DISTRICT GOVERNOR MISTAKEN FOR PORTER
On 7.8.08. The President of Donaghadee Rotary Club Paul Leathem welcomed District Governor Paul Hutchinson and his wife Marney on the D G’s official visit to the club. The District Governor thanked the club members for their warm hospitality and for the camaraderie that he had enjoyed, and hoped that they would keep it going. He noted that the club was in its 15th year and thanked the 14 Past Presidents who had stepped up and lived up to the motto Service Before Self. He added that he was aware that a number of club members had given valuable service to District, namely Les Jones. Alistair Johnston, Mark Brooks and Garth Arnold. Paul Hutchinson opened his address to the club in a self-effacing manner by recounting how immediately prior to his induction on 5.7.08. he stepped outside the hotel to get some fresh air. He recalled that as he stood there resplendent in his District Governors blazer an American guest mistook him for a hotel porter. He continued, “As we embark on a new Rotary year, look ahead to new responsibilities, new challenges, and new opportunities. R I President Dong Kurn Lee, or DK as he is better known, asks us in 2008/09 to “Make Dreams Real” especially for the young children where in communities around the world 30.000 under fives die daily from preventable causes. DK identifies two primary goals: Polio Plus and a focus on reducing child mortality through the three emphases of water, literacy, health and hunger in a Key Service Project. In membership DK encourages clubs to aim for a 10% increase with the minimum target “a net gain of one” whilst in Rotary Foundation, DK promotes participation by all clubs in EREY- Every Rotarian Every Year. In addition this year I am asking all clubs to focus on our own District itself through support for two very worthy causes, each of which must surely touch every club in this island and that is financial support for Alzheimer’s Society, north and south, and also to raise awareness of the “Organ Donor Campaign” by getting people to “sign up”. These are stiff challenges, however I am confident that your club and District Team will be up to achieving these goals whilst having a great year of Rotary Fellowship, fun and Service along the way. The D G then informed the club that Frank Devlin Past World President would be attending the District Conference In Sligo. He closed his address by wishing the club all the best in the year ahead. He then presented a gift off Tyrone Crystal to club President Paul. Paul thanked him for an inspiring address and presented him with a club banner and a picture of Donaghadee. |
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