PDG Ian Ballantine was chairperson for today's special joint club meeting with the Rotary Club of St Marylebone in London UK. Charles joined the meeting via Zoom, as did Co-Presidents Carole Harris and Steve Rhodes and all the members from St Marylebone, whilst our club members convened in Cilantro. This special meeting was instigated by Carole who had travelled to Australia and visited our club on previous occasions, and suggested a joint club meeting for a connection and sharing of Rotary minds. Chairperson Ian and President Tim shared the stage in providing information about our club, member numbers, our location, and adding our club is in a district that merged with an adjoining district at the beginning of this current Rotary year. Additionally, our club and district is in a Zone that is undergoing the 3 year Rotary Regionalisation Pilot program that officially commenced 1 July 2024. Further information included the diversity and attraction of our club's region and they touched briefly on our club projects that are funded through our Bentleigh Market including support for existing Rotary programs. Ian highlighted the importance of fellowship adding fellowship is a cornerstone for maintaining member connection and engagement.
We heard from Co-Presidents, Steve Rhodes and Carole Harris, Li Ping - Membership, and Raj - Assistant Governor. We learned the R.C. of St Marylebone commenced in 1948 with members meeting fortnightly - alternating between lunchtime face to face meetings at the Churchill Hotel, and evening Zoom meetings. They have 15 active members - 10 male, and 5 female, and 6 honorary members. Club projects include the David Nott Foundation that is involved with training medical personnel in conflict and disaster zones, and Pimlico Puffins Swimming Club that supports swimming programs for people with learning and physical disabilities. Recent Fellowship and Fundraising activities include a trip to Slovenia and conducting a Piano Concert to raise funds for a Mental Health Charity. Raj advised their district has 50 clubs, 10 AGs, 900 members and 150 honorary members. Their district also has a Rotary Hub of members who are not part of a recognised club, but who join other clubs for activities and projects etc., and a Passport Club for Rotarians who reside overseas and meet online. Whilst their zone is not involved in the Rotary Regionalisation Pilot program, they are incorporating membership principles that are coming out from the Pilot program. They recognise member retention and recruitment is a major challenge. Li Ping advises their club is currently conducting a membership program that includes recruiting Corporate members, and looking to attract members to act as mentors for Global Scholars in the medical profession.
Both clubs agreed this was a very interesting club meeting - and a great opportunity to learn about the activities of other clubs.
Steve Rhodes closed the joint meeting by reciting a poem with a Rotary focus - a customary practice they employ for closing their meetings - it was a lovely and fitting tribute to end the meeting.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
- the club meeting scheduled for Wed 28 May will be held as an evening buffet dinner meeting at Cilantro on Thursday 29 May 2025.
NOTE - Follow up story about St Marylebone here.
