President David’s Vision For The Coming Year
30th June 2009
Honoured Guests, Fellow Rotarians, Ladies and Gentlemen
I said at our recent Club Assembly that I am daunted yet challenged at the task that befalls me. The well hackneyed cliché ‘a hard act to follow’ is very much a reality for me now, in that I follow in the footsteps of two much experienced Rotarians John Ray and Gordon Howard both of whom have served the Club twice in the Presidency role.
I thank you Gordon for your leadership over the past year. There is no question that you have succeeded in moving the club forward as a result of the various activities and achievements that you have briefly touched upon in your address and which are noted alongside the table menus. More than that and as far as I am personally concerned this past year has been fun and you have worked hard (if not consciously) to lessen the formality at our weekly meetings.
It is recognised that we must acknowledge the rules and regulations that form the framework for the efficient running of our Club but the execution of these rules can be done with a certain but effective degree of informality. In these troubled and pressured economic times it has been a welcome release to come along to our Club meetings and relax in the fellowship of like and unlike minded Rotarians and then to really appreciate the privileged lives most of us in this room enjoy when we listen to the woes of those less fortunate in our own community and further a field.
This last point leads me very conveniently into one of my committed objectives for the forthcoming Rotary year:
About 18 months ago the UINICEF report on the experience of childhood showed that Britain is the worst place in the developed world to spend your childhood.
Looking for example at the number of children reared in poverty, most EU countries have brought child poverty rates below 10%. In the UK it is above 16%. In the survey of 21 countries, the Czech Republic ranks 16 places higher than us – but has only a fraction of our resources. The difference is in the distribution of wealth: Britain and the US are the only countries that have a huge and widening gap between rich and poor. In some parts of the UK 40% of our children are living with mother only. Most of these children will never see their fathers again after they reach the age of 3. 9% of our youngsters live in homes where no-one works, and grow up with no skills and no motivation to better themselves.
Parents are too busy, or too tired to talk to their children. The rest of society is too scared or too self-interested to do so. 65% of our teenagers never have supper with their parents. In France almost every young person does. There are two areas however where we lead the field...Teenage pregnancies and public drunkenness!! And so the tale of woe goes on…
We, and here I really mean Richard Scriven, decided that something had to be done to put things right. It is almost entirely due to him that the District promajor project to see how Rotary can influence the supporting of parents and creation of a positive childhood for the next generation. I intend that Andover Rotary Club should be involved as the project takes shape.
My second objective for this year is to consolidate on the fine achievements of our membership Committee. We are now 39 in number having recruited 4 new members during the past year. I think it imperative that we should now ensure that these new members are carefully mentored and it is intended that we maintain a two-way dialogue with them in order that we may ensure that they the Club is living up to their expectations and that we, as a Club, are matching of their individual skills and talents to the Club’s committed projects. We shall continue to support our Rotary Charity – ‘The Rotary Foundation’ and also meeting the Gates Challenge for eradicating polio worldwide. As Gordon said, we are well on the way to meeting the latter and at least one event will be held in my year to continue the good work.
Most of you will be aware of Gordon’s sterling efforts as District Group Study Exchange co-ordinator. In October our district is hosting a group of 5 members from India and we, as a club, have agreed to host the team for 4 nights of their stay. Gordon is co-ordinating an outward trip to Behar and Jharkhand in India to go in January next year and is involved with selecting the team to represent our District. Closing date for applications is 31st July. Thank you once again Gordon for your efficient management of these projects.
Whilst we’re talking of unsung heroes I should make mention of our very own inhouse duo John Barlow and John Ray known on the circuit as ‘Arcadia’, or the Two Johns. Mainly under cover of darkness this intrepid pair ply their trade in and around Rotary Cubs around the district. Their entertainment is provided in exchange for a contribution to our funds. We have just received the following for Gillingham Club -
'Would you pass on to "John & John " my thanks for a great end to a very enjoyable Presidents Dinner at Gillingham last night. John & John was one of the most enjoyable duos that I had ever known - in 81 years ! - 29 in Rotary. I could not believe that they were not professional musicians, you are very fortunate to have them in your Club.'
I echo those sentiments. ‘Arcadia’ – I salute you and wish you well in the forthcoming season. No doubt we shall be privileged to your dulcet tones at Christmas!
Rotary is not, however, all about individuals or new Presidents riding their hobby horses. It is as much about continuity and fellowship, with Clubs giving continuity of Service to the community and enjoying themselves whilst doing so. Gordon spoke of some of the many events and activities which go on in support of our Service.
This handout shows just how many and varied they are. Whilst we must always be aware for new opportunities for serving the community, most of our activities continue from year to year. It is the fellowship and teamwork, if you like the spirit, of the club which are essential if this good work is to continue. My main objective therefore is to ensure that the excellent spirit of Andover Rotary Club, which has made my involvement in Rotary so enjoyable, continues throughout this year and into the next.
Before concluding, I would like to welcome Jean Ray as the incoming Inner Wheel President and look forward to working with you and your ladies during the forthcoming year.
Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for listening. I look forward to serving the Club, of which I am proud to be a member, to the best of my abilities and to you Gordon – please be around for advice and guidance in these coming months.
