Hello Ashmore Rotary members

A few quick thoughts as we head into spring...

September 2^nd Meeting - Andy Bode delivers.

What a wonderful meeting, with Dilli and Ian delivering in turns a heart-wrenching appeal and a well-organized pitch. Thanks to both members. Then we were followed with guest speaker Andy Boade delivering one of the most engaging insights into his life, his father, geopolitics and the second world war effort. An incredible effort since we limited him to 20 minutes! 

Next Meeting Ashmore Tavern – September 16^th

Just a reminder that our next meeting on September 16^th will be at the Ashmore Tavern. Same time as 6 for 6:30pm and the same range of meals from $18 or anything you pick from their extended menu. We will be hearing from our exchange student Reike. 

Nepal Flash Flood – Relief Fundraising

It has been heartbreaking to see the pictures and video of the Nepal flash flood disaster. The impact has been tremendous for the entire valley and the whole country. Ashmore Rotary’s International Director Ian McPherson and our very own Nepali member Dilli, have jointly organized a campaign for our club and the district. This includes a raffle at the Bunnings family night tonight Thursday 3^rd September.

Our club has also donated $1,000 of club funds and on Wednesday night many members made personal donations. You too can donate to the club’s bank account for the Nepal relief project. Please notify Treasurer Ian Wilson of any donations for this effort.

New Member Application – Anita Whimpey

Anita works for the Gold Coast City Council in the library system. She is community minded and has strong IT skills, which I think will be very valuable for our club. She has been to the last two meetings and is looking forward to being involved in the Ashmore Reading Program. Anita’s application has been approved by the board, but now if any member has any objection, please raise them by Wednesday 9^th September.

Halloween Movie Night

This project is generating pleasing momentum.

·         Council grant to host free community movie night.

·         Sponsors have been arranged for Raffle and Best Dressed

·         Team captains have been organized (Brian – Sausage Sizzle, Elaine – Raffle, Brad – MC and Best Dressed competition). 

How can you help the Halloween Movie Night? 

If you have a business contact as a potential sponsor contact President Owen or Elaine. If you want to volunteer for a particular element of the event, please contact the team captain. 

President Owen Caterer

Ashmore meeting 2nd September 2026

Guests: Guest speaker Andrew Bode, Andy’s wife Jocelyn, Jocelyn’s friend Anita. Anita Whimpey…prospective new member. Paula Barry..former club member. PDG Ross Smith..RC Burleigh

20 people in all.

Dilli and Ian McPherson discussed the situation in Nepal, and proposed fund-raising.

Guest speaker Andrew Bode was a War Baby, born to a single mum in1945. His mum was unable to care for him, so he was placed with foster parents.  When his Foster father contracted TB, Andy was moved from the family for his safety.

He was cared for at the Enoggera Boys’ Home, went to primary school locally, and to Slade School in Warwick for his secondary schooling. He then went to Teachers’ Training College, and had a successful career in the Education Dept, eventually becoming Deputy Principal at Merrimac SHS, then Principal at Miles and Broadbeach.  He then lectured at Griffth Uni for 18 years.

Andy’s mother eventually made contact with him, and before she died, she told him that his father was an American serviceman named George Tanegai, and Andy went about trying to find him, if indeed he was still alive. General MacArthur had a number of Japanese-Americans working for him.  These men were few and far-between, but were vitally important to the Allied war effort, and Andy’s dad was one of them.  Their presence in Australia was a closely -guarded secret, but Andy was able to get in touch with one of MacArthur’s staff who had kept phone records for the group, and was still in Brisbane.

He was able to track down his father, Major George Kanegai, who was living in America after a distinguished career in the US Army in the Pacific and Korean wars.  George was totally oblivious to the fact that he had a son in Australia, but welcomed the news enthusiastically, and Andy and his four sons travelled to the States to meet him.

Andy gave a moving address, very suitable for Fathers’ Day. 

He has written three books, one of which is “Against the Odds”, a detailed story of his life.

President Owen thanked Andrew and discussed aspects of our Halloween event before closing the meeting.

Rotarian Rob Deshon

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Coming up soon.  Please help out where you can.

Wednesday 16th September - Gold - YEP Reike Orzelek - tbc

Wednesday 7th October - Green team - John Walters and Eddy Saroff - tbc