TWO NEW ROTARIANS
On Thursday 23.9.10 The Rotary Club of Donaghadee inducted two new members into the club, Patricia Warke and Maxine Porter. President Richard Caldwell opened the ceremony by reading the objects of Rotary to the assembled audience. He then added “I am delighted that you have been elected as members of this club because we believe you to be worthy representatives of your vocation, in sympathy with Rotary ideals, and prepared to help make those ideals effective in the community, and internationally. Associated with the distinction of being a member there are certain responsibilities: As the basis of Rotary is fellowship, regular attendance is necessary-without weekly contacts acquaintanceships cannot be developed into friendships. The Rotary motto, “Service above Self” should represent an attitude to life which we have to practice in different ways, according to our circumstances”. President Richard then welcomed Rotarians Patricia and Maxine not only to membership of Donaghadee Rotary Club, but also into the greater fellowship of Rotary throughout the world. He then charged the members not to fail in their duty to Rotarians Patricia and Maxine as new members of the club. Patricia then thanked the members for electing her into the club. Maxine in her address to the members said “I have been aware of the existence of Rotary for many years but was also very aware that it was a “Men Only Club” so I was really surprised when three years ago, Mark Brooks approached me in Bow Bells and told me that as President of the Rotary Club of Donaghadee, he was determined to bring you all into the 21st century and recruit some women. Now, as you can imagine, my heart leapt, my mind was racing and I thought oh my goodness he is going to ask me! I’m so chuffed! So as he, in his own inimitable, succinct way continued to extol the good deeds of Rotary, I was getting closer and closer to the edge of my seat waiting for the inevitable question. But he talked and talked and talked and I kept thinking, “Oh my goodness, he thinks I’d make a good Rotarian, I’m so pleased”. Then he said, “so, Maxine, I was wondering do you know a lady who lives in Groomsport called ------------- I was thinking of asking her to join!” What more can I say! I was gutted. It took me about three years to recover. On a serious note I am immensely proud to be invited to join the Rotary Club of Donaghadee. I have a strong affinity with Donaghadee and I do feel that if ever there was a right time to get involved, now is that time. Times are hard, and our community needs the support of groups like Rotary and I will be very pleased to serve and do my bit. Thank you. |
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