This was a Zoom meeting so YHC can list attendees: Phillippa, Phill, David H, the two Dons, Rory, Barry, Malcolm, Greg, Ted, Henry (blacked out!) Ingrid, Max, Peter, Avis and YHC plus his cat.
President's notices:
Ingrid reported that during last weekend there was Multi District training session for incoming presidents. David H attended. We will see the benefits after 1st July.
RI has established a "Ukrainian Relief Fund" . The club's board will consider any contribution that our club will make.
RI has given $25,000 US to a Tonga relief fund. Current plans are for it to be used to assist some schools which were severely damaged by the recent earthquake and tsunami.
Don Cowie reported that RYLA will take place during the first week in July. Nominations are sought.
Christopher Luxon will speak to the club on Wednesday 27th April at a dinner at the Parnell. Put this in your diary, think of friends and neighbours you can invite and be prepared to sign them up - max capacity 100 (government regs. don't you know).
As this was a Zoom meeting there was no sargent's session - so notes are required next week!
The Speaker: Jonathon Balcome
This address was entitled "The Sentient World of Fishes" which is not exactly clickbait but wow, that man knows a lot about fishes!
There are about 33,000 different types of fishes ranging from tiny ones, 300 would weigh as much as a 10 cent coin, to huge greenland whales which can live for 400 years. Fish have been known to use shells as tools to help them excavate for food, spit water into the air to catch insects, different types have been seen to hunt together to find more food, and act as lookouts when a companion is vulnerable when searching for food. Fish can get stressed - and a gentle caress from another fish or even a recognised diver will relieve this stress.
Fish can also get bored so if you have a fish tank you could make your pets happier by providing them with something with which that can interact.
Despite the off putting title this was a fascinating talk which culminated with an answer to Max's question 'Are fish sentient?' (able to perceive or feel). "Probably" .
Next week - heart attacks. Everybody with one should be there!