MEETING OF TUESDAY 22 October 2012

Reported by PE Jeffrey Chan

In the absence of our guest speaker, the Nigerian High Commissioner, who was called away on an urgent matter, Joao Lucas, our member-designate took us on a pictorial and musical tour of his native Portugal. This is where the next R I Convention is to be held– in Lisbon from 23-26 June 2013. Joao’s slides took us all round Portugal, especially its wine districts, with spectacular views, great histories, fine wines, delicious foods (such as Portuguese egg tarts) and friendly and helpful people. The presentation culminated with views and description of Joao’s own home district – a spectacular beach resort where he enjoys sweeping vistas of the sea right in front of his own balcony. The historic city of Lisbon, which has many connections with us here in Malaya and Singapore, beckons. That was sufficient temptation for quite a few to pledge to attend the R I Convention. President Cze Hong has signed up and is hoping to form a group of at least 10 from RCRC. Joao promised that he will make arrangements for the group to go on a short tour of the most interesting parts of Portugal.

Installation Dinner: to inject a dose of reality to the Portuguese euphoria among those present, PE Jeffrey Chan reminded that all going to the Convention must make sure that they are back in Singapore in time for the 34^th Installation Dinner. This will be on Saturday 6 July 2013 at the Grand Ballroom of the Singapore Island Country Club.

Lisbon - Here we come !

(Update from PP C hin Koy Nam on 24 Oct : Re: 10 days trip to Lisbon and RI Convention in June 2013.The tentative dates are from 22 June 2013 Saturday to 1 July 2013 Monday or 15 June 2013 Saturday to 24June 2013 Monday. RI Convention is from 23 to 26 June 2013 but we may not attend the entire convention, more likely just for the opening ceremony on June 23 Sunday.

President Cze Hong shall lead the RCRC group. So far, Cze Hong, Elizabeth, their son Jonathan, Sigrid, Aaron and I are interested. The forthcoming new member Joao Santos Lucas (Portugal national, now resident in Singapore) will provide a unique tour itinerary, which is not going to be where the tourists normally go. Joao has not yet indicated if he will join us on the tour.

Luis has signed on to the RI Convention and arranged a tour for his former RC members from Germany. We will arrange to meet Luis and his friends in Lisbon and possibly outside Lisbon.

Please ask the RCRC members to begin talking to their spouses and children .I will provide the tour details on 10 November Saturday so that the RCRC members can come back with a definitive answer by 17 November Saturday.)

(Update from Rtn Chris Mertz on 24 Oct: Chris &Jean are interested in joining in. Chris will try to get special airfares from Emirates).

Visiting Rotarians: The meeting of 22 Oct saw PDG Graham Jones of the R C of Southport, Gold Coast, and PP Oliver Hennedige of R C Singapore joining us. They were warmly welcomed and participated fully in our fellowship during the meeting. PDG Graham issued an invitation to all of us to visit his club which meets at one of the golf clubs on the Gold Coast. So anyone for golf and make-up a the same time?

Coming events: PP Russi, the Club Secretary reminded that this weekend is the Rotary Foundation l Seminar at Guild House, organised by the R C of Suntec City. The Family of Rotary Retreat at Desaru will be from 23-25 Nov. Also, our charity film show featuring the musical “Les Miserables” will be on 28 December at the Lido Cinema Hall 1. Members are urged to support these events.

Board Meeting: A Board of Directors Meeting was held at the residence of PP Chin Koy Nam on 21 October 2012. Dinner following the meeting was “Muthu’s curry” . It was hosted by Pres Cze Hong. A number of decisions were taken. Foremost were the approvals of budgets for the various committees of the Club. As the Club finances are poor, having incurred a deficit for the Installation Dinner, the Board approved a transfer of $ 7000 from the Club reserves to the operating budget for this year to fund the Club’s programmes. The Board also decided that henceforth all cash gifts from the Club to sister-clubs must first be approved by the Board. Also, the Club is not to be committed to any programmes or initiatives of other clubs unless the Board first approves.

Rotary Flag Day: the Rotary Flag Day is on Sat 10 November. RCRC has been allocated the area of Parkway Parade and Katong I12. Our Interactors and Rotoractors are assisting. Members are urged to volunteer to assist in selling the flags and also supervising the sales by the young people. Those who can please contact PP Eugene Lim.

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