Presidents Report 2020-21

We have all joined Rotary to serve. Along the way we build friendships within our club and others we come in contact within the scope of being and doing Rotary.

A biblical principle is to build the foundations of your house into rock, rather than into sand (reasons for this being obvious).

 

When I look around the members of our Rotary Club of Rockingham, I see foundations built into the rock. I look at our Paul Harris recipients, our past Presidents, and past District Governor (also a past President). I see the members of the executive of the club past and present and all those who have raised their hand to be Directors (leaders) of the various portfolios that define the ongoing work of Rotary.

 

As an example, I note the fabulous service of Trevor Ridley who served as club Treasurer for such a long time and is also a Paul Harris recipient. I am singling out Trevor as an example of a solid foundation of this club. The irony of foundations is that they are eventually “built over” and can therefore perhaps, be unseen in the “now”, however the reality is that they are forever present and vital for the “house” to be continually built upon and expansion is always on those who have gone before.

 

Members (all of us) are the life flow of our club. The fellowship, events and the work of Rotary cannot exist without our members.

 

Thank you, thank you and thank you again to all our members, past and present for being vital cogs in the ever-turning wheels of Rotary. Thank you to all of you for your support in this year of 2020/21.

 

To our executive - Secretary Beth Philipps, Treasurer Rowan Lambert, Sergeant Darrel Donovan, and President elect Donnah Francome… I thank you.

 

To the Directors of our portfolios for 2020/21 – Administration Donnah Francome, Vocation Peter Philipps, International Dot Brunker and Lynne Strudwicke, Youth Wayne Milnes, and Yvette Cases-Broehmer, Community Jason Scott, Membership Linley Lambert, Market Darrel Donovan and Mart Manager Jason Scott… Thank you.

 

Changeover is upon us. “Last drinks Ladies and Gentlemen”.

 

At the beginning of my tenure as President, I asked my daughter to read the “DESIDERATA” at changeover.

 

Unity of spirit and fellowship were always my goal as President. I wanted a cohesive and caring Rotary community within our club. I never wanted issues to become more important than the well being of the individual. I trust I have achieved this and my endeavour has become another pillar (foundation) within our club.

 

I have always enjoyed and celebrated the diversity of the individual and therefore all of you.

 

 

 

We are all quite different personalities and have arrived here from different life experiences. We are also Rotarians, and we care. Not just for one another but for all of humanity. Thus, despite all that happens around us, we put personal agendas and personalities aside, role up our sleeves and get on with it…together. That is who we are and under God’s heaven the blessings do flow. Rather than list the highlights of this year (and produce further pages of text) I will leave the highlights to our directors which I am sure, I would only be duplicating their words if I did so. Rather, I would call upon your grace to allow me to contribute, finally this year with the inclusion of my beginning…The DESIDERATA.

 

 

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
 and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
and whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Thank you one and all…All favour and blessings to Donnah and her new team taking over the mantle…

Your servant always,

Rob Miller  President (2020/21)   Rotary Club of Rockingham Inc.