President Peter Smith's Column

• Our guest speaker last week, David Ryan, from ChinaHeart International, proved to be a genuine and passionate humanitarian. While we all appreciate the huge size and population of China it is probably overlooked that there are now about 15 million abandoned and orphaned children in China today. The work that David Ryan and his small group of unpaid volunteers do in China, and all without government support and without the resources of the other major aid organisations, can only be admired.

• On July 14 we will be having the first of the club assemblies for 2010-2011. It is hoped that as many members as possible will be able to attend and perhaps more importantly participate. The club Directors will of course outline their hopes and aspirations for the year – and we will have a draft strategic plan for discussion – and I hope a lot of great ideas from the floor!

• The recent RI Council on Legislation, in Chicago in April 2010, considered over 200 pieces legislation – some of which may have an impact on our club. Among those items approved was the provision for an immediate past president to be a member of a club board, changes to calculating attendance records, amend rules for transferring and former Rotarians, amend termination provisions etc – details will of course be available for discussion at the Club Assembly.

• Declining attendance at club meetings is a concern – last week’s attendance, at about 22, was disappointing. Maybe, because it was the 30th June, or the cold weather – (or the new President?) were all contributing factors.

I believe that being present at club meetings is one of the basic obligations you accept when you join a Rotary club. It is accepted that Rotary is a participatory organisation that highly values regular attendance. When a member is absent the entire club loses the personal association with that member, and the member loses touch with the activities of the club. Attendance is the "glue" that holds the club together and provides the basic framework for service. It is a vital part of the operation and success of a Rotary club. Another topic for discussion on the 14 July?

• I was sorry to see two good Rotarians leave the club last month – Peter Douglas is a transferring member and will not be lost to Rotary. And hopefully, after some travelling, Les Hockley will return to the club at some future time. We wish both Peter and Les all the best – and thank them for the great contribution they both made while members of Strathfield Rotary.

• The first Board meeting for the year was held last night (6 July) and we had a full agenda - and I am confident that we on track for great year.

President Pete