President’s Report –May 3 2021
Unfortunately Brian is still away in Wagga attending to his brother, after an unexpected heart attack.
In May we have another month, of what I think will be great meetings, all of which family, friends and colleagues will enjoy, so please invite them. But it is really important you let Eileen know who you are bringing or if you are not coming.
The full program through to July, is now on the website and the side column of this Bulletin, and it includes
May 5 – Youth Night in Rotary Youth Month! John R has organised a fabulous program from our local schools featuring both teachers and students, and students we have sponsored in the past. You should have received a separate email from John outlining the Program.
May 12 – Guest Speaker – Perri Curtis – How your Brain Works
May 19 – Social Dinner at Mt.Martha Chinese
May 26 – Dinner and Tour of the new Mornington Community Centre, with dinner catered for by Homeground.
Last week we had another great speaker night –Martin Green from Beleura House who spoke about Heritage Tourism in the 21st Century.
Martin took over at Beleura House just before the first lockdown, after a long career with the National Trust. The unique thing about Beleura House is that it remains exactly as John Tallis left it.
Martin reflected on the challenges facing all heritage homes and museums with a decline in patronage over the last generation, and the flip in visitor expectations to things that are more experiential. He cited Hosier Lane, which was classified by the National Trust in 2006, and the mock youth trials over “sexting” at the old Melbourne Courthouse/ Jail as examples. With over 4000 museums in Victoria they are competing not just with one another but with “Blockbuster” events like the Titanic at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Beleura House is a living entity for all generations. It is independent of the National Trust but affiliated with it. Besides the more widely known beautiful home, concert room, and gardens, it has extensive and unique archives and two Stuart Pianos https://www.stuartandsons.com/.
Martin is broadening the concert offering to include jazz and building a relationship with the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.
I have suggested that in Spring we might have a club Garden and House Tour there, and enjoy morning tea etc. Martin did leave us all with their concert program for the year.
Thanks Victor for initiating this and Chairing the night. Sorry I forgot to take a photo! Details of Beleura House at https://www.beleura.org.au/
Again great to see so many guests, especially Marilyn and Jeff Walkley, who have formally applied for membership of the club.
Rotary Australia Centenary and the Bay Trail . If you have not looked at it Please copy this to your browser to appreciate what our proposed Centenary project is all about. It should play with a voiceover as soon as you open it. Its only 7 minutes.
District Conference May 1 was last Saturday. Peter Orton and I went and my report will follow – next week.
Fusion Dinner – Saturday May 15. Thanks Eileen for volunteering and organising a table already. I understand it is now sold out! (Unfortunately I have a long standing commitment in Canberra that weekend) It should be a great fundraiser and social night.
Mornington CCTV A reminder that Mornington are preparing a database of all CCTV installations in Mornington. If you have one, or know someone who has, please tell them by email at MORNINGTON.UNI@police.vic.gov.au.
Peninsula Voice’s next Forum “Is gambling harm your blindspot?” Thursday, 20 May 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington. Details at https://peninsulavoice.org.au/
Mt.Eliza Rotary is celebrating 50 years on Tuesday May 25th, at the Ranelagh Club. If you would like to join me in attending please let me know.
Another date for your Diary – Changeover Night – Wed June 30.
Regards
Ross
