|
Chris Jackson |
President's Report |
||
|
Welcome members to this annual meeting. I’d like to thank you for entrusting me with the Presidency for the past year which, on reflection, has had some challenges, as well as its highs and lows. I fondly remember those members who have passed away during the year; Barrie Williams & both Pat & Ray McWhinney of whom supported & contributed over their many years, to make the club what it is today. During this year it has been an enormous pleasure to welcome 23 new members, unfortunately I can’t acknowledge all of you by name here, however, I look forward to you bringing fresh ideas and your enthusiasm to our club. Also, it was with much pride that I was able to congratulate Dom Alice on being the recipient of the Dempsey Medal. Our club’s success is all down to the people who give of their time, bring laughter, fun & their enthusiasm providing us with a myriad of activities. It is a big thank you to the following: Guest Speaker: Toni Bennett who engaged knowledgeable guest speakers, of phenomenal quality, enriching all of us. Theatre Organiser: Sandra Baillie – through technological difficulties still managed to bring our theatre trips and shows to life. Membership Officer: Pam Forno – with a warm welcoming face at the door and providing a helping hand to anyone. Newsletter & Calendar Editor: Marj Martin - you have transformed our club's monthly update into an engaging, dynamic experience and you keep us on track with your knowledge of event dates. Music Appreciation: Lisle Howard – your commitment to fostering a love for music within our group is exemplary. Bowls Manager: Jim Mohan – this year has been particularly difficult; however, you gave it your best, thank you. Walks Leader: Toni Pratley - the "Wacky Walkers" group is very lucky to have someone so dedicated. Thank you for going the extra mile to organize our walks—you have turned them into a highlight for the group. Book Clubs (am & pm): Margaret Mohan & Denise Shakeshaft – Your passion and organization turn reading from a solitary activity into a wonderful community experience. Events Organiser & Past President: Don Baillie – from last year’s President’s lunch to the fabulous Christmas Morning tea, thank you. Most importantly, I am extremely grateful for your mentorship during my term. Table Tennis Captain: Tony Minogue - keeping our seniors active and engaged in the sport of table tennis not to mention how competitive those “keenagers” are. Ladies Lunches: Helene Sharp - thank you for pouring your heart into organizing these lunches and topping off each year with the presentation of the “tiara.” Table of Knowledge (Mens Lunch): Ken Burkett – I appreciate the heart and soul you bring to the Table of Knowledge at the Men's Lunch. Welfare Officer: Liz Carroll - Your unwavering support, compassion, and dedication have made our club a safer, warmer, and better place to be. Thanks for the hospital/respite/rehab visits, the cards and phone calls. I am deeply grateful. Krazy Whist and Trivia: Mary Laverack – I am are so grateful for the energy and fun you bring to every Trivia and Krazy Whist. Thank you for being the 'fun' behind the games! Further to my thanks, I acknowledge with grateful appreciation the support, contribution, and tirelessness of the Executive Committee. Treasurer/Trip Organiser: Malcolm Ellis – wearing different hats, he still managed to plan our wonderful day and overnight trips as well as help with the Treasurer task. Vice President: Shirley Ellis – always there to help the Treasurer & whoever else needed assistance, thank you. Secretary: Sandy McGregor - It is a privilege to work with someone as dedicated as you. Your contributions have been truly invaluable. President: It has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team. The success of this year was truly a collective effort, and I am grateful for the hard work and commitment of the entire Executive Committee and the convenors. My thanks also go to the two ‘working groups’ that were formed to review the new Constitution & Standing Resolutions and updating & streamlining our financial processes. Amongst the lively banter there was also laughter and some serious work done. To Lindsay, George, Marj, Sandy, Margaret & Mal, I am truly thankful for your support & hard work on the new Constitution & Standing Resolutions. And to Jennifer, John D, John W, Dee, Pamela, Sandy, Michelle & Rosemary for your contributions in improving our financial processes. We really couldn't have done either without your guidance. Both were truly great achievements. Additionally, my heartfelt thanks must go to - Assistant Treasurer – John Dixon - your hard work behind the scenes has made a huge difference to our success, thank you for helping keep our club fiscally sound. Assistant Secretary – Margaret McGregor - for stepping in to assist with duties as well as preparing agendas and supporting executive meetings. You met the challenges effortlessly. Auditor – Jennifer McLean - Thank you so much for stepping up when we needed an auditor. Your dedication and hard work have made a huge difference to our club & I am incredibly grateful for your time and expertise. Returning Officer – Brian Godsell - Thank you for consistently volunteering, year-over-year, of your time, knowledge, and efforts to ensure a fair and efficient AGM process. It is very much appreciated. Further, a huge thank you to Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club who provide our meeting room free of charge, via the Club Grants Scheme. We sincerely acknowledge and appreciate their ongoing support. And finally . . . It has been an absolute pleasure to be your President. It has been a truly wonderful experience, largely thanks to the incredible support, fellowship, and friendship you have all shown me. I am so proud of what we have achieved together and the fun we’ve shared. Thank you for making my time in this role so fulfilling. I look forward to my next role, that of Past President and the year ahead. To all members, thank you for making our club a welcoming, vibrant, and happy place. Cheers Chris Jackson 2025 |
|||
|
|
|
||
|
|
|||
Past Presidents |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Don Baillie 2024 |
Shirley Ellis 2023 |
Michael Baker 2022 |
Pierina Dick 2020 - 2021 |
||
|
Don Baillie 2019 |
Judith Wilson 2018 |
||||
