Fellow Apexians,
My year of office draws to a close with this Handover
Report.
I started the year with two thoughts in mind:
(1) To maintain the excellent standard set by previous President’s and their Boards.
(2) To enjoy my year of office.
I hope we have been successful in the former, I know I have in
the latter.
In planning this report, I decided to move away from the usual format and make it a simple record of efforts and highlights in the various Portfolios, and to give due praise to Members of the Club.
Whilst wishing to avoid any order of importance I am sure I would be sadly remiss if I did not give priority to Secretary Graham Clark. He has performed his duties in a most capable and co-operative manner, and so made my task that much easier and more pleasant. If perchance Graham transfers at the end of this year, then our Club will have lost an excellent Apexian.
My other executive officer was Treasurer Rob Galagher. I am
sure it can truly be said that Rob gave the presentation of financial reports a new facet. Long will I remember them.
Service work, under the direction of Ken Parsons, saw the completion of the G. V. Centre – a district project of real value. A special mention here to Tony ‘Millen and Ron White for their skilful handling of a somewhat unskilful crew. New service work included, haycarting and paper drives, both of them being successful.
John Gray did excellent work in the social and sporting activities. His organization of the District Sports gave this event a real face lift.
As for the fishing trip – who could forget it?
Apex Action was in the hands of "Lawyer" Phil Banfield. Phil’s approach to Apex is an example to us all, and his writing of the "Club History" completed a real need.
In the International Relations field, correspondence and sporting challenges are now regularly flowing between our Club and Service Clubs in New Zealand, South Africa, and Great Britain. To stop himself breaking into
a gallop, "The Moose" has also taken on the task of Zone I. R. Congratulations Max, on both counts, for a job well done.
Sergeant At Arms Jim Nichols, had two glorious events through the year – one after the fishing trip and the other when the Treasurer started
a rumour about the "General Account" needing money. Jim also rendered valuable service as Assistant Secretary, and was the driving force behind the Motor Bike Scramble.
Despite repeated attempts of sabotage early in the year, Andrew managed to present a variety of Programs for the Meetings. The combined Dinner with the Mooroopna Rotary Club was successful.
The standard of the Dinner Notice is very pleasing. Apart from the obvious advantage this is to Members, Club gossip seems to suggest that this is the only reliable source of information that the wives have. We all say thank you Kevin.
Public Speaking and Debating have again been of a high standard. The varied representation in debates is a most pleasing feature. Recent individual performances in an impromptu speaking contest were first class. It is pleasing to see that Kevin Murphy, who only recently picked up this Port -folio, shall retain it next year.
Last, but not least, thank you to Commissariat Wayne Skinner for the conscientious manner in which he handled the Dinner bookings. It is one of those tasks, the efficiency of which is never really evident till it breaks down.
I would also like to record my appreciation of the various Committees functioning throughout the year. They included:
Zone 7 Convention Golf Day
Motor Bike’Scramble’ District Sports
Portsea
By – Laws
Zone Seminar
The work done was excellent.
To the "Henpexians", a special vote of thanks. Not only for putting up with the absence of the "Boss", but also for the assistance given at many functions conducted by the Club. It is very much appreciated.
Finally to the Club as a whole. I know you are not perfect, but I am equally sure there is no easier group to work with in this District. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your President.
And so to a new President, a new Board, and a new Apex Year. May it be as enjoyable to Max and his team as it has been to me. I know the Club will prosper under their control.
