Visit of District Governor Wes Armstrong
A feature of the Rotary year is the official visit of the District Governor to the clubs within his district. Last week the District Governor of District 1160 (Ireland), Wes Armstrong from the Rotary Club of Coleraine, made his visit to the Donaghadee Club. Prior to the meeting he had an informal chat with the Donaghadee President Richard Caldwell, his officials and the Service Chairmen. In this discussion he was told of their achievements so far in the year and the plans for the rest of the Rotary year, which ends in July. In the club meeting President Richard welcomed the District Governor to the club. In reply the Governor said that he was especially pleased to be visiting another club that has close links with their local RNLI. His own club gives support to the Portrush lifeboat. He was heartened to hear from the Service Chairmen of their achievements and plans for the year. He was always ready to take good ideas to other clubs. He felt that Donaghadee's Community Service Award and recent Open Evening were initiatives worthy of adoption. Wes was honoured to be elected as District Governor in the year in which the centenary of Rotary in Ireland was celebrated. Paul Harris founded the Rotary movement in the USA in 1905 and the first club outside North America was the Dublin club, which was founded in 1911. District 1066 now consists of 74 clubs and 2,500 members throughout the island of Ireland. He paid tribute to the service provided to the District by members of the Donaghadee club. He particularly mentioned Garth Arnold who is the current Membership Services Chair. Highlighting the achievements of Rotary, the Governor took as an example the Polio Eradication Programme. In 1985 1,000 cases of polio were reported every day. Since then Rotary International has worked with the World Health Organisation and other partners such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on a worldwide immunisation programme. The result is that this dreadful disease is now confined to a small number of developing countries. So far only 600 cases have been reported in 2010 and this is 50% down on 2009. This programme has cost over $6 billion over the last 25 years. Each club has to contribute at least $100 per member each year and he thanked the Donaghadee Club for its continued support. In conclusion he gave the club five targets. To increaser members by at least one member, a target Donaghadee has already met. To raise the profile of Rotary, support the Polio programme, change to meet the changing needs of the local community and have fun and enjoy Rotary. He summed it up by using the 3 "F's" - Fun, Fellowship and Fulfillment. He closed by presenting a Presidential banner to the club and exchanged gifts with President Richard. The club is holding a "Night at the Races" this Friday (12th) at the Stables Groomsport starting at 8pm. All are welcome and proceeds are for Rotary Charities.
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