Change-Over Dinner June 28th 2019

WOW - what a Change-Over that was! 
 
Well done and congrats to PP Allan, President Robyn, Brian, David and anyone else who had a part to play to ensure that we gave Allan the farewell he deserved, and Robyn the welcome she deserved!
 
On behalf of President Allan, our MC for the night, David H, (in his best Blue Suit ans all), opened the meeting welcoming all 90 present - Rotarians, spouses, partners, family, friends and a special welcome to VIP guests; Councillor Desley Simpson;  Outgoing ADG Pam Clark and husband Rodney, Incoming ADG Dennis Mallard and his wife Helen, President Pakuranga RC Bart Signal,  President Remuera RC Catherine Holden, District 9920 RYE Chair Tracey Faber and her husband Jon Faber (Past President RC Papakura).
 
Other guests included RYE students (our guest speakers) – Gonza, Viki and Jenni and ROTA Pacific guests (from Fiji, Cook Islands and Tahiti), and the Glendowie College Jazz  Band who played fabulous music throughout the evening.
 
 
Looking splendid in his very colourful shirt and sporting the chains of office, (for the last time), Allan also welcomed all and thanked St. Johns RC members, family and friends for their support and efforts over the past year.  Just some of the highlights for the year were; ONJA, the Golf Tournament, the Food Bank Collection for the GI CAB, Have a Go Sailing and water safety programme, Cure Kids Fiji Oxygen project to name but a few.  During the year the Club gave back to the community in excess of $80,000 via a variety of projects and programmes, supported HAG Sailing to the tune of $20,000 and was able to donate $20,000 to Kids Can  from funds raised from the Golf Tournament.
 
Allan extended a special thanks to his Board for all their support and efforts across the various committees.  He also acknowledged the significant efforts put in by Megan - Interact Liason Officer, Ainie for all she does for the Club, as well as being the District Rotarian of the year, his wife Sue for all her support and there was also a special thank you extended to the Bulletin Editor for his efforts - thanks Allan, the acknowledgement is much appreciated!
 
 
It was then time for two very special acknowledgements and awards to two members;  David Hartstone was awarded a Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow, for all his efforts and particularly the organisation behind the Golf Tournament and, yes Dave, we did hear you say you will be happy to continue the role for another 10 years!  Alex Gatt was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of all he does and has done for the Club over many years, much of it behind the scenes - it was great to see Alex's family present to help him celebrate the award.  Well done Dave and Alex, well deserved and a special thanks to past ADG Pam for being present to make the awards.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Before the official Change-Over and prior to handing over the chain of office to PE Robyn, Allan extended a big thanks to all our sponsors, with special acknowledgement of Graham Fabian and New World Lunn Ave for whose sponsorship we are eternally grateful - Thanks Graham.  
 
PRESIDENT ROBYN, looking the part with the Presidents Chain sitting securely around her neck, then introduced her Board and support team;
Here is the official list for your info:
 
ST JOHNS ROTARY  BOARD OF DIRECTORS
   
 
NAME
President Elect
 Hugh Scott-Russell
Youth Services - Projects, Vocation & Education
 Kevin Kevany &             Rosemary Such
Membership
 Donald Bowie
Club Services
 Allan Smith
Community – International
 Muriel Roake
Community – Local
 Tricia Gerrard
Environment & Science 
 Peter Buchanan
Foundation
 Gary Key
Secretary / Treasurer
 Alex Gatt
 
OFFICERS
 
Fellowship
 Michelle Forman
Bulletin
 Peter Walsh
Photographer
 Aubrey Richardson-     Jones
Website / Facebook / Media
 Colin Robinson
Sergeant
 Miles Cain
 
Robyn then thanked the outgoing Board and Officers and her family for their support and encouragement before she unveiled the theme for the year - "SMALL ACTS - BIG IMPACT". 
 
Prior to dessert and the end of the evening, we were fortunate to hear from three of the District's Rotary Youth Exchange participants; our own Gonza, Jennifer from Germany and Viktoria from Austria.  Each shared some very interesting facts and figures about their home country, national dishes, schooling and their home families.   They also talked about their New Zealand experiences and there is no doubt that they are making the most of the opportunity.  When asked what the highlight of their exchanges have been, comments such as; amazing, everyday has been a highlight, the Canyon Swing, the Challenge Camp experience, were shared.  If you haven't thought of hosting a RYE student before, hopefully after hearing from these three students, will have you thinking about it!
 
The final formality of the night was to hear from members of the ROTA Pacific group who are in the country to attend RYLA.  It sounds as if they were having a great trip and they are very appreciative of the opportunity.  We wish them well at RYLA and thank them for taking the time to join our special dinner. 
 
Please click on "Read More", to see more photos of a great Change-Over.