President Ken led a party of 20 members and partners at the District Conference in Dublin 27-29 September at the historic Clontarf Castle Hotel. We were delighted Rotaractor Laura Garland joined us. It was a great weekend of Conference business but most of all good fellowship.
Opening this year's social programme, around 90 members, partners, friends and family (including grandchildren) spent a most enjoyable afternoon of fun and fellowship, on Sunday 8 September at Ronnie and Elma Porter's Farm. We were particularly delighted that members of the Rotary Clubs of Donaghadee and Belfast East and the Rotaract and Inner Wheel Belfast Clubs joined us.
The weather held and all thoroughly enjoyed the succulent gammon barbecued by 'master-BBQ-chef' Past President Brian Clements, aided by his wife Rosie.
President Alan concluded his year by holding by his President's Day on 1st July at the Royal Belfast Golf Club. Always an exceptional event in the Club calendar and this year's proved to continue that tradition being greatly enjoyed by all. The Handover to President Ken took place after the dinner.
President Alan joined for a few holes of golf with those members who played the course in the afternoon. The evening dinner was attended by 70 members and partners and President Alan was delighted to welcome Rotaractors Laura and Joseph and thanked them for the special 'Welcome President Ken and Thank You President Alan' Balloons!
Several members and guests had a special visit to Harrisons Garden Centre, Greyabbey, Saturday 15 June 2013. Following a delicious lunch in the restaurant with its panoramic views, albeit unfortunately slightly dulled by the inclement weather, they were treated to an excellent presentation by David Harrison of how to make up a beautiful hanging basket, imparting may tips along the way.
PP Gordon and Norma Milllington set him an unusual challenge of creating a flowering planter out of a strawberry tub – and they are now looking forward to months of colourful blooms.
The Club were delighted to welcome to Belfast 9 members and partners from the Rotary Club of East Grinstead Meridian 21-24 April 2013. This fraternal visit by President Chris & Mary Smith, Phil & Shirley Baker, Alan & Sue Collinge, Keith & Barbara Hardin, Brian & Christine Jackson, Ken & Violet Jackson, David & Wendy Roberts, Mike & Joan Schnierer and Bob & Anne Shaw was initiated by a wish from some of their members to visit the Titanic Centre following a speaker who had been in the submersible down to the Titanic wreck. Given that Belfast Club's PP Gordon Millington's wife Norma's son is married to East Grinstead Meridian Club's President's daughter (!) the visit was arranged and organised, with thanks, by PP Gordon.
Membership of the Club is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience and we are actively looking for new people to invite to join and breathe new vibrancy and ideas into the Club and take Rotary into its second century in Belfast.
If you think Rotary may be for you, or for further information, please contact us.
Getting involved with Rotary could be the most important thing you ever do.
