Stephen's Blog - 10th October 

A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made (1905) by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization, Movement and Service work in action." Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads.

 

 

In 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians. So, the present gear wheel, with 24 teeth and six spokes was adopted by the "Rotary International Association." The gear teeth around the outside represent the fact that work is to be done. The six spokes represent the inner direction and path of our Vocational Service, through the representation of our membership via the classification system. Similarly, these same spokes represent an outward distribution path of Rotary's ideals of service and the Four Way Test… going out toward the community, vocations and businesses that our members represent.

A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a "keyway" in the centre of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway was added to signify the wheel was a "worker and not an idler". The keyway in the centre of the hub is of great significance, because it represents the individual Rotarian member, who is the key factor in every club. Quality members are the keys, needed for the hub to engage with the shaft and turn, putting the energy into motion and creating the power for the gears to do their work.

 

At the 1929 Rotary International Convention, it was determined that blue and gold would be the official colours of the organization, so the wheel was designed with these colours. The four blue bands within the outer radius of the gear represent our four avenues of service. And the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem. The Rotary wheel is also referred to as "The Mark of Excellence".

There are many ways that our club exemplifies “Civilization, Movement and Service work in action”… In fact, we need you to attend one if not many more of our club’s events this month!

 

I have heard it said by many that our club “runs a large number of projects”. At last count, the number exceeded 30 different initiatives! The reality is that yes, this is a relatively large number of projects for a club our size, but the reality is that most of these projects are championed by individuals who are passionate about the cause(s) they support. So working on the idea that if there is passion there is persistence, the projects our club undertakes should see success.

The following is a summary of the key dates, causes, point of contact for you to support. Further information can be found listed in this bulletin:

 

 

I think PE Wesley said it best when earlier this year he explained that Rotary Clubs tend to run a lot of projects helping deliver clean water and sanitation, focussing on maternal and child health, disease prevention etc. But how about projects impacting “peace and conflict prevention/resolution”?

 

The Rotary Youth Exchange program is one of the world’s best regarded exchange programs and directly contributes to building peace and goodwill amongst nations…one student at a time!

 

You do not need to be a Rotarian or have a sibling participating in the program to be considered as a suitable host family.

There is no typical family structure required. An acceptable family might have small children, older children or no children living at home. All that is expected is a that a caring and friendly family and home atmosphere is provided.

 

Exchange students are between the ages of 15 years and 18 years and will be attending a secondary school in the area of the host club. Host families voluntarily open their homes to these students for periods of approximately three to four months. This time provides an opportunity for everyone to develop a lifetime of friendships, to learn a different culture and to gain many other rewarding experiences.

For more information, please contact PE Wesley Sim, (0411 603 936) or Bruce Henshaw (0414 827 186) or visit https://www.ryea.org.au/host-families.html  

 

Finally, many thanks are in order to our members who at lunch last week donated just over $900 to our Rotary/Rotaract/ScoutsWA Cambodia house building team. Tara Sherwood, a dynamic Rotaract Club of Perth member – yes one of our own! – was blown away by your generosity. She said to me she thought she’d get a few fives and tens etc…but was she wrong! Once again, our members have come through when called upon.

 

It is a privilege to be part of such a great and inspiring Rotary Club. Please continue to support and serve.