President Peter Smith's Column

Last week, prior to our AGM, we had the great pleasure of meeting Ramesh Ferris and of hearing his inspirational presentation on how he survived childhood polio and how he came to establish “Cycle to Walk”. Please see Ian Johnson’s report (click) for full details of Ramesh’s talk.



AGM – I would like to thank PDG David Croft for chairing our 2010 Annual General Meeting – and to congratulate Bradley Ayres, PP Kevin Freund, Ian Johnson, David Martin, PP Grahame True and Ray Wilson on being elected Directors on President Elect Trevor Duxbury’s Board for 2011-2012.

Congratulations to Ray Wilson on his election as our President for 2012-2013. Well done Ray

PP Rod McDougall will be Secretary, Peter Smith Treasurer and PP Peter Foss will be Sergeant for the year 2011-2012.

The sad news reached us on Thursday morning of the passing of Shirley Del Prado. Members will be aware that Shirley’s funeral was held on Tuesday morning at Rookwood and was well attended by Rotarians, family and friends. Kevin Beltrame spoke on behalf of Strathfield Rotary in a most eloquent speech which encapsulated perfectly what Shirley meant to Rotary – and what Rotary meant to Shirley. Connie Galletta generously not only made her home available for the Wake but provided a wonderful morning tea spread/feast. Thank you to everyone who contributed, in many ways, to ensure that Shirley had a dignified farewell. RIP.

Tonight is a night to relax and enjoy fellowship with members and partners at our Christmas Party meeting.   And to add to the nights festivities we have three delightful young ladies who have agreed to sing some Christmas songs and carols for us:

·         Stephanie Britten who is the daughter of Stephen Britten -the President of Breakfast Point Rotary (and who will be joining us for dinner.)

·         Priscilla and Evitta Issa – from the Neta Maughan Music Studio. The girl’s mother, Mrs Daad Issa, will also be our guest for dinner.

Next week, December 15, Connie Galletta has again organised a great night for the littlies at the Childrens Christmas Party with lots of entertainment, music, food and Santa for the young – and not so young.

I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you and your families a safe and happy Christmas. May the New Year bring you good health and happiness.

Cowboy logic: “Go after life as if it’s something that’s go to be roped in a hurry before it gets away”

President Pete