The first outing of the year was not without its dramas when the chip van was opened up for business this morning. In spite of a perfect trial run, the gas flow created a few issues with warming the vats and the price posters were forgotten but this didn't deter from a successful day.  The weather meant there was a steady flow of hot dog and chip sales throughout the day, right through until 5pm at which point there were less than 15 runners due back in.  As usual sweet fizzy drinks and greasy carbs were just what was needed to replenish tired bodies.  Some were jubilant. others just grateful to get across the line.  Thanks to everyone that helped out - for anyone that hasn't done a chip van shift it's great team building event. Why not give it a go and help raise club funds at the same time?

Thursday saw the Club induct its latest and youngest member, Lauren Sutherland.  This adds to the diversity of our club and definitely helps to keep us relevant and connected to all parts of our community.  Lauren works for local child care centre, Southern Stars and has had a long association with the Fiordland region.  Lauren is going to be part of Chris Hughes' team for the rest of the year.  Please make her feel welcome.

So this could well be my last Bulletin, hence my forward planning for duties into next year.  Doug is currently looking for my successor but in the meantime I am going to become a Rotary gypsy and try out a few of the Clubs in Invercargill whilst remaining a member here.  It's not often that you write an article in the first person, and I have to say it feels a bit strange but this is "au revoir" rather than "goodbye" as I will still be very much connected to Te Anau.  For those of you that don't already know, I have accepted the Bank Manager's position with ASB covering Invercargill and Gore and will be spending 4 nights a week there and coming home for weekends.  Thanks for all your support of me, espcially this year when we went to Turke.  Working together to make a difference to our community and our world is what continues to inspire me to stay with Rotary, along with your friendships