Bonjour a tous,
Well that was a Changeover with a difference, but it worked pretty well on Zoom, despite the occasional technical difficulty.
Lots of people dressed to impress, with some adding French touches of moustaches, berets, striped tops etc. The evening got off to a great start with MC David addressing us in his schoolboy French which was pretty good I must say.
Amongst the highlights on the night was Assistant Governor Brian Hodgson’s Toast to Rotary International; who knew that the Rotary Clubs of Melbourne and Paris were chartered in the same year, Melbourne on the 21st of April 1921 and Paris on the 4th of July?
The prestigious Paul Harris Fellow was granted to Past President Ian Ash for his years of dedicated service, and to previous recipient John Shaw, another tremendous stalwart of the Club. Congratulations, and you both thoroughly deserve this honour.
The Horse’s R’s Award was greeted with much tittering as District Governor Nominee Ken Miller regaled us with anecdotes of various acts of stupidity by members. Ultimately the ignominious award was again bestowed on Chris Adams.
We were delighted that Past District Governor Shia Smart was able to join us during the various presentations, and she good-naturedly conceded that she had been a worthy Horse’s R’s recipient in the past.
In her summation of the year, retiring President Catherine gave recognition to the outstanding service and contributions of our three longest-serving members, Russ Nielsen, Chris Adams and John Ritchie who collectively clock up 108 years. What truly inspiring role-models these members are.
Finally, didn’t we all love the performance by the Spangles, with their singing of <<Alouette, gentille Alouette>> accompanied by the Can-Can and frills? Thank you Spangles for bringing your delicious brand of fun and frivolity.
And now to more serious matters.
Isn’t it la merde that we are going into lockdown for six weeks? We had been looking forward to having our mini in-person meetings, as we were able to invite five people to our houses, just right for our Committee meetings.
Our daughter was due to marry on the 13th of September on Hamilton Island. Now she and her fiancée ( yes, she’s a girl) will be postponing their wedding until next year. They are being philosophical about it, and the date is better: 12/9/21. So, it’s not all bad news for us and hopefully not for you. The lockdown enables us to get around to jobs we’ve been putting off, unless unlike me, you achieved that last lockdown. Let’s look on the bright side, it will make face-to face meetings that much sweeter when they are permitted.
Next meeting, we again have the pleasure of the company of the Assistant Governor Brian Hodgson. Brian will be speaking about Interplast, a Not-for-Profit that enables the most wonderful medical operations in 17 regional countries. You really need to tune in to learn more about this as well as Foundation Grants.
You are also invited to wear your French outfits again as it is Bastille Day, the beginning of the French Revolution. It was during this time that the “The Declaration of the Rights of Man” was penned, which called for the Abolition of Slavery (among many other things).
Tonight I am looking forward to watching the wonderful eye-opening and informative “HOMELAND STORY Saving Country” (synopsis below) on Zoom. If you haven't watched it yet, you’ll have another opportunity on Friday 24th and 31st of July.
A bientot mes camarades,
Vicki.
