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Concern has been expressed by some members about social distancing at our weekly face-to-face meetings. We are trying to make the meetings work in less than ideal circumstances. I would like to share the following thoughts on the matter : - We are able to be accommodated at the current venue as a not-for-profit corporate entity (as opposed to simply a social gathering at a Pub). The venue may also have fewer customers than other public houses. - The total size of the venue determines the maximum number of customers in the venue and tables must be 1.5m apart. - We sit at tables, possibly closer to each other than 1.5m, with the consent of each other at each table. This seems somewhat incongruous. I have arranged for the seating to be reduced from 4 to 3 chairs on each side of all tables. If we have too many attendees then we will have to use the room off the front of the dining room as well. - We should be seated rather than standing as much as possible to limit close interaction. As Robin Williams (playing Adrian Cronauer in 'Good Morning Vietnam') said, "back off, you're in my aura". Hopefully we can still hear the person we are conversing with. - Hand sanitizer is available at reception and we provide the venue with a list of all attendees' (including guests') phone numbers for the purpose of contact tracing if necessary. Rubber gloves are not much help. Just don't touch. - You may wear a face mask, although this may make eating difficult for a time. I am told that I eat like a "kangaroo dog" so my mask, if I choose to wear one, would be off for only a short time. Some people can talk under water so wearing a mask should not be a problem for them. - Don't sing. Leave that for the privacy of your own home. It's amazing how we can forget the words to the National Anthem when we can't sing it. - Shaking hands is not compulsory and don't be offended if someone declines to shake your hand when greeting them. Just smile as if you are happy to see them. - Avoid taking risks such as travelling to hot spots. We are all in this together. - If you are feeling at all unwell then get tested and stay at home until the results are known. - If you feel that you can't risk coming to meetings then that is perfectly fine. You probably shouldn't go to the supermarket either. - As far as we know we are conducting the meetings legally although the onus is on the venue. - These are unchartered waters and the future is uncertain. Current restrictions could change. We may all have to wear face masks eventually when out and about, or have to stay at home again. Feedback on a way forward is welcome. I am inclined to think that wearing a face mask should be much more common place than it is at the present time. At least the capital city numbers are coming down now. Having said all that I don't know if I am feeling better or not. I think I will go and lie down. Apparently my grandfather used to say, "Some of us suffer from good health. We never get a chance to lie down". Kaitlin Jeffries, President of the CSU Rotaract Club, was a guest to see how we run a meeting. We sponsored the establishment of their Club a few years ago and they are struggling to maintain a sense of relevance at the moment despite it having been decided that Rotaract Clubs are no longer in a parent-child relationship. Kaitlin is having to do much of it herself in the absence of a proper handover. Thankyou Adrian Whiting for offering some mentoring over cups of coffee on campus. We inducted new member Bill Parker, formerly of RC Holbrook and sponsored by Stuart Heriot (who will be Bill's mentor). Bill has the Classification of "Farming-Fat lambs" and has been appointed to the Saturday Markets Committee. A very big welcome Bill. You join us in interesting times. Stay well Fellows. President James |
