Welcome to
all members and visitors. I particularly welcome District Governor Warwick
and his wife Lynne to our club tonight. Also tonight we welcome Camille
Erskine a local young person who we have supported in the past as part of
our youth program to pursue her in career in Ballet.
Yes, I know
there were two football matches between Australia and New Zealand last
weekend. Regardless of which side of the Tasman you supported, lets just
say that we both had a win and leave it at that.
Brian Johnson
and Grahame True are busy working on the Police Awards evening. Based on
reports Brian has provided to me about progress so far and the responses
he has received, the night is shaping up to be a great success.
Also, just a
reminder that a public forum about problem drinking in the Strathfield
electorate is being organised, by the State member for Strathfield, on 6
August at St, Andrews Church Hall, Summer Hill at 7.00 p.m.
RI
President Jonathan Majiyagbe
In response
to messages of condolence from the Rotary world following the death of
his wife, Ade, the RI President-Elect Jonathan Majiyagbe issued the
following letter on 20 June 2003:
Dear
Fellow Rotarians,
I am
deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of sympathy extended to me
and my family following the death of my wife, Ade. I thank all of you
for the many hundreds of condolence messages we received during this
difficult time.
Your
heartfelt response and the comfort it provided has reinforced my faith
in the family of Rotary and the emotional and practical support we can
offer each other in times of distress. Your kindness will continue to
inspire me as I assume the role of Rotary International President under
very different circumstances than I had anticipated only a short time
ago.
As many
of you know, Ade believed very strongly in Rotary and its power to help
people and effect change. She also treasured how Rotary enriched our
lives - with friends in every part of the world and countless
opportunities to serve others. For that reason, I feel even more
committed to carrying out the program that she so enthusiastically
embraced. I ask for your continued support in the months ahead as we
work together to Lend a Hand to those in need throughout our troubled
world.
Kind
regards,
Jonathan
Majiyagbe
President-elect, Rotary International
The Annual Theme
The annual
theme has become such an important part of the Rotary year that it is
interesting to note that the origins of this popular tradition are
somewhat murky. Although some presidents had slogans or rallying cries
during their terms, Rotary International did not officially recognize
themes until 1949-50.
Like a line
of poetry or a refrain of a song, short themes give the Rotary world
something to muse upon. "Rotary is Hope in Action" calls forth many
different images and feelings and it can refer to Rotary's past and
future as well as its present.
In the
coming year, our theme is based on an action - to Lend A Hand. These
three words express our most natural reaction when we see someone in
need — we want to reach out to help them.
Rotary International Web Site
Rotary
International recently unveiled the latest version of its official Web
site, www.rotary.org.
and I urge
members, who have access to the Internet, to visit the site as it is a
great resource and provides an opportunity for members to learn more
about Rotary.
Have a good
week.
Yours in
Rotary,