CLUB ASSEMBLY MEETING 2015

Tonight we held our annual assembly meeting.  As one rotary year closes a new one begins.  PP President David Thow handed over the reins to new President Phil Alcock.  The evening was attended by ADG Howard Jackson who we thank for his time.  Sadly, it was also a time to say goodbye to PP David Diggins who goes onto pastures new.  Kirkham Rotary were very proud to present to David his Paul Harris Fellowship Award as a very fitting leaving present and one David has richly deserved. We wish you well Sir.

The forthcoming year is going to very exciting and very busy for all members with lots of fund rasing activities  planned and our jewel in the crown; the hosting of the Rotary GB&I national final for Youth Speaks.

Everyone at Club Assembly was delighted to see Past President David Diggins invested as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Two Bulletins ago it was announced that David had submitted his resignation from the Club but this did not detract from his many achievements referred-to in President David Thow’s address which included the following:

“David served as Club Treasurer in 2008/09, relinquishing that most essential of Club Posts to become President Elect in 2009/10 and President in 20010/11. During his time as President he chose Space as his main Charity and since then he has devoted much of his time outside and within Rotary to that fantastic Charity, where he is putting his talents to good use as a trustee. The work he has done for this Charity and the time he devotes to furthering its aims of providing much needed facilities to enrich the lives of handicapped and vulnerable people is fantastic of itself, but he has also taken on, until recently, the role as Club Secretary and has also been part of the cyclists back up team helping us to get lost – sorry – helping to keep us all on the right road.

You will, by now realise that I am talking about Past President and present Club Secretary David Diggins, and you will also know that sadly, after a relatively short but notable and distinguished Rotary career David is resigning from the Club, this being his last meeting.

I and I know, many other members have tried to change David’s mind in this respect, but to no avail, and whilst I think his departure will be a great loss to the Club, I respect his reasons.

Nonetheless, Paul Harris fellowships are not given on conditions, they are given on the basis of the way a person upholds the ideals of Rotary both within and outside of the organisation.”