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The Story of the Rajah Quilt

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The Story of the Rajah Quilt Our meeting on Tuesday June 3, had a most interesting and professional presentation by Anne Thompson helped by her granddaughter, Grace. We learnt the fascinating history and background of the Rajah Quilt. Anne and Grace(seated) presenting the history of the Rajah Quilt A Tale of Hope and Resilience The Rajah Quilt is a remarkable artifact of history and human resilience, representing the ingenuity, determination, and creativity that arise even in the most challenging circumstances. Its story is intertwined with the journey of convict women transported to Australia and serves as a testament to the enduring power of art. The Context of Transportation In the early 19th century, transportation was a common punishment for crimes in Britain. Convicts were sent to faraway colonies, including Australia, to serve their sentences. Among them were many women convicted of petty crimes, often driven to desperation by poverty. These women faced arduous journe...
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Elvis and the King

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On Tuesday, May 27, Warringah Rotary hosted a presentation evening at Harbord Diggers. This was a cluster event and many people form Northern Beaches Rotary clubs attended. Ten Balgowlah members and partners attended the evening; Rhonda Scotter, Paul Apps, Michael Brent, Sue & John O’Brien, Rick Van Brugge, Di & Pascal Grant, Diane & Michael Mead.  Peter Coleman, a documentary filmmaker from Sydney, who has made or help film many documentaries over the years, discussed his film he is currently making about a young Kenyan boy named Elvis Okwembe. Despite coming from a poor township, Elvis has a secret weapon: he is a chess prodigy. The film is called Elvis and the King.  Peter Coleman Elvis is competing in the African national chess tournament with thousands of young players from various countries vying for the title.   Elvis Okwembe Peter Coleman noted the popularity of chess in Africa and its benefits to communities, especially poor...
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Warringah Rotary Awards Evening.

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The Rotary Club of Warringah held their Pride of Workmanship Awards Night at Wakehurst Golf Club on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.   The event celebrates those who excel in their workplaces and contribute to the community.   The awards night typically features a special dinner where nominees are honored with plaques and recognition.    Fifty-five people attended the event, where five individuals received Community Service Awards and two received Vocational Awards.  Ruth Vambaca congratulates Joni Bondanza Guy Morel - Founder and Manager, The Mind Cafe     Eli Demeny OAM - Sailability Manly, with Ruth Vambaca   The Awardees are listed below: Our club had a table: L to R: Michael Mead, Enid Hill, Tony Hill, Roger Gray, Michael Brent, Rick Van Brugge, Glenn Everingham (Pres Belrose), Heather Sare, Diane Mead. The evening was most informative and enjoyable, highlighting the quality of the awardees! So this Tuesday....   ...
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Never have an Off Day

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 Our Guest Speaker: Our guest speaker was John Bayot, who presented a challenging metal health approach to the club members and guests. John has studied mental health through three major streams: science, philosophy, and religion. Much of the information he presented has roots from ancient cultures and beliefs.   John Bayot presenting to the club. John started this journey over 30 years ago when his sister faced challenges, prompting him study and investigate many approaches to mental health from a variety of sources and backgrounds and acquire as much knowledge on the topic as possible. He is also writing a book entitled “ Never have an Off Day ”. John's  Book : Never have an Off Day. John said that the book “looks at a new paradigm in having a wider perspective on Mental Health issues and how best to apply the wisdom and arcane teachings of the ancient pass for humanities evolutionary process.” John showed an image of poisonous South American frog...
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ShelterBox Evening

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 COMBINED MEETING President Diana welcomed all who attended and in addition to visitors and member's partners and the club was most appreciative of the group of Rotarians from Warringah Rotary who came to the meeting.  The club will reciprocate by attending Warringah Rotary's Pride of Workmanship Award evening at Wakehurst Golf Club on May 20 @ 6;30pm.(see Flyer below) MEMBER TALK Yvonne Howie gave her membership talk to the club and told us that she had been involved with Rotary since 2008 and joined Balgowlah club 2021 when she moved into the area. She was attracted by the transparency of the funding model where the majority of funds collected are applied directly to the cause. One area of involvement that Yvonne discussed was her work with Many Rivers Support Services providing dedicated teams of professionals committed to empowering NDIS participants – especially from indigenous communities. Yvonne Howie.   Yvonne is also on the ShelterBox B...
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