in school and helped in a cafe. Other aspects included drama, a part in Midsummer Nights Dream, a Safari to the Blue Mountains and Caves, a visit to Canberra including Parliament, the Chinese embassy and other embassies. Emma thanked Rotary and was presented with a certificate by Marion Pratchett of RANZSE covering her 12 week trip to Australia and a Rotary badge.
The Old Ghost Road - Our Perambulators
The next presentation covered the Old Ghost Road and a visit by 11 Rambler members of our club. The walk, on the west coast of the South Island between Lyell and Seddonville covered 86 km in 3 1/2 days. The old road which was primarily a mining track is not yet fully joined up and passes a number of old ghost towns and gold mining sites. However there is now a cycle track which can be used and was by the group.
The group was also joined by Kirsty Woods who became the group's photographer. Peter had injured himself on the walk and so his pack was carried by Mark and other other parts of his pack by other members of the group as well. The weather wasn't great as it was cold and wet although the track was beautiful with good standard huts to eat and sleep in. Linda was the chef and Mark made porridge. The gradient on the walk was very good because of the bike track and there were lots of bikers on the track as well. The overall view was that it was a great and interesting walk.
The final presentation was the AGM which presumably is being covered elsewhere.
Ed
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