SANT WORD :: Feb-2020
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W O R D Rostrum SA/NT Newsletter FEBRUARY 2020 SA/NT President’s Letter t has been spoke on Governance and led an interac- grow. That doesn’t have to be by starting I a busy tive forum in which there was opportunity new clubs, although it is nice if we do. start to the for questions from attendees. Feedback If we keep asking people to come along to year and the forms were completed, which will be re- our clubs and see what we have to offer, beginning of viewed so we can make the next ICOM that is also a way of growing. my time as even better. See Vince’s report on page 2. Gillian Kirkbride New SA/NT President, President of President Rostrum SA/NT Gillian Kirkbride Rostrum SA/ The Freeman’s Council and Dais are look- Club 1 NT. Thank you to previous President ing at the current use of the word “Freeman” and investigating an alterna- Freeman Rod Ellis for his work over the tive and more inclusive title for this, as last three years. I am excited about the well as examining the role of the Free- This issue possibilities for the year ahead. man’s Council. Editor’s Note 2 I was honoured to attend the 50th birth- Voice of Youth (VOY) Coordinator Free- day celebrations for Club 18 on the 4th of ICOM 2020 Report 2 man Einer Herringe and his team are well January. There were many members of Free Workshop for New underway with planning for the Voice of Rostrum there from all clubs, as well as Members 3 Youth Competition and will be shortly some “older” members of Club 18 who sending out information and requests for Rostrum Club 18’s returned to share in the festivities. assistance from members. This is one of 50 Golden Years 4 the premier Rostrum events in Adelaide Clubs have resumed their meetings for Voice of Youth 2020 5 where Rostrum is “on show” to the com- the year and club office bearers came out munity. I urge all of you who are able, to Club 26 Turning 40 6 in force for the Incoming Officers’ give some of your time and expertise to Have Your Say 6 Meeting (ICOM) on 13th February at the ensure its success. Burnside Community Centre. Congratula- Did You Know? 6 tions to Vincent Mraz and his team for The Rostrum Anniversary Lunch will be My Journey with Club 22 7 organising an excellent ICOM. This is a held again at Rydges on the corner of by Ashish Negi great way for new office holders to gain West and South Terraces on Sunday 12th July. Please put this date in your calendar. Vale Freemen and share information and ideas at the Merv Knuckey and start of the year for application in their I hope your club is off to a great start in Ross Davies 8 clubs throughout the year. I thank all 2020. If Rostrum is to continue helping those who presented workshops on the people to gain confidence and skills in night or helped in other ways. Gabi Proc communication it is important for us to 1 Incoming Officers Meeting (ICOM) Editor’s Note Welcome to the first edition of “Word” for 2020—and to the Chinese Year of 2 0 2 0 V I S I O N the Rat. So, what is the significance of ICOM 2020 was an excellent evening with 65 members attend- the Year of the Rat? ing at the Burnside Community hall on February 13th 2020. It was especially pleasing that nearly a quarter of members were The years on the Chinese calendar are divided into 12-year attending ICOM for the first time. This exemplifies the purpose cycles, meaning that the next Year of the Rat will occur in 12 of ICOM which is to provide support and guidance to new in- years’ time. The rat is the first of the 12 animals in the Chinese coming officers and those renewing or changing roles. zodiac. Vincent Mraz from Club 7, as master of ceremonies, opened Some view the rodent as being symbolic of intelligence and the meeting at 7pm by leading a special thank you to our out- quick-wittedness, as demonstrated in a popular story told as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. According to the going State President Freeman Rod Ellis for his dedicated lead- myth, the Jade Emperor organised a race for a group of animals ership over the past three years. on his birthday, the results of which determined the order of the Freeman Gillian Kirkbride, our incoming State President, gave a Chinese zodiac. passionate outline of her vision for Rostrum and her aspira- Legend goes that the rat was able to hitch a ride on the back of tions for the coming year. Freeman Gabi Proc followed with a the ox, jumping off at the finish line in order to win first place brief presentation on the importance of governance and its and thus be named the first animal in the cycle. importance to incoming officers. The Rat is said to also gift the world