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Our First Home

Gordon tells me that Timaru Norths first 'Home' was at the Ashbury Lounge in Evans Street (Formally Cassidy’s Tearooms). He joined in Jan 1972 and has have included some photos he took at the changeover in June/July 1972 which should be of interest to some of the older members.

It was very soon after this changeover that Merv Williamson after a meeting of Directors decided on the change of venue to Trailways. I’m pretty sure that there was no other venue before the Ashbury Lounge but Roy Carter could confirm this.

I (the editor) looked through Gordons photos and was surprised how few members were still members in 1986 when I joined.

However here are two couples we knew and three of whom are still with us. Happy memories Roy.

Just take a look at the suits and Ties. Rotary was quite a different beast in those days. If you missed three meetings in a row you would be asked some serious questions. Remember the big old round Badges!

Version Two Both scribes sent in their reports

President Jeremy welcomed members before we sang grace.
In President’s time he said that Bob Austin has had a mini-stroke, and spoke for members in wishing him well.
Noel said that Hadlow to Harbour arrangements are in hand, and that John has been very busy allocating people to the many tasks on the day.
Peter and Mary Prader have kindly offered to host the after H2H barbecue at their home. Members are asked to bring their food and drink, and a seat. Peter will have the barbecue going.
John said that 80 people are needed on 1 March, and he has all the positions filled, though some are doing more than one job. Those marshalling on the roadside must wear an orange vest while others can wear the Rotary yellow vest. John handed out vests and detailed job sheets to members.
Jeremy notified us of past D.G. John Prendergast’s farewell dinner in Invercargill, and reminded us of the proposal to amalgamate the two South Island Rotary districts. Following a discussion of the merits of the proposal, members voted in favour of amalgamation.
One of the donors to Circus Quircus, which we support and is a fund raiser for our club, the Mackenzie Country Inn in Twizel, has given a $250 voucher which we must convert to cash to run the event. It is proposed to raffle the voucher at our next two meetings.
Jeremy, Rod and Terry then reported on their investigation into an alternative venue for our meals and meetings. They have narrowed the options to two possibilities, Harlau House (The Stables) on Beaconsfield Road and the Town and Country Club. After extensive discussion on their findings, members voted in favour of moving to Harlau House. To be confirmed by directors.
In his three minute talk Rod revealed himself as a doting grandfather to several small grandchildren, then spoke of the elongated process of finding a new principal for T.B.H.S. during which time he was acting principal. After speaking of his background in teaching he said he will be retiring in one and a half years. He described how the credit system of N.C.E.A. works and believes changes to it that are proposed will be beneficial.
Sergeant Terry raised a few laughs and good money for our coffers before putting on his other hat as guest speaker.
He was born in Hammersmith, London and moved to Surrey and Essex in his school years before deciding to take up a career in marine engineering. Beginning in 1963, he had 2 ½ years training in Southampton, then went to sea at age 18 as part of his cadetship. His first impressions were of how huge the engines were and how slowly they turned - down to 26 rpm. After 4 ½ years training he qualified as a junior engineer and worked in a number of ships, until in 1976, he got his full engineer’s ticket. He had called to New Zealand on his journeys and liked it so much he decided to move here with his wife Janice.
He got a job in Auckland but when that fell through went to the freezing works at Balclutha as an engineer. Then he took up the position of chief engineer at the Pareora works for a time, before moving to engineering work at Annett and Darling in Washdyke. He then worked for Design Engineering in Timaru, inspecting structures such as ski lifts for their safety certification. This required him to master his fear of heights. Then came work with tugs and pilot boats at Prime Port.
Terry summed up his career by saying that going to sea is a way of life, not a job.
Terry was thanked for his interesting talk by Jeremy, who closed with the saying (appropriate on the birthday of this scribe’s wife) that the best way to remember your wife’s birthday is to forget it once.

