2022-23 Yearbook

 Presidential Handover

This is an almost impossible act to follow. Youth, beauty and enthusiasm. And now Rotary monitors and pens. I have no chance. I most definitely need to be restored and revived.

19 months in the Chair – difficult times – unprecedented times.
Liz, I know that your time as President was not what you expected but you have grasped the nettle, led by example, always encouraged and have done a wonderful job. I know we are all most appreciative. Thank you.
It now gives me great pleasure to present you with your Past President brooch and badge. (and flowers)

Goodness knows how I ended up here. It was 2006/07 when I last stood here as President. Still, I am honoured to be the 99th President of this fine club – and President for the second time.

I initially thought that being elected President of this club for a second time was a rarity. However, our first president elected in 1923 was one W. G. Barnett (whose name is carved on the President's chair). He served for 3 years and was immediately followed by W. A. Laws who served for 2 years. T. S. Hately was elected in 1931 and served twice more in the war years. H. P. Rodd (Headmaster of the former Monkseaton Grammar School on Holywell Ave) was President in 1950 and 1966. Frank Featonby ( of Auction House fame) was President in 1957 and 1973. And finally Mike Silmon who many of us knew. Mike was Mr Rotary, Past District Governor and fount of all rotary knowledge, although I am sure he made up rules to suit himself.
I first joined the Club in 1986 when Dennis Cliffe was President. 65 members met at lunchtime in The Foxhunters. We subsequently moved to The Rex and then onto The Cavendish in the Esplanade. Of the 65 members in 1986 only 3 others remain – Eric, Chris and Gordon. All PPs. Eric thought that he was the youngest Club President but I am reliably informed that that honour goes to Keith Higgins.
It was in The Cavendish when I was queuing to sign the Rotary Wheel that the then Secretary, Des Aisthorpe approached the banker queuing in front of me and told him that as he hadn’t achieved the required attendance he was no longer welcome and he was turned away. In those days you had to attend at least 60% of meetings.
The writing was on the wall for me and so shortly afterwards I resigned.
Three years later times had changed for the better. John Garfitt was in the Chair and I was persuaded by my pal, the late Mike Stoker to come as a guest and was subsequently encouraged to rejoin. I sat on the fence but did say to Geoff Scarth that I would join when he became a vice president, Geoff, a solicitor and long serving Rotarian had been avoiding office for years and I thought I was on safe ground. He delighted in telling me that he was going to be President and that was me stuffed! In hindsight I should thank him.

Anyway - time to look ahead. I don’t foresee great changes to our annual Rotary cycle. With an average age of 72, I am well aware of our limitations but would like us to continue to be enthusiastic in our attendance, in our fund raising and in our support for the local community.

Sainsbury’s collections start again on Saturday. Many hands make light work.
The Whitley Bay Fiesta earlier this month was successful and I hope for a repeat on 4th September and possibly again in December.
There will be fireworks as usual in November.
The Christmas Message will be on 6th December just in time to get us all in the mood for Santa in the Mall.
We have had interesting talks about Vindolanda and Cresswell Tower and have the opportunity to visit. I will pursue this and see if we have sufficient interest.

Meanwhile planning and preparations for our Centenary year will continue.

Club Council are always on the lookout for good local projects to support. If you know of any or have ideas, please shout. Likewise any fundraising ideas would be welcome.
Whilst I remain unsure as to how I have ended up being sentenced to a second term as President, I am decidedly grateful to John Clarkson for being the second ‘fall guy’ to ensure that the Club reaches its Centenary.
Pleasingly since those days of worrying about succession, an influx of new members has given the club a new lease of life. Particular thanks to John Harries for agreeing to become Vice President and follow John Clarkson into the Chair.

My thanks too, to Brian Royce continuing as Secretary and Brian Johnson as Treasurer.