Mosgiel Rotary Club Celebrates Changeover Night
Members, partners, and guests gathered for a memorable Changeover Night as the Mosgiel Rotary Club celebrated the handover of leadership from President Rod to incoming President Donald.
Reflecting on a successful year, Rod highlighted the club's many achievements, including the ever-popular annual Book Sale fundraising event and the Saddle Hill Hike. He expressed his sincere appreciation to club members for their support, friendship, and guidance throughout his presidency before proudly handing the Presidential Chain to Donald.
In accepting the role, Donald thanked Rod and Jill for their dedication and commitment over the past year. He then shared his vision for the year ahead, inspired by Rotary's theme, "Creating Lasting Impact." The theme encourages every member to work together to make a meaningful difference in our communities through service, fellowship, and action.
Donald confirmed that the club's successful annual Book Sale will continue, with some refinements aimed at making it even more effective. He also introduced an exciting new possibility—a Rotary Duck Race, which could become an annual or biennial fundraising event, with Fraser taking on the role of coordinator to explore its potential.
To reinforce this year's theme, members found a few thoughtful items on their tables. Each received a Rotary pen to use and share with friends, a bookmark to serve as a daily reminder of the lasting impact Rotary can have, and a Rotary luggage tag. Donald explained that, from his own experience, the luggage tags often spark conversations while travelling, creating opportunities to share Rotary's story and the difference it makes in communities around the world.
Donald also announced a fresh approach to club meetings, with fines being replaced by "Happy Thoughts." Members will have the opportunity to share something positive that has happened in their lives over the previous fortnight, encouraging participation, laughter, and a greater sense of connection and fellowship among club members.
The evening concluded on a high note with a whisky tasting experience for those keen to participate. Members sampled four distinctive whiskies from three whisky-producing nations—The Dubliner from Ireland, Quarry Road Whisky from New Zealand, Shackleton from Scotland, and The Macallan 12 Year Old, also from Scotland.
As each whisky was tasted, members were encouraged to share their favourite. The discussion was lively, with opinions varying widely. It was a reminder that, regardless of the price, the history behind the whisky, or where it was crafted, taste is a very personal experience. Each whisky found its admirers, making for an enjoyable and entertaining conclusion to an evening centred on fellowship, new beginnings, and shared experiences.
The Changeover Night perfectly reflected the spirit of Rotary—celebrating achievements, welcoming new leadership, strengthening friendships, and looking ahead with enthusiasm. Under Donald's leadership and this year's theme of "Creating Lasting Impact," the Mosgiel Rotary Club is well placed for another successful year of service to the community.
