Installation Dinner is a Gala Event
Posted by Astrid Wenzke
A very festively decorated restaurant at Long Bay Beach Hotel, was the venue for the 42nd Installation Dinner for the Rotary Club of Tortola. (Photo by Astrid C. Wenzke)
The evening was jointly hosted by outgoing President Rotarian Mary Finley-Jones and incoming President Rtn. Percy Rhoden. MC Rtn. Gerald St. Clair Farara, QC, led through a well prepared programme in his usual humorous way. The invocation was given by Rtn. Jackie Newton, followed by the Loyal Toast offered by Rtn. Astrid C. Wenzke. Rtn. Susanna Henighan Potter welcomed and introduced the Guests, while Rtn. Darrylyn Churchwell gave the Toast to the Guests.
Outgoing President Mary Finley-Jones gave a detailed speech outlining several of the projects undertaken during her term. Mary's speech was followed by the awards presentation, starting with naming three "Paul-Harris-Fellows". This award is named in honour of Paul Harris, the Founder of Rotary International (in 1905) and is the highest honour bestowed on a Rotarian or Non-Rotarian in recognition of exemplary humanitarian services to the Community. The PHF's are Maria Dawson, Els Blok and Rev. Edris O'Neal, OBE. It is customary that the Club also honour their Past President after they left office. Past President Mary was already named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2005 and was caught totally of guard that the Club saw it fit to make a double PHF for her extraordinary Leadership and overwhelming success on Club and District level. Nobody ever saw her that speechless!
During the evening, President Mary presented special awards to Rotarians who distinguished themselves during the past year. The Silent Service Award to PADG Rtn. Audley Maduro and Rtn. Bonnie Welch, for the "behind the scenes" support in numerous projects. Rtn. Audley was also her "silent advisor, she always could count on.
The Distinguished Service Award to Rtn. Terry Ellis; to Rtn. Paloma Helm and Rtn. Astrid Wenzke for her performance as the Club's Archivist, who prepared the Historic displays for the 40th Anniversary, the BVI Air Show and the Year in Review.
The distinguished Presidential Award was presented to Rtn. Lorna Smith and Rtn. Delma Maduro for their tremendous success with the Auction and several other projects, as well as to PP Rtn. Ron Potter for his constant support and advice during her Year.
Past ADG Rtn. Audley Maduro presented the "Rotarian of the Year" award to a young, extremely active and well deserving Rotarian - Jackie Newton.
After Raffle & Fines imposed by Sergeant-at-Arms Rotarians Archie and Lorna, who had every one in stitches, Vote of Thanks by Rt. Karia, President Percy offered the Toast to Rotary International.
Outgoing President Mary Finley-Jones gave a detailed speech outlining several of the projects undertaken during her term. Mary's speech was followed by the awards presentation, starting with naming three "Paul-Harris-Fellows". This award is named in honour of Paul Harris, the Founder of Rotary International (in 1905) and is the highest honour bestowed on a Rotarian or Non-Rotarian in recognition of exemplary humanitarian services to the Community. The PHF's are Maria Dawson, Els Blok and Rev. Edris O'Neal, OBE. It is customary that the Club also honour their Past President after they left office. Past President Mary was already named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2005 and was caught totally of guard that the Club saw it fit to make a double PHF for her extraordinary Leadership and overwhelming success on Club and District level. Nobody ever saw her that speechless!
During the evening, President Mary presented special awards to Rotarians who distinguished themselves during the past year. The Silent Service Award to PADG Rtn. Audley Maduro and Rtn. Bonnie Welch, for the "behind the scenes" support in numerous projects. Rtn. Audley was also her "silent advisor, she always could count on.
The Distinguished Service Award to Rtn. Terry Ellis; to Rtn. Paloma Helm and Rtn. Astrid Wenzke for her performance as the Club's Archivist, who prepared the Historic displays for the 40th Anniversary, the BVI Air Show and the Year in Review.
The distinguished Presidential Award was presented to Rtn. Lorna Smith and Rtn. Delma Maduro for their tremendous success with the Auction and several other projects, as well as to PP Rtn. Ron Potter for his constant support and advice during her Year.
Past ADG Rtn. Audley Maduro presented the "Rotarian of the Year" award to a young, extremely active and well deserving Rotarian - Jackie Newton.
After Raffle & Fines imposed by Sergeant-at-Arms Rotarians Archie and Lorna, who had every one in stitches, Vote of Thanks by Rt. Karia, President Percy offered the Toast to Rotary International.