Annual Synopsis - 2017-2018

2017 - 2018

Les Robertson

“Rotary: Making a Difference”

President Les Robertson’s major goal was the establishment of a new Rotary Club at Rototuna. This involved co-ordinated input from members in delivering circulars, plus Jonathon Bennett’s Public Image committee, with the valuable use of Facebook, targeting the area’s potential candidates. Public meetings were held with presentations from Sunrise Rotary, PDG Raewyn Kirkman and DG Leonie Tisch.

The new Rototuna Rotary Club held its memorable Charter Night on 22 May, 2018 to considerable public acclaim.

In a major decision it was agreed that the 2018 Book Fair would be the last that our Club would organise. That Book Fair led by Bruce Birnie and a hard working committee was another standout success and with the help of the Rototuna Club grossed over $53000. Rototuna are now the driving force to see that the Fair continues.

Club vocational visits, organised by Deniss Yeung, to Wintec Trades, Waikato Times and CTC Aviation, were popular, topical and well-attended.

The Enviro Schools programme again continued with the valuable leadership of Graeme Kitto.

A student was sponsored to attend the Summer Science School. Russ Young continued to chair the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund and Andrea Gibb’s International Committee supported “Children to School” in Cambodia with some $4000; and a small grant was made to assist a student teacher in Taveuni.

Regrettably membership numbers declined this year with the passing of Arthur White, Geoff Martin and Jean Vickridge while Bruce Arthur and Bruce Simmons moved north to Pukekohe.

At the Club’s Changeover at St. Andrews Golf Club Graeme Stubbs was honoured with a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin and Bill Parsonson presented with a Certificate acknowledging 50 years in Rotary. The Club received District Awards for establishing the Rototuna Club and for being a leading contributor to Romac.