The year has once again ‘flown’ and it is hard to believe that it is time to make the Handover. My year has been very fulfilling, enjoyable and challenging, complete with the inevitable few mistakes. But I have relished the opportunity of being the President of this strong Club, strength gained by the enthusiasm and friendship of all Members.
The Board of Directors and Committees have, through their initiative and enthusiasm, completed a very successful year. My sincere thanks to these Members.
Our Club was well represented in the District Public Speaking by Apexian Bill Roberts and it is unfortunate that through circumstances Bill could not continue on his winning way. At the time of penning this report, our Debating team is still ‘in it’ and hopefully can continue through to victory
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Inter-Club visiting has been good, particularly in the latter part of the year by Members promoting the ball and raffle.
I don’t think anybody could complain about the standard or variety of programs. In one word – excellent.
The social calendar has been very enjoyable – car trial, B.B.Q’s progressive dinner etc. being thoroughly enjoyed by those who participated. It is a pity that at times not enough Members attend to warrant the amount of organisation for these functions.
Probably the highlight of my year was the opportunity to represent the Club in our I.R. exchange with the Round Table Club of Takapuna. A trip and experience that neither Anne or myself will ever forget.
Dinner Notice saw a change in director with Apexian Jeff Boyle leaving for the shores of the U.S. of A. and Apexian Bill Roberts taking over. This portfolio is never easy, and one still wonders at the value of the insistence of producing a dinner notice at stringent regular intervals.
Our service work continued in similar vein to past years and has progressed satisfactorily, particularly with a return to the wood drive, an opportunity to contribute service to the community without financial interference.
Paper drive attendances started slowly but improved tremendously toward the end of the year. Paper drives to me are always enjoyable, because apart from the service aspect, the fellowship experienced on these Sundays is excellent, with guys tending to converse as a complete group. The enthusiasm which Apexian Kelvin Aldred whipped up amongst us at the start of the year has reached an interesting point and it will be interesting to see who takes home the ‘bikkies’ tonight.
The Commissariat portfolio is another difficult, and at times frustrating job, but has been handled in a competent manner by Apexian Stuart Davidson.
From a shaky start because of an unfortunate financial disaster, we have come home in a strong financial situation being able to meet our commitments to the G.V. Base Hospital and the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Research Fund, involving a total of $2250. Apart from the normal paper drive proceeds and income from table and chair hire, this situation is attributable to the hard-working and active Fund Raising Committee who have achieved excellent results, including the innovation of a charity film night. My special thanks to this group of chaps, your efforts and enthusiasm were paramount.
To Secretary Des Mason and Angelo Russo and Treasurer Roger Edwards, thank you for your assistance and the excellent job in handling these portfolios.
To all Members, thank you very much and to incoming President Bill Reilly, I wish you every success for the coming year.
YIA
John Walton
