Assembly & Handover Meeting - Live

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Handover Meeting 18.30pm for 19.00pm Thursday 29th June @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Andrew M, Dave C, David M, Elaine, Gerry, Godfrey, Jean M, Kathryn, Lesley, Maureen, Margaret, Nick, Pat, Pippa, Reggie, Robert, Spyros, Sue.

Guests:                Kevin Fielding ADG, Whitstable RC; Pat Brealy, Mary Robinson, Gill Sissons, Robert McFarlane, Sue Tyler,  2x Guests from Red Zebra; Guests from Crossroads.

Apologies:           Chris, David K, Hilary, Ian S, Myfanwy, Marian, Paul, Trevor, David B, Pete.

Welcome by the Club president:                               This year's president Nick welcomed everyone to the meeting.  For the benefit of visitor and guests, he explained that he and Pat had been acting jointly this past year.

Grace:                   Said by Andrew B

DINNER

Business Agenda:

The meeting began with Andrew B reading aloud the Objects of Rotary.

Outgoing President Nick first of all announced a special birthday today - Pat!  A cake was brought out, and Reggie led the company in singing Happy Birthday.  Nick then gave a brief final report on the year 2022 / 2023.  This was a successful year.  We have raised considerable funds for charities, including our two main charities for the year.  Nick presented two cheques: £2554 to Red Zebra, and £2304 to Crossroads.

The President's regalia was handed over to Pat as incoming President for 2023/4, following which Pat spoke briefly about her plans for the coming year.  Pat said that her intention is that the club will continue with existing activities which have proved so successful, as well as looking for new opportunities.  She hopes to increase our membership during the next year.  Pat reminded everyone present that the big event next year will be the 20th anniversary celebration in May.  Pat thanked all the club members for their contribution to last year.  Next Years two President's charities will be Red Zebra and Canterbury Food Bank.  Bouquets were presented to Pat, Mary Robinson for allowing Nick out to play, and Mel from The Plough for hosting us during the last year, often at short notice.

Brief Reports by the committee chairs re goals for 2023 / 2024:

Community:  Kathy said that her main aim is to do something next year which involves everyone in the club.

Social:  Lesley spoke on behalf of her and Sue.  There is a sheet in the events folder asking everyone for their ideas for activities.

Membership:  On behalf of Pete, it was noted that we have lost one member recently; Ian M has resigned.

Youth Opportunities:  Margaret spoke on behalf of her and Gerry.  Applications are still being prepared for the Young Chef and Young Photographer competitions for later this year.

International:  Andrew B said that Walk4Water raised £6200 this year.  Some schools have already signed up for next year.  TWAM (Tools with a Mission) is arranged for 20th April next year.  One upcoming event in the near future is the car parking at Strode Park on 16th July; volunteers needed.  The club will continue to support Ukraine and Shelter Box.

Treasurer:  David M announced that his plan for next year is to take as much money from us as possible!  David went through a list of donations made by the club during the last year.  Some notable donations included:

Rotary Polio Fund            £2694

Whitstable School            £3234

Food Friends                      £1136

Walk4Water                       £9700

The full list has been circulated previously.  The grand total  for the year came to £38,000.

Foundation:  Nick reminded everyone about selling crocuses to mark World Polio Day on 24th October.

Fund Raising:  Godfrey said the club will keep on doing the things it is most successful at.

Environment:  Robert said he will continue to look for ways the club can support the environment.

Gardening:  Elaine & Maureen have just taken this on.

Almoner:  Pippa continues to perform this valuable role.

Any other business:        Nick reminded everyone that we still need to push ticket sales for the Race Night.  Remember to bring plenty of cash, and your won food and drink.

Address by the ADG:       Kevin congratulated the club for fulfilling one of the Objects of Rotary ie creating hope in the world.  He reminded members about the District Assembly this coming Saturday at the Abbey Hotel on Sheppey.  Kevin brought greetings from Whitstable Rotary, and also Canterbury Sunrise.

Red letter raffle:               This was won by Nick

Master-at-Arms:              According to Nick, today is World Mud Day, also World Camera Day.  On this day in 1963 the Beatles reached the charts with From Me to You.

Final Toast:                         Was given by Pat.

Date of Next Meeting:

07.45am for 08.00am Thursday 6th July @ The Plough