WEEKLY BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB
OF PENNANT HILLS INC.
Chartered March 14, 1960
SPOKES
VOLUME 54
NUMBER 46
EDITOR: DAVID FIRTH
4th JUNE, 2013
TONIGHT’S PROGRAM
‘THEO’S TOILET TALK’ -
SPEAKER THEO GLOCKEMANN
CHAIRMAN: ADRIAN BELL
Reporter: Ian Huckel Stewards: David Firth & David Walsh
ANNIVERSARIES
Induction anniversary to President Peter Wilson - June 6th, 1985
LAST WEEK’S MEETING REPORT
The meeting opened at 6.30. After an inspirational
rendition of Rotary grace, President Peter warmly
welcomed our guest speaker, Tony Breinl and his
wife Anna, President Graham Limberg of
Thornleigh Rotary Club, 15 Thornleigh Rotarians,
Beverley Young and Susan Wilson. Peter noted that
the eight Pennant Hills members present were significantly outnumbered by our Thornleigh visitors.
President Peter reported on the Red Shield Appeal
held last weekend. While extensive efforts went
into this year’s collection and the numbers of collectors and drivers were pleasing, the results were
disappointing compared to previous years. There
was no apparent reason for this. Peter also noted
the important contribution of the staff of Barry
Smith Holden and George Green relayed PE Theo’s
recognition of the outstanding efforts of the Wilson
family.
Programs Director Pat Parker reminded members
about the coming visit to Ronald McDonald House,
now badged as “Meals from the Heart”.
Thornleigh President Graham reported on the
club’s current activities, which include the provision
of solar panels to a school in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The panels will allow the school to use electronic
equipment including computers.
Pat Parker, who had reluctantly relinquished his
favourite role of Sergeant-at-Arms effortlessly assumed the role of chairperson. He introduced the
guest speaker, Tony Breinl, who is a volunteer
working with The Cancer Council of NSW. He spoke
on the topic of “The Cancer Council - Who we are
and what we do”.
The Cancer Council is primarily an organisation that
raises funds for cancer research. Most of the $15
million raised each year goes straight back to the
community in the form of grants for research into
the 200 forms of cancer. The Council also provides
support and advocacy for people living with cancer.
While the Council has 360 paid employees, it relies
on the efforts of some 2,500 volunteers for its
work.
Tony also spoke about the rapid improvements in
treatment for cancer. Survival rates have improved
from 47% in the years 1983 – 1997 to 65% in the
years 2005 – 2010. He stressed that the major factor in success in treating all forms of cancer is early
detection. He urged members to be vigilant and
seek medical advice as soon as they detect that
something is wrong.
Tony acknowledged the support our club provides
each year to Daffodil Day, which is coordinated by
PP Jack Reid.
Following questions and thanks to Tony, President
Peter thanked our guests and George Green brilliantly led all present in singing the national anthem.
George Green
INTERNATIONAL TOAST
ROTARY CLUB OF GIBRALTAR (One of a handful of clubs not in a Rotary District) (Chartered 1966)
President Jennifer Stentiford and their 36 members. The club meets on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the
Rock Hotel, Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern end of
the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. It has an area of
6.8 square kilometres (2.6 sq mi) and a northern border with Andalusia, Spain.
The Rock of Gibraltar is the only landmark of the region. At its foot is the
densely populated city area, home to almost 30,000 Gibraltarians and other
nationalities.
An Anglo-Dutch force captured Gibraltar from the Kingdom of Castile in
1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession on behalf of the Habsburg pretender to the Spanish throne. The territory was subsequently ceded to Britain
"in perpetuity" under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. It was an important base
Aerial view of Gibraltar
for the Royal Navy; today its economy is based largely on tourism, online gaming, financial services, and shipping.
The sovereignty of Gibraltar is a major point of contention in AngloSpanish relations as Spain asserts a claim to the territory. Gibraltarians rejected
proposals for Spanish sovereignty in a 1967 referendum and again in 2002. Under the Gibraltar constitution of 2006, Gibraltar governs its own affairs, though
some powers, such as defence and foreign relations, remain the responsibility
of the UK Government.
The Flag of Gibraltar
The British military traditionally dominated Gibraltar's economy, with the
naval dockyard providing the bulk of economic activity. This however, has diminished over the last twenty years,
and is estimated to account for only 7% of the local economy, compared to over 60% in 1984. Today, Gibraltar's
economy is dominated by four main sectors: financial services, internet gaming, shipping and tourism (including
retail for visitors).
In the early 2000s, many bookmakers and online gaming operators relocated to Gibraltar to benefit from
operating in a regulated jurisdiction with a favourable corporate tax regime. However, this corporate tax regime
for non-resident controlled companies was phased out by January 2011 and replaced by an across the board Corporate Tax rate of 10%.
Tourism is also a significant industry. Gibraltar is a popular port for cruise ships and attracts day visitors
from resorts in Spain. The Rock is a popular tourist attraction, particularly among British tourists and residents in
the southern coast of Spain. It is also a popular shopping destination, and all goods and services are VAT free.
Many of the large British high street chains have branches or franchises in Gibraltar including Marks & Spencer and Mothercare. Branches and franchises of international retailers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Sunglass Hut
are also present in Gibraltar, as is the Spanish clothing company Mango.
Sayings for today
Be who you are and say what you feel because
those who mind don't matter and those who
matter don't mind.
Dr. Seuss
Work like you don't need the money, love like
you've never been hurt and dance like no one is
watching.
Randall G. Leighton
MEETING DETAILS 28.5.2013
Attendance: 57.14%
Visitors: Tony & Anna Breinl, Beverley Young, Susan
Wilson, and Thornleigh Rotary President Graham Limburg and 14 of their members.
Make up: Theo Glockemann at R/C of Blacktown
Apologies: Michael Bradley, Theo Glockemann, David
Firth, Terry Pankhurst, David Walsh.
Leave of Absence: Julian Leeser, Chris Morgan, Bruce
Callaway, John Ellis, Phil Stanton, Bob Cole
DATE
PROGRAM/EVENT
SPEAKER/ORGANISER
June 11th
“Going for GOLD, GOLD, GOLD!”
Speaker: John Ellis
June 13th
‘MEALS FROM THE HEART’ BBQ
At Ronald McDonald House Westmead
Chief Organiser
Pat Parker
June 25th
CLUB CHANGEOVER @ PH GOLF CLUB
6.30 for 7.00pm start
PARTNERS NIGHT
July 5th
DISTRICT CHANGEOVER 2013
From 9680 to 9685
$50 per person
THE LYCEUM
Castle Hill RSL Club
6.30 for 7.00pm