Speaker Stewart Wilson

Stirling Rotary Meeting 5.2.16

Senior Vice President Alan Rankin welcomed members, together with returning visitor Jan Anderson.  Members were reminded of the theatrical production Acorn Antiques at the Macrobert on March 3rd., 7 pm.

Speaker for the day was our own Junior Vice President Stewart Wilson, who described a journey by bicycle around the Northern part of New Zealand’s North island.  The bike came off the plane at Auckland airport in two pannier bags and a large box and was then reassembled.  Proceeding to Raglan on the West coast, Stewart continued to Rotorua, in the centre of the country, a location famous for hot springs.  At one point, the front wheel collapsed and had to be rebuilt with new spokes.  This procedure was immeasurably simplified by the fact that Stewart used to run a bike shop.

Stewart continued to the Bombay Hills then over to East Cape and White Island where a ride on a steam train was fitted in.  East Cape is famous for fishing and Stewart also observed horse swimming.   Stewart continued to crisscross the region, seeing many sheep in the process.  He visited central Lake Taupo, Hamilton in the West and, again, Auckland. Finally he visited the extreme North in the form of Bay of Islands, frequently using small ferries  to aid his progress.  At one point he passed a sign saying he was just 3300 miles from the South Pole.  Finally, he returned South to Auckland and flew home.

Vote of Thanks was given by Jim Kerr and well supported.  This week’s Speakers Host is Ranald Ross-Watt, the speaker himself being Robin Iffla, Guildry President.  Visitors Host is Alan Prentice.  Stirling Rotary welcomes new members and more information can be found at www.stirling.rotary1010.org

Ranald Ross-Watt
Communications Convener