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President’s Newsletter May 2016

This is my last President’s Newsletter that I will write before handing over to Rotarian David Brunton as the incoming President on the 27th June 2016.

 

It is with both sadness and joy that I write this newsletter, sadness that my year has gone all too quickly and joy to reflect on what has been achieved during the year.

I set out our plan for my year which some said was too ambitious to achieve in the space of one year. I am delighted to confound those who thought that! Much has been achieved although there is always more to be done. I had to leave David something to do during his year!

I take this opportunity to recap on what has been achieved during the year and to sincerely thank all those involved in making, for me, a memorable year as President. Firstly we have raised in excess of £6,000 for my chosen charity, The Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

Rotarian Rodney Spokes and his Membership Team have done a great job to encourage new members to join the club and I am delighted to report that two new members have been recruited and three potential members have been identified. A first class membership leaflet has been produced and I am sure that this will pay dividends in the months ahead.

Rotarian Mark Sandall and his Club Service Team have been busy throughout the year arranging a number of both social and fund raising events, enjoyed by all those who attended. Of particular note was the Christmas Carol Concert, the social evening at Zephs, the evening at Sands Restaurant and the night at Curve in March. All these events have contributed to my chosen charity.

Rotarian Moira Bartlett and her Service Projects Team have been tireless in their activities, numerous youth service events, ranging from the hugely successful Technology Challenge day in February to Youth Speaks, Young Writer, Young Musician, Young Designer, Young Chef and many others. We can also not forget RYLA, Kids Out, Calvert and the Rotary Am Am golf tournament taking place in June. At this point I must pay special thanks to Simon Gravett and the golf section for their work on all golf related activities. Special thanks must also go to Immediate Past President Stuart Almond for all his efforts with the Super Hero Fun Run which now appears to be a regular annual event.

Thanks to Rotarian John Saunders and his Rotary Foundation and Benevolent Team for all their efforts. In excess of £4,000 was raised in one evening at the Auction of Promises, which has meant that we have been able to donate £3,470 to the Rotary Foundation Annual Appeal and £247.50 to Polio plus. Additionally donations have been made to a number of local charities.

Rotarian David Howard and his Communications Team have done a sterling job in producing and managing a new website which has significantly increased the level of enquiries being received by the club. Great work has also been done by Assistant Secretary Scott Gallacher on social media activity with both tweets and blogs!

Finally and by no means lastly, Rotarian David Brunton and his Centenary Project Team have been able to surpass the £150,000 target set to refurbish and equip the new Visitor Centre at Bradgate Park. The work does not stop here, however, the Midsummer Meander is taking place on the 17th to 19th June to raise additional funds with the official opening of the Visitor Centre taking place on the 22nd September. To mark the Centenary of the Club a dinner is being held on the 10th October and a Centenary Service is being held on the16th October at Leicester Cathedral.

 

My grateful thanks must also be given to Rotarians Roger Bowden, Adrian Keen and Scott Gallacher without whose help and support would have made my year much more difficult.

 

None of the above could have been achieved without the support of every member of the club, which for me, will be the lasting memory that I shall take with me to the “back benches” and for once I will be able to sit and enjoy my lunch without getting indigestion!

 

I take this opportunity of wishing Rotarian David Brunton all success with his year as President and know that we will all give him the support and encouragement that has been given to me to make our Centenary Year one to remember.

 

My sincere thanks and appreciation to you all.

 

Paul Bonnett

President.