THE Bombala Rotary Club held its annual Changeover Lunch last Saturday to mark the transfer of Presidency from Jim Longden to Glen Warren.
It is now 55 years since the Bombala Club was officially admitted as a member of Rotary International, with the late Tony Garnock as Charter President.
Attending the excellent lunch at the RSL Club were members of the Bombala Rotary Club, partners and friends, including Mayor Bob Stewart.
Special guests also included President of the Bombala Lions Club, Ray Turnbull and wife Fay, Lions Zone Chair, Clare Trevanion and representatives from Pambula Rotary Club.
Master of Ceremonies, Grantley Ingram compered an entertaining program of speeches, presentations and poetry.
The gathering was delighted to welcome District Governor, Bill Seelis who marked the occasion with a lively and informative talk, acknowledging Bombala Club’s valuable contribution to Rotary District 9710 and giving his thoughts on Rotary’s past year and the future.
Retiring President, Jim Longden reviewed the year’s activities and highlighted the impressive $15,500 of disbursements by the Club.
Local beneficiaries included the Southern Monaro Community Fund, seating for Lions Riverside path and various donations to the schools and local organisations.
Substantial donations were also made to the Queensland Flood Appeal and SnowyHydro South Care.
Internationally the Club has donated funds to Polio Plus, the Rotary Foundation, ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) and funding for three Shelterboxes at $1000 each.
Mr Longden spoke of the continuing development of the Rotary and Community Choir and its financial contribution through sales of CDs to Rotary’s charities.
Over past months the choir has participated through invitation at the Cobargo Folk Festival and more recently the Merimbula Jazz Festival.
The Retiring President honoured long serving Rotarian Laurie Platts with Honorary Member-ship of the Club. Laurie has served Rotary since 1968 and is well known and greatly respected throughout our community.
Members of the local community were also recognised with club awards for their service.
Roger Moulds was the recipient of the Service Trophy Hammer for his unstinting assistance to the Club’s activities and contribution to the management of the Choir in particular as well as community organisations.
Norman and Wendy Wilton were unable to be present as guests, but in their absence they were awarded Dick Haebich Memorial Caps for service to the community through their generous donations of firewood and assistance to Service clubs, church and individuals over a long period.
To everyone’s pleasure, Lesley Smith was made a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of her outstanding service to the Club and to the community.
As one of the first female members of the club and first woman President, Lesley has fulfilled key roles and is an invaluable member of Bombala Rotary Club and Rotary International.
Glen Warren assumed the role of President and took the opportunity to show an excerpt of an inspiring speech by Rotary International President, Kalyan Banerjee.
Glen indicated that much of his focus this year would be directed to assisting and encouraging youth.
Glen was warmly welcomed into his presidency together with his new Board of Directors.
The occasion drew to an end with the drawing of several splendid raffles and lucky door prizes.
With the support of our local community Bombala Rotary Club is set to continue its service to local, national and international good causes.
The Club always welcomes enquiries about membership of Rotary and of the Rotary and Community Choir.