Club Assembly

The formal Club Assembly which was the main part of our meeting this week was chaired by our incoming President, Francis Whitbread.

In his address, Francis referred to the declining membership and increasing age profile that has characterised Rotary in recent years. He said he hopes to counter this by building on our Business Partners’ Scheme and continuing to work in conjunction with the other Chelmsford Rotary Clubs to promote Rotary events and raise Rotary’s profile. Many visitors had commented on our Club’s friendliness and a recent speaker had suggested that some of those who volunteer for his organisation might be open to the idea of joining Rotary. The Club will continue to promote its regular projects and to support Rotary youth competitions.

In her report Jenny Black, the Chair of our Membership Committee, reiterated Francis’s comments on membership and emphasised the need for us all to invite suitable people to come to a meeting and think about joining us. She asked all Club members, particularly the Committee Chairs, to play their part in making new members feel welcome.

Stan Keller, the Chair of the Public Image Committee, stressed the need for all members to help increase public awareness of Rotary. Progress had been made during the past year through our participation in Chelmsford’s first Frost Fair, our series of articles in the Moulsham Times and the City Times, and our regularly updated Facebook pages and website.

The Chair of the Community and Vocational Committee, Philip Goodman, said the Committee would be continuing all its traditional events and looking for ways to extend its role.

Janice Goodman, Chair of our Youth Service Committee, stated that the Club would continue working to provide many opportunities for young people to develop their potential, showcase their skills and to serve and work with others and that the Committee would continue to work in conjunction with the parallel Committees of the other Chelmsford Rotary Clubs. The County High Interact Club was working enthusiastically to raise funds for its chosen charities. There are exciting new Youth Service initiatives for the year ahead.

We were then addressed by our incoming Assistant District Governor, Keith Brownlie, who told us about some of the hopes, opportunities and challenges in Rotary and District for the year ahead. As Francis Whitbread had said, the falling membership and increasing age profile was an issue but there were encouraging signs, including the recent charter of a new Club appealing to younger people. President Anne mentioned that the new Rotary Satellite Club of Chelmsford City was increasing its membership and had already held a successful project.