Thank you all for an amazing turnout for our AGM. You have set the precedent, and raised the bar. I am looking forward to the same great turnout next year.it was nice to have David Fels join us for what must surely be the shortest time spent at a club meeting in the history of the club.!!
My thanks to Sergeant Bill who kept the meeting moving and on track with a well-paced agenda which allowed us to get through the business at hand.
Past President Gavin spoke to some of the highlights of his year and noted that last year presented some challenges for the board and the club, but by working together we have moved forward and taken some clear messages on the way. A real highlight for him was the introduction of the 25 Year Membership Award and he expressed the wish that this will be continued. I will certainly look very carefully at this and will seek input from Gavin on how this might work in the long term.
John Richardson presented the Annual Accounts and it is pleasing to note that the club is in a positive position which will stand us in good stead as we look to find ways to counter the impact of Covid 19 on the club’s financial position.
Following the adoption of the Annual Report there were two items of General Business.
Colin Monk brought to the meeting the boards approval of the current President and President Elect remaining in those roles until Changeover 2023. There was a very positive reaction to this and I am humbled by the support the members of this club have shown me. It is very much appreciated and I can assure you all I will continue to do the best I can as your President. I also acknowledge President Elect Malcolm, who made the decision with me and has agreed to wait to take over as President, believing it is in the best interests of the club, given the very disrupted time we have had with Covid not just this year but also the preceding 2 years.
The second item was from Carole Ansley who is managing the All-Saints Christmas Lunch Box Project on our behalf, and again the members of the club have shown their generosity and commitment to the community through generous donations both in time and money. Given that the Trust will match our donations $ for $ we should make a pretty substantial financial contribution to the cause.
Again, I would like to acknowledge and thank Gavin and his team for their contribution and hard work throughout last year, and ongoing support this year.
Thanks too, to Garry Donoghue who completed the 60th Annual Report for us and got it out to us all on time.
Following the Club AGM, Rob Mouncey chaired the AGM of the Rotary Club of Howick Community Trust. This included the election of Trustees. The three current members, Rob Mouncey, David Fels and James Donovan were re-elected unopposed. With Mike Abercrombie retiring Settlor appointed Trustees are now Gavin Green, Malcolm Pascoe and myself.
We are now all waiting for the possibility of more freedoms at the next announcement from the PM. I have my fingers crossed that we will get at least one face to face meeting before Christmas when we can celebrate our Charter and Christmas and enjoy Jim Duckworth’s cake. Please Jim don’t give it to your family just yet. I am working with John S and Mike A to hopefully pull something together and will keep you posted. Remember if we are able to do face to face it will be at The Masonic Lodge and the dates may be adjusted from our normal dates.
Thank you all again, great turnout, whoever thought an AGM would be such a highlight!!!
Kia tupato, kia noho haumaru
Take care and stay safe.
Madeleine East MNZM
President
