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From the President London, July 2009. Dear Fellow Rotarians This is my first message to all of our members since my election as President of the Rotary Club of London. For me, to become President of this Club shortly before it celebrates its centenary is an outstanding honour. I will do my best to work with all our members to ensure that the club prepares for this event in a fitting manner, whilst trying during the year to continue the tasks we set ourselves to be an effective club providing service and fellowship.
Every new president starts their new term of office with a series of objectives only to find that their term of office is over before every objective has been achieved. As a relative newcomer to the Rotary movement, I will need to rely heavily on the help and goodwill of our experienced members if we are to succeed.
May I first pay a tribute to my predecessor President Marion who has set an example in her devotion to the principles of the Rotary movement. During her year the Club managed to maintain its membership base, to achieve a 60% attendance rate after a long period below that, to attract speakers of international repute, to strengthen our relationship with District and other Clubs and to maintain our charitable giving in a period of exceptional economic difficulty. Clearly, a hard act for me to follow.
As President Marion is returning to New Zealand, may I on behalf of all members send her our best wishes for a glittering future career? May I also thank IPP Hugh for agreeing to carry on as IPP plus1?
Key objectives for 2009/10
[1] Making the committee System more effective.
[2] Organising and managing the Club on a three year planning cycle basis.
[3] Preparing plans for the club’s Centenary year 2011
[4] Developing and implementing an effective strategy for raising charitable funds and supporting Charities in the context of difficult economic circumstances. To achieve this the Charity Committee agreed by Council will now be set up.
[5] Securing greater involvement by the membership in the activities of the club and securing better attendance at the club’s weekly lunches and other events and giving new impetus to a membership drive and the recruitment of ‘Friends ‘
[6] Developing closer relationships with the Rotary movement especially our District and other London clubs.
Yours in Rotary Service, President Ralph
Glass Boot Day
This event was one of great activity from beginning to end. A radiant outgoing President welcomed everyone to her final Club Meeting and then proceeded to induct our new member David Nathan. What a great way to go out, still inducting new members. Then followed special surprises, for Eileen Standish, presentation of Paul Harris Fellowship Award for her very special service and support to the Club and its Officers. One further surprise almost bowled over the Club Administrator Cyril Halstead when he was called forward to receive the Presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship Award in recognition of his ongoing administration for the London Club and his work within the Community over many years. Both Eileen and Cyril expressed how surprised yet delighted they were to be honoured in this way. There was more – an auction of goods from the International Convention Birmingham raising a sizable sum for Polio Plus. To conclude, we had an Interview session between Past President Hugh and our Outgoing President Marion. Using all the efforts a true Scotsman could, Hugh did his utmost to put Marion on the spot with his searching questions but all agreed the lady remained calm and gave the questioner a run for his money! We all wished Marion the very best as she returns to New Zealand in a few weeks. Streetwise Opera wins Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award This is a charity which we have supported and who entertained us at the hand-over from me to Hugh. I would be grateful if you would circulate this web site to the members so that they are aware of the progress of the charities which we support: http://www.streetwiseopera.org/ Many thanks and best wishes, P.P. Jacques Delacave
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