President Allan welcomed 26 members and two guests to what was one of our usual happy, fun and memorable mmetings.
Our guests, Pagutharivan Manimaran, was introduced by Roger Goodman, and our other guest was David James currently Director of Sport and Careers Advisor at Glendowie College making his second visit. David had been a member of our Club some years ago and last Thursday he wasn't a guest for long, as he was inducted back into the Club by President Allan. Welcome back David - great to maintain that very important connection with Glendowie College.
President Allan then welcomed newish member Gavin Gilmer to address the members. Gavin shared his journey and what a life he has led! Looking very colourful in his yellow attire, keenly supporting Daffodil Day and the Cancer Society.
Brought up in South Africa, Gavin attended a primary school run by Nuns, followed by Military Service in the Navy where he became involved in clearing roads of mines, engineering aspects of road maintenance, and bridge repairs and design. While in the Navy he learnt to, “sleep with his eyes open” and became very aware that violence was part of the fabric within the towns and cities of South Africa.
Professionally he has held management positions in automotive component design and production, as well as shoe design and manufacture. More latterly he has developed skills in Emergency Response teams within local body communities in both land and sea areas. He was involved in the coordination of the sea rescue of the crew and passengers of the passenger ship “Oceanos” which foundered of the South African coast in August 1991, 571 passengers and crew rescued with no loss of life!
In his earlier life he was known as “STRETCH” recognising his sporting abilities in basketball. Gavin is a keen yachtsman and has sailed extensively up and down the East African Coast.
Married with two daughters, he and his wife followed their daughters and emigrated to New Zealand where he has been inspired by the beauty of the landscape in contrast to the dry dusty conditions in much of South Africa. Gavin proudly showed members a walking stick with the birth dates of his 3 grandchildren captured in silver bands around the stick.
Our guests, Pagutharivan Manimaran, was introduced by Roger Goodman, and our other guest was David James currently Director of Sport and Careers Advisor at Glendowie College making his second visit. David had been a member of our Club some years ago and last Thursday he wasn't a guest for long, as he was inducted back into the Club by President Allan. Welcome back David - great to maintain that very important connection with Glendowie College.
President Allan then welcomed newish member Gavin Gilmer to address the members. Gavin shared his journey and what a life he has led! Looking very colourful in his yellow attire, keenly supporting Daffodil Day and the Cancer Society.Brought up in South Africa, Gavin attended a primary school run by Nuns, followed by Military Service in the Navy where he became involved in clearing roads of mines, engineering aspects of road maintenance, and bridge repairs and design. While in the Navy he learnt to, “sleep with his eyes open” and became very aware that violence was part of the fabric within the towns and cities of South Africa.
Professionally he has held management positions in automotive component design and production, as well as shoe design and manufacture. More latterly he has developed skills in Emergency Response teams within local body communities in both land and sea areas. He was involved in the coordination of the sea rescue of the crew and passengers of the passenger ship “Oceanos” which foundered of the South African coast in August 1991, 571 passengers and crew rescued with no loss of life!
In his earlier life he was known as “STRETCH” recognising his sporting abilities in basketball. Gavin is a keen yachtsman and has sailed extensively up and down the East African Coast.
Married with two daughters, he and his wife followed their daughters and emigrated to New Zealand where he has been inspired by the beauty of the landscape in contrast to the dry dusty conditions in much of South Africa. Gavin proudly showed members a walking stick with the birth dates of his 3 grandchildren captured in silver bands around the stick.
President Allan then introduced very new member, Angus McPhee, to share some of his background. Currently Angus is Sales and Marketing Manager for the BeGroup, a role where he finds he laughs a lot, but also cries a lot as well.Angus, known as Gus to his friends, worked in Ryman Healthcare for eight years, playing a leading role in selling residences at Edmund Hillary Retirement Village. The Edmund Hillary Village was, at that time, Ryman’s largest village and the jewel in its crown. Angus was awarded Ryman’s Sales Advisor of the Year in 2013 for his efforts marketing the Village.
Angus, an Accountant, has also worked in the textile industry in a variety of roles and owned his own business for 17 years. He is currently planning for the opening of BeGroup’s Rawhiti Estate, while helping to grow the network of villages within the BeGroup as a prominent player within the New Zealand retirement sector.
Thank you both for your talk gents – it’s a pleasure to have you as members.
Daffodil Day - In recognition of Daffodil Day last week, members were encouraged to wear a touch of yellow - and many did! The Sergeant's Collection of a very respectable $144 was also passed to the Cancer Society. Thanks to all for your support on the day. Picture of two of our Daffodil Ambassador's embracing the theme!