Oh, what a night!

 

Around 70 Members Partners and special guests arrived at St James Hall to find it set up beautifully by Margo Hartley. Floral decorations and bottles of wine and soft drink adorned the tables. You could have been forgiven for thinking you had just arrived by mistake at a wedding reception!

 

 

Except for Howard, Gaith and his family had a table to themselves!

MC Graeme Peters called on Martin to do the Invocation and, once everyone was seated, introduced the many guests, including PDGs Bill Degnan, Mark Humphries, Janne and Charlie Speirs and DGE Linda Humphries, as well as representatives of local organisations with which the Club is connected.

Past AG Allan Collier delivered the Toast to Rotary International, to which Mark responded.

Next was the presentation of Paul Harris Fellows Awards to community members Naomi Patterson and Roslyn and Robert Daniels, as well as Club Members. Neil Fullard, Terry Valentine, Joe Iellamo and Graeme Peters all received Sapphire Pins. All were highly deserved.

 

 

After Grace and dinner, Pres. Peter Buck reflected on the prior year’s activities, the year being very successful in terms of project achievement, despite Covid 19 restrictions and thanked everyone for their contributions.

 

 

MC Peter called on PDG Bill to conduct the inauguration of Pres Leanne Byron, which was cemented by the handover of the President’s Collar, pin and the Charter, and a presentation of pin to Peter. A gift from the Club was presented to Peter for his hard work and flowers to Tina.

 

Pres Leanne delivered her inaugural speech, in which she briefly outlined her objectives and Projects for the year ahead. She then introduced the incoming Directors and Officeholders.

After dessert, PDG Bill inducted Lilani De Alwis, who gave a brief, but excellent, speech on what she expects to bring to Rotary and why she joined. This was followed by PDG Janne presenting pins to the women in Rotary.

 

A special award was presented to Graeme Coates to recognise 50 years as a Rotarian.

 

PDG Janne Spiers presented Women in Rotary badges to our "growing" diversity in the Club

PP Kam gave out copies of his astonishingly good Centenary Yearbook. Kam put an enormous amount of work into producing the ultimate memoir of his Presidential year. Colin also contributed his time to proof reading and checking the facts, Well done!!!

 

 

MC Graeme, who did a masterful job as MC, thanked everyone and closed the Meeting.

Pres Leanne did a terrific job in putting together a wonderful night, along with Margo Hartley, and the use of St James’ Hall proved to be “inspirational”!

Thanks again to Graeme Peters.

At the end of the meeting our Community guests were excited to hear about what our Club and Rotary do to change the lives of people in the community. It was also 

pleasing to hear that 4 of the Community guests are now considering joining Rotary, This is the way to grow our membership by working with like minded people  supporting

the community.