The week that was

Our Bulletin scribes are on fire! I received two report of last weeks meeting. I thought about publishing both but the took pity on our readers so simply published the first one I received

President Jeremy opened the meeting – all sang grace.

Noel and John reported on arrangements for the H2H to be held Sunday 1 st March. Eighty people are required to run the event; each club member involved has an instruction sheet - it was important for people to commit in order to run the event safely.

Jeremy spoke of the need to amalgamate the two SI Rotary Districts into one, due to falling membership.

Following the 4WD trip to Dunedin, the Rotary meeting that would normally held on Thursday 26 th March, will now be held on Saturday the 28 th March at the Landing Service building. This meeting will be combined with the Rotary Flying Group, who are very keen to meet up with our club.

Jeremy talked about venue options for our club after Seven Oaks closes on the 5 th of March. “The Stables” at “Harlau Farm” looks to be the likely choice.

Rod Sparrow in his five minute talk, spoke of his three sons having their own families, which has been a great interest for Christine and himself. Rod mentioned that he had to step up to the position of Acting Rector at TBHS following the resignation of the previous Rector. The new Rector, David Thorp has proved to be a popular choice. Rod who began his teaching career in 1980 will likely retire next year.

Terry Stagg ran a successful sergeant session, and Tom Henderson won the raffle.

Terry’s speaker was unable to attend the meeting, so Terry gave us a talk on his career as a marine engineer. Terry who was born in London, grew up in Surrey and Essex and began his marine engineering apprenticeship at a South Hampton training school. Two years later, at the age of eighteen, he went to sea to serve out his practical training. His first impression was of the size of the machinery, and the big ship’s engine turning at 26 rpm. Terry found the discipline hard, but it developed a good work ethic, which stood him in good stead for the rest of his career. After becoming a junior engineer, Terry went back to college for further training before gaining his full ticket in 1976.

After arriving in NZ Terry worked as an engineer in land based industries; this included the Finnigand and Pareora meat plants, Annett and Darling, and Private Consulting before accepting a permanent position as Tug Boat Pilot for Prime Port Timaru. A very interesting talk.

Carols by Candlelight - 2019

Several members Rhyth-mix Singers lead the caroling. Oh what a night!!! Despite seating limitations caused by the unexpected closure of the Theatre Royal, 400 carolers filled the Mountainview High School Auditorium on Sunday evening 15 December 2019.

Guests arrived as Sheryl Higgs Singers ‘Double Talk’ entertained until Robbie Jackson introduced the evening. Sue Shewan, standing in for the voiceless Tony Bunting, compared the evening commencing with Jess Bacon's Highland Dancers. Lead by the Rhyth-mix Singers the crowd joyously sang out carols to the rousing accompaniment of the Alpine Energy Brass Band. In between, items were given from Mrs A’s Music School students and soloists Abhi Barathan and Abigail Austin gave class performances. Christmas messages were given by Deputy Mayor, Steve Wills and Rev Gordon Rosewall representing the South Canterbury Ministers Association. About $1000 was raided for Family Support. Big thanks to Alpine Energy for their support.

Watch the recorded video on our club's Facebook Page here

Photo coverage is here

2019 Santa Parade a big success

Harley Smithson's grand daughter Lily was in for some very special attention from Santa before this years parade.

See slideshow here

With about 48 floats, our combined services clubs really stepped up this year's Santa Parade. What an event to organise? Big thanks to our club volunteers! Stuff reported: "Floats included classic and modern fire engines, a Burrell traction engine, classic cars and a Pleasant Point Railway train engine on a truck and there were recognisable characters form Minnie and Micky Mouse to minions and Frozen's Olaf."

Full Stuff news item

Geoff Cloake's coverage on Flickr

Art auction success

The future of our club's art scholarship programme is again assured after a very successful art auction held at the Aigantighe Art Gallery Friday 18 Oct 2019. Convenor, Harley Smithson was thrilled by the turnout and bidding that contributed over $10,000 to the scholarship fund. 61 Items were donated or offered by artists or owners, including very well known and collectable artists including: Hanrahan, Brinsley, Webb, Mulholland, Cleavin, Bower, Esplin, Badcock, Greig, Forde and van den Bergh. The auction was topped-off by an artwork by The Honorable Jacinda Ardern,
Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage. The works of two previous winners of the scholarship, Isobel and Emily Bell, were also auctioned.

