A Rotary Club’s year goes from July through to June each year, the end or beginning of each year is marked by change-over where the club changes the President along with a number of key roles. As the end of June draws near President Griff Page is tidying up the loose ends and getting ready to hand over to Andy Corrigan so this time next month the club will be under new leadership.
A recent highlight for the club was a special evening where the club members celebrated the 90th birthday of France Skeet. France, a WWII veteran who marched at the Greytown Anzac Day Parade, is also a founding member of the South Wairarapa Rotary Club so we marked his 46 years in Rotary at the same time. Club & members of France’s family gathered at the home of one of our members for a great evening of food & fellowship. A surprise to everyone, including France, was the presentation by President Griff of a second sapphire pin to go with France’s Paul Harris award marking his continued service to the club & community – a great effort.
Beth Taylor was also presented with a Paul Harris Fellow recently, Beth is a member of the club, a Past President of the club, and has served on many of the committees and projects undertaken by the club. Beth was initially speechless when she was called forward to be presented the award by our District Governor who was visiting the club that evening, but was very thankful for the recognition bestowed on her.
Alan Maxwell of W.A.Y (Wairarapa Anglican Youth) spoke recently to the club about the issues facing the youth of the Wairarapa, and the rest of New Zealand, and covered off what he is working towards establishing and how the Rotary Club could be involved. This was timely as the club recently underwent an exercise with the help of District Leaders in looking at where the club wants to go in the next few years, one aspect was to partner more with community groups – looks like we are off to a good start.
The club meets regularly in the South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club in Greytown on Wednesday evenings and welcomes guests at any time. If you are interested in the activities of South Wairarapa Rotary have a look at their web page (www.swrotary.org.nz) or find us on Facebook.
