As we have started another year of service above self in 2023-24, our dinner for the financial year transition, known on this occasion as the Rollover dinner, took place on Wednesday, 19th July at the Maylands Hotel.
We had 25 participants for this evening, a good attendance for a small Rotary Club. The attendees included Nigel Jordan, Volunteers Coordinator NPSP Council; Ian Radbone, President Norwood Residents Association, Elizabeth Gagliardi, the new Rotary Area 8 Governor, members from our neighbouring clubs, including the Presidents and other members of the Rotary Clubs of Burnside, Campbelltown, Morialta, St Peters and Tea Tree Gully.
President Rob Rushton-Smith welcomed all the attendees, expressed apologies for the members who were absent, and introduced all the guests. Euan Miller expressed acknowledgement to our country, followed by Ian Carman who proposed the loyal toast and invocation. Then Sigrid introduced the background and achievement of the Water and Sanitation infrastructure construction project at the two schools in rural Zimbabwe and provided a toast to Rotary International, to which PDG Euan Miller responded.
Before the serving of main course, Rob described the critical progress and achievements in the past year, with multiple slides showing our members’ engagement in multiple events, including the Movie Fundraising Night presenting Mrs Harris Goes to Paris in last August, 2022 Norwood Christmas Pageant, 2022-23 District Assembly (when our club was selected as the catering and serving volunteers), Christmas celebrating at Euan’s garden, Wine Appreciation at Rob’s house, Richards Park Planting and Beautification project and so on. There were also images taken by Sigrid relating to the Water and Sanitation infrastructure construction project to resonate Sigrid’s speech.
After enjoying the main course, Nigel Jordan and Ian Radbone spoke about how the NPSP Council actively collaborated with club members and volunteers for the Richards Park project, and a response from volunteer from Norwood Resident Association respectively.
Euan announced that Paul Harris Fellow Awards were granted to Noelene, Sigrid, Rob and Wei for all their efforts as Rotarians, with presentation by the Area Governor Elizabeth Gagliardi.
Followed the completion of dessert ongoing President Rob presented his strategic plan for the 2023-2024 year.
Everybody enjoyed this wonderful Rollover dinner, and we all look forward to the new year when we will continue to serve above ourselves as people of action!