President Kenny Fisher welcomed Assistant District Governor Seamus Walsh to Enniskillen for the Club Assembly. After the usual introductions he handed over to President-Elect Henry Robinson to present his team and programme for 2017/18.
Henry thanked President Kenny and Ass't. Governor Seamus for his help already - especially on IT issues. He went on to quote from President-Elect Ian Riseley in his theme for the year of "Rotary making a difference"
In addition to supporting Foundation and International causes he hoped that the Club could support the Action Mental Health's Boost programme for young people based at Drumcoo outside Enniskillen.
President Elect Henry invited the various Committee chairpersons to report on their plans for the year:
Membership Services chairperson Siobhan O'Reilly, stressed the need for new members and hoped to show at least an overall increase of 1 by the end of the year.
International Services chairperson Heather Ellis stressed the ongoing support for the Projects - H2O and Jole Rider, Bikes for Africa, as well as other projects that may rise during the year.
Rotary Foundation chairman John Trimble stressed his desire to continue the support for Polio Plus. He also urged members to support the permanent Fund of Rotary Foundation.
New Generations chairperson Catherine Robinson said she hoped the Club would continue to offer Rotary's diverse range of youth programmes such as the Youth Leadership Development Programme, Young Chef of the Year and the Young Writer competition.
Community Services chairman Nigel Johnston hoped to continue to support the aged, the disabled, the infirm and young people through a number of events. These include the Kids Day out, the Santa Mobile, and the Enniskillen 10k.
Vocation Services chairperson Jenny McCrea said she hoped the Club would run at least two events - International Woman's Day Breakfast and an Afternoon Tea Party - if a slot can be obtained in the Hotel.
Communications Chairperson Lauren Harte stressed the need to improve the use of technology as a means of improving communications in the Club. This included Social Media as well as the Club Website.
Speakers Convenor - Bob Baird said he hoped to continue the previous format of two speakers per month including some Club Members.
The Treasurer - Ken Rainey gave an update on the Club finances but stressed that any additional finances for charitable causes will have to be fund raised through the year. He suggested that membership should remain at £150 per member.
Assist Governor - Seamus Walsh thanked the Club for the invite to join with them for the Club Assembly. He stressed the importance of new members as Rotary generally is showing a decline. He also urged the Council Members to embrace the use of Rotary Club Central which enabled all to see the goals set for all aspects of the Club and also how they were achieved.
In concluding President Elect Henry paid tribute to two chairmen and Paul Harris Fellows who although they were stepping aside they would continue to assist their successors - Treasurer Gordon Jackson and International chairman Ivan Kee. He thanked all chairpersons for undertaking their role for the coming year, but especially Ken Rainey as treasurer for that important position.
He thanked the Club for placing their trust in him as President for the coming year and said that with their support he hoped he would not let them down.
President Elect Henry handed back to President Kenny who concluded the meeting by thanking everyone for their attendance.