Changeover night has finally come and gone. By all accounts it was a very successful evening.

The venue had been decorated by Karen and Rob Simpson, with help from the President Elect, Elizabeth Shepherd, Narelle Bakyew, Helen Hartnett, Pat Little and their friend Barbara Shaw. Top hats and white gloves were scattered around in keeping with the magic mood, and the table decor were decorated with a fine silvery white table runner.

The service supplied by the staff of Studley Grounds was excellent with the choice of alcohol and the food especially being delicious.

We were delighted to have the District Governor Graeme Hope and District Community Group Chair with us, with Graeme handing out the Paul Harris Awards. I was delighted to present awards to Alex Birnie, George Dolezal and Anthony Balocca.

Elizabeth Shepherd and I unveiled our Canterbury Rotary Club mobile Peace Pole which was made by George and decorated by Elizabeth. This will sit proudly in our rooms at meetings and can travel with us for events.

Helen Hartnett was delighted to present the Rotarian of the Year Award to Michelle Critchley. 

The highlight of the evening of course was the entertainment by Luke Hocking – magician extraordinaire! Where did the bowling ball come from? And how did he transfer Lili Anne’s ‘s ring into that box that Lili-Ann was holding high above the ground? If you want to see more magic, he plays at the Marriott Hotel in Melbourne every Friday night. 

Cathie was an incredible MC, especially as she was jetlagged from arriving back from France the day before, but she demonstrated her usual sense of humour and added to the occasion. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the completely surprising presentation of a Paul Harris Award with one sapphire to Elizabeth Shepherd later in the evening – a highly deserved award. 

As I write this Elizabeth is recovering from gallbladder surgery at Epworth Eastern and I know we all wish her a speedy recovery. 

There were the usual speeches, and the night ended with the naming of the new board and thanking the old board, especially Rob Simpson who has stood down from the Club Service chair.

The fun will continue next week when we attend the Camberwell Art Show rather than have a meeting and then travel down to the Tower Hotel in Hawthorn East for dinner.

Several weeks later on 20 July there will be a trivia night held at the Auburn Bowls Club in Hawthorn. You will need to book online. Supper will be included and drinks are available from the bar at very reasonable bar prices. We are keen to be provided with as many raffle or silent auction prizes as possible and I would be grateful if you could all keep that in mind. 

It’s going to be a busy few months, - but as I said in my speech we will create lasting impact but have fun doing it!

Cheers

Jillian