Welcome to the new Rotary year, which officially begins on the 27th (tonight) with a barbecue by the Clutha River on the Alexandra side from 5.30pm. We have chosen this location for its convenience, including easy access to toilets.
Please bring your own food, drinks, deck chairs and, of course, family and friends. We will not be taking down Rotary beer/wine on this occasion, with the assumption that everyone will look after themselves. We are very much looking forward to seeing as many of you there as possible to start the year together in a relaxed and social way.
Rotary newsletters are circulating again, keeping us informed about what is happening across the Rotary world. It is often quite mind-boggling to read about the impact Rotary has in different countries. At the same time, we certainly keep ourselves busy right here in our own community, as I have already mentioned on several occasions.
The recent book sale was outstanding. I am still happily working my way through some of the books I purchased. Behind the scenes, the team, no doubt, will soon be again collecting books for next year’s sale. It is a massive undertaking and very much appreciated by us all. As we know, this work is so well led by Mark and Hugh, supported by many members and non-members alike—thank you all for the time, effort, and leadership you put into this major fundraiser.
Our thoughts are very much with Gil at the moment, as he faces the incredibly difficult task of speaking to the Parole Board regarding the possible release of the person who murdered his daughter. This is something no parent should ever have to endure, and we hold Gil and his family in our thoughts.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, one of our priorities needs to be welcoming a few new members, so we can maintain strong and sustainable membership into the future. Please feel free to bring possible members along to our meetings. Hugh has also organised the Aspiring trip, coming up in March (see below), which, is always a fantastic opportunity to get to a stunning part of Aspiring National Park. Unfortunately, I have a wedding that weekend.
Well done to members for looking after the Alexandra Community House Gardens so well. They looked great as I went past to get a coffee from the Tin Goose recently.
I look forward to seeing you at Rotary throughout the year and sharing another year of service, fellowship, and community connection together.
Ngā mihi
Bernie
Hugh McIntyre
Mount Aspiring/Tititea visit
Unfortunately, a personal commitment has arisen which means I need to defer the proposed Mt Aspiring Visit proposed for 14/15 February.
Because of existing bookings, the next available weekend is not until the 14/15 of March so you will need to revisit your diaries. (The same days are a coincidence!)
For those that have already indicated their interest in February, it will be best we start again collecting names in February.
On Wednesday the 7th of January the two Rotary nine-hole twilight teams (Hoes vs Woes) played an Ambrose round at Omakau.
Paul ‘almost’ shot a hole-in-one on No.7 so I think it’s worthy of a mention in the Bulletin.
Paul, almost a hole-in-one! apparently the ball bounced of the pin!! (so Paul said)
Alexandra Rotary Club annual Book sale Thursday January 1st to Sunday January 4th
Joint conveners Mark Willyams and Hugh McIntyre
Books Still Rule!!!
Well, another book sale completed and the bills paid (mostly). As usual the success was the collegiality and support from club members. It’s only possible with our combined efforts over 3 months, book sorting every Monday afternoon, collecting the donated books, moving the boxes, forklifting, truck driving, sales rosters and IT support and online/social media advertising, raffle creation, trailer work and a myriad of administrivia tasks. Experienced hands from previous sales were greatly appreciated.
We had great support from the community again with thousands of donated books, many of them good quality recent publications, the Rowing club provided muscle for the shift in, Steve Quinn from Dunedin City motors loaned us a vehicle again, Neville, Don and Stu were brilliant in keeping the books flowing and sourcing forklifts and “stuff”. The News supported us with regular articles promoting the sale. One addition this year was having High School students assist in sorting and sales, along with the benches as usual.
A huge shoutout to Chris Claridge and Skevingtons for a second year of allowing us to use their shed for sorting, Chris went out of his way to make it work.
Financially, despite having a ton of books, our takings were down a bit from previous years with gross receipts of about $27,500 and costs of around $3000 providing our charitable Trust approximately $24,500 which will be a good source of funds to distribute back to the community.
The big costs are the rubbish skips, Hall hire and Media advertising. We do get a lot of unsaleable material in house lots of donations, this year five skips worth (as well as a truck load at the end!).
Like many costs ,prices have climbed for advertising and hire. The price of books was raised, “are we charging enough? “Something to consider for this year, feedback from visitors however was positive, “ great prices, we can afford to get good books for ourselves and grandkids” a sign of the reality of peoples finances these past few years. A lot of families were having camping holidays at the holiday park and walking down to the sale.
One improvement noted was to have the Hall set up and “labelled” before the move in day to improve coordination.
Our Book sale is an iconic event in the towns calendar and we delivered on expectations, day one was hectic! We helped tidy up a lot of bookshelves, made some good coin for the club, were visible in the community and provided service above self along with enjoying each other’s company in a worthwhile project.
Thanks Club.
Hugh and Mark.
Publicity for the book sale
Setting up the books for sale
Book sale with plenty of buyers present (picture courtesy of Mark Willyams)
Book sale transactions: Cash vs EFTPOS (supplied by Graham Quinn)
EFTPOS vs Cash over a period of time, shows the move to EFTPOS (supplied by Graham Quinn)
Dunstan High School year 10 drama students trip Otago and Southland 2025
What a fantastic tour we have had! Year 10 Drama students travelled throughout West Otago and Southland performing three Christmas-themed plays to rural schools. These performances cost nothing to the schools and allows small schools the opportunity to experience some live theatre.
