It was our Christmas meeting and it was wonderful to see such a large and happy crowd in attendance. We were served a delicious two course meal for which the staff were congratulated.

During the evening, everyone was invited to choose a gift from a table of goodies and had the opportunity to swap their gift if a willing person could be found. The one remaining gift was auctioned and won by Jonathan Hepner with his bid of $20. It was good fun, organised by our wonderful Allanah Clifford.

We were then encouraged to sing a number of Christmas songs. We were no Vienna Boys Choir or Mormon Tabernacle Choir but everyone joined in for hearty renditions of:

§  Here Comes Santa Claus

§  White Christmas

§  The Twelve Days of Christmas

§  Jingle Bell Rock

 

The evening was made even more special when PP Anna Fletcher was recognised for her long and devoted service to Rotary.

§   Australian Rotary Health Companion Award

PP Ross Taylor, chair of the Club’s Foundation committee, along with President Bryan Humphrey, presented PP Anna with the Australian Rotary Health (ARH) Companion Award for her services to ARH over a long period.  The citation on the certificate reads as follows:

Anna was to receive this award by a Director of ARH, PDG Jane Cox, a few months ago but was not able to be present.

The tangible support given to the ARH organization by Anna was financial, being a past chair and member of the D9780 Rotary Health Fund and a strong supporter of the organization in the Club.  As well as a framed certificate, Anna received an ARH pin.

 

§   Presentation to a donor Paul Harris Fellow multiple recipient

Anna was presented with a Double Sapphire pin by PP Ross Taylor and President Bryan Humphrey for donating US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation and thus becoming a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.

By doing so, she joins a remarkable company of persons throughout the world, all recognized for their devotion to the ideal of goodwill, peace and understanding.  It is the shared goal of Rotarians the world over. It is one that Anna clearly endorses and supports.

The assembled Rotarians gave Anna a rousing round of applause and she responded appropriately.

1.    President Bryan and Angela have sold their home and will be moving to Queensland in the new year.

2.    Our club is invited to make a short presentation at the 2018 District 9780 Conference in Mount Gambier, to demonstrate how we are making a difference.

3.    Condolences were extended to Frank on behalf of the club following the sudden death of Frank’s sister Margaret prior to Christmas. 

4.    Members and friends are asked to support two catering opportunities in January:

Ø  January 13 and 14 under the windmill for the Steam and Vintage Rally

Ø  January 19 to 21 at our hamburger  stand for the Geelong Camping and Caravan Show