The Newsletter of Jerrabomberra Rotary RI District 9710

Volume 18 No. 8 Vocational Visit

Humble House Gallery Meeting 806 – 21 August 2014

1

Weekly Headlines

Jerra Rotary members go Humble

Rather than the usual meeting at the Jerrabomberra Public School, this week Jerrabomberra

Rotarians crossed the State border and journeyed deep into Fyshwick to visit the Humble House

Chinese Furniture Gallery. The vocational visit was designed to enable members to expand their

knowledge about Chinese furniture and its history, while at the same time enjoying the

atmosphere of what must be one of Canberra’s best furniture shops (if you are interested in

authentic Chinese furniture). For more information turn to page 2.

Oh What a Night

A few Jerra Rotarians enjoyed a social night out

last Wednesday (20 August) with a trip to the Q

to see the ‘Oh What a Night Tribute to Frankie

Valli and the Four Seasons’. The night was a

smash especially for the ladies.

See more page 4.

Hannah ‘heads’ to the Coast

Hannah headed to Tuross Heads on Friday with Peter and Sue,

where she joined with all the other inbound exchange students

from around the globe, as well as our District’s outbound students

who will head off on their exchanges next year.

This was the first orientation weekend for the exchange students

and it was held at The Pines right on the coast at Tuross Heads.

You can see from the picture (taken by AG Debbie Harris) what a

beautiful spot this is, and the weather forecast for the weekend is

fine with temperatures up to 19c, so hopefully everyone will have

had a great time.

Hannah moves house

We have been doing a bit of juggling with Hannah over

the first couple of weeks, but things are now about to

settle down. After spending time with Peter and Sue, to

get the ‘counsellors’ perspective on things, Hannah

went to stay with Paul and Sue until Bruce and Liz got

back. Unfortunately when Bruce and Liz returned their

hot water system was not working, so rather than poor

Hannah having cold showers she stayed a few days

longer with Paul and Sue. On her return from Tuross Heads she will settle in to Bruce and Liz’s for

the next three months.

Editor’s Note

A quiet week from a business perspective, but a busy one from the social side of things. Most importantly our members had a lot of fun this week.

The regular meeting summary contains no business reports this week. But in the place of the meeting report there is a brief summary of the excellent vocational visit to Humble House Gallery in Fyshwick.

There is also a couple of brief glimpses of how Jerra Rotary enjoy themselves when not working on community projects. A social trip to Oh What a Night got the ladies excited and a delicious Chinese meal at Portia’s Place in Kingston was a great way to end a cultural evening at Humble House. Enjoy the read.

2

A Visit to Humble House Gallery

From time immemorial, in China’s Zhejiang region when a girl was born a camphor tree was planted; when a boy was

born a phoenix tree was planted. These trees were made into furniture when the girl and boy were old enough to

marry and the furniture would accompany them through their lives and those of their descendants.

This long held practice of conservation of the environment and resources exemplifies the belief in Chinese culture that

their crafting of material goods has an immortality that will last from generation to generation.

(Extract form Humble House Gallery website).

On 21 August, Jerrabomberra Rotarians and their guests visited the Humble

House Gallery in Fyshwick to learn a little about Chinese furniture and share in

the history of the furniture beyond its outer beauty. Established in 1998, the

Humble House Gallery provides an opportunity to view a rare collection of

authentic Chinese furniture hand crafted with the enduring wisdom of human

creativity and conservation. While the Humble House collects, conserves and

sells authentic Chinese pieces, the Gallery also provides a historic display of

furniture in a small museum above the main shop display to enable visitors to

learn more about this craft.

Roger, one of the owners of the gallery, was our host for the evening and provided a most interesting talk on the history of

Chinese furniture and the evolution of the chair, as well as a brief insight into his own history. We were informed of how

Roger’s earlier career studying Chinese medicine had taken him to China and how he became fascinated with the older style

furniture. This fascination enabled him to build up his own collection of authentic pieces for his use and enjoyment. Today we

are the beneficiaries of Roger’s experience through the wonderful gallery, which is

supported by Humble House Gallery‘s dedicated workshop in Beijing.

