Last week, we were privileged to learn about Bronwyn’s lengthy experience in the Middle East, beginning with holidays in Bahrain as a young single, when she was the guest of her uncle who had an important job in the oil industry there.  Her experiences in the markets and socialising with the expats and locals looked very enjoyable.  This was followed by teaching positions in Aby Dhabi, where she met and married Dai, and brought young James into the world.  Bronwyn’s teaching experiences varied from awful to very good, depending on the nature of the school.  She highlighted that the boys had little interest in education given their expectation that the oil wealth would provide them with a secure living – Bronwyn suggested this could turn to tears as the oil revenues decline.  She also highlighted the distinction between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam, which stem from the very earliest days of the religion.  The difference is similar to the differences between Catholic Protestant and Orthodox branches of Christianity, and she noted that tensions between Sunni and Shiite are the cause for most of the wars in the middle east. 

Everyone should have received an invitation to attend the District Conference being held on 12 March.  Details are available at https://rotarydistrict9455.org/50172/Page/ShowSitePage?ClassCode=SitePage&Slug=book-now.  The conference is being held virtually and registration is only $35.  The theme is ‘we are one’ with speakers being Jody Nunn (CEO, Reconciliation WA), Danny Ford (Noongar man and involved with several Aboriginal organisations), Tim Muirhead (Director CSD Network) and Alison Dalziel (Rotarian and Strategic Planner).  It will be a very interesting and timely event.  

The Club has made a $500 donation to the Bushfire Appeal – to help those people affected by the recent fires in the agricultural areas.  Peter Durrant, Chair, WA Rotary Relief has sent the following email ‘Thank you Don and your Club, Funds have been received – really appreciated.  We shall get the funds to those in need’.

 

 

 

 

Just a reminder that our next evening meeting is next Tuesday, when our Guest Speakers will be Matthew Corriea and Neil Starkie from St Bartholomew’s House.