Since our last edition the Club has had its Changeover night at Romano's Restaurant, Willow Ponds where outgoing President Rob Webster handed over to me to lead the Club through 2019/20. I'm looking forward to the challenge and with the support of all Club members, I'm confident we will can build upon the success Rob Webster and before him, Simon Cubitt, achieved during their time in office. I also want to especially thank Greg Hamilton, John Erkins, Richard Ibbitson, Stuart Diggins, Vic Camp, David Honeychurch, Kevin Baruffi, Rob Webster, Steve Genoni and Simon Cubitt for their willingness to join the Club Board. Not all could be present at Changeover, but in the Photo Gallery below we've got an image of those who could.
We also took the opportunity at Changeover to acknowledge Sue Thorp with a second Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) (the first was given to her some years before by the Rotary Club of Rossmoyne (now known as the Rotary Club of Canning)) for her outstanding contribution over the past four years to the Willetton Senior High School (WSHS) Interact Club. The PHF was introduced in 1956 by The Rotary Foundation to encourage Clubs and individuals to donate to it. We've donated almost every year since we were chartered in 1982. Each donation of USD1000 attracts a credit which can then be "spent" on a Paul Harris Fellowship for Rotarians and others who, like Sue, have given exceptional service.
The Executive Officer of the WSHS School Council, Helen Wong, was on hand to see Sue receive her PHF and also to see an Outstanding Achievement Award given to each of Sue's fellow Interact facilitators, Debra Lievense and Pip Peake; and to the outgoing President, Mihan De Silva, and incoming President, Jae Brieffies, for everything they have done to make the Interact Club such a success. You can see images of the very happy recipients in the Photo Gallery below.
Our first meeting on 8 March 2019 was preceded by the Western Derby. As we all know this was one the Fremantle Dockers would like to forget, but we won't. In fact it's been a long standing tradition that we present the "Punctured Pill" to a representative of the vanquished team Ashley West did the honours and on behalf of all Dockers supporters, Leigh Thorp received the "Pill" for safekeeping until two teams meet again.
Our very popular exchange student, Anna Longlune, is returning to Belgium this week and gave a review of her "Year in Australia". She spoke lovingly of her hosts families; of her regard for our Club and its members; the enjoyment of being a WSHS student (although not initially of having to wear the school uniform-which in the end she did not want to give back); her adventures with her fellow exchange students on the North West Safari and in Sydney; WA's beaches, sun and surf and the absence of these in her native Belgium; and her hope that once she completes University, she will be able to return to Australia for an extended stay. To see Anna's presentation Click here
The District Chair of Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), Linda Bilney, and Anna's friend and fellow exchange student, Soizic Lubrez, were also on hand to hear her speak, after which Linda presented a Certificate of Achievement and Appreciation for the Club's significant and meritorious service to District RYE in 2018/19 and every year since charter.
Our new exchange student, Johanna Lundblad, will soon arrive from Sweden and Club Director of International Service, Steve Genoni, is considering the reintroduction of a roster for short term hosting of her by members. He'll let us know more in due course. In the meantime, we will be reintroducing the rule that the Rotarian who wins "Heads and Tails" each week must write to our Outbound Exchange student. Currently that's Carolyn Mathew, in France. We'll send a reminder email with her details to the winner and our Sergeant-At-Arms, "Lethal" Leigh Thorp (no "e") will be keeping tabs!!
We have had two international toasts in recent weeks. Mary Henderson toasted the Rotary Club of Cardiff and Geoff Geary the Rotary Club of Bali Seminyak. Both appear in the right hand column.
The WSHS Interact Club is holding a Quiz Night from 7pm to 10pm on Friday 9 August 2019 in the WSHS Performing Arts Centre to raise funds for Mercy Ships and Water For Africa. Simon Cubitt has volunteered to put a table of ten together to show our support, just as they do for us. See details in right hand column.
Finally, "Lethal" was in full flight during his first night on the job, rendering "Leigh's Laughs" with flair. To see what he had to say Click here.
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