Greetings to everyone as we start our new Rotary year.

I must firstly thank John Ellard and his team for guiding us successfully through the 2011/12 year. Our Club membership grew to 34 and we had a great fund raising year with the Police Golf Day as a highlight.

Our theme this year is Peace Through Service – as I said at the Changeover Dinner nearly everything we do in Rotary reflects this theme.  By our service we are continually trying to improve our community and the wider world.  From a Zone 5 perspective we are hoping to raise awareness by organizing a Peace Concert next March. 

I am keen to fund a Shelter Box in the first half of my year (given that we did not fund one last year).  A suggestion was made during our “think tank” session in May to hold a High Tea, so with the help of a few members I hope to get this happening in the spring time.

Membership – while Port Fairy has been fortunate over the past few years to have a substantial increase in members, we must now reflect that within a short period we have lost four members.  We had the resignation of Neville and Julie Suter last month, followed this month by Derek Southey and Alan Rasmussen.  I thank all these people for the years of service they gave Rotary.  These four people all took on management roles in Rotary and gave their time so generously.  We will miss their input in the Club. 

We note the passing of Julie Suter after a long illness.  Julie was a good friend and a great Rotarian.

The District sees membership as the major priority for clubs and intends to offer grants to assist clubs increase membership and strengthen clubs.  August is Membership Month, so if you know of someone who may enjoy the Rotary experience, speak to Marg Broers.


Margaret Whitehead
President