June marked the end of President Andrew Avery’s year in office, but he could hardly bow out quietly. In fact, he probably needs a well-deserved holiday because the month was so busy for him.
He has inducted three new members into the Club, starting with Richard McGrail on 13th June. Richard lives in East Markham. On 27th it was the turn of Pauline Crawshaw and Chris Eyes. Pauline, who lives in Retford, has transferred from the now-defunct Worksop Dukeries Club. Chris was previously a member of the Ripon Club and has moved to Bawtry.
Paul Harris founded Rotary in Chicago in 1905. Fellowships in his name are awarded to people who have made an invaluable contribution either to Rotary or to their community. President Andrew awarded Rotarian and Lord High Steward of Retford Derek Turner his Paul Harris Fellowship.
Past President Adrian Sumner is already a Paul Harris Fellow; he received a further accolade in the form of a PHF Sapphire. Both awards were for work in Rotary and the community. Meanwhile Past President Phil Lewis received his Paul Harris Fellowship from District Governor Martyn Bye. Phil has been a District Officer for the past six years.
Charitable deeds continued. These include Rotarian Alec Tasker assisting his wife Marion with a trip to Africa for the development of her sanitary pads project in Zambia and Zanzibar.
The 2019 Swimathon raised £3,500 towards the cost of new outdoor area at the Chatsfield Suite (Cancer Treatment Centre), Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Club members were invited to the Grand Opening.
Another load of second-hand (second-foot?) shoes have gone to ShoeAid in Nottingham. £158.50 has been raised for CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit).
There was also a full programme of events in the month. On Monday 6th (remember the weather was poor at the end of the Platinum Jubilee) there was an indoor BBQ when partners were invited.
Assistant Governor Mark Snape attended the Club Assembly on 13th, when Committee Chairmen outline their plans for the forthcoming Rotary Year.
The last Monday of President Andrew’s year was marked by a further social. Once again partners were invited. The following week Andrew handed over the President’s gong to the 2022-23 President Geoffrey Matthews.