The Club Services Committee
2007
AGM Report
Membership: Kevin Grogan reports that, against a target
of 10 new members set by President Mike, it looks likely that 9 may be in place
by the end of the year – a net increase of 2. Five new members have already
been inducted, including for the first time, two lady members. Two further
applications are at the proposal stage and a further 4 people are expected to
return membership forms shortly. A Membership Proposals Sub Committee has been
set up to meet proposed members who are not necessarily well known to Club
members, to explain Rotary aims and obligations. An Information meeting for
prospective members was held in March, when 7 interested people attended.
Patrick Shepherd of the Shepherd Building Group, and a
great supporter and sponsor of Club events, was elected as an Honorary Member
of the Club.
Attendance: Ray Smith reports that average attendance for those subject to attendance rules, for 9
months to 31.03.07 was 79.4% (last year 78.8%). Average numbers attending club
meetings – all categories of members – for the same period was 51.
Speakers: in addition to the Rotary sponsored
speakers arranged by Foundation, Community and Vocational committees – and
especially the visiting young RYLA students and Rotarian Scholars – Ian Stockley and his team have arranged a most interesting and
varied programme of local speakers.
Rotagraph:
Robin Rich reminds us that
in going to an A4 format this year, the aim was to make the magazine more
attractive. However, we were again unplaced in the District magazine
competition! An Editorial Policy was approved by Council. Thanks go to Dave
Thompson who not only prints Rotagraph but also sends
it in PDF form to Honorary Members.
Press & PR: Frank Paterson continues to work hard with
editors to get our events well publicised in the outside world. There is now media
recognition that the Dragon Boat Challenge is a Rotary organised event, and we
receive excellent press and radio coverage.
The presentation of Paul Harris Fellowships to Elizabeth and Stan Wild
was also well covered.
www.yorkrotary.co.uk now sees 14000 or so visitors a year. The
primary purpose remains to provide an additional channel of communication for
members and to promote Rotary and the Club to a wider audience. Web Master Mike
Wilson reports that the site received recognition from 1040 District in October
2006 when we were placed third in their Best Site competition. In January 2007,
as part of Council’s review of communications, guidelines for the web site were
agreed and published. They ensure a free flow of information without breaching
confidentiality of personal information, and they preserve the independence of
the site by not accepting advertisements. As ever, the success of the site
depends on the active support of members in supplying information of events and
news.
Conference: Tony Robinson reports that 26 members and
spouses attended the 2006 Scarborough Conference in October. There was, as
usual, a full programme of events which included this year an Antiques
Valuation and a well attended M&S Fashion Show, both held in the Grand Hall.
Tony did not however observe many of our members returning with M&S carrier
bags! The House of Friendship was well supported and once again our own Russell
Rotarians did a splendid job manning the District shop. Members enjoyed an
excellent dinner in the hotel on the Saturday night and an equally good Sunday
lunch. 2007 Conference is at
David Rayner
- Chairman,