Assembly and Handover - at The Rose and Crown

Over last weekend a number of members visited the Royal Opera House and apparently a jolly good time was had.

On Thursday we were back at Rose & Crown for what was a busy evening. We were able to welcome as guests Claire (for the final time) and Anne Holmes, Assistant Governor, from Kelvedon cub.

Roger said Grace and we had a fairly uninterrupted meal with no parish announcements from me. Richard reported that currently it looks as if we will have facilitated the raising of at least £2500 from Walk4Water - and that can only increase, so well done to all. Sheila then reported on her final visits of the year.

After the meal, which was the usual reliable standard, my first pleasant duty of the evening was to induct Claire as a member. Jane introduced Claire and she then told us a little about herself - we have certainly gained a member with a wide range of skills that no doubt will be of value to the club. We welcome Claire and hope that she enjoys her membership.

We then proceeded to a short Business meeting. Sect John will do minutes so won't repeat things here but will mention the Baddow Races issue. Mildmay club has informally asked if we would be interested in possibly joining with them in future organisation of this event. Club agreed my recommendation that a small group of members be delegated to meet with Mildmay to explore this further before, possibly, bringing a proposal to the club. Roger and Claire agreed to join me in this and Jane has subsequently offered to participate as well - and I'm not about to turn away a volunteer. 

Following the usual comfort break, I had another pleasant function to perform. We were able to present, for the first time, the new Robin Partis Trophy. Chris, Sect John and myself had agreed that the recipient should be Michelle and I ran through some of her special contributions during the year that had pointed us in her direction. Following the presentation Mary thanked the club for introducing this award and noted that Robin would wonder what he had done to be honoured in such way - we all know!

Next on the agenda was Richard's Assembly presentation. I wont attempt to repeat that but sufficient to say that it was delivered in light hearted manner and his proposals raised no objections! Ann Holmes responded, commenting on how vibrant our club seemed to be compared to some she has known and congratulated Richard on his presentation.

We then went through the formalities of me handing gong to Richard, him handing on to Kathryn, and Kathryn passing the junior VP gong to Sect John because as yet we have no-one stepped forward to take that on - volunteers please!

Finally, Michelle won the raffle; we had dispensed with fines due to the packed nature of the evening.