Mike Abbott 50 NOT OUT - 14 July 2015

Tuesday 14^th July saw The Ripon Rotary Club hosting a surprise celebratory party for members and guests, in honour of Michael Abbott, P.H.F. on the occasion of his 50 years of membership and distinguished service.

Attended too by several members of Mike’s own family, a surprise guest was Geoff Cope of Guiseley, former Yorkshire County Cricketer and now marvellous raconteur.

Personal tributes from several of his colleagues sometimes reflected upon school days, early recollections of members experience as customers of Abbots shop on North Street, and an inimitable poetic contribution from former Rotarian Gordon Currie, recalling their weekly journey on foot to the former meeting place, The Unicorn.

Thank you Mike for your loyalty, your integrity, your determination and above all your huge contribution to this movement of ours.

Thank you too, to Margaret Mortimer and Pru Boddy for the celebratory cake. I wonder where all of that went ? Thanks too to all who contributed especially Rotarian R Barry Kay P.H.F, who kindly agreed to help finalise arrangements and proved to be a first class MC on the day. Even those who had apologised and then turned up in complete surprise were accommodated.

David Baxter,

Principal Schemer ! 

FIFTY YEARS IN ROTARY
WHAT AN HONOUR TO ACCLAIM!
AS TIME BRINGS RECOLLECTIONS
OF YOUR RESOURCEFULNESS AND FAME
 
SUCH MEMORIES OF TIME AND TIDE -
ALONG NORTH STREET WE BOTH WOULD STRIDE
WONDERING WHERE THE MORNING’S GONE
TO REACH THE UNICORN BY ONE!
 
‘TIS FUNNY HOW WE BOTH WOULD MEET
AND RUSH TOWARDS A VACANT SEAT,
PAST THE HANDS OF GREETING HOST,
BREATHLESS, FOR THE LOYAL TOAST!
 
BUT THESE THINGS WERE TRIVIALITIES
IN YOUR ROTARIAN REPUTE,
YOUR EFFORTLESS SUPPORT
IS FAR BEYOND DISPUTE.
 
INSTEAD OF SITTING BACK
AND COUNTING BLESSINGS FOR YOURSELF,
YOU WERE PREPARED WITH OUT-STRETCHED HAND
TO GIVE SUCH GENEROUS HELP.
 
YOUR SERVICE ON THE GOLF DAY,
WHO COULD POSSIBLY DISPARAGE?
YOUR LOYAL DEDICATION
EARNED THE HONOUR OF PAUL HARRIS.
 
CELEBRATIONS ON THIS SPECIAL DAY
MAKE JOYFUL EFFERVESCENCE, -
THO’ GREAT MAY BE THE BLESSED THINGS . . . .
THE FINEST IS YOUR PRESENCE!

Gordon Currie - July 2015