Our Changeover Meeting
Our ever popular and competent MC for the evening was John Gray PP PHF who opened proceedings right on schedule and called on our Rugby choir members to lead us in Rotary Grace.
John then called on PP PHF Graham Burmeister to propose the Loyal Toast. Burmo toasted the traditions, hard won freedoms and life that we enjoy as Austalians under the Westminster System and so included toasts to both our Sovereign The Queen and The People of Australia.
Apologies and Makeups were read by PP PHF Peter Crozier
Apologies:
Rod and Robyn Kendall, Daryl and Maureen Maguire, DG Greg and Lyn Brown, Allan and Norma Sharp, Marion Roach, Hilda Bragg,Tim Barter, Craig and Gaye Bromley, Hugh and Heather Campbell, Doug and Wendy Conkey, Jenny Conkey, Ken Cook, Silas and Joanne Darby, Michael and Sarah Eldridge, John and Annette Flynn, Helen Fuller, Susanne Fuller, Dawn Georgiou, Angie Gerlach, Gioia Gianniotis, Lyn Gibson, James and Gina Hamilton, David and Kaz Hodge, Carol Ingram, Wayne and Maureen Jenkins, John and Liz Knight, Sian Leywood, Steve and Jessica McCoy, John and Kerry Mason, Col and Christine Mercer,
Make Ups:Michael and Jayne Merrylees, Kevin and Cheryl Moffat, Chris and Marj Nash, Pat Parnell, Kerry and Dianne Pascoe, Robert and Pam Pearson, Cathy Pyke, Brian and Michelle Roberts, Mark and Jamie Sayers, Dennis Shean Bruce and Joo-Yee Spinks, George and Kay Thomas, Malcolm and Fran Robertson. Alan Lloyd sent his best wishes.
Nick Leywood, Jim Gibson, Paul Gianniotis, Col Duff.
A welcome to Members and Guests was made by PP Greg Conkey OAM, PHF and responded to by Charter President Graham Hornibrook PHF
Graham reflected on the early days of the Wollundry Club, its achievements, its strength and the overall work of Rotary International. He was congratulatory in his delivery and proud to have been one of the instigators of this outstanding Rotary Club.
A Toast to Rotary International was given by incoming President Phil McIntosh.
Phil referred to the great achievements of Rotary, the need to do so much more and in particular the ongoing fight to eliminate Polio. He said that Rotary with its Worldwide membership and access to decision makers, is in a great position to continue to do much good in the world. All present joined in the Toast to this great organization.
In reply to the toast, PDG Ray King PHF spoke on the theme of the World President of Rotary International - "Peace through Service.
He referred to Rotary Peace Forums held in three locations Honolulu, Berlin and Hiroshima. He encouraged us to focus on Service. Service above self, making a difference in the lives of others. The work of Rotary is the work of Peace he said. Rotarians are Peace makers. Ray praised the work three of our Rotarians John Gray, Paul Murray and Paul Milde did in assisting with the Peace Conference held in Wagga last year. He said a book had been produced from the talks at the Wagga Peace conference and is available for purchase. He said there are no over 700 Rotary Peace Fellows and our Mayor has designated 21st September each year as Peace Day. Ray said Wollundry Rotary is one of the giants in the Peace Movement through its community work. Wollundry equals Peace in action.
He presented District Governor's Awards to John Gray for his involvement with Youth Exchange and to Paul Murray for his work as District Secretary.
Our Treasurer Nick Leywood gave a report on our donations for the year which totalled over $143,000 including a donation of $44,000 to the Wagga High School special education unit. Nick congratulated members on raising a total of over $118,000 for the year from our markets and food and wine festival. He said we still have plenty of funds in our coffers. Nick enjoyed being treasurer but was happy to hand the reins to Peter MacKinnon.
Sergeants Session
Despite a heavy schedule there was still time for our sergeants Peter Clucas and Mark Hillis to raise some funds;
Christine Hillis was fined for being late (very brave Mark), Lawrie (Kardashian) Blowes for being amedia star, Peter Crozier for being rescued from Mt Talbingo, Richard Braid for single handedly keeping the Advertizer solvent, Rick Priest the crime stoppers award, Michael Georgiiou for taking his beauty sleep every tuesday at 12.30 p.m., Alan Eldridge the Dalai Lama peace award?, Geoff Hamilton for causing climate change, others to be fined were Graham Burrow, Jim Gibson, Evan Robertson and Ken Taylor for flying below the radar.
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Our meeting ended with Past President Andy thanking our entertainers and all who prepared the evening especially PP John Smith PHF and his changeover committee. He inducted the New President Phil Mcintosh (see separate story) and then Phil conducted the balance of the meeting.
The Wagga City Male Rugby Choir, seen here conducted by Judy Ferguson wife of our President Elect John Ferguson, were our entertainers for the evening.
This choir is some 60 strong and is travelling to New Zealand and Tonga later in the week to perform with the NZ Symphony Orchestra and also for the Tongan King. They are booked to sing in Wales for the World Rugby Cup in 2014.
The Choir performed a bracket of favoourites including The Rose, American Trilogy, Nothin Like a Dame and Sloop John B.
A number of our Rotarians are members of the Choir.
Our Exchange Student Nelson Alvarado has the record for the most number of badges worn on a jacket. Nelson will be with us for another six months and is proving to be a delightful character.
Peter MacKinnon and Col Duff won the wine.