Roger explained that originally Chinese people mostly sat on mats or low platforms, as

opposed to chairs. The concept of the chair is believed to have been imported into China

around the 10th

Century. As such, prior to that time low furniture such as small chests and

cabinets as well as low tables were in common use. When sitting on chairs became more

customary, while low furniture continued to be used, many new types of furniture

developed to accommodate the change in lifestyle.

Roger supported his talk with examples of authentic Chinese chairs and a beautifully lacquered cabinet.

He spoke of the way furniture was crafted using a complex variation of mortise and tenon, and tongue

and groove joint designs, which allow the timber to maintain its natural movements in the structure,and

the furniture can be taken apart and reassembled for future conservation to ensure its longevity. To

demonstrate this, Roger passed around some examples of the intricate joinery used by the Chinese

craftsmen to make furniture joints and floating panels without the need for any nails or screws. Some

members were seen to struggle trying to separate the joined pieces, highlighting how concise the

joinery was. Roger also spoke of some of the ways that the age of furniture can be estimated, and

whether or not it is authentic.

In addition to Roger’s talk, members were able to enjoy the display of many pieces of

furniture, including some magnificent double

beds, huge village gates, and many tables,

chairs and cabinets. Not to mention the

beautiful ornaments, lamps, wall hangings,

and pictures.

Youth exchange students Palmyre and Hannah,

and Ms Olivia (Rosemary’s daughter) enjoy the talk (or is Olivia nodding off?) A captivated audience

For more information on the Humble House Gallery visit http://www.humblehouse.com.au/

3

Weekly Meeting Summary

Meeting Number 806 – 21 August 2014

This week’s meeting was a vocation visit to Humble House followed by a delicious meal at Portia’s Place. As such there was no

business this week. The Visit to Humble House and the excellent talk given by Roger is summarised in a separate section of this

edition on page 2.

Following the visit to the Humble House Gallery, the group adjourned to Portia’s Place in Kingston for a Chinese Banquet to

finish off the evening. And what a banquet we had. Every dish was delicious, but Anton’s favourite became a big favourite of

everyone – the Crispy Lamb with Shan Tung Sauce – a house speciality. Mind you judging from all the empty plates there may

have been a few other favourite dishes too. Big ticks for food, variety, ambiance, and service from the very friendly staff. And

of course the company and good wine made it the perfect night.

The view looking in A happy group of diners An even happier group of diners

Working with Children

There are still one or two members who are yet to complete their Working with Children Checks. You know who you are !!

This is an important aspect of volunteer work and especially important for our club, in that we do a lot of work with our

youth in the local community and also internationally with our involvement in the Youth Exchange Program and projects

like our upcoming RAWCS trip to a Tongan School in September/October.

So if you have not yet managed to complete your check – please make time to complete the “NSW Working with Children

Check” and send your approval document to the Club’s Protection Officer, Past President Paul for recording.

The Working with Children website can be access by googling “Office of the Children’s Guardian NSW”.

http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/working-with-children-check

On the Home page click on the Working with Children Check Tab. Once you have the page entitled ‘Working with Children

Check’ click on the Blue ‘Start Here’ box. Then click on ‘Apply for your Check” and simply follow the instructions and

complete the form. In the section “Purpose for Check” select “Volunteer” and in the “Child-related sector” select “Clubs or

other bodies providing services to children”.

Complete the process, print out your receipt and pop into Service NSW (the old Queanbeyan Transport Registry) with your

driver’s licence to do your identity check. When you have received an email with your approval, forward a copy to PP Paul.

4

Social Night Out – Oh What a Night!

A trip to the Q is always a good night out and last Wednesday (21 August) was no

exception. A group of nine members including Hannah enjoyed a great night out

listening to a very talented performance as a tribute to Franki Valli and the Four

Seasons. Some of the group sang along enthusiastically to most of the songs and

one person who shall remain anonymous (she’s paying me aren’t you Marie-Claire –

oops) was even up and bopping. The four gentlemen performing the show were not

only talented singers and entertainers; they also provided a good blend of banter

between songs, including some very funny stories and jokes. Of particular note (especially to the ladies) was the fact that

they were also ‘very fit’!

Here we see the ladies getting a quick photo with the performers after the show.

Two in particular seemed to want more than just a signing of a CD - Really girls: and Mez leave the poor guys alone.

