Presidents' Day 2022

28 June 2022

President Ken was delighted to welcome 40 members and guests to the celebration held at the Royal Belfast Golf Club, Monday 27 June. This was a unique occasion as not only was it the first to be held since 2019 but it was also a celebration for 2 Presidents! - PP Karen who, with the lockdown, had been unable to hold one at the end of her year and President Ken after his 2 years in office.

Always an exceptional event in the Club calendar, this year's relaxed and convivial evening proved to continue that tradition being greatly enjoyed by the members and guests attending.

Luckily the weather held for the 8 members who played golf during the afternoon and PP David Boyd revealed that the MacNab Golf Trophy had been won by Hon. Treasurer Tim Browne.

President Elect Steven paid tribute to both Presidents noting that whilst it had not been a “normal” 3 years it was a great credit to both that the Club had come out of them in a strong place and he thanked them for their dedication and service.

He noted it had been a privilege for him to work with PP Karen on Council. She had maintained a strong International focus through Lendwithcare and ShelterBox with Tent for Lent, triggered the relationship with the Junior Chamber and increased membership particularly with the formation of a new Rotaract Club.

President Ken’s 2 years, he pointed out, had been all through Covid which had been challenging but he had steered a well-run ship and had maintained 30+ members “attending” each week, achieved the quota for Foundation and End Polio Now without a specific fundraiser, maintained commitments to International Service, enabled visits to Mitchell house, Corrymeela and an ‘in person’ meeting with the new Rotaractors (which had dented both their credit cards!) and developed the relationship with San Antonio.

PP Karen thanked the Club for the opportunity revealing that she did enjoy it! President Ken noted the years had been challenging but had been met with a very positive approach by the Club and thanked all members particularly for “putting their hands in their pockets”.

He also thanked the members of Council and Service Chairs and, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers, Jenny Boyd for all her communication skills and referring to the ‘Smiles’ in the weekly Club News he noted his favourite.