Guest speaker, standing in the rain and a visit to Erewhon.

On the 1st of the month we had the pleasure of Ian Johnson as our guest speaker. Ian told us of his interesting life as a Captain of various ferries,fishing and charter boats sailing around New Zealand’s coast.

Ian Johnson

For those that had signed up to help with parking for the Children’s Day it turned out to be a very wet experience.  As the cars started trickling in the rain poured down. The weather forecast was true to its word. Rolleston and Christchurch Children’s Day events were both cancelled due to the weather, some say Ashburton should have done so as well.

Sheltering from the Rain

Outstanding in the rain

On Sunday the 12th about 50 Rotarians, partners and friends enjoyed a joint club outing with a trip to Erewhon Station.

Erewhon is a 35,000 acre property at the top of the Rangitata Gorge owned by Colin Drummond since 1998. The Station runs Merino Sheep, Hereford Cattle, Deer and includes a large Clydesdale Horse Stud. Colin and his partner Erin Cassie entertained us with wagon rides behind a team of Clyesdales followed by lunch in the woolshed and an interesting talk about the Clydesdales and how they are intergrated into the management of Erewhon. A great day out enjoyed by all.

Erewhon Clydesdales

Rotarians enjoying a wagon ride behind a team of Clydesdales