These major anniversary celebrations come but every 10 years, and we make this particular opportunity for all of us to reflect on our achievements, perhaps in the 60 years since our Charter on 25th October 1949, but more particularly what we have achieved over the past 10 years  since our 50th anniversary.

We need also to consider our future, and the many options we have available to us in creating further diversity by increased membership, and making continued improvements within the Avenues of Service of our Club, not to mention all the things we think, say and do! 

Let’s celebrate tonight then; the commitment of our own Rotary Family to this great Rotary Club, to each other, and to those who are in need in our community.

By implication, we also celebrate our collective commitment to Rotary International.

Not everyone we invited tonight has been able to attend this evening, but we have a good gathering of our Rotarians and partners, and we are of course delighted to have those guests, who have come from near and far, to join us for our celebration. We particularly welcome John Bassham and Marion back to our Club as he takes the role of our MC for tonight, as we do those people who are representing the invited Rotary Clubs. Also welcome are Celine Baguette Hosted Renmark D9520 and Pablo Henry, both RYE Students from Belgium. We have regretfully accepted many apologies.

These occasions all take a lot of organisation, so many thanks go to those who have willingly assisted!

I can’t go on any further, without mentioning just how gratifying it was to see so many young business professionals and others, as prospective members, along with a good gathering of Rotarians on Tuesday night. Barry Schultz was certainly the right guest speaker for the night. All went very well.

What an amazing effort by Des Pinson, Glenn Karutz, Greg Honeychurch, Rod Patterson, and Juri Berzins on the membership committee, to have their task culminate in such a keen bunch prospective members! Keep at it boys!

From just the minimal feed back I’ve had so far, and a little more detailed ground work still to do, I’m sure we’ll be able to attain a very good net increase in membership for this 2009-10 year. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and in particular the nominators.

Our continued encouragement towards them is very important indeed. We need to make sure that these prospective members continue to enjoy our fellowship by encouraging them to come along to our regular Rotary meetings and find their own way into membership with minimal apprehension.

Remind them of the business and personal advantages to them taking an active role in the future of the Rotary Club of Port Lincoln.

Our next Main Event is our Annual Auction to be held on Saturday morning 7th November on the foreshore lawns between the Yacht Club and the Tasman Hotel.

Our Auction Chairman, Peter Myers has been patiently waiting for any volunteers for pickups during the weekdays. Please make sure you offer your car/trailer, utility or truck, so he can confidently identify who can pick up- what items, on his schedule.

He will appreciate you contacting him with your offer. Ph 8682 5140

Be prepared to ask your own families, neighbours, and business associates if they might have any saleable items to be donated to our Auction. Good luck!

Xmas Dinner will be at Ravendale Sat 19th December, details to be advised later

Invocation:

For food, faith and fellowship and every opportunity of service we give you thanks O’Lord.