The meeting was called to order by Acting Sergeant Andrew Bateman who told us about various Johns back to Little John, before introducing President (Big) John Bishop. President John welcomed all; Ian Grant especially welcomed Malinda Chandrasekers and Silvio introduced his wife, Adriane.
Condolences were expressed to Bev Heron whose mother passed away a few days ago.
As noted in President John's report, the catering situation was aired and he confirmed that all the views expressed last week had been considered before the Board had decided to continue with Gourmet Delicious under a revised schedule.
Gary Smith introduced Gretchen Bosacker who gave a very interesting PowerPoint talk on her life’s achievements (see note below) with her husband, Tim, managing to join us just before her presentation. She was thanked by LesleyAnn Thomas on behalf of the Club.
Acting Sergeant Andrew then extracted fines for various misdemeanours before adding to our repertoire of English Pub Jokes.
1. A man walks into a pub with a roll of tarmac under his arm. “Two pints, please. One for me and one for the road”.
2. Comic Sans, Helvetica and Times New Roman walked into a pub. “Out!” said the landlord. “we don’t serve you types in here”.
3. A man goes into a pub with his pet newt, Tiny. “A pint for me and a half for my pet Tiny, please.” Why do you call him Tiny? “asks the barman”. “Because he’s ‘my newt’, “the man replies”.
4. A skeleton walked into the pub and says, “Give me a cider and a mop, please”.
Some trees are being planted near the bench at Lake Karapiro, reported President John, and talks are in hand with Urban Miners regarding their future status and links.
He then closed the meeting by thanking all attendees and guests and wishing them a good night.
We often comment that our member speakers are some of the best we have and Gretchen's talk was certainly one of those. Here is Gretchen's summary of her address:
I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. I studied in France during year 12 of high school. At 18, I left home and went to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where I worked as a waitress and became a paramedic. I went to uni at Clemson University, working at Macca's and as a paramedic and became the medical staff for Clemson rugby.
From there I attended medical school in Charleston,South Carolina and then served in the US Navy for 5 years. I finished my medical training at the University of Florida.
I then moved to Minnesota and worked as a doctor and hosted a radio show and did some television. I worked for Securian financial as Chief Medical Director but we were dissatisfied with life in the US, so in 2018,we moved to NZ.
We started in Waihi but moved to Cambridge in 2019. My husband Rick is a GP and avid cyclist. Our kids are Alec, 26, in Philadelphia,Lauren, 23 in Wisconsin,Jennifer, 16 at CHS and planning to study in Paris, Chase, 10 the athlete and house leader atCPS and his twin,Smith, who is an artist and acid reader.
We hope to travel Europe from late 2023 to late 2024 but have every intention to return to Cambridge. We love it here and call it home.
Dry July
Bill Wilson noted that it is "Dry July" with funds raised being used for cancer support and care. To date, nearly $900,000 has been raised. More information can be found here .
