FROM THE PRESIDENTS

Two days after the ferocious storms swept through Melbourne, leaving a trail of havoc in their wake, we extend our heartfelt wishes to everyone for their safety and well-being amidst the chaos.

We were lucky with the weather for the January Farmers Market - it was bustling with activity as a diverse crowd revelled in the array of stalls and entertainment. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate our next market on Saturday, February 24th, where we'll once again come together to celebrate local produce and talent. But our community engagement extends beyond the confines of the market square.

On February 1st, the Rotary Club of Brighton North graciously invited us to their speaker night, a gathering where ideas were shared and hearts were stirred. Jeff Shelley captivated our attention as he shed light on the noble cause of '123 Read To Me', a project dedicated to empowering disadvantaged children through literacy. A week later, we had the pleasure of delving into the story behind the badge with one of our newest members, Gill Merzvinskis. Her captivating 'Behind the Badge' talk not only entertained but also enlightened us about her journey and passion for service.

As we navigate through February, our calendar brims with opportunities to connect and give back. Many of us enjoyed the Brighton Theatre Company's production of 'Love Song' on February 15th, knowing that the proceeds will go towards TeamSports4All, a cause close to our hearts.

Amidst our local endeavors, we haven't forgotten our commitment to making a global impact.

Our international project, aimed at screening elementary school students in Tonga for hearing impairments, continues to progress steadily. Since its commencement in April 2023, we've reached 22 out of the 62 schools in Tongatapu, screening 1739 students from Year 1 and 2 classes. With each screening, we inch closer to our goal of ensuring every child has access to the support they need.

Bev and Amanda

RECENT EVENTS

Thursday 15th February - Theatre Night at Brighton Theatre Company 

Once again, we were treated to a fabulous night at the theatre. The production of Love Song was terrific – with an unexpected twist in the second half. Congratulations to the very talented cast. We all left with a spring in our step.   Thanks to the Rotarians who went behind the bar to serve the drinks at interval after the theatre staff, trying to retrieve the white wine from the fridge, ended up stuck in their lift!  Unbeknownst to the attendees the fire brigade and lift maintenance team arrived during the second act to rescue them!   Our thanks to Brighton Theatre Company and to everyone who attended for supporting Hampton Rotary. As previously mentioned,  the proceeds will go to TeamSports4All.

Saturday, 20th February - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

At our recent Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner there were two groups

One group was hosted by Prue and Geoff who treated them to a delicious meal reminiscent of the delights from the 70’s - prawn cocktail, roast lamb and salad and pavlova topped with strawberries. The wines flowed and the discussions lively. It was so nice to spend time with wonderful people!

The second group was hosted by Lindsay and Elma.  There too, everybody also had a most enjoyable evening over an alfresco dinner.  These were people who enjoy their food (and wine) and, after an aperitif, everyone relaxed.  Lots of conversation, personal stories and laughter flowed on a warm night.

Many thanks to Geoff and Prue and to Lindsay and Elma.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, 20th February - Club Meeting at Hampton RSL

Tuesday, 27th February - Board Meeting

Tuesday, 5th March - Social Night at Sandringham Yacht Club

Tuesday, 12th March   Club Meeting at Hampton RSL.   Speaker Graeme Woolacott   Indonesian Projects'

Saturday, 16th March - Guess Who is Coming to Dinner

Tuesday 19th March - Club Meeting at Hampton RSL

YOUTH PROJECTS

Friendship Leader Awards at St Mary's Primary

Grades 4 to 6 students at St Mary’s Primary School Hampton elected Sienna Whyte and Willem Miserus to be their Friendship Leaders for 2024.   Students are asked to select a student who they believe best meets the criteria of friendship, fairness, responsibility, teamwork and acceptance by others.   Sienna & Willem each receive a congratulatory letter from the Club, a $50.00 book voucher and a book plate.   The Club has been making this award since 2000.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

January Bayside Farmers’ Market - Saturday 27^th January

Thank you to everyone who visited our January market over the Australia Day long weekend, supporting all the wonderful hardworking & dedicated stallholders who once again provided an incredible range of produce. It was great to see so many people out and about enjoying the summer weather, doing some fresh food shopping, relaxing with family & friends (…and furry friends as well), and enjoying a coffee and snack, while chilling out to great live music.

Remember, the Bayside Farmers Market is held on the 4th Saturday every month at Trey Bit Reserve Sandringham. We can’t wait to see you all again at our February market on Saturday 24th February 8am-1pm.

Beach Clean Sunday 4^th February

February’s beach clean was at the bottom of the ramp near Small Street.  We had perfect weather.  Our largest piece of rubbish was a discarded broken chair! Lots of plastic wrappers and small plastics collected.  There was a noticeable drop in the number of recycling bottles and cans found – hopefully showing the container deposit scheme is at work!

Donations in Kind

Recently, Geoff Tickner joined Brighton North Rotarians for a workshop at the Rotary DIK (Donations-in-Kind) warehouse in West Footscray where they packed school backpacks with exercise books, rulers, pencils, scissors and glue sticks prior to boxing them in readiness for sending to new schools in Pacific Island nations.

At the same time, he collected 10 boxes of polos and T-Shirts. which had been packed last month, for delivery to Rose Paduano at BayCISS

The DIK warehouse collects surplus and pre-owned goods, consolidates and repackages them for distribution to needy organisations both locally and overseas.

Next Bayside Farmers’ Market – Saturday 24^th February

Our February market is coming up on Saturday 24th February, 8am-1pm at Trey Bit Reserve (Jetty Road), Sandringham. What a great way to kick-start the weekend, with a visit to the 60+ market stalls featuring seasonal fresh produce direct from the farm, gourmet and artisan foods and beverages, take-away food, drinks & coffees, and live music…all at a fabulous beachside location…..…so get your family and friends together and join in this fantastic community event!

HERE’S WHERE YOU’LL FIND US:

🗓When: Saturday, 24th February

📍Where: Trey Bit Reserve (Jetty Road), Sandringham*

⏰Time: 8am-1pm

🐶Dogs welcome on lead also

More details about the market are also available at:

Website: https://BaysideFarmersMarket.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaysideFM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baysidefarmersmarket_

*For parking options at the market, please refer to the market website

Market Volunteers Needed

If you’re interested in joining our volunteer team at the monthly Bayside Farmers’ Market, we’d love to hear from you. It’s only a commitment of 3 hours each month and no experience is necessary…so if you like meeting other locals and want to get involved in a fantastic community event that raises funds for many worthy causes, please get in touch.

If you are interested, then please contact Lance Blackley at 0411 741 586 or email: admin@hamptonrotary.org.au

ROTARY NEWS & EVENTS

International Women’s Day dinner – hosted by Brighton North Rotary

You won’t want to miss this International Women's Day dinner, hosted by Brighton North Rotary, on 7 March 2024 'Celebrating Women - See What We Can Do!'. The evening features a great line-up of inspirational speakers, as well as an auction and raffle items, so there’s plenty of opportunity to participate and come away with a win.

Bookings can be made by clicking this trybooking link:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1171590?

WHERE TO FIND US

Club Meetings 

Club meetings are held at Hampton RSL, 25 Holyrood Street, Hampton Victoria 3188.

Details of meetings can be found on our website and you can refer to our website for updates on the upcoming meeting program: https://hamptonrotary.org.au/all-events