Elvis and the King

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 poorer areas. Chess promotes strategy and mental health, with clubs present in many schools. ADHD children become more focused, and prisons report reduced disruptive behaviour. Chess boosts self-esteem in disadvantaged children, allowing them to match the skills of well-coached peers from wealthier backgrounds.

Audience members understood the significance of this story and the hopeful message it conveys.

The Secretary and President Elect of Warringah club thanked Peter on behalf of the attendees.

l to r: Ruth Vumbaca, Peter Coleman, Chrisy Savvides
 
On Wednesday morning Balgowlah club received a nice email from Ruth Vumbaba - Secretary of Warringah Club:
Thank you for supporting the Cluster meeting last night.
Please pass on my thanks to your members as well.
I trust you enjoyed the night and I'm looking forward to the next one! Open to any suggestions !!!!!

Kind Regards,

Ruth Vumbaca.Secretary, Rotary Club of Warringah  2024-2025, D9685

Well done Warringah!

 OUR NEXT MEETING

 The next meeting will be held at Balgowlah RSL on Tuesday June 3, 2025 at 7pm.  Dinner in the Bistro at 6pm. 

PHF Anne Thompson will be giving an interesting presentation on the Rajah Quilt

IF YOUR ARE COMING TO DINNER (or just the meeting) PLEASE NOTIFY TONY HILL

aehill93@bigpond.net.au. or  0411 670 341

 Hear an amazing story of what is a national treasure....

Localkind BBQ at Bunnings Balgowlah – Saturday 7th June

Roger has sent out the roster for BBQ to be held at Bunnings Balgowlah on Saturday 7th June to raise funds to support a car that will be used as part of their work in the community.

 Thank you to those who have volunteered.

 Finally:


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