The 21/22 – 22/23 Change Over evening
The Sailing Club provided a lovely setting for this year’s Change-Over Dinner.
Members and Guests milled around until the meeting was called to order.
The evening was presided over by our MC Ian McIntosh who carried off his role with aplomb, generally by “introducing the next act”.
Harry started the evening by recounting the successes that Rotary can be proud of both locally and internationally. He proposed the loyalty toast and then handed over to President Greg who introduced the many guests. We sang (a slight misnomer) Advance Australia Fair (n.b. the “old” version) and then Ian called upon Past President Lyn Lewis to perform the Rotary Invocation.
Next, Ian read out the apologies for tonight and called upon Charles Ross to propose the toast to Rotary International. Charles quoted from Paul Harris in 1940 – “Rotary stands, though the tempest rage about, Rotary still stands. Why and How? Because it is grounded not on fear, rivalry and suspicion, but on the indestructible rocks of friendliness, tolerance and usefulness.” (I’ve stolen Charles’ notes to reproduce this quote).
AG Peter Rawlings then responded on behalf of Governor Paul Mee. In his response he made reference to Rotary being 117 years old and now having in the order of 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide, making up to 46,000 Rotary Clubs.
Ian now called on Harry for presentations.
The Sandy Christie Memorial Award was presented to Chris Booth.
The President’s Award to Merv Prosser – who was unable to attend.
The David Jarman Community Perpetual Trophy to Andrew Turner (a very great shock to myself and, I’m sure, many others).
Harry now presented cheques to:
The Dromana Community House
The Southern Peninsular Community Support and Information Centre
Harry next presented Club Life Memberships to Ray and Elaine Barnard-Brown for all their works for the Club.
He looks forward to working with Tyrell McGeever and many thanks to Peter Rawlings, both for his District and personnel support.
Charles now presented the Paul Harris Awards to:
- Tony Viney for all his great work at getting the Market to such a state of success. Tony said that he felt that it was time to hand the Martket on after his five years.
- Pam Rowler for her outstanding history of community work and involvement it such areas as: the local football club; the Australia Day Committee; the local RSL; the Women’s Auxiliary; the Girl Guides; and the C.F.A. (once again thanks to Charles for his notes)
Harry now undertook his final Presidents Redport:
- It has been a Club effort and previous years had been inflicted with the Covid restrictions;
- Our donation of 3 SkyHydrants was a great success;
- Also our involvement with international Rotary projects;
- The chance we have taken of seeding an initiative to sponsor an Interplas team;
- Sadly our attempts at providing community housing did not come to fruition, but not without trying;
- And all his thanks to Trudie for her support and able assistance.
AG Paul Rawlings now welcomed Mark Long into the District RYPEN committee.
Next, Paul formally inducted Greg as our next President and wished him all the best.
Greg thanked Paul and said that this year we had the challenge of raising membership and pointing out to the public that serving with Rotary really was a privilege, not a chore.
Greg now officially thanked Harry and Trudie for all their work and presented them with a token of our appreciation.
As the night came to an end, Greg reminded all members that our meeting night had now changed to Wednesday and Michael Anderson would now be sending out the reminder e-mails.
The members of the incoming Board, that were present, were called upon for their official photo.
First they checked if they had the right name tags.
And then they stood still.
Thank You to all who attended and made it an unforgettable occasion.
Then we all went home.
Thanks from Pam Rowler.
“On behalf of myself and my daughter Susan, thank you for a great night on Wednesday at your Presentation night.
Thank you for my Paul Harris Fellow award which was presented to me.
My work in the Community has been fun and rewarding meeting people who are helping our Community, most of them on a volunteer basis.
I should have learnt not to tell people I could take shorthand and do minutes.
Thank you once again and please keep up the good Rotary work for our Community.
Pam Rowler”
Donations.
“Today being the last day of the Rotary Year I thought I should empty the Spinners at the Dromana Hub and McCrea.
The Hub yielded $301.90 and McCrea $73.95.
As these collections are designated for the Flood relief; this brings the total collection to date at $4754.01. So far the Club as donated $4000 tote Rotary Flood relief programme.”
