While there is not a great deal one can say about a Club Assembly meeting it was really good to have such a high level of attendance, and what a pleasure to welcome back our very own Glen Donaldson, bearing gifts no less.
Glen reminded us of one of the lesser appreciated sides of downsizing, that is the gift of finding forgotten or hidden treasures. Such was the case for Glen when he rediscovered the TROPHY. A trophy currently held by the community committee (I believe it has always been held by that committee but is now open to challenges !!) Glen did leave it in my keeping and I must confess to leaving it behind, but I am assured it is tucked away safely. I feel a fine will be imposed for my careless act!
The club also formally inducted Penny Li as our newest member, Penny will join the IVY committee, and we welcomed back our returning member Carole Ansley who will be joining the Community committee. A very warm welcome to you both.
The main focus of the meeting was of course to provide an opportunity for Directors to give an update on where committees are at this point of the Rotary Year and upcoming events.
Ian Fox, convenor of the new Comms Committee outlined the purpose of the committee and some of the initiatives being worked on including Face Book and Instagram.
Treasurer John Richardson also updated members on the budget for the coming year and a summary of the last years financial performance. While we did make a very small profit and this is forecast again for this year, he did stress the need for the club to stay within its operational budget and to look seriously at another fundraising event, as our current reliance on Bookarama as our only form of fundraising does come with some risk.
Strengthening communication and engaging members at all levels is a key target for this year’s board and the Club Assembly is part of the strategy in achieving that. My thinking is that all club members need to be kept informed about club activities, big or small and given the opportunity to be part of those activities and projects. What is important is that we ALL do engage at whatever level we can, and avoid cross over where some people are involved and others have no input or involvement at any level. Helen Keller summed it up so well “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much “
Sergeant Bill had a very novel way of extracting fines from us all. He has taken the notion of the” whole club “to a different level!! It was interesting to see a number of highly intelligent people trying to work out whether their hands were on heads, tails or both!!
All in all, a good night. My thanks to everyone who contributed and made it a worthwhile meeting for our members.
Our next meeting is very special and partners and guest are very welcome. It will be the formal presentation of the Fun Run proceeds to the Coastguard, who will provide a short presentation. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
In the meantime
Kia tupato, Kia noho haumaru
Take care, and stay safe.
Madeleine East MNZM,
President
