Sargent David announced that the eggs were available so the meeting could start! 

 

There were 13 members present, plus two guests.

Drew has been coming for ages, and she's very welcome of course. Who's going to step up to the plate and give her an application form to become a member? 

 

Apologies were received from Colleen, Max, Rory, Colin and Malcolm. 

 

Ingrid told us of the RYPEN event this weekend This is for 11-12 year olds and is designed to assist them grow their leadership potential. The club is sponsoring a youngster from Papakura. 

 

Don C, our RYLA o/c . This event is for 22 to 28 year olds. We are encouraging more employers to send their young staff with potential on this excellent course. 

 

Peter B confirmed that club members were still interested in doing work at Kepa Rd. (YHC is keen on this - mainly for Avis's muffins served after a morning's efforts!)  

 

 

David told the club that the wordsmith (and vendor) Wendy had yet another letter in the Herald.

He had a Bob Hope quote for golfers, "Golf needlessly extends the life of useless citizens" and a serial participant in drug tests, "I'm addicted to placebos". 

 

 

Sean Marston is the New Zealand representative of the International Nepal Fellowship the INF. (NB Don't say 'Nepal' say Nepaal, like the natives)

Nepal is about two thirds the size of NZ but has a population of about 30 million, contrasted with NZ's 5.15. The countryside is similar to the Southern Alps, and is home to  the majority of the residents. 80% of the population are Hindu and although it is theoretically illegal still observe the caste system, meaning that the untouchables, approximately 20%  of the population have a difficult time making their way in the world. Additionally "If you are a woman you are near the bottom" (of society).

The INF has established about 1,000 self help groups mainly dominated by women. Modern overseas charity theory is that aid needs to be focused on women as they care more for their family more than the men do! The INF claims to be 'close to the ground' thus is able to deliver relevant assistance rather than assistance that overseas 'experts' deem appropriate.

Sean asked that if anybody had spare cash left over from overseas trips could that be donated to the International Nepal Fellowship, details at www.hatnepal.co.nz, phone 027 220 3931.