Big thank-yous go out to: Rose and Dale Walden for arranging the bulk of the items; our auctioneer, Snow;; the Staff of the Aigantighe, for professionally, hanging the exhibition; and the Friends of Aigantighe for the hospitality.

Art scholarship 2020

Applications open for Timaru North Rotary Art Scholarship - 2020

President Harley Smithson advises application can now be received for club's annual art scholarship. This is to help with tertiary education costs for 17-25 year-old students studying arts. They must be NZ citizens living in South Canterbury at the time of application.

“The fund was kicked-started with a donation of art work by renowned and once-resident artist, Clark Esplin. One painting was raffled and others were auctioned in November 2017.” Says Harley.

$2500 has been allocated for this next round. Upon agreement, this can be used towards course fees and related material costs incurred during the year.

The successful applicant must be prepared to report formally to the club and agree to publicity.

An application form with criteria is downloadable from artscholarship.rotarytimnth.nz. Applications close 5:00pm 17th January 2020, and will be considered by the club committee.

For further information please contact:

Harley Smithson

handjsmithson@gmail.com
03 686 6055 or 027 4972 292

BOOKARAMA 2019

FUNDARISER 2019

Low-cost books to the community
Significant donations to local charities

9-10 November, 2019, 9am-5pm

Trinity Church, 22 College Rd, Timaru

Free entry

Book donations

Drop off at any collection point a most service stations in Timaru, Temuka and Pleasant Point during the two weeks prior to Bookarama, or arrange collection by contacting:

Murray Purvis:
Email: bookarama@RotaryTimNth.nz
Phone: 6884218

ARTARMA 2019

Supreme winner: Aoliyah Beswick.

Supreme winner: Aaliyah Beswick. with Aigantighe Art Gallery Manager Hamish Pettengell.

40 years on and our annual ARTARAMA is still showcasing some amazing art from our South Canterbury kids. 400 entries make up another great Rotary show in conjunction with Aigantighe, Friends of Aigantighe; and South Canterbury Art Society.

Gleniti students with their 'Wearable Art': from left: Luke Campbell with his brochure dress, Azaria Phillips and Addison Tait with their wedding dress, and Zac Campbell with is map dress.

Awards:

Aigantighe Art Gallery:

Painting: Year 1-3, Indie Robinson-Smith; year 4-6, Fletcher McCall; year 7-8, Pippa Nevin; year 9-10, Lucy Grieve; year 11-12, Liana Karika; year 13, Jazmin Duncan.

Collage and Print: Year 1-3, Lincoln Tocker, year 4-6, Dan Ali; year 7-8, Emily Bray; year 9-10, Maia Grieve; year 11-12, Ellarose Bennett; year 13, Kaia Holland.

3D: Year 1-3, Room 3 St Joseph's School; year 4-6, Luke Campbell; year 7-18, Luke Winter.

Class awards: Pacifica Turtle (Grantlea Downs) and Makikihi School.

Supreme winner: Aaliyah Beswick.

Rotary Club of Timaru North:

Painting: Year 1-3, Brylee Dennison; year 4-6, Amelia Walker; year 7-8, Wihanel Kruger; year 9-10, Yunseo Lee; year 11-12, Yixuan Li; year 13, Bam Na Ranong.

Collage and print: Year 1-3, Hynun Lee, year 4-6, Penny Smith; year 7-18, Taylah Cross; year 9-10, Beth and Ruby (Mountainview High); year 11-12, Felafoai Fiso; year 13, Ella Waters.

3D: Year 1-3, Isla Prue; year 4-6, Zac Campbell; year 7-8, Lilou Caspritz and Briar Annett; Year 13, Alexandra Innes.

