For those who were unable to attend our Club Changeover function last weekend, here is a copy of President Amanda's opening message to the Club.
We all think that Rotary is special – well it certainly is from my point of view, and no doubt many others in this room.
It is a legitimate platform upon which we can share our skills, our time, generosity and fun. It wouldn’t matter if it was called another name; but we honour the name Rotary because it has a long history of stability, accountability and sustainability, and has the strengths of forward planning, flexibility and Democracy – we can all have our turn at the top…
The fundamental issue is that the members of the Rotary Club of Torquay get more than they give in the process of volunteering.
I saw this timely pic on my beloved Facebook recently:
“Before you complain – have you volunteered yet?
And I posted this one from The Age Insight study:
Neurologically, giving is roughly on par with eating fudge or getting laid.
You will see that nearly everyone in our Club this year has a “gig”. Those that don’t are such for their own good reason.
On not one occasion did anyone refuse or hesitate in their acceptance of their new role.
Each and every member of the club has a special talent and they will be able to apply their skills to their particular portfolio. Today, and every one of the next 365 days, I thank each of you for taking on these roles.
Thank you for allowing me the “second bite of the Presidency apple”. It will be a particularly social year, AND, as is the way, whilst we are enjoying ourselves – whether it be cooking a sausage, visiting a Club in a faraway land, enjoying a Nepalese dinner, running ragged at the Motor Show or looking for lost golf balls, someone else, someone who we probably will never meet, will gain benefit.
Congratulations to our new Paul Harris Fellows:
1. Howard Randall (Sapphire)
2. Peter Bollen
3. Mike Reed (Sapphire)
And finally, thank you Gerard for your past year – you have held the Club together and we are stronger for your efforts. Thank you John, Maggie, Mary and the Wyndham for putting together this lovely brunch. Such a good idea because you can all now have the afternoon off planning your year!
