Meeting of Monday 6th March
President Paul welcomed eight guests and 19 members to the meeting last Monday. Our guests included: Sally Farmer, Patrick Lyons, Gary Truscott, Gerry (Ruth Morgan’s partner), Lexi Furner, Susan Glassford, Geraldine and Andrew Graycon.
Henk Hulsman reminded members that we are having a joint meeting with the Coolamon Lions on Wednesday March 15th please book now.
As we had in effect two speakers tonight we did not conduct any club business or the raffle and the fines session.
GUEST SPEAKERS SALLY FARMER AND DON DYCE.
Tonight Sally Farmer and Don Dyce gave a comprehensive talk on Don’s recent visit to Nepal. Don went on the Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal.
Tsum Valley Trek is one of the best treks in the blessed land of Hindus and Buddhists. Tsum valley trek takes visitors to the hidden Tsum valley. The splendid landscapes of the Tsum Valley, surrounded by majestic chains of Mount Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, and Shringi Himal, are attractive and radiate magnificence at every turn. This isolated and hidden Shangri-La was opened to hikers in 2008. It remains relatively intact, with ancient villages and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries waiting to be explored.
Group picture in Lama Kunchok Retreat place in tsum
Tsum Valley Trek is a hidden gem among trekking routes in Nepal. The Tsum Valley is an important pilgrimage area and is located in the northwest of Kathmandu. It takes you to one of the most protected hidden gorges in the Himalayas, which until recently was a small region and is completely different in culture and topography from any other area in Nepal. The people of the Tsum or Tsumbas Valley are of Tibetan origin with their own vernacular, ethical and Buddhist religion, and this route was once an essential trade link with Tibet. Tsum Valley Trek is also the only adventurous hiking spot near Manaslu. The Route reached in the Buddhist culture. Our trekking starts from Arughat and continues the journey to the remote Tsum region.
The Tsum Valley lies between the Sring Himal in the north, the Baudha Himal Chuli in the west, and the Ganesh Himal in the south. The Tsum Valley is increasing in ancient art, culture, and religion. Somewhere the local population is formerly from Tibet; they speak their language, which is similar to the Tibetan language but not to the Tibetan languages. Buddhism is the main religion rated by local people.
Sally began the talk by reading a wonderful description of the trip by Don:
Om Mani Padme Hum = Generosity, ethics, patience, diligence, renunciation and wisdom.
It began: “7 pilgrims depart Kuala Lumpur to magical Nepal…………”
Sally concluded Namaste Nepal!
Do then gave his presentation on the Tsum Valley Trek. Don’s main concern was that he did not see many children of school age on the trek and he found out that school age (High School) children were sent to Kathmandu and India for their education and he feels that in a generation they will not be back to teh Valley. the younger children are educated by nuns and monks.
Both Sally and Don gave a passionate talk on Nepal and Buddhism. This was a night not to miss and was most enjoyable, entertaining and educational. Here are some photos taken from Sally and Don’s Facebook pages.
Thankyou Sally and Don!
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
* Partner’s night
Monday March 13th – Normal Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.
Wednesday March 15th Lions Rotary Joint Meeting: Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm Book now via Henk Hulsman.
Saturday March 18th – BBQ lunch at Garth Perkin’s home, 11.30 am. BYO, all food supplied.
Saturday March 18th & Sunday March 19th – PETS & D9705 Training Seminar. Merimbula, NSW.
*Monday, 20th March 2023 – The Rotary Foundation talk by Rob Byrnes from RI Sydney. Neighbouring clubs will be invited to attend. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.
Monday 27th March – Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 5 pm.
*Monday 27th March – Speaker meeting. Rtn Deidre Tome will provide an update on Rotary’s Peace Projects. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.
Saturday to Wednesday 27-31 May — Rotary International Convention, Melbourne, Australia.
* Partner’s night
March is Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada