30 July 2003
Welcome to all members and visitors. I particularly welcome District Governor Warwick and his wife Lynne to our club tonight. Also tonight we welcome Camille Erskine a local young person who we have supported in the past as part of our youth program to pursue her in career in Ballet.
Yes, I know there were two football matches between Australia and New Zealand last weekend. Regardless of which side of the Tasman you supported, lets just say that we both had a win and leave it at that.
Brian Johnson and Grahame True are busy working on the Police Awards evening. Based on reports Brian has provided to me about progress so far and the responses he has received, the night is shaping up to be a great success.
Also, just a reminder that a public forum about problem drinking in the Strathfield electorate is being organised, by the State member for Strathfield, on 6 August at St, Andrews Church Hall, Summer Hill at 7.00 p.m.
RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe
In response to messages of condolence from the Rotary world following the death of his wife, Ade, the RI President-Elect Jonathan Majiyagbe issued the following letter on 20 June 2003:
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
I am deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of sympathy extended to me and my family following the death of my wife, Ade. I thank all of you for the many hundreds of condolence messages we received during this difficult time.
Your heartfelt response and the comfort it provided has reinforced my faith in the family of Rotary and the emotional and practical support we can offer each other in times of distress. Your kindness will continue to inspire me as I assume the role of Rotary International President under very different circumstances than I had anticipated only a short time ago.
As many of you know, Ade believed very strongly in Rotary and its power to help people and effect change. She also treasured how Rotary enriched our lives - with friends in every part of the world and countless opportunities to serve others. For that reason, I feel even more committed to carrying out the program that she so enthusiastically embraced. I ask for your continued support in the months ahead as we work together to Lend a Hand to those in need throughout our troubled world.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Majiyagbe
President-elect, Rotary International
The Annual Theme
The annual theme has become such an important part of the Rotary year that it is interesting to note that the origins of this popular tradition are somewhat murky. Although some presidents had slogans or rallying cries during their terms, Rotary International did not officially recognize themes until 1949-50.
Like a line of poetry or a refrain of a song, short themes give the Rotary world something to muse upon. "Rotary is Hope in Action" calls forth many different images and feelings and it can refer to Rotary's past and future as well as its present.
In the coming year, our theme is based on an action - to Lend A Hand. These three words express our most natural reaction when we see someone in need — we want to reach out to help them.
Rotary International Web Site
Rotary International recently unveiled the latest version of its official Web site, www.rotary.org.
and I urge members, who have access to the Internet, to visit the site as it is a great resource and provides an opportunity for members to learn more about Rotary.
Have a good week.
Yours in Rotary,
Keith