Robert Eardley tribute to Tony Coxhill

Mr President and fellow Rotarians

As Tony will be handing over to Rod at the BBQ next week and I, unfortunately will be unable to attend, I thought that as I was primarily responsible for introducing Tony into Rotary only 9 short years ago and as it was my turn to speak today I that it was apt to spend a few minutes reviewing his, what in my view has been a very successful, Rotary year.

Lynda and I have known Wendy and Tony for quite a time, as friends and in Tony’s case drinking, occasional cigar smoking and golfing buddy and I feel able to speak frankly about them both.

Tony will always give the impression, in his typical chauvinistic way that both in Rotary and at home he is the boss but trust me Wendy is the driving force behind the man. The truth is that in common with most successful marriages they are a team, a formidable team at that, and also in common with most of us chaps Wendy lets him think he is the boss.

Tony’s personality is such that whether at work or play he throws himself into the task at hand, just to get the golf thing out of the way, we play most weeks and what Tony lacks in skill is more than made up with jammy luck, he always seems to have one shot per round that he can dine out on for days after and usually does much to the chagrin off his pals in the pub.

Prior to retirement his professional life was such that he acquired, over the years, certain organisational skills, to give you one example of how he always has his finger on the pulse within the club, for today’s meeting Keith gave me a notice to say that it was my turn to speak and Mike gave me a notice to tell me that I was second steward therefor responsible for the vote of thanks, it, I think, will be a first, I will be giving the vote of thanks to myself for speaking about our president.

Tony started off his year with going down with a flu bug, he, of course, said it was pneumonia but he is a man, it was probably a common cold but he really was quite off colour, in fairness to him he was determined to soldier on, it was also a time when, unknown to most of us, there were a couple of incidents which threatened to effect the harmony of the club, so it was not a good time. He dealt with the problems his health improved and Tony was able to move things along at his pace, talking of pace, he is not best known for his patience he likes to get things out of the way, the box ticked, move on, he was also never destined to join the diplomatic corp but believe me his heart is in the right and this has shown through.

Knowing that I was going to speak about Tony’s year as president I have taken some time looking back through the council minutes and a few things became apparent. At the club assembly Tony set himself and his team of committee chairman some fairly difficult goals, but he chose his team well and by in large the targets have been achieved notably membership, ably assisted by John Crowe 6 new members, younger members of both sexes have joined us, no mean feat at this time, I would like to take this opportunity to add my welcome to you all, Tony has set you the example for when it is your turn to take over as president. Every committee has had a busy year, driven by our president who has made his mark in true Tony fashion and for any incoming president a hard act to follow. Rotary has many aspects, but for me it is not all about fund raising or networking, it is about fellowship, meeting and making new friends, giving, giving up our time and expertise to make a difference in the community, something that both Tony and Wendy have done selflessly since Tony joined the club and in particular during his year as president.

Finally I must mention both Wendy and Tony’s generous gesture of his presidents do, inviting us all to join them at their home for a hog roast. I know the planning and effort both of them put into the occasion. Tony cancelled his golf the Wednesday prior to focus on preparing their garden, he selflessly sampled the beer and wine in order to make sure that it was to our satisfaction, but what you don’t know is that Wendy encouraged him to play golf on the Friday prior to the do and to go to Edgbaston to watch the cricket in the evening so that she could get down to the real work, so on behalf of us all thanks Tony and please take our thanks and best wishes back to Wendy.

Well that’s it now it only remains for me to give myself a well earned vote of thanks, Tony is certainly not used to me saying nice things about him but I think I have eloquently delivered a factual account of what is a very difficult subject,  Tony thanks for a great year and Rod all the best for yours,

Thank you