A Very Happy Meeting 15th May 2013

President Jim gave us the salient points of the previous nights Board Meeting outcomes.

Those who did not attend the Scouts Dinner missed out on a most enjoyable night.  The Scouts provided a five course meal, all prepared on the premises, even real bush oven damper, videos of their adventure camps, and in the yard was the trailer with our name on it.  A great night and a great Scout group. Highly recommended for its personal development programs for our grandchildren.

The financial situation was not a good as forecast for, in that we raised a small % less in our fund raising projects.

However with incremental yet judicious cuts in some service programs the reserves going forward will be in sound condition at end of this Rotary year. Well done Jim & his Board.

Sort of a 'Swan Song' from Jim and his 'Party'. Once upon a time many Brewers were Abbotts!!! Russell & his Party will outline their 2013 -14 plans on 3rd July.

Reports from the current Board will be presented on 5th & 19th June. With the traditional Presidents overview at the Change Over Dinner on 28th June.

Take a look at last weeks Networker where you will see RCBN 'Rotarians at Work' and our joint venture (Freemasons Victoria) van donated to Family Life.

Secretary Lyn: requests that each member, if changes are required to your details, to go on to ClubRunner now. Each change over period requires your details to be current.

                        Also requests that those members who did Security duties at the Jamboree and still have their vest then please return to Lyn for safe keeping and future use.

Fellowship Garry: don't be biased or bowled over if you have not yet booked for 'Bare Foot Bowls' on June 12th. See Garry ASAP.

                             Change Over Night will cost $75 and prefered method is a bank transfer to RCBN account. Don't forget to put your name in the appropriate box other wise Barb G goes ballistic trying to identify you.

Francesca: change of plan next Wednesday night. Pictures unsuitable for jolly Rotarians, so suggesting a great meal and a comedian - no Brian & Mort will be away! Meet at 6.00 for 6.30pm at IL CAMINETTO, cnr of Bay & St. Andrews Streets. Don Jones is a professional comedian and for the same price as the pictures ($35) you are guaranteed excellent food and fun. Message will be put out on ClubRunner shortly for you to book. At least 20 going so far.

          RI's International Convention in Sydney. 20 people going so far. Phil is taking bookings for the event and accommodation plus looking at local hospitality opportunities.      

GUEST SPEAKER:  Professor Martin Delatycki "Friedreich's Ataxia Research Update".

As Martin said "it is like coming home" & "like a close friend".

It was very difficult to keep up with all the information Martin was presenting to us and in many parts the processes Martin and his research team work on was so overwhelming!

That is to say we were all in awe at the expertise, the dedication, the scope and depth of the genetic research they and others are doing to find a cure for the debilitating and deadly FA.

To say we are very proud to have 'found' and supported the research program into this rare virus is by now an understatement. We will keep our close relationship with Martin and his team going through regular contact, visits, and updates.

Our $180,000 donation via RCBN + ARHF enabled that to be leveraged into an extra $577,518 = $757,518 to fund an extra reseacher that contributes to finding a cure that much earlier.

Martin in particular gave credit to Ian, Jan & Phil W for their support.