Welcome
You have found your way to the website of the Rotary Club of Wellington. If you were trying to get somewhere else – please don’t go yet and, particularly if you’re not a Rotarian, please read on. Please take a look round our site, learn a bit more about us, and maybe get in touch – all are welcome. Please follow this link to contact us. Planning for the future is our priority.
PRESIDENT PETER WRITES
When I agreed to take on the role of President all those years ago I had visions of the drama of an inauguration at the Buckatree. Lots of best wishes from some members, commiserations from others and harmless banter from those relieved that it was not their turn. Little did I know that I would be sat by myself. In my study, looking at a TV screen with 30 or so postage stamp images of club members and knowing that we will be totally reliant on technology in the coming months.
I said at Club Assembly how sorry I was for Immediate Past President Vic Young in the way the year was ending. However he has still achieved great things through solid leadership and a unique way of encouraging others to deliver service. He has shown creativity and flexibility in seizing the opportunities thrown up by the pandemic.
I am now looking forward to my Presidential year. I suspect that in the 91 year history of this club there has never been such a challenge that we are now facing. The club however survived 6 years of disruption during WW2 and continued to thrive and prosper afterwards. The lesson learned was to accept the reality of what was happening, look after existing members and seek opportunities within the needs of the time. This is invaluable guidance on our way forward. I am confident that we can have a successful year despite our challenges.
The recent change to the clubs organisational arrangements is now settling down. This provides a solid framework to plan our work. Thanks to all those members who have provided their support during this time. The first challenge of the new chairs is to have open discussions with their committees to produce plans for the next few months, then to Christmas and 2021.
Our Friday meetings in July and August will be every two weeks and be thematic to ensure they remain of interest to members. I will be exploring when and how we can get members physically in the same place probably outside. This return of fellowship being one of the goals of my Presidency and I would like this to happen in the first 100 days.
The club only exists because of the support and commitment of individual members. Our greatest strength is the quality of our membership and the work we do. It is one of the key attractions of the club for new members. Once again a big thank you for all your continuing support in the year ahead.
I had wanted to finish with a quote from a past President. My first President on joining Rotary was the late great Tom Farmer who told me Rotary should be about Fun, Fellowship and Friendship. I would also paraphrase another President, John Kennedy. Ask not what your club can do for you but what you can do for your club.
I also will start my term as President with some humility looking at those who have held this office before and many of them with us today. I hope that I can live up to the high standards that they achieved.
Unfortunately our lunch time meetings are suspended until further notice. Regretfully our activities and events are curtailed but we are determined that our support for the community and international service will continue.
What’s Going On
Unfortunately we are suspending our lunch time meetings from 20th March until further notice so as to observe the precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Meetings now continue using the Zoom platform. If you are a visiting Rotarian or a prospective member and would like to attend please contact the Club by following this link.
3rd July 2020 – Club Meeting
13.00 with Zoom
Induction of John Armstrong.
6th – 10th July 2020
Committee Meetings
13th July 2020 – Gateway BBQ
Cancelled
14th July 2020 – Club Council
16.00 with Zoom
17th July 2020 – Club Meeting
13.00 with Zoom
Road Map & Charity Donations
24th July 2020 – No Meeting
29th July 2020 – Heulwen Canal Trip
Cancelled
31st July 2020 – Club Meeting
13.00 with Zoom
Yorkshire Day
7th August 2020 – No Meeting
11th August 2020 – Club Council
16.00 with Zoom
14th August 2020 – Club Meeting
13.00 with Zoom
VJ Day Commemoration