President David opened the meeting. There were 17 members present plus past member Geoff Grenfell and guest Drew Glucina.

Apologies: Don C (tiki touring Europe) Malcolm, and Max (still in Australia)

 

Phillippa reported that the Probus club has now been so successful that it was unable to take any more members and there had been 70 at its last meeting. 

Ingrid reported that the latest edition of Rotary Down Under had included a special feature on projects in our district, both Parnell's golf day (written by Barry) and our contribution to the Fiji mobile medical facility (written by Ingrid)  were included. 

Avis asked that members be reminded that we need to make further contributions to the Grace Foundation - mainly men's toiletries. She asked that members either bring their contributions to the next meeting (the 15th) or donate $10 to enable them to be bought. 

 

Everybody who hadn't been affected by the floods/slips was asked to make a donation - fortunately that was most of the members. 

 

Phillippa told us of her encounters with possums. She has done something to get rid of these pests! Only 39,999,999 to go! 

 

"Life at 92" Geoff claimed to be a member of the lucky generation, being the first member o his family to go to university, not being involved in any wars and not having to worry about the effects of global warming!

After a career in education, teaching in Indonesia and Britain before taking over principle roles in schools in both the far north and Auckland. Eventually he was head hunted to be a school inspector, enabling him to pass on his knowledge and experience to other teachers.   

Geoff has been retired for just over thirty years and now lives with his wife in Parkside Retirement Village.

He told us how to have a long and fulfilling retirement. 

Have a vibrant social life: on retirement Geoff joined Rotary and Probus, rejoined Masons and became involved in a men's choir. 

Keep physically fit: he joined a tennis club at Royal Oak, and did a lot of swimming and walking. He still goes to the village's gym once a week. 

Keep mentally fit: Geoff  has written the first volume of a history of the Freemasons in New Zealand and is on the second volume. Additionally he is writing an autobiography, mainly for his family.

Be financially secure: Geoff has a pension from his time in education plus national super. 

Travel a lot: "It stimulates you. Keeps your mind alive". 

 

Geoff moved in Parkside about six years ago and suggested that he should have moved in five years earlier. If you move into a village choose both the village and the apartment very carefully - you can hope to be there a long time! 

 

And his final comment: "Be proud of your background and your ancestry"

 

An inspiring speech - and very sensible, practical advice!