[Members] GM's update

Greeting Lakesiders I hope you have all made it through the worst of the restrictions and have managed to hang on to your sanity and sense of humour - if only by a thread. A bit of news to catch up on now that we are in the very early stages of coming out of our isolation - I know that for a few of us we will be seeing family, grandchildren and elderly parents for the first time in months this weekend 🙏. (some of us are actually those elderly parents🙄) - others will be pleased to see light at the end of the tunnel for home schooling. There have been a few efforts to keep our members engaged and opportunities for virtual catch-ups throughout the last few weeks and a few changes to let you know about Zoom catch-up's have been organised by E&B and Backbeard on Wednesday evenings at 7.30 - the link is in emails from E&B and has usually been updated sometime on the Wednesdays. It is super easy to join in - anyone on the call can invite you in - so if you are having trouble just call someone who you think might be on the call. There are a couple of other zoom groups going too - also by invitation - and keeping some members connected. There have been a few efforts to give members the opportunity to join in some exercise - E&B has set a couple of local walks in Richmond and has a park yoga group. - but with travel restrictions these have not been accessible to those of us who live outside the Richmond area. Others - who live alone - have been able to manage to walk / run in pairs keeping the social distancing and socialising rules. Now that the restrictions are beginning to relax there is some discussion and renewed efforts to see how we can manage a slow start back - within the rules and respecting individuals choices based on their own circumstances. At the moment this is a bit organic and being driven by enthusiasm and good will - I actually think this is a good thing - this is where innovation and good ideas start and take on a new life. We will get back to formal processes - through the committee - at some stage in the near future I expect. As I see it - the only boundaries should be that we strictly adhere to the Victorian Government restrictions and rules and don't put the club - or any individuals at risk of a breach and that we all *respect *that as responsible adults we can all make sensible decisions in our own best interests. Everyone's pace back will be different and I think it is important that when things are normal again everyone feels supported and we are a united club again. Klingon set a great walk / run last night - a small group and very easy to manage distancing - big circles (except the virtual ones) are a long way off - but for those in a position to join in it is a great way for easing back. Thanks for the effort Klingon. A bit of sad news - Astro Boy and Cut Loose have decided to resign for the committee. They have both put in a mammoth effort and I am really sorry that I will see my term out without their support. Astro has been a whiz at keeping an eye on the books and Cut