Event Invitation 1 (Sep 25, 2026)

Oktoberfest was a fantastic success, with a great turnout, plenty of laughs, and some excellent fellowship. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and several people have already asked whether we'll be doing it again next year. That's always a good sign that we've got something right. I'd be keen to hear your thoughts. If you'd like to see Oktoberfest become a regular fixture on our calendar, please let me know. After all, good things deserve a second.

What’s next

The next major event on our calendar is fast approaching, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone there.

The Pride in Work Awards are just around the corner and remain one of our premier events. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate achievement within our community and strengthen relationships with local organisations.

As always, Rotarians will be encouraged to sit alongside and engage with the organisations attending, building meaningful connections and showcasing Service Above Self in action. Who knows, a conversation over dinner may spark the next community project, volunteer opportunity, or future club member.

We will also be launching our new Commercial Membership, which we hope will bring a fresh wave of Rotarians into our club and create another pathway for local businesses and professionals to get involved.

Looking ahead, our Meet the Candidates evening, Spring into tawa and our Scottish Night are our next major events, followed by the AGM on 10 November.

Over the next week or so, we will be calling for nominations for the 2027-28 Rotary year. I encourage everyone to start giving some thought to whether there may be a role that interests you.

John was hoping to on handing over the reins - if you like the sound of Treasure(er), Club leadership is a rewarding way to contribute, develop new skills, and help shape the future of our club. Keen? - talk to me.

There is certainly plenty happening over the coming weeks, and I am excited about what lies ahead. Thank you again for your enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to get involved. Together, we continue to make a real difference in our community while building a strong, vibrant, and welcoming club for the future.

My dear fellow Rotarians, friends and followers.

Don't sleep in

As they say, we "spring" forward this weekend as the clocks move ahead for daylight saving. It often feels like life springs forward too, except unlike the clocks, nobody seems to have told life to stop accelerating.

While Parliament has now risen with its final sitting period for the term, the work continues for many of us and, in some areas, is busier than ever as attention gradually shifts towards the next government cycle.

While we are, of course, not politically engaged in our Rotary roles, I do hope everyone is enrolled and planning to vote on Nov 7.

I would ask you all to support our Meet the Candidates evening on Tuesday 13 October. We need all hands on deck. Think of it as democracy fostering club service project, except with fewer wheelbarrows and more opinions.

Quiz night is next and it will be a night of great fun with a completely full house. Thanks to the event team. In case you haven’t heard – Newly Retired Greg O’Conner is the Quizmaster!

We are also heading rapidly towards Christmas, and the next few weeks promise to be particularly busy, with plenty happening across the club.

Once again, thank you to everyone for your dedication, and effort. There is a huge amount of work underway, and your commitment continues to make a real difference. Rotary runs on volunteers, goodwill, and occasionally a strong cup of coffee (or a pint), and we are grateful for all three.

Hallo and happy weekend!