Happenings at last week’s Changeover Meeting

Members, Partners and Special Guests came together at the Sailing Club for our annual Changeover Dinner.

The night had Merv as the Master of Ceremonies and, of course, Charles was there to welcome everyone as Host.

Behind the scenes the, Wayne had worked on the organisation.

The night was a formal occasion to confirm Charles in his second year as President and to present some Club Awards. It ran through the welcomes and introductions of Guests, the Toasts and Invocation and then the Toast to Rotary International from the International Director Mark Long.

Having completed these preliminaries, Charles and Merv began the presentation of awards.

For many years of service to the Club as an official and generally accepting work that has been thrust upon him (my words, not Charles’. Ed), the Sandy Christie Award went to Mark Long.

For his enthusiasm in taking on tasks essential to the smooth running of the Club (again my words not Merv’s. Ed) the David Jarman Community Award went to Peter Collins.

Charles now took some time to recognise two outstanding members. Firstly, he praised Murray Dart for his tremendous courage and tenacity in fighting back from severe adversity to once again come back to Club Meetings and participate in Club life. (My words, not Charles’ which were much more eloquent. Ed). Secondly, and sadly, Charles called out Lyn Lewis to thank her for all the years and effort she has given to the Club. Lyn is now retiring from the Club and will be sorely missed. (Charles said it better. Ed).

The last award was presented by Foundation Director Mark Long with an introduction by Charles. A Paul Harris Fellowship was presented to Andrew Turner. (I’d like to say something here, but I feel that I can’t detract from the sentiment that led to this, however misplaced, and the importance of the award itself should be upheld. Thankyou. Ed).