Last Monday I was thinking to myself that the next few weeks were looking really good – my final Board meeting, Issi and Team on Thursday, a special meeting with James Newbury as speaker the following week, and changeover clearly in sight, with planned relaxation and travel all scheduled. What could go wrong. As it turns out, quite a bit. Tuesday brought an unexpected shock that reminded me not to get too far ahead of myself. As I mentioned in during the week, I am saddened by Narina’s decision to step down from the President's role. I know it was not an easy decision for her to make, nor the outcome she wanted, and while we must respect it, it does leave us in a state of “transition” for want of a better word.
So, where to from here. Well it will now be business as usual for the first quarter at least, including weekly meetings with speakers, albeit we may need a little time to finalise the latter. The Current Board have agreed to continue in their roles in the interim to give us the breathing space and the short-term continuity which we need. I do have to commend the Board Team who all signed up without hesitation and will continue to provide invaluable assistance to both myself, and to Members. They truly exemplify the spirit of Rotarians at their best.
The immediate past nominating Committee have regrouped, and we are working through the process of appointing a replacement President. I will keep you all updated on progress, as well as on the Changeover Lunch where we have the option of either going ahead and having a celebration of the year, or deferring, which the RBYC will allow us to do.
Additionally, I plan to reach out to a few past Presidents to organise a Presidential job share for the next few months. This is a solution to assist with ensuring that we have strong leadership during this transitional period. A bit different from the standard Rotary model, but why not!!.
Another key area of great need is getting speakers for the next two to three months. I know you all have good contacts, so please give me some names of folk you know who could speak to the Club. If 10 members got just one speaker, we are back in business. So can you all please, please help the Club on this.
Now, let’s shift to some brighter news. On Tuesday, we have the District Final for the winners of three District 9800 Public Speaking competitions being held at State Parliament. It’s keeping me busy, but everything is now organised, and I am eagerly looking forward to hearing from the best of the best, and keeping fingers crossed that our Bayspeak Students really shine on the night.
Also we had two very good speakers last week in Michael Rickard-Bell updating us on Team Sports 4 All and author Bruce Lowery (main speaker) who spoke about his book "Catch the Wind - From the Nullarbor to the Far North-West in '68".
And do not forget, we have Issi Dye and his team performing on Thursday -
it will be a very entertaining evening. You can still book by tomorrow
at 5:30pm (see below for details).
Finally, thank you all for your continued support and dedication during this challenging time. I do know that if we work together, we can navigate the challenges and come out stronger.
So, from not so classics “That’s all folks.”
Meeting Highlights Thursday 13 June
at The Brighton Beach Hotel
Secretaries Announcements
presented by Secretary Nicole Chong
Apologies: PP Norm Thomas (ongoing), Anthony Langley (until 27/6)
John Schmoll, Di Allen, Stuart McMillan & David Smyth (until 4/7).
Geoff Cunningham: Geoff reminded us about booking for the Issi Dye Tribute Night on Thursday 20 June at the Hampton RSL. Full details and booking link are below. Last chance to book today!
Raffle winners last week
The raffle was run by John Schmoll and the winners were Colleen d'Offay & Glenys Hitchen who both handed their bottles of wine to guest speaker Bruce Lowery and his wife.
Bayside Education Support Program 2024
Please print out this form and fill it in to make your tax deductible donation and send to Geoff Shaw at email address 1915gjs@gmail.com. If anyone has a problem with printing this form please contact the Editor Max Martin at ecclesmaxmartin@gmail.com
