Our Speaker at the meeting was Kathryn Jackson, Senior Palliative Care Clinical Nurse from the Eastern Bays [“Dove”] Hospice Trust. Kathryn was introduced by the Chair of the Trust, Peter Ross.                                                                                                        

Established in 1992, the Trust has 60 staff and has just opened its 8^th retail shop. With a $6m annual turnover, Dove [unlike other hospices] receives no government funding.

 

Dove aims to support and enhance wellness for those affected by life-threatening illness. Kathryn enlarged on the holistic wellness support provided: mental and physical wellbeing is paramount. Patients are reassured to find that they are not alone on their journey.   In support of people who have a terminal diagnosis, Dove ‘bridges the gap’ between diagnosis and end of life.   Respite care is also provided.

 

Kathryn spoke of the importance of collaboration with other hospices and agencies [such as the Cancer Society] and the adjacent St Andrews Village. A thoughtful and moving presentation.

                              

 

David Weikart reports:

 

The Composting Toilet was a Community/Environment Committee project...I think in 2012.  (I was Community Committee Director the following year.)

 

The request was from the Girls Brigade (North Shore).   Bill Bennett did essentially the whole project single handedly and we believe the club kicked in maybe $2.5K.  I have retold the story more than once because it was such a monumental one-man accomplishment on Bill's part. 

But at least one member of the Club is still asking - where is the key hidden?