Little Known Facts

This Week’s Member Profile - Sue Roger

Date of Birth? 12 June 21957

Birth Place? Narromine, NSW

A Rotarian for? Almost 8 years

Favourite colour? Blue

Favourite place? In bed with hot chocolate on a cold rainy night, or lying on a great beach e.g. Sunshine beach, Queensland

Favourite sport? Sitting in a hot tub with wine in hand, or ten pin bowling

Favourite author? I read a lot, but probably Anne Rice, Brian Lumley, Keith Laumer, to name a few. Mainly Sci-Fi and Horror authors

Favourite film? Too many to choose from. Dirty dancing is up there.

Favourite actor? Any of the good looking males eg. Jenson Ackles, Josh Duhamel, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman etc.

Favourite food? Chicken/beef satay, Chinese and Indian food, BBQ snapper, Rocklea Road chocolate, and homemade meringues

Favourite car? Mercedes Benz 190 SL

Inspired by? Claude Monet and Australian sunsets

Dislikes? Being too hot

A place I would like to visit? The Louvre in Paris or any other big art galleries around the world

Do you have a Pet? Used to…sob sob. Miss you Jamie XX The best West Highland Terrier ever.

Two things on your ‘bucket list’?

Have my own art exhibition, and to do the Alaska/Canada APT trip

5

This week’s report submitted by Glenda

Cold morning, 2 degrees but that didn't stop Bruce riding his pushbike from Jerrabomberra to the markets – and back again! The morning started with Anton making

a special appearance to show us how to install the new gazebo. What a difference it makes. Looks very professional! Very positive comments from customers.

Rebecca joined us for her first farmers’ market roster. She found it very very cold but hopefully her next visit will be warmer.

A few parking issues but otherwise most patrons were very pleasant.

No lost property this week but a donation of $20 which someone found on the ground.

Disappointing morning as bag sales and tables were down.

23 August 2014

Glenn and Glenda, Bruce and Rebecca

Tables $55.00

Bags $54.00

Water $0.00

Total $129.00

Don’t forget to send your

Jerraganda contributions to the Editor.

A thought for the week

Market Roster

Date Members

23 August Glenn and Glenda, Bruce and Rebecca,

30 August Sue and Peter, Jon, and TBA

6 September Lynne and Kerry, Bruce

6

Recipe Page

Last week we kicked off the recipe section with a nice warming soup for the cold weather. Soup is a meal in itself, but also a

popular way to start a nice three course meal. This week we go to the end of the meal and have a dessert recipe for you.

Everyone loves dessert and Tiramisu is a popular dessert that most people enjoy. But the recipe this week has a twist, a lemon

twist and uses limoncello, which a number of members are known to have a bit of a liking for.

This dessert can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge until serving. Once again this recipe originates from Sue and

Paul’s currently favourite cookbook delicious Love to Cook by the ABC.

Lemon Tiramisu

What you will need

For the Tiramisu

The juice from a large lemon

1/3 cup of caster sugar (75g)

1 cup of mascarpone (250g)

100ml of limoncello

Sponge cake cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes (a plain sponge from the local supermarket works well)

1 cup of lemon curd (325g)

For the candied lemon zest decoration

1 cup of caster sugar (220g)

The zest of a lemon (finely shredded)

Equipment needed

A baking tray

A wire rack (to place within the baking tray)

Baking paper

2 saucepans

A mixing bowl

A balloon whisk

4 dessert glasses (about 200ml size) (glass tumblers or water glasses can be used to help show off the layers)

What to do

Making the candied zest

Prepare the baking tray by lining it with baking paper and placing the wire rack on the top of the paper.

Combine 1 cup of caster sugar with ¼ cup of water in a saucepan over a low heat and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Then

add the lemon zest, increase the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until the zest have become translucent.

Remove the zest from the sugar solution and spread on the wire rack and set to one side.

Making the tiramisu

First make a lemon syrup by combining the lemon juice, caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan over a low heat

and stirring until all the sugar has dissolved. Then increase the heat to medium and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly

reduced. Then set aside to cool.

While your syrup is cooling combine the mascarpone and limoncello in a bowl and whisk by hand until well mixed.

The tiramisu has two layers. For the first layer place take half of the cake pieces equally in the bottom of the 4 dessert glasses.

Then drizzle half of the syrup over the cake, followed by half of the lemon curd evenly over the four glasses. Lastly add a dollop

of the mascopone/limoncello mixture to each glass. For the second layer simply repeat the same process across the four

dessert glasses using the remaining halves of all the ingredients. Finally place the dessert glasses into the fridge for at least half

an hour to set.

Prior to serving decorate the top of each dessert with the candied lemon zest.

Enjoy.

7

The Last Page

Program

Meetings Social & Special Events Date Description Date Description (Contact)

28 August Mystery Night (Be prepared to be surprised) 30 August School Trivia Quiz Night

4 September Business Night 5 September Home in Queanbeyan Movie Night

18 September Youth Month Presentation 22 Sep – 7 Oct RAWCS Project –Tonga (Chilly)

9 October German Night 22 October Queanbeyan Rotary Polio Day Dinner

30 October Club Forum 26 October Wine Tour (Anton)

13 November Vocational Visit – Bottles of Australia 26 October Jerra School Fete

1 November Inaugural Jerra Fun Run (Anton)

13 December Our Christmas Party (tba)

* Compiled from information provided by the Program Mistress

OUR HISTORY

In 1998 the Rotary Clubs of Queanbeyan and Queanbeyan West Rotary decided to sponsor a new Rotary Club based in Jerrabomberra. Bill Lilley, John Snedden and Peter Jarvis from Queanbeyan West took on the joint roll of mentoring the development of the new club. (Peter Jarvis went on to become our Charter President).

Advertising for potential members began in March 1998. After a successful campaign, the Club was chartered on 18 November 1998 with 26 members.

Initial meetings were held at the Jerrabomberra General Store—the venue was very good until we grew in numbers. We then moved to the Jerrabomberra Community Centre for a few years, and we now meet at the Jerrabomberra Public School Staff Room, on Thursdays (6.15 for 6.30 pm).

(Charter) President Peter Jarvis ran competitions to select a name for our Club Newsletter and a design for the Club banner. There were some good and some not so good suggestions. Pam Spencer suggested the winning bulletin name ‘Jerraganda’ and David Stevens was the successful designer of our club banner. The design incorporated a goose and the windmill associated with the original entrance to the estate adjacent to the Community Centre. Both the Jerraganda and the Club logo have evolved to keep pace with modern times.

We have always been, and continue to be, a vibrant and fun loving club providing valued community service, both locally and internationally. Our motto is,

“Doing Good and Having Fun”

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT - 2013-2014

President Paul Robey

President Elect Mez Mulvaney

Vice President Paul Roger

Secretary Glenn Wahlert

Treasurer Jon Wells

Club Service Director Mez Mulvaney

Community Service Director Jan Pettigrew

International and Foundation Director Robert Chilman

Youth and Vocational Service Director Peter Jarvis

CURRENT CLUB MEMBERS

David Bailey, PHF. PP Anton Pemmer, PHF, PP

Robert Chilman Paul Robey, President

Marie-Claire Egan Jan Pettigrew, PHF, PP

Cathy Hobbs Paul Roger PHF, PP

Colin Hobbs, PHF, PP Sue Roger

Chris Hunter, OAM, PHF, PP Pam Spencer, PHF, PP

Peter Jarvis, PHF, PP Terry Spencer, PHF, PP

Sue Jarvis, PHF David Stevens, PHF, PP

Lynne McPherson Glenda Wahlert, PP

Kerry McPherson Glenn Wahlert

Bruce Miller Jon Wells

Liz Mulvaney, PHF Rebecca Whitehouse

Mez Mulvaney, OAM, PHF, PE Ian Wholohan

HONORARY MEMBERS SUPPORTERS

Alex Alexander Vera Alexander

Robert Cooke Vickie Still

Anne Davis

CLUB DETAILS

Rotary Club of Jerrabomberra Incorporated

PO Box 8, Jerrabomberra NSW, 2619

www.jerrarotary.org.au

Email: secretary@jerrabomberra.rotarnet.com.au

Meets Thursday 6.15 for 6.30 – 8.30pm Jerrabomberra Public School (Staff Room)

Attendance & Apologies

Mez Mulvaney by 12 Noon Tuesday T: 0419 121 128 E: maryrose.mulvaney@gmail.com

Newsletter Contributions

Paul Roger T: 0418 786945 E: paul.roger@instralis.com