Business meeting and Special AGM

We started today’s proceedings by holding the Special General Meeting, the main purpose of which is to elect our officers for the next Rotary year. Those elected were:

• President: Francis Whistbread
• 1st Vice President: Graham Furnival
• 2nd Vice President: Anne Moriaty
• Secretary: Jenny Black
• Assistant Secretary: Keith Dabbs
• Treasurer: Bob Booker
• Independent Examiner: Francis Whitbread

The Business Meeting took slightly longer than in the past because we have abolished our various service committees in favour of a “Whole Club Committee” to discuss the matters of importance.

Our falling membership is a continuing subject of concern but one that is echoed nationally. Our member Anne Moriaty, the incoming District Governor, reported that 75% of the 35,000 Rotarians in the British Isles are now over 70. Rotary International has given Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (“RIBI”) a grant of $800,000 to fund projects designed to increase that membership to 60,000 over the next few years. Districts and Clusters will be able bid for a share of those funds to finance projects within their own areas.

It was suggested that, rather than devise its own youth competitions, our Club should concentrate on promoting those organised by RIBI.

Peter Kemp gave us an update on the current Rotary Young Musician competition. The Chelmsford heat will be held on the evening of Friday, 12 January. Members are needed to volunteer to act on the night to fill the roles of stewards, Master of Ceremonies and car park attendant. It is hope that, as in previous years, the Rotary Club of Chelmsford Rivermead will handle the catering.