Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Pocket rocket
The new president of the Picton Rotary Club describes it as ‘‘small but feisty’’.
Although it only has six members, the club is committed to helping the community, Sheira Hudson says. She is a great believer in the proverb ‘‘think globally, act locally’’.
Sheira, who joined four or five years ago, was initially reluctant to even go along to a meeting, thinking it was an ‘‘old boys’ club’’. She soon changed her mind seeing its ability to help people.
‘‘What I absolutely love about it, is seeing where we can do good. There’s lots to it.’’
Each March the club holds a walk up Mt Freeth to raise money to combat child cancer and next year she is hoping to add a ‘‘twist’’ to attract more people.
The owner of Atlantis Backpackers thinks one of the most important aspects of the Rotary Club is that it does not impose obligations on people, and will help them regardless of their religious and political beliefs.
‘‘We generally get asked by letter if we can help, and if we can, we do.’’
In the past the club has helped many people to achieve their goals, particularly young athletes who need a ‘‘goldmine’’ in order to fund their activities.
Recipients of Picton Rotary grants include Mitchell Mackenzie-Mol, who was part of the squad who won a silver medal at the 2013 world rowing championships, and Jake Beullens, who went on to study screenwriting, Sheira says.
The great thing about being in a small town is that everybody knows everybody else, and there is a ‘‘wheel’’ of people the club can depend upon for help.
Nationally, the club also supports charities. The Christchurch Rotary Club did a lot for Women’s Refuge in the city this year, Sheira says.
‘‘It’s just so good to think of how much good you can do by just doing such a little thing, and how tremendously vital that is.’’
About two years ago the Picton Rotary Club was involved in cleaning up Bob’s Bay and planting karaka trees there, and they were doing ongoing work in the area.
A good thing about being part of an international club is the youth exchanges that take place between countries she says.
‘‘They’re very powerful. They do open up your eyes, so you really know the world is fabulous.’’
Her own daughter went to Germany and came back speaking fluent German, and with an interest in the literature of the country. Exchange students who came to New Zealand, also returned to their home countries with an excellent command of English and many memories.
‘‘You can read about a place, but it’s not til you see it that it comes alive.’’
The former actor came to New Zealand in 2008, having sailed with her family from the east coast of the United States. The voyage took five years, stopping off at 15 different countries along the way.
‘‘We loved Guatemala, and South America. I love that part of the world and we loved the South Pacific too.’’
Sheira’s New Zealand-born husband Howard worked as a mechanic and taught at university level in the United States.
He rejoined the New Zealand airforce and worked at the airbase at Woodburne for a short time, and is now stationed in Auckland.
Initially Sheira was filled with trepidation at the thought of running a hospitality business, but it worked out well, she says.