Just like a game of bowls, I’m about to send the final bowl down the green in the hope that this will be the winning one.  I’m sure, that during my term in office as your President, you have succeeded in winning the competition.  In our case we have all completed and enjoyed a great Rotary year that is just about to conclude.  At the same time, I am well aware that I haven’t achieved all that I set out to do, especially membership, but from the vibes that I’m currently receiving this could turn around early in the new term.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for the tremendous support that I have received during the year.  Right from the start I indicated that one of my favourite words was DELEGATION.  Other than a couple of projects or activities which I had to pick up, and I specifically refer to the International Marathon Fellowship and the Professional Development Exchange, all other activities have been delegated and ably handled by the various teams and I thank you all for your contribution.

Whilst I don’t want to single out any specific member for their contribution throughout the year, as in my opinion you have all been great to work with, I do wish to acknowledge the work that our Secretary has done.  Many of us do not appreciate the time and effort, and the knowledge and guidance, that Chris has provided not only this year but previous years with Monica and Keith and continuing for Ross’s year.  Just a couple of days ago Chris spent 8 plus hours just on Rotary business.  Fortunately for us it was raining otherwise he would have been on the Golf Course rather than attending to the necessary Rotary administration.

So I’m just about to sign out but, in doing so, I once again wish to thank you all for making this a really enjoyable year for all the members in our club.  Ruth and I have had an extremely enjoyable Rotary year and we both really appreciate the support that we have received from all quarters of the club.  We of course trust that you will all extend the same great support to Ross and Roseanna as they enter their year of leading our great Rotary Club.

Adios Amigos and once again thanks to you all.

Russell