Richard Logan Memorial:

Payge Overstone.

Friends of Aigantighe:

Robots (Bluestone).

South Canterbury Arts Society:

Anne Marie Bendsen.

Stuff News items are here and here

Club visits the Clarence Reserve

Trevor Johnson led members in nine 4x4s over the Seaward Kaikoura Range into the Clarence Reserve on 30 March 2019. Reaching 1300m above sea level this track was spectacular but not for SUVs or the lighthearted. In perfect weather everyone lunched out at the old homestead on Quail Flat, and listened to Barrie Payne's account of the area and farming on NZ's most-remote Muzzle Station.

Andy and Kath hosted everyone to lunch the next day on Foxdown farm, allowing a decent rumble through their private museum. See photos from the club's annual weekend away here:

H2H cheques for charities

Our key H2H sponsor, Holcim hosted lunch for South Canterbury charities who help man the H2H Fun Run Walk Jog this year. $8000 of funds raised was donated to: Heart Foundation, Hospice, Life Education Trust and Stroke Club, In presenting the cheques on 20 May 2019, John Keenan said: "It's a great way for people who participate to give back to our community." Read the Stuff article here for more of our story.

Circus Quirkus comes to town

2019 President Harley Smithson and President Elect Shirley Keenan posing with George, a Gagliardis clown, after the Circus Quirkus performance in TBHS School Hall 13 May 2019.

About 300 kids and their folks were treated to a magnificent 90 minute music pumping show featuring aerialists, acrobats, clowns contortionists, jugglers, hula hoop dancers and more. The show has been touring New Zealand since 2002, hosted by NZ Rotary Clubs, this being our first year. It was held at the TBHS hall because the Theatre Royal was closed for earthquake renovations.

Each year, less-advantaged children are given complimentary tickets so they can attend, with their families. Tickets are sponsored by local businesses are not for public purchase or resale. Read more here...

Circus Quirkus is run by International Entertainment Ltd, a New Zealand based event management company specialising in the production and sourcing of both local and international acts particularly for charitable organisations. Read more here...

H2H 2019 - the Hadlow to Harbour Fun Run Walk Jog.

Timaru North Rotary’s iconic H2H - Hadlow to Harbour Fun Run Jog was again held in early March this year. First held in 1971, this popular event attracts hundreds of young and old who run or walk the 10 km from Hadlow, just beyond the western edge of Timaru, through the city streets to finish on Caroline Bay, near the port of Timaru. For the youngest and oldest, or those less fit for whom 10 km seems too far, there is a shorter course of 3 km from the Countdown Supermarket in Church Street. H2H has always been a fun run, and a feature each year is the number of children – and adults - who run in fancy dress.

Our H2H is always a fun feature on our annual calendar, especially when watching the fancy dress turn-out. This year we counted 928 people of all ages crossing the finish line in a festival of colour. Combined with supporters, 1500-2000 people may have enjoyed the great morning out.

For the past four years we have deliberately coincided H2H with Children’s Day on Caroline Bay so children can continue their day with free amusement rides and other activities.

Members efforts, though still considerable, are made a little easier each year due to ongoing refinements. Thanks go to our charities, who also help-out, boosting volunteer numbers to ensure every street crossing is now manned – in return for a donation.

Our generous sponsors and supporters are also to be thanked for, promotions, sales, transport, street arrangements, funding and prizes

Read on for a full report.

Jeremy Hogan

President 2019-20

General: Contact form

president@rotarytimnth.nz

secretary@rotarytimnth.nz

treasurer@rotarytimnth.nz

PO Box 401, Timaru, 7940, NZ

Hadlow to Harbour - H2H
Mar 01, 2020 9:30 AM

Bill Weir

Feb 27, 2020

Across America by Motorhome

Club Night

Mar 05, 2020

Scott Shannon

Mar 19, 2020

Bagpipes and windbags, Manufacturing and export

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