Over the three days we visited Heriot School, Tapanui School, Mataura School, Wyndham School, Woodlands School, Lochiel School, Te Anau School, Mararoa School, Mossburn School and Garston School.
As a part of our 'Pay-it-Forward' kaupapa, the students at these schools each brought a food item to donate to their local food bank.
Finally - a massive shout out to our sponsors - The Rotary Club of Alexandra, Mainstreet Barbers and DHS Productions. Your help made this trip happen!
Mark 9/12/25
Dunstan High School drama students (pictures courtesy Mark Willyams)
Alexandra Community House (ACH) hedge trimming/removal project 5pm Thursday 4th of December 2025
A big thankyou to everyone who turned out for the hedge trimming and removal of the back section of the hedge on Thursday evening. The latter turned out to be a herculean task, especially as the decision to remove the hedge was only made at the last minute. However, with Nev’s proactive leadership and willing team we managed to pull out just over half of the hedge by 7.15pm.
In discussion with ACH this morning, they seemed pleased with the work so far and we discussed the removal of the remainder of the hedge. Taking into consideration that this is a busy time of the year for everybody, I suggest that we tackle the rest of the hedge removal after the book sale is behind us, that is during the second week of January and I am waiting confirmation of this.
The job was bigger than originally thought so was carried out over two evenings with eight members involved. Thanks to all who turned up to help especially Don for use of his ute to pull the plants out of the ground using strops and chains, Stu for organising the front-end loader, Richard for the use of his dump truck and Nev for overall organisation.
A big messy job carried out with a lot of grunt and enthusiasm!
If you are unable to do a duty that you have been listed for below, then please find a replacement for yourself. If you are Sergeant, you can contact the editor for a replacement name and then contact that club member.
Initial comments from President Bernie for 2026
(Previously sent to club members as a Club runner email)
Welcome to 2026. Since the Book Sale, I hope you have had time to relax, enjoy the sunshine, and appreciate Central Otago. Let’s hope that 2026 is a healthy and happy year for everyone.
A quick heads-up for the New Year: our first meeting (27th of January) for 2026 will begin with a picnic at Rotary Park (on the Alexandra town side). Bring everything, including family and friends. If the weather is uncooperative, we will relocate to the Bridge Club and bring our picnics indoors. A reminder will be sent nearer to the date.
Sadly, we have recently received two resignations from the Club — from Michael Rooney and Les Young. I have expressed our sincere appreciation to both of them for their commitment and contribution to Rotary over the years. We hope they will stay in touch and perhaps join us for future fundraisers or activities.
In particular, we acknowledge Michael’s outstanding service of more than 30 years, including his tireless work with the Book Sale and his involvement in trips for older members of our community. Michael's dedication and support have meant a great deal to the Club. Les, too, will be really missed, I loved how he always took on the responsibility to clear the tables at meetings and I know he ensured Jean was supported in the kitchen.
A BIG thank you to them both for their contribution. Along with Brian Fitzpatrick, we appreciated their contribution to Alexandra Rotary and wish them well in the future.
I would also like to extend a very big thank you to everyone involved in the Book Sales this year. The success of these events reflects the hard work, commitment, and teamwork of you all and your families. In particular, thank you to Mark and Hugh for their outstanding leadership, supported by Joss, and by all the Rotary members, partners, volunteers, and non-members who gave their time and energy. Your efforts make a real difference and are very much appreciated. I think I had my biggest one-off sale with private collectors - $1107!
Thank you all for your continued support. I really enjoy the camaraderie of our club. I am off on Saturday to my happy place - biking lots of kilometers a day and having 2 nights in the Hunter.
Bernie
Meeting Responsibilities
Pre Meeting Tasks 10th February 2026
Cashier
Beattie, Stuart
Attendance
Bell, Graeme
During Meeting Tasks 10th February 2026
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up after
Clark, Judy
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up after
Dawson, Bob
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up after
Dymock, Peter
Introduce and Thank Speaker
Flynn, Denis
3 Minute Talk
Ford, Paddy
Sergeant
Roy, Rob
Meet & Greet and Last Word
Hambleton, Barry
Pre Meeting Tasks 24th February 2026
Cashier
Bell, Graeme
Attendance
Clark, Judy
During Meeting Tasks 24th February 2026
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up ...
Dawson, Bob
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up ...
Dymock, Peter
Set up/bar/kitchen duties/tidy up ...
Flynn, Denis
Introduce and Thank Speaker
Ford, Paddy
3 Minute Talk
Hambleton, Barry
Sergeant
Grubb, Nev
Meet & Greet and Last Word
Hooykaas, Arnold
In come the public on January 1 with their big bags. (Picture courtesy Bob Clark)
Book sale day one 'staff' (picture courtesy of Bob Clark)
Book sale takings over time (supplied by Graham Quinn)
Dunstan High School drama students
Dunstan High School drama students
More to hedge trimming than meets the eye
That hedge again!
Steve Robertson
Firewood splitting
Keep Thursday the 12th of February 2026 free for our fire wood splitting morning starting at 9am. Community garden, Dunstan Road (next to the Fulton Hogan yard).
Steve to confirm this!
Steve
Pictures below, courtesy of Barry Hambleton
Watch your fingers!
Time to move to a new site.
Getting there!
Rotary International Theme for 2025/2026
The next Bulletin will be produced on Friday the 27th of February 2026. Please send articles and any photographs to the Editor (gil.elliott42@gmail.com) by Thursday the 26th of February 2026 at the latest, thank you.
