As advertised, the December 8th meeting, apart from being Fellowship, was also billed as a "Special General Meeting' to address two changes to the Club's Constitution.
The proposed changes to Articles 22 and 27 had been circulated to all members and copies of these were also provided to all attendees. Co-President Graham also explained the changes and why these were being proposed. There was no discussion from the floor and and both changes were approved unanomously.
The Special General Meeting was then closed and the last weekly club meeting of the year commenced.
The meeting was well attended and Co-President Gary welcomed all members and extended a special welcome to both Frances and Mark who we haven't seen for a while due to work commitments, and hopefully we will see more of them next year.
Co-President Gary then called on Directors' Report.
Director Environment Peter B. reminded members who planned to attend the Apirana Reserve recognition event on Dec 18th to please forward their RSVP to Peter as soon as possible.
Director Community Kevin then began to update the meeting on school Prize Giving events and how Cluster Clubs had been involved, but before he could clearly explain what he meant and what he had planned as Director, he lost the plot and he completely confused members. It was, however, very entertaining and maybe in the New Year he will recall what he wanted to share and we can be entertained once again!!
Co-Director Club Services Penny reminded all of the first few meetings dates next year. She also requested that if members could send to her, 1 or 2 holiday photos during January which can then be shared at our special "welcome back" meeting on Feb 2nd.
Co-President Gary once again reminded all members to give themselves a Christmas present and register for the District Conference in March and he confirmed that we have received confirmation that two District Grants had recently been approved - $3,000 for "Have A Go" and $1,000 for the "Basketball Camp".
Miles C. made his last plea for all outstanding raffle tickets to either be sold, or if unable to be sold, for these tickets to be returned asap. The Raffle will be drawn under Police Supervision at the GI Police Station on Dec 14th.
Although the breakfast meeting had been billed as one of food and fellowship, member Tom Street, who has recently returned from a 10 week visit to the UK, had agreed with our Co-Presidents to give a short presentation of the highlights of his and Jackie's visit. Well what a visit it was, documented in an excellent presentation of words, photos, video clips and Tom's commentary which could only be presented by Tom.
Although born and breed in the UK, over the last few years Tom realised that there was so much that he didn't know about his homeland, so he put a 10 week itinerary together. The itinerary was virtually a great circle tour of the UK, heading North from London through the East Country then South via the West Country.
Focusing on the History, the People and the Landscape, Tom and Jackie visited places with 2,000 years of history, visited 13 castles, 12 churches, 7 country houses, numerous historic sites, 7 Whiskey Distilleries and some of the best scenic areas they have ever seen.
Your talk was very entertaining, educating, and a very pleasant surprise and one of the best presentations we have had all year. Enjoy the rest of the World Cup Tom, and may the best team win.
Co-President Gary wrapped up the last meeting of the year with thanks on behalf of Graham and himself as well as the members of St. Johns Rotary who's energy, enthusiasm and desire to do good in the community, continues to make St. Johns the best little Rotary Club in the World, or did we change that to the Universe"!!