Club Assembly 2015
President Elect Ronnie Porter led a presentation of the Service Programmes for the 2015-16 year at the Club Assembly 1 June 2015. He stated that in addition to the projects covered by Service Chairs the Club will continue with a varied mix of social activities. It will also continue to support a number of International projects such as Shelterbox and Polio Plus but that the emphasis will be on local projects which have a direct benefit to our local community.
Community and Vocational - Past President Brian Clements reported that activities would focus on Mitchell House School with Kids Out Day and provision of their Christmas Party. He also highlighted that members were involved with FASA and SOSBus. On the Vocational side Club members were using their interviewing skills for YouthActionNI.
Youth Service - Eric Rainey highlighted the healthy close working relationship with Community Service and focused on Y-O-U-T-H. He stated that he was happy to be a member of a Young Club noting that we all think we are younger than we are. He stressed that YouthAction had secured European Social Fund funding for a further 3 years and that the Club would continue to offer interview support at both ends of the education spectrum. Concerning relationships with Others, he pointed out that the Club would support District/RIBI competitions by promoting them to schools etc. and confirmed that there would also be a return visit with YouthAction to Costorphine. He also pointed out that involvement also included yoU and asked all members to be a part of these young teams, The nexT opportunity being an Interview Session with YouthAction in Belfast on 22 July, all new and former volunteers are welcome. He tHanked all for his opportunity to serve and those who have supported the programmes.
Foundation - In Past President Derek Baxter's absence Sec. Alvin reminded members on Foundation's goals and the 6 areas of focus. He noted that the Club currently hosts Scholar Katie Scrantom who is studying at Queens and that there could be 2 to this District for next year, though it is not known whether they will be in Belfast. He highlighted a new Scholarship for Water and Sanitation Professionals for study in the Netherlands at UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education and that applicants are invited. He summarised Foundation funding noting that the Club currently have 1 Benefactor ($1000 in cash or will) and 2 Sustaining members ($100 pa). He stressed that applicants are wanted for World Peace Scholars and the new Scholarship.
Youth Leadership Competition – Past President Brian Ferguson noted that schools were being circulated now to select students for the Club to interview and put forward to the area final in the autumn. He endorsed the excellent value of this competition and the opportunities it gave the winning students.
Children in Hospital Appeal– Past President Brian Ferguson also noted that the Club were providing Mitchell House a special piece of outdoor play equipment designed for children with disabilities.
Membership - in Past President Maurice Brooks' absence PE Ronnie noted that the Club has been successful in attracting 2 Corporate Members during the past year and are in discussions with others but highlighted that membership is the responsibility of all members.
Communications: Past President David Boyd highlighted that the aim was to provide effective communication to members and the general public through the Weekly Report, the Website and press releases to Rotary publications and general press. The website contains detailed up-to-date information on all Club programmes and Rotary generally and particular thanks are due to Billy McCoubrey and Brian Byers for photographs. Press Releases are sent out whenever possible and he asked members to please THINK more about COMMUNICATIONS when planning any event, advise beforehand; take photographs - even with a mobile phone.
Past President David also reported that the next TABU visit would be to Chicago around Easter 27 March 2016 and that schools would be invited to nominate students as usual. He also highlighted that this was the 40th Anniversary year of Harmony Community Trust and that he hoped that members would get involved in celebrating the 40 years since the Club formed it.
Assistant District Governor Roland Bailie offered his assistance to the Club and highlighted the World President's words in announcing his theme for 2015-16 Be a gift to the World.
He highlighted that the incoming RIBI President Peter Davey (Rotary Club of Monmouth) will be aiming to strengthen Rotary in these islands and rebuild the membership encouraging more people to discover Rotary in their community and incoming District President Declan Tyner will be stressing a back to the true ethics of Rotary promoting the 4 Way test.
He referred to the Club's programmes for the year, stressed the need to promote Rotary and encourage harmony and hoped all would enjoy Rotary as well as work.
He stated that he was delighted that the Club is in such good hands.