Dear Rotarians and friends of Rotary,

I would like to begin by extending to you and your families my best wishes for the festive season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, or whether you come from a different tradition, I hope you all have a relaxing and peaceful few weeks with family and friends.

This period is meant to be a welcome opportunity to recharge our batteries and prepare ourselves for the year ahead, although in practice we find ourselves battling through the crowds in Westfield trying to find elusive presents inevitably destined for re-gifting in the next raffle, mass catering of gluttonous and boozy meals for extended family gatherings and, if we've been good Rotarians, preparing for that seasonal red-clad intruder armed with a large sack, annoying guffaw and antipodean-inappropriate getaway vehicle.


The last few weeks have been a busy period in the Strathfield Rotary calendar. At the beginning of December we participated in the local Carols in the Park, as I believe we have done for the past thirty years. Our barbecue and raffle raised some good funds which will enable us to support worthwhile community projects in the new year. Of course, as always the event involved a fair degree of organised and disorganised chaos - nothing ever goes precisely to plan and, whilst the evening abounded with good fellowship, the warm glow of peace and goodwill to all men defaulted to a general feeling of "why am I here?", as the lightning cracked, thunder roared and heavens opened as we were packing up, and we were faced with the problem of what to do with drenched Rotary tent, grimy grill and increasingly green-looking barbecue king. Thanks to all who helped on the day, whether on the grill, serving the snags or out in the field selling raffle tickets. Thanks especially to our generous raffle sponsor, Richardson and Wrench.


A week later we held our Christmas Party, a chance for our members and guests to get their knees up and let their hair down. The band, Razzamatazz, featuring our own Thomas d'Souza, played a great selection of classic tunes, perfect to keep us dancing throughout the evening; the magician kept those still at the tables mystified until late; and Santa found time in his busy schedule to sweep through to embarrass the naughty Rotarians, and amuse the rest, with some choice Christmas presents and seasonal banter. Thanks to all those involved in organising the event, especially Grahame and Penny, to all those who helped out, those who generously sponsored the event by providing raffle prizes, and those who supported the event by coming along. Whilst the event was primarily intended as an end of year party for our members and guests, the proceeds of the raffle enable us to provide a helping hand to the St Paul's Parish Pantry which is doing so much to support those in need at the current time. Thanks for your generosity.


Sandwiched between these two events was our Annual General Meeting. I'm pleased to say the meeting passed without a hitch and we were able to announce a splendid new board for Alexey's year. Congratulations to Ying Ho who will be President-elect/Vice President for the year and ready to take the chain (and gaudy badge) of office in 2025-26. It seems such a long way away but it will come around quickly!). Congratulations also to Charles Pitt (Treasurer), Steven Argyris (Secretary), and to the service directors Paula Nicolas, Bradley Ayres, Aruna Chandrala and Thomas d'Souza. Well done Alexey for choosing a fresh and exciting board. At present there isn't a place on the board for Santa but I believe we are still looking for a Club Service Director - applications on a postcard to Alexey please ...


So that's it for 2023. To say it was a tough year for many around the world would be an understatement. Whilst Strathfield Rotary cannot hope to solve the world's problems, there will no doubt be the opportunity for us in 2024 to contribute in a small way to worthwhile causes and projects. I would suggest that, over the festive period, when we are tucking into our Christmas lunch (maybe including a Rotary branded plum pudding) or drinking a bottle of wine won at the Christmas Party raffle, we should each reflect on how, as Father James mentioned at the Party, we might be a little kinder to others.


Please also take some time to give some thought as to whether any of your friends, acquaintances or colleagues may like to join our Club in the new year - we would love to welcome new members to the Rotary family. Similarly, if you have any ideas as to any project you feel passionate about, please let me know and we can talk about how we might incorporate it in our programme.


Once again, I would like to wish all of you, your partners, families and friends all the compliments of the season. I look forward to seeing you all again next year!



Best wishes,



Nicholas Hamilton-Kane

President Nick Hamilton-Kane
President
24 November 2023