Welcome Rotarians and friends,
With heart-felt thanks we wish Past President John Wotherspoon a bon voyage later this week for his well-deserved month-long hiking and holidaying in Italy and Southern France. John’s past two years as President has seen our Club successfully adapt to the changes and challenges of Covid restrictions, being bumped from venue to venue, and broadening our Club’s appeal and inclusivity to attract younger and older members alike (we now have 33 Club members).
John’s leadership through this time – with advice and help from many members – provided seamless and creative transitions for meeting venues (morphing from a Breakfast Only club to breakfast, dinner and two relaxed coffee conversations each week), and zoom meetings when needed. With the support and encouragement of John’s wife, PP Deborah, John was able to execute his presidential duties to attend virtually every meeting and project that the Club undertook!
Deborah and Yvette
On Changeover night, John was pinned with a PHF (2 Sapphire) by District Governor 2022-23 Paul Thomas, who gracefully accepted our invitation to attend with his wife, Kathryn.
Prior to the handover of Presidency, MC Stuart Marshall did an amazing job of, should I say, “marshalling” the troops, and inviting Paige Honor to announce the “Acknowledgement of Country”, then came Brian Harvey’s novel and amusing “Toast to Australia”, PP Rob McLennan’s “Toast to Rotary International” with the “Response to the Toast to RI” officiated by DG Paul.
John and Stuart
Rob McLennan at the lecturn
On the night, it was also lovely to welcome outgoing and incoming Area 12 Governors Jeff and Angela, D9510 Public Image Chair Julie, RC of Adelaide President Cam, and outgoing and incoming Adelaide City Rotaract Presidents Nic and Steph.
Area Governors Jeff and Angela with Yvette and John
Incoming and outgoing AC Rotaract Presidents, Steph and Nic
John then tendered his President’s Report - hard copies available through Yvette, with a website version on-line this week.
It was with great pleasure that President John presented Paige Honor with a Paul Harris Fellow award and pin. Paige has been instrumental in many Community activities including Cuppa Conversations, and this year will take on the role of Director Community Services from Kirsti Kankkunen. Kirsti, our thanks for your innovation, enthusiasm and energy in this role – but I know you’ll still be a key player in this field.
Paige Honor, PHF recipient
Angus Tuck, PHF recipient
Congratulations also to Angus Tuck who generously donates annually to The Rotary Foundation, and earned a PHF (3 Sapphire), presented by John.
I know PP John and I thank all the other Directors for their hard work and diligence throughout the past year, and it is with thanks that this experienced team will continue as Board Members and Club Service officials this coming year. Our thanks to those not already recognised - Di, Bruce, Rob, Alison, Paul J, Richard, Fred, Dean and Stuart.
In coming Board members
I look forward to working with a hugely supportive team of people and dedicated members – and together we will implement and promote the Rotary International theme for the year ahead to “Create Hope in the World” – chosen by Rotary International President Gordon McInally.
John with appreciation certificate
You’ll meet our new D9510 Governor Craig Dowling during his official visit to our Club on Thursday, 10 August 2023 for breakfast at the Croquet Club, South Terrace.
Just a heads up for next year – DG Craig announced his District Conference will be held at Loxton’s “The Precinct” from 15-17 March 2024. DG Craig wishes us to “Inspire Hope and Celebrate 100 years of Rotary in South Australia – on the River”. Conferences are a great way to meet hundreds of District club Rotarians, learn about their projects, enjoy special guest speakers - and have, in the past, provided a wonderful weekend where our Club members get together out of session for our cheese/wine evenings of fun and camaraderie.
Below are photographs of the District Changeover from PDG Paul to DG Craig last Sunday, and some of his team – including our own Rob McLennan who takes on the role of District Media Liaison Officer 2023-24.
Don’t forget to book in this week for our Film Night on Friday 21 July for “Oppenheimer”. Evening starts at 5.30pm with a drink, nibbles and raffle tickets thrown in for $35/ticket. The Piccadilly Theatre in O’Connell Street has been recently renovated and looks beautiful according to Carol, and if you need another excuse to come and bring along friends, there’s always the outstanding cast including Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jnr with Irish actor Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer. Let Rob McLennan know how many tickets you wish to reserve at this email here.
This Thursday is Coffee Conversation at the White Picket Café, I hope to see you there. We’ve been getting good numbers there despite the cool mornings, and the relaxed atmosphere and chats are terrific.
Best wishes, Yvette.
