President Peter brought a belt with some white-coloured buttons from Xichang.  He explained that this belt will be used for recording how many members visited our Leprosy Project Centre in Xichang.  This year PP Nick, IPP Bernie, Rtn David and President Peter had visited.

Some news about the Leprosy Project by President Peter:  because of other commitments it was difficult for every committee member to attend project meetings.  We much appreciated the work done by Rtn David, who has been contributing time and effort to the project since its launch.  Since our center in Xichang has not yet acquired the proper license, it was thought best to recruit a local lawyer to take charge of the license application and set up an office in Chengdu to cope with project matters efficiently.  There is also a need for a Chinese speaking committee member to ensure better communication with the Chinese side and local Government officials.  President Peter invited more Chinese members to join the committee.  Based on the experience from the previous trip to Xichang, it would be better to prepare and forward the agenda and questions needing to be solved in advance of the trip.

Our Board meeting will be held on 20^th May 04 at 6:30pm before the dinner meeting.  Race Night will be held on 5^th May. The 44^th District Assembly and Centennial Bell Ball will be held on 8^th May.  Another celebrate the coming of Centennial Bell activities, a Celebration lunch on 4^th May at Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Centennial Bell Dinner on 6^th May at American Club (Exchange Square).  The Provisional Rotary Club of Beijing will hold its Charity Ball at Beijing and with travel package from 28-30^th May.

Our Speaker today was Rtn John Ball, and his topic was about a Canto Opera event called “Canto Opera Unmasked”, an event to raise funds for the Matilda Child Development Centre.  The Centre provides disabled children from 6 months to 6 years old and their parents with early training and education programmes,  which include  developmental assessment and individual education programme, centre-based group and individual training, and support to the parents.  The fund raising programme includes Drumming, Kung Fu, Ribbon Dance and Canto Opera performed by some international school children.  There will be two shows on 20th November, in the afternoon and evening, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.  If any members have interest, please contact Rtn John Ball.