Monday 4th November – Meeting 3017
Guests: Marj Ahrens (guest of PP Bob), Grace Barilla (President Steve), Helen Bourne (PP Patsy)
Big welcome back to PP Julie Tekell
PP Kim Potger – advised interested parties that the wine from the Clare Rotary club would be arriving soon and will be available for pick up
PP Lance Hatcher – Village Fair thanks to everyone involved but particular thanks to PP Colin Bazeley.
There will be further discussion on some aspects of the organisation on the day. Not all went as planned but problems were solved and the day was ultimately successful.
PP Brian Burt – along with Angela Moore and Marion and Ray Noack, collected gold coin donations from the public at the Greyhound Gawler Cup meeting. A tidy sum was collected (not yet counted). A free meal at the club was appreciated.
The club has been thanked for the welcome and hospitality afforded the Premier Steve Marshall during his visit to open the Village Fair on Saturday.
PP Patsy Johnson – thanked members and other volunteers who assisted with the Youth Art show at the Village Fair. Particular thanks to Angela for her major efforts on the day.
Mark Smeaton – gave members details of the transport and catering arrangements for the Coopers Brewery visit on November 18th. Members were able to pre order their meals and arrange to travel by bus or private vehicle.
President Steve mentioned to the club he has been in contact with the president of the Coolamon RC in NSW and is investigating the proposal to join with them as a sister club. More information to follow.
There is a link to their club website on the emails sent out last week.
Australian Rotary clubs of Australia are accepting donations for their Drought Appeal. Any Bendigo Bank branch will accept donations.
President Steve reminded members of the nomination forms for club office positions in the coming year. Members were asked to consider what contribution they could make to the club as board members or higher office in leadership. The Coopers Brewery club visit will be held on November 18th. Mark Smeaton needs numbers finalised soon. Steve commented primarily on his impressions from the recent Village Fair. He was generous in his thanks and praise for all members of Gawler and Gawler Light clubs who helped on the day. The Gawler town Band, PP Barry Stewart and PP John Bolton were thanked for their contributions. PP Colin and his committee, PP Julie and David Tekell, PP Klaus Retelsdorf, PP Brian Burt and PP Patsy and the Youth Art Show team were congratulated on their efforts. The premier Steven Marshall was thanked for his contribution to the day. Angela and Brian were thanked for their efforts at the Greyhound club meeting collection donations. A reminder to all members to consider their nominations for club officer positions to be resolved on November 25th at the AGM
Guest Speaker – Mayor of Playford Glenn Docherty
Glenn gave a very interesting address to the meeting as he outlined the demographics of the very diverse communities which make up the Playford Council area. Multiple countries and cultures are represented and a mixture of urban and rural regions makes for a unique community. It is a young community with 46% under 35 and a median age of 32. A detailed account of the recent developments and the planning considerations for the future gives a picture of a city going places with a very optimistic view of the future.
Many major projects have been completed in recent times and the current and future developments look to set Playford apart as a progressive community well and truly on the move.
******************************
Monday 18th November – Meeting 3019 - Vocational Visit Cooper's Brewery
Club Visit: Multiple guests and visitors attended the club visit to the Coopers organisation.
Dinner at the Coopers Ale House was followed by a tour of the Coopers Brewery complex at Regency Park.
Members of the Rotary Clubs of Gawler, Gawler Light and Prospect along with interested friends enjoyed a very enlightening visit.
Chairman Mark presented a power point and video presentation of the planning and construction of the Malting plant which has been operational for the past year. The Ahrens group were an essential part of the project. Two years in the planning and a project cost in the $70 million region the plant has been a great success for the company. The long term association of the Coopers and Ahrens companies has contributed to the success of this and other projects.
A tour of the facility gave access to the malting facility, the brewing area, the fermentation area and the bottling and packaging plant. With a team of friendly and knowledgeable guides the club was well informed and entertained. The complementary drinks after the tour were also well received.
Apart from the beer being recognised worldwide as an excellent product, the company philosophy is one to embrace. How good it is to recognise an outstanding family business success story. I am sure everyone came away with a positive opinion even if you don’t drink the beer.
Many thanks to Mark Smeaton and the Coopers team for an outstanding experience.
