Mike Arnott's presentation to the Milson Rotary Club covered various aspects of his life and experiences. Born in 1973, he shared a brief overview of his upbringing, schooling, and career journey. Starting with training as a jeweller, Mike ventured into photography, opened his shop, and introduced Manawatu's first digital photographic printing machine.
Mike's involvement in the council and Defense Heritage group highlights his commitment to positively impacting the community
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore diverse fields, including real estate and back to photography. Currently, Mike specializes in converting old movie film and cine film to digital formats, showcasing his adaptability in the evolving technological landscape. His recent project involved scanning 30,000 soil samples for Landcare, demonstrating his involvement in community initiatives.
Passionate about heritage, Mike discussed his engagement with the Defence Heritage group, emphasizing the importance of preserving military history. He shared a personal connection to military history through his family, particularly his grandfather, who sparked his interest in the subject at a young age.
Mike's involvement in the council and Defense Heritage group highlights his commitment to positively impacting the community. He discussed a notable incident where he assisted a lady in her 90s who faced challenges after a fall, showcasing his dedication to helping others.
The presentation also touched on Mike's interest in military vehicles, including a 43-Chev truck and a 39 BSA motorbike, and restoring a brand new carrier with a mounted gun. He expressed enthusiasm about participating in the Military Vehicle Club events, reflecting his passion for preserving and showcasing historical vehicles.
In addition to his personal experiences, Mike shared a project involving a Christmas catalogue from 100 years ago. He aims to reproduce and sell the catalogues with Te Manawa to support the Christmas cave.
Overall, Mike Arnott's presentation showed his diverse background, community involvement, and passion for preserving heritage, leaving a positive impression on the Milson Rotary Club.