And indeed the Bombala High School canteen was a cheerful place to be on the evening, with the chatter of the crowd being rivalled only by the wonderful live music being provided by Paul Brady.
A large crowd gathered for the Changeover, with Past District Governors Mick Newling and Tony Garnock, Mayor Bob Stewart, visiting Rotarians and representatives of Lions being amongst the special guests.
With the formal toasts of the occasion being made by various Rotarians, Mr Paul made his Retiring President’s Address following the main course, giving a series of special welcomes and thankyous.
“The Rotary theme for the 2007-2008 year has been ‘Rotary Shares’. Ladies and gentlemen, on that basis alone I believe our Club can confidently report a very successful year,” Mr Paul said.
“Our members and partners have shared their time, giving freely to assist with such activities as Meals on Wheels, putting up and pulling down the Rotary tent, unpacking and packing the Rotary trailer, preparing, cooking and serving barbeque meals, practising songs for the choir, and so the list goes on.
“Our members and partners have shared their knowledge and skills. A number of members assisted with the mock job interviews at the high school, with the primary schools’ public speaking, putting their singing talents to the test performing in the choir, and of course the special musical skills of our choirmaster, Claus.
“Our members and partners have shared their homes and hospitality as we hosted visiting Rotarians from the USA and Canada in November.
“And friends, our members and partners have shared in much enjoyment and fun as we go about the business of Rotary.
“As a Club, we have also shared our good fortune with others in need. We have disbursed close to $14,000 to support worthwhile local, national and international causes.
“This is a fabulous effort by a small Club in a small rural community, and each of our members and partners can be very proud of their effort in contributing to this result.”
Throughout his address, Mr Paul also spoke of membership issues, the Club’s changing structure, the history of the group, and his own rewarding time with the Club now that he is moving on from the area.
Of course there were a number of awards to be made on the evening, with Mr Paul being very happy to present gifts to his outgoing Board, as well as congratulating the following recipients -
10 year Service Certificates: John Illingworth, John Vincent and David Shannon.
40 Year Service Certificates: Laurie Platts and John Cotterill.
100% attendance: Lesley Smith, Rob Letts, Max Thompson and Stewart Lee.
Certificates of Appreciation for hosting visitors: Glen Warren & Kay, Fiona Crawford & Peter, Keith Murdoch & Kathy, Rob Letts & Kerry, David Shannon & Lyn, Chris Philbrick & Barbara.
Certificates of Appreciation for floral displays: Elizabeth Welch.
Club Service Trophy Hammer: Rob Letts.
Dick Haebich Memorial Cap: Pam Wood-Davies.
Bombala Rotary also won the District Attendance Award for the 2007-2008 year, with Mr Newling presenting the Shield.
Without further ado, Mr Paul then fondly handed over the Presidency to Chris Philbrick, who introduced the Rotary Club of Bombala’s 2008-09 Board -
President, Chris Philbrick; Vice President, John Vincent; Secretary, Max Thompson; Treasurer, Lesley Smith; Immediate Past President, Lindsay Paul; Club Administration, James Longden; Club Membership, Rob Letts; Club Service Projects, Pam Wood-Davies; Club Public Relations, Glen Warren; Rotary Foundation, John Vincent; President Elect, Dick Cross; Sergeant-at-Arms, John Feilen.
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