Presidents Report                             July 11
 
At the start our regular meeting last week, we had a surprise visit, by Kamya Foster (nee Rook) and her 9yo daughter Jemima, with her best friend Hannah. They came to present us with $100 they raised for Rotary Wheelchair for Kids project. This was done completely on their initiative, Kamya assured us. After they left, Kamya sent a text message to me stating the girls “were stunned into silence with the offer, the club has made to top up their donation” to purchase a wheelchair. Kamya went on to say how she wished we all could have been “privy to the excited chatter and giggles in the car when they realized that they had a part in changing someone’s life.” 
What an outstanding display of “Making a Difference”
 
It is with sadness Honorary Rotarian member Roly Hewson was “called to a higher service” and remembered with a minute silence. (
 
I would like to congratulate Past President (X2) Ian Wake again for his 46 years service to Rotary, what an amazing effort. Ian joined Rotary on July 1st 1971.
 
Last Tuesday, being the “Presidents Night.” I decided to start with a short screening of Rotary International President Ian Riseley talking about Rotary’s theme for 2017-18. “Rotary Making a Difference” Ian spoke about, “the power of Rotary to make a difference for those who need us.”  Ian then went on and reaffirmed how, “In Rotary we know we can do more together, than we can ever do alone, it’s the principle on which our service is based, and it’s true, at every level at Rotary.”  We then passed the microphone around the room, so every one could state their opinion, which direction that they would like to see our club going this year. There were some vey good suggestions that the Board will consider and implement. Grant had the unenviable job of quickly writing them all down so we can review them all.
 
The illusive Joker is still in the pack, so the jack pot is now a sizable amount.
 
Best regards to all,
 
Greg Peck.
President 2017-18