Assembly & Handover Meeting - Evening

Friday, 26 June 2026
Handover meeting
Apologies
- Andrew B, David K, Maggie, Paul, Pippa, Sheila.
- Alfie’s Army.
Guests
- Trevor, founder member and first president of Chestfield Rotary.
- Sue Sanderson representing Hope for Tomorrow.
- Deborah Haylett for Revival Cafe.
- Nick and Mary
- Deborah
- Kevin Fielding, Wendy Thompson, Robert Stephens, Ronan Lennon, Neil
Robertson, Gill Sissons, Sharon Brown.
Birthdays - Pat will be celebrating on Monday 29th 
Grace given by Andrew M followed by an excellent meal.
Treasurer’s report
- David M gave an end of year finance report
- Charity account £2150
- Club account £351
- Local charity account £4047
- This year we have given £64000 to charities and good causes, this includes
£1500 to each of Kathy’s charities for her presidential year. David has also
received confirmation of the match funding for MercyShips, thereby donating
£250 as agreed at last weeks meeting.
Presentations
President’s charities
- Kathy presented cheques to Sue Sanderson and Deborah Haylett for their
respective good causes and Alfie’s Army will be receiving theirs directly.
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Paul Harris Fellowship
- The club presented Anne Hill with the award for her many years of community
service. David M told us although Anne has only been a member for a couple of
years she has participated in fundraising and social events, but for many years
she has volunteered and coordinated locally in the British Legion and other
community causes. The club unanimously agreed Anne should receive this.
Deborah Leek Bailey’s adoption
- Deborah was introduced by Godfrey who was introduced to her via Gary the
previous chef at the Monument and Godfrey’s son at the Barn.
- Kathy officiated, Sarah read the Object of Rotary (finally!) and Deborah told us
about her families tradition of volunteering and her desire to become an active
member of our club.
- Deborah was toasted by those present and welcomed to the club.
Daphne Raffle
- Nick gave us the history of the naming of the Red LetterDay raffle,
- Jean’s ticket was pulled out of the bag -well done Jean you’ll have to let us know
what you choose to do.
Handover
- Retiring President Kathy’s felt it was a privilege to represent the club, despite it
being thrust on her, starting the year unplanned and without a venue. She felt the
year had gone seamlessly with the help of the board and the wider club
members. She reminisced on all the successes we had had.
- Kathy then handed the presidential mantle to Pete, handing over both the regalia
and the Rotary jug. He already has a use for the jug, as a receptacle for Anne
Bowley’s gravy at Sunday lunch! Kathy also provided him with a Hairy Biker’s
recipe book for his presidential challenge!
- Pete gave Kathy a hydrangea and her past president’s regalia.
- Pete congratulated Kathy on her year. Pete was introduced to Rotary by David
Bowley and dedicates his tenure to David as he always said he would make a
good president. He thanked his wife Wendy for her love and support and the club
for giving him the opportunity (arm up his back!).
- President Pete’s charities this year are Demelza Children’s hospice and Guardian
Angels Dog Rescue. Lauren from Demelza has spoken to the club this last year
and Pete will invite Christine from Guardian Angels in the next month or so. Pete
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held a doggie garden party in his garden recently as a trial run for his President’s
party!
- The President’s challenge as we know is 65@65, week 2 update on weight loss is
5lbs, despite Wendy’s cakes! The hairy Bikers book will help.
- Lots of events, both social and fundraising are planned in Pete’s year, and he is
open to ideas from club members.
Greetings from other club
- Kevin brought greetings from Whitstable Rotary, our other club, wishing Pete well
for his year or two.
- Gill brought greetings from CanterburySunrise Rotary and their president who is
just starting his second year.
Master at Arms
- Nick made a guest appearance for Handover with his little notebook and car.
- A multitude of fines were sought (South African rand excluded) for a variety of
reasons: not carrying cash, soliciting money, sending your husband to France on
the hottest day of the year, large checks (cheques), losing another £1, fortune
telling, time travelling and many more
- Today is English wine day, it’s also the day the first colour TV was tested in1921.
In 1876 the Battle of little Big Horn, it’s also global Beatles day  and goats
cheese day!
- A number of crossfire and a final word from Dave, seagulls and Bagels - you had
to be there 
Final Toast given by Maureen a founder member.
Next meeting 2/7 7.30 for 8am at the Monument, the meeting will include the
Walkfor Water presentations.
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