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An excellent turnout for our 51st Charter Night Dinner, was
matched by the efficient organisation of the proceedings. A
credit to President Geoffrey and his team, the whole evening had
an enjoyable buzz from start to finish.
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Our ladies and other guests were well fed and entertained with M.C.
Keith Thompson’s amusing introduction and excellent speeches by our
President Geoffrey and District Governor Milton. Our special guest
speaker was David Bosomworth R.V.M. who delighted us with his
recollections and anecdotes of his 20 years before the mast on the Royal
Yacht Britannia.
In his response to the District Governor’s toast to our club, President
Geoffrey said:
“......we are a
small club with an increasing number of members who are well into
retirement; plenty of expertise in Rotary , but not quite so fleet
of foot these days. Despite our age profile we continue to be active
on many fronts, including local community and international
programmes. Only two weeks ago we organised a successful Craft Fayre
here in Pudsey which will enable us to support Martin House Hospice
and Milestone Special School.
On the sad side of our year, Derek Montgomery, our incoming
President, died in July and his passing has been keenly felt. We
miss his dedication and his wonderful Irish sense of humour. Our
oldest member Bernard Place died at the age of 93 and Past President
Derek Rhodes also died after a short illness.
Over the past year our Community Service team has been busy with
projects including Kids Out, Christmas Lights, Christmas Dinners for
the elderly and housebound. We participated in the Stroke Awareness
Day in April when over 200 members of the public had their blood
pressure taken, resulting in a number being referred to their G.P.
as a matter of urgency, hopefully to have better health for their
future. Our international team continue to support Hope and Homes
for Children; The Bateman Trust, an educational and caring programme
for orphaned children in India; African Famine Relief; an orphanage
for children with Aids in Thailand and the Boat for Life a hospital
ship in Bangladesh. Our contribution to Polio Plus was raised by the
Pudsey Plod, a sponsored walk organised jointly with our daughter
club of Calverley. The Aquabox Team continue with their five year
target with increasing help from the Pudsey community. Modern
technology and dedicated effort allows us to have our own website
and our bi-monthly Bulletin continues to set a high standard.
Along the way we have had many enjoyable social occasions and lots
of fun and I believe that despite our recent setbacks, our 51st year
sees us active and in good heart. We shall continue to “Lend a Hand
to those in need” and I would like to thank our members for their
continued involvement and hard work”.
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