Almost 35 years of Jean Phipps
Jean joined Port Nicholson Rotary Club in late 1989 shortly after the club came into existence. The fact that she was not of the male persuasion was not a problem for Port Nicholson.
Almost 35 years of Jean Phipps
Jean joined Port Nicholson Rotary Club in late 1989 shortly after the club came into existence. The fact that she was not of the male persuasion was not a problem for Port Nicholson, but female membership of other clubs did cause difficulties. For example, we were shown a copy of a letter from a club in Motueka. Apparently seven men resigned in protest to the induction of a female member of that club. Jean was invited to talk to this club and others to show that having female members was not a problem, but a benefit.
Jean became president of Port Nicolson in 1994 at a time when membership had reached 75 and it was discussed that perhaps this should be the limit on numbers, although it seems no such decision was taken. Jean then served on the District Scholarship Committee which she found helped with her understanding of the value of youth.
The Peace Scholars of Rotary have helped develop special relationships around the world. The first peace scholar for Port Nicholson was Greg Mitchell who is currently working in the Prime Minister’s office. Jean worked closely on the scholarship programme, and with Greg, and considers this programme one of the club’s special successes.
The one club project which Jean was especially proud of was a centennial project for Ruchi, a small village in India which she visited in the early 2000s. The village had virtually no access to water other than a small stream. With seed funding from Port Nicholson, $12,000 was raised to build a small damn to provide reticulated water. The dam was built by hand and transport was by oxen. This dam still survives, despite a number of earthquakes, and has provided an amazing improvement to the life of the villagers.
The Rotary Convention in New Orleans was to be a highlight for Jean, but Hurricane Katrina put paid to that and the venue was moved to Salt Lake City. But the convention was still a highlight. Jean said the time there gave her a new respect for the Mormons who were especially helpful to every visitor.
Jean concluded her presentation saying how proud she was to have been a member of Port Nicolson Rotary ̶ a stalwart club.
Julian Bateson