Preparing to share in 2007-08

JUANITA Barber has taken the reins of the Rotary Club of Minnamurra for 2007-08.

Mrs Barber was sworn in at the club's changeover dinner at Kiama's Brighton Harbourside Restaurant last Wednesday.

She said she and her board would embrace Rotary's motto for the new year, Rotary Shares.

Outgoing president David Ferne said in his report to members that he had had a rewarding year filled with many and varied activities.

"On July 4 we said goodbye to our Swedish exchange student Tess Tellstedt after her 12 months with our club," he said.

"During this month we changed our meeting venue to Kiama Leagues Club, where we hoped to find a permanent home.

"We set up the club's web page where the club bulletins are updated weekly.

"August saw our barbecue trailer refurbished and it was used for the first time at the Kiama markets."

In September the club held a fathers and children's night (to celebrate father's day). About 66 people attended, 22 of them children.

"Thanks to Barry Silburn for arranging the entertainment on the night," Mr Ferne wrote. "Looking back I believe this was one of the best nights we had during the year."

Club members and partners also served morning teas at the Blue Haven Fete.

In October the club and members enjoyed an October-fest meeting and donated specially engraved pavers to Albion Park High School for its assembly area.

The Minnamurra Cup was held in November, "a great night of fun and fellowship within our club".

There also was a Primary School Speaking Competition in November, as well as a presentation to Ian Hornsby, from Kiama Downs Surf club, with a cheque for $2000 put towards buying a defibrillator.

In December the club held its monster garage sale at Wendy and Paul Stockers, "another time of fun and fellowship".

In January the club held a seafood night at Kiama Downs Surf Club, another successful car show and an Australia Day breakfast on the beach at Kiama Downs Surf Club.

In February the club's outbound exchange student, Tim Elliot, left for 12 months in France. A barbecue was held at Minnamurra Primary School.

During March the club supported the Rotary Bowel Scan project.

March 14 was a partner's night and was the official visit to the club by District Governor Ray Pattison and his wife Merilee.

In April the club hosted the GSE Team from Sweden.

"We also changed our meeting place to Reef Bros Cafe," he said.

"I would like to thank all the members of my board and the club who have supported myself and Ella during this past year. I wish Juanita Barber and her incoming board all the best for this coming Rotary year."