The last two years have flown since I was first approached to join the committee as assistant vice president and now find myself in the honorable position as President. It has been a most rewarding two years to have worked with a great committee and members of our club. The feeling of friendship and caring by the members is what has made our club what it is today. A special thank you to Mike Simmons for the great job he did last year as President.
Also, a big thank you to Lyn Mather for her commitment as a welfare officer over the past three years and who has decided to stand down this year.
Following our last meeting we had a barbeque at Jim and Joans, which was a great night attended by forty-nine of our members, we thank Jim and Joan especially for their hospitality. Also, the ladies who organized the salads and sweets and the guys who did the cooking.
Last week was our annual trip away to Anglesea with thirty-two members making the trip. To John and Michelle what a wonderful job they did in organizing our trip, and to Steve and Penny for all they did to make it such a great week. A great deal of frivolity was had by all, even though we did have to make excuses to the young people camping nearby for the noise and keeping them awake. The visit to the chocolate factory saw all diets out the window with the size of the scones and cream, and the chocolate syrup which was added to some of the drinks.
This trip has been an opportunity to foster great friendships and fellowship and the true spirit of probus.
It is not only the committee and conveners but the whole membership, and their commitment to being part of the club in any way they can that makes our club the strong club we are. When I look at the number of Bayside clubs that are no longer in existence and the reason, we are very fortunate to have such a great and expanding membership.
I look forward to the next twelve months working with you all and to seeing our club’s continued growth.
Gary Strahan President