Murray Guy was the right man at the right time. For those who were involved -Rotarians, Rotaryannes and the Student Exchangees - it was a moving and rewarding experience. Projects generally had an emphasis on youth.
This year the Club’s “Hands On” project was the construction of a bunkhouse and a bridge at the Lifegate Centre. Access to the Lifegate Trust property was difficult and the club felt that the provision of a bridge over a significant stream was the right way to assist with a club project ably led by club member Rusty Campbell who was at that time the Franklin County Engineer.
There was excellent support for a maintenance weekend at Waharau and the fellowship was most enjoyable and a CNG kit was installed in the transport van owned by Radley House.
Financial support was given to Neil Ritchie’s V.O.S.O. team (Volunteer Overseas Ophthalmic Services) to further their excellent work in the Islands.
The Student Exchange programs were again enthusiastically supported. Noora Heyrinen arrived as an exchange student from Finland and Helen Levien was chosen to go to Canada. A G.S.E. team from Osaka was hosted.
For the Australian Matched Twin Exchange four students were chosen to go forward to selection by the district committee. Unfortunately, there were fewer Australians wanting to come here than in the previous year and this meant that fewer Kiwis could go there, and one of our girls missed out. The successful ones were prepared for their trip by discussions with their counsellors and by orientation days, and there was also contact with the Australian host parents and counsellors. Our girls left at the end of January 1986 and arrived back in mid May, with their Aussie sisters.
Archbishop Sir Paul Reeves Governor General Designate was guest speaker at a Ladies night and “Jimmy T.” our sergeant, dressed in purple robes, was at skilful best. Jim Taia was Serjeant This year and during the year appeared in costumes appropriate to the occasion and combined the role of maintaining order with dignity, as well as entertaining members with good humour.
The most rewarding event for Fellowship committee was our Barn Dance in Keith Matheson's wool shed at Paparimu, the theme being "Hard up Cockie's Night". Murray Guy, Barry Hobman Bernie Kay and myself dressed up as fashion models, Alan Ramsbottom was compere, and judges were Laurie Henwood, Roy Prangley and Graeme Matheson suitably dressed in female attire. Hilarious night! Cost $6 Ladies a plate. Ken Richardson supplied disco music $150
An International night was held in November with the theme being an Irish one. Rex Bremner made a number of wooden shamrocks and we were able to get a supply of posters etc., from the Irish Tourist Board. Rex Bremner wore a Protestant minister' outfit plus a Masonic apron and an orange safety helmet in case of riots. Derek Olds wore a brown monk's habit. President Murray was presented with a tap as an Irish tri-colour (trickler). Jim Innes played Irish music on his portable organ accompanied by a choir. Jim had green hair for the occasion but his special inspiration was the making of dacquiris, a green coloured drink with a punch like an I.R.A. bomb. Entertainment was provided by the Papakura Irish Club and consisted of dancing to the Irish bagpipes and unaccompanied singing. The New Zealand Colleen of the year from Papakura was a guest. Many ex-members of the club were there.
Projects commenced in any one year traditionally have been completed in the same year. However, the Club's attention was drawn in May to the needs of a 26-year-old lass from the Solomon Islands who was certain to die if she did not receive heart surgery. The Club, after making a donation to a fund for Beverley Solimali, applied to the Harold Thomas Trust for a grant towards the $15,000 and as a result the Trust made a grant of $3,000.
Beverley Solimali arrived in Auckland in late June, and after a successful operation at Mater Misericordiae Hospital, returned to the Solomon Islands mid-August 1986.
Noel Bryant was made a Paul Harris fellow number 5 for the club.