CLUB ASSEMBLY 2005  

On Thursday 9.6.05 Donaghadee Rotarians held their annual club assembly. Prior to the meeting held in the Stables, Groomsport, the members posed for a photograph with the District Governor's Assistant John Dawson from Rotary Club of Banbridge. The photograph was taken at the Rotary commemoration stone located at Hightrees Garage Donaghadee.  

The stone commemorates Rotary International Centenary Year. The first meeting of the organisation took place in Chicago in 1905. Since then Rotary International has developed to become the worlds premier service organisation with more than 1.2 million members in more than 160 countries. There are very few communities anywhere in our world that have not been touched in some way or other by the service of Rotary since 1905.  

The importance of the club assembly can be judged by the fact that Past President Les Jones wore a tie for the occasion.  

The meeting itself was chaired by President Elect Peter Irwin who stood in for President Norwood Steele who unfortunately was unable to attend due to the death of his mother. The club members would like to extend their sympathy to Norwood and his family circle at this difficult time.  

Peter in his address as President Elect said that in his year of office he wished to place an emphasis on this year’s Rotary theme of service above self. He continued by saying that over the next year in his programme the members would see some new ideas, some refreshed, some old favourites and asked for the members support.  

Peter then called on the incoming Committee Chairmen to present their plans for the next year.

President Elect 2005/6 Mark Brooks - Membership Services Chairman - emphasised that as far as new membership was concerned it was again to be a case of quality not quantity. He asked the members to be on the lookout for prospective candidates.  

Paul Leathem Community and Vocational Chairman spoke about the projects to be undertaken in the forthcoming rotary year these included: -

The Lighthouse Trust, Hugh Bell’s Wee Walk, Meal for Senior Citizens. Christmas Hampers, Christmas Carol Service, Community Service Award, Primary School Reading, Stroke Awareness Day, School Fireworks Display, RNLI, Donaghadee Garden Centre and The Car Ballot.  

Billy Hamilton International Chairman then listed the projects to be supported in the incoming year, which included: -

Mercy Ships - the RIBI Preferred Project, Rotary Shoe Box Scheme, The Niall Mellon Township Challenge and the Donaghadee Parish Church Afghanistan Appeal.  

Garth Arnold Rotary Foundation Chairman explained about the work of the Foundation and listed a few initiatives for 2005/2006.

These were New Century Rotary Tea Caddy, Ambassadorial Scholarship, Rotary Callendars, Gift Aid and The Rotary Affinity Credit Card.  

Tim Johnston Youth Activities Chairman then spoke about his projects for the incoming year, which included: -

Youth Leadership Competition, Youth Exchange, Mock Interviews and Youth Groups Database.  

John Dawson acting as Assistant District Governor said that this was the first time he had attended a meeting of Donaghadee Rotary club. He then made constructive comments on the club's proposed projects and complemented them on their objectives. He concluded by saying that what the club were doing was fantastic.  

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