1st Charter Night - 1986

From Left to Right: President of the RC of Thorpe St Andrew, Founder President Adrian & District Governor Jim Smellie.

On the evening of Tuesday 13th May 1986, 28 of the original 31 Interim Members of the Norwich St Edmund Rotary Club were present at the Hotel Norwich to receive their Charter and to be welcomed into Rotary International. The District Governor, Jim Smellie, was in the chair for the evening and was supported by over 90 Rotarians representing 33 Clubs and five Districts.

CharterNightProgramme(1st&4thpage)

The evening commenced with a very appetising mealexpeditiously served and accompanied by pleasant grape extract. In presenting the Charter, the District Governor expressed the opinion that having such an honour must be the culmination of a very busy and rewarding year in office. Rotary GB&I President Jack Croxford welcomed the new members into Rotary International with a very luminous address starting with the roots of the teeth and finishing in the branches of a tree in his garden - no doubt a gum tree without a paddle.

Once more, the dynamic duo of District Extension Officer, PDG Ron MacLeod and his Aide PP Reg Quantrill proudly presented the new members of the Club.Ronpaidparticulartributeto the untiring work donebyReginassistinghimtobringtheClubintoRotarymembership. He further acknowledged Vic Gordon Saker who had been unable through ill health to continue as an Aide, but who had now recovered and was present on the evening.

Founder President, Adrian Kellett presenting PDG Ron MacLeod with a tankard

Founder President Adrian Kellett in true legal tradition had prepared a noteworthy brief that he presented with witty aplomb. In sincerely thanking Ron MacLeod and Reg Quantrill for their dedicated work he presented each with a tankard.

Peter Stringer, First Vice President gave the toast to the visitors and guests.ThePresidentofFelixstoweLandguard,PeterDownes,inhisresponse provided the answer to the mystery of the aforementioned paddle by presenting an extra large wooden spoon to President Adrian. No doubt every Club needs one and in fact some cannot survive without one.

Senior Vice President, Peter Stringer, District Extension Officer, PDG Ron MacLeod and Club Treasurer, Mark Little

The Presidential Jewel was a gift from the Host Club Thorpe St Andrew. Further presentations of a Vice President Jewel from Norwich, Treasurer Badge from Broadlands, Secretary Badge from Beccles, Lectern from District Extension Officer, Bell from Norwich Marchesi and a Visitors Book from Reg Quantrill were all gratefully received. As at the 10th July 2015 there arefour Founder Members still with the Club. These are Tony Darwood, Malcolm Goodson, Mark Little and Bryan Stead. The Club's Founder President,AdrianKellettis an Honorary Member of the Club and a member of the RC of Wiveliscombe & District

.