with dazzling charm and a The main activity for the meeting was the workshop session. shrewd business mind. Members who had nominated their area of interest were assigned to one of 7 officer groups, President, Program Direc- Now I very respectfully suggest that these rat qualities are tor, Secretary etc. Each group was led by an experienced facili- entirely compatible with the objectives of Rostrum members—in tator discussing the roles and responsibilities of the various addition to winning the race, being intelligent, quick witted and officer roles with special mention of the resources available to not afraid of riding on the back of an ox! support each role. A short supper break was included followed Looking forward to receiving your articles and reports. Note that by further group discussion concluding with each group giving “Word” is produced each year in February, May, August and a summary of their discussion. November. Freeman Gabi Proc also led an open forum short question and Best wishes in the year ahead for stimulating meetings, great answer session focusing on the need to maintain and grow fellowship and more inspiring speeches. Rostrum membership. Shirley Dawkins, Editor The volunteers and participants were congratulated for this [email protected] fun and productive meeting. Freeman Paul Wilkins led a thank you to the meeting organisers Freeman Margaret Davidson and Vincent Mraz for a successful meeting. The meeting closed at 9pm. Feedback from the night was very positive with all respondents marking the group sessions as especially useful, the value of the fellowship the evening afforded, and appreciation of the Photo above : “Word” editor Shirley Dawkins (left) great catering from St Peters Bakery. with Jenny Milne at a recent Probus meeting where they did some spruiking on the health benefits of Vincent Mraz table tennis! ICOM Coordinator Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. (George Bernard Shaw) 2 COMMUNICATING WITH CONFIDENCE A Free Workshop for New Members Learn the secrets of Effective Communication quickly and easily. By participating in this workshop you will: Discover how to face your fears and release them … Gabriela Proc Gain knowledge and skills to communicate confidently and effectively … Learn how to respond even when you don’t have much time to prepare... You’ll leave with new skills that will boost your confidence!! Saturday 14 March 2020 9.30—11.30am (arrival from 9.15am) Thebarton Community Centre, Torrensville Trainer: Gabriela Proc As this workshop is limited to 15 attendees it will fill up fast so book your spot quickly. Previous years’ participants in this workshop were unanimous that “It was practical, informative and fun!” Call or text Gabriela on 0408 816 762 or email [email protected] See you there! “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” (Dr Seuss) 3 Rostrum Club 18’s 50 Golden Years On Saturday 4th January, 44 members and former members of Trevers Lang (left) a Foundation Mem- Rostrum Club 18, their friends and supporters, joined Club ber, offered fascinating thumbnail President Daniel McLean to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of sketches of those who founded or guid- the founding of Club 18. ed the Club in its early years. Some were formidable such as Frank Alvey, some Those attending included Gillian Kirkbride, current Zone Presi- dent, seven former Zone Presidents, influential and inspirational, like (three from the Club) and four past Albert Apponyi, and one Critic, winners of the Speaker of the Year Ross Davies, who was wildly entertaining Competition. A photograph was passed round showing him balancing upside down on one hand atop two beer bottles placed one above the The festivities included an indoor pic- other! His message was unclear. Also the many who learned, nic style barbeque of spare ribs, lightly and shared their learning with others, at convivial dinner spiced chicken and sausages. With a meetings. Club 18 President cursory nod to tradition, the venue, Daniel McLean takes the Hub Community Centre in Burn- Malcolm Hill (right) dug deep into charge side, with easy access to open space, his memories to recall incidents per- was chosen in lieu of a grassy patch under an angophora tree. haps best forgotten, involving cart- This was a precaution against wet weather or fire bans, and in wheels at a Christmas Meeting and deference to the challenge, inconvenience and discomfort which the unrelenting quest by a Police may have faced aging former members in sprawling on a rug Officer for the return of a recording and calling on long-retired muscles and uncertain balance to of the Club’s interpretation of the stand up again.