President's Day and Handover 2013

RBGCGeneralShotPresident 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!

PHFellowsBefore the Club Handover 2 Paul Harris Fellowships were bestowed on Past Presidents Courtenay Thompson and Arthur Boyd continuing the recognition of Past Presidents who have continued to significantly contribute to the work of the Club. The citation for Past President Courtenay was made by Past President Arthur Boyd and his citation was made by Past President Brian Clements highlighting in particular their work in Communications and International Service respectively.

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The Harry Corscadden Award for Outstanding Service to the Club 2013 was awarded to Hon. Sec Ivan McMinn for his execptional London Marathon run which has so far raised over £70,000 for Cancer Focus NI and SOS Bus NI. (more information on the Award can be seen here)

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PP Gordon Millington handed over the Centenary Box which he explained contains memorabilia of the Centenary and which would be stored to be opened by the President in the Club's 150th year. Click on image to view Box inscription.

 

Handover 2013

PresAlanStartsPresident Alan thanked all who had supported him during the year - in particular Vice President Ronnie McLean for organising the speakers, Hon Treasurer Ivan McMinn for combining so well the onerous work of Treasurer with his illness, his job and, especially, running the marathon and Hon Secretary Rosemary for keeping him on course who he presented with a gift; he also thanked Past President David and Jenny Boyd and "the most important person in his life" his wife Fleur for all her support.

He continued by quoting from his father's inaugural address in 1930 titled"Wheels in Motion" in which he expressed his views as to the application of the Rotarian principle in public, business and private life: "He finds that his brother Rotarian...is really a man and a brother who maybe smokes the same kind of tobacco, belongs, it may be, to the same political party, takes his pleasures simply, and is, like himself, looking only for the good in mankind. Let us get the best out of Rotary in this sense." The full address as printed in the newspapers at the time can be read here.

He concluded that the Club would be in good hands with President Ken and Gilly and handed over the chain of office.

Tribute to Immediate Past President Alan Rundle by President Ken Morrison

HandoverAccepting the Presidential Chain President Ken thanked Immediate Past President Alan and congratulated him on his successful year. He stated that not only had he brought forward the Strategic Committee but had been involved with Youth in Action and FASA, there had been a successful TABU visit and the year culminated with the handover of the £25,000 Centenary Project to FASA. He then presented him with his Past President's Pin and Past President David Boyd presented Fleur with a bouquet.

In his address President Ken stated that he hoped during his year to increase net membership and that the Club needs new active members. He anticipated that the new membership groups of Prospective, Corporate and Friends would facilitate this under the stewardship of PP Maurice Brooks. He continued that the Club must 'change' to attract new members noting that change is not easy but that as a Club we can move forward. He also stated that he would be aiming to reduce, or at the least maintain, the cost of being a member and that the Club would continue to support SOSBus, Glebe House, ShelterBox and Rombo. In particular, however, he avowed that there would be 'fun events'.

President Elect Ronnie McLean and Vice President Claire Savage were then installed in office.

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Continuing the Club tradition, President Alan has handed over to President Ken 2 particular pieces of Club memorabilia to hold in his year of office - the Charles E White silver goblets and the original specially woven cloth, commissioned by 1913-14 President WH Alexander, for the Club Banners and given to PP Bob Ayling by the Principal of the Belfast College of Technology. 

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