As my year as President draws to a close—and coming very close to John Whitaker’s record for the number of meetings presided over—it’s an opportunity to reflect on my time as President on a year that has flown by.

 

Stepping into this role, I knew Rotary was built on service and fellowship. What I perhaps underestimated was just how much happens behind the scenes and how many people quietly make this club work. A big thank you to you all.

 

Our Rotary International theme this year has been “Unite for Good”, and this time last year I spoke on how this spirit, I felt, is already present in our club and that our focus would continue to build on enjoyment, connection and meaningful community engagement.

 

Overall, meetings have continued to be positive and enjoyable. Members value great speakers, fellowship, humour, and good food and hospitality. We’ve also mixed things up with movie nights, curling, Christmas at Orchard Garden, and starting the year with a picnic beside the Clutha River on a thankfully warm evening.

 

This year we continued hands-on service—splitting wood with the Salvation Army, helping at the Blossom Festival, supporting menstrual health projects, maintaining Mt Aspiring Outdoor Centre, Seniors Bus trip, a number of collection days plus bringing 219 cans and dried food for Salvation Army, and the list continues. Also, Trees for Babies initiative- which is like our legacy project.

 

 

In 2025/26, the club distributed just over $48,350 in grants and donations, and a further $5,861 in targeted community projects, and $8,171 from the Vince Ashworth Trust.

 

That support included major contributions such as funding for the Dunstan Hospital Foundation fridge purchase, Support of the Alexandra Community Christmas Dinner, and assistance for organisations like Journeys, Clyde Play Centre, and Alexandra Toy Library and the Miller Flat School.

 

We also supported a wide range of youth development opportunities—from RYDA to Outward Bound and international youth experiences—helping ensure local young people can step into opportunities they might not otherwise access. (On your tables is a list of our grants).

 

When you look across all of that, it reflects Rotary at its core: supporting health, education, youth, and community wellbeing—locally and beyond.

 

None of this happens without fundraising. The Book sale, Quiz Night and Charity Dinner continue to rely on enormous volunteer effort. Thank you to everyone who gave time, energy, and commitment.

 

Earlier in my year we completed a survey. Coming through strongly was “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Members stated they appreciated the strong fellowship, friendly culture, and solid reputation the Club enjoys locally. Members stated their enjoyment of the variety and caliber of the speakers (thank you Richard) and the meals (Jean was unable to attend tonight)

 

As a result of the feedback, we have also initiated a few changes, such as ensuring that the microphone is used and developing an induction process for our new members.

 

Another huge and significant job this year was making changes to the constitution to meet the new Incorporated Societies Act. A special thank you to Hugh, Graham, Rhys and Paul for carrying our this task. In line with our constitution, we now have a group responsible for the Paul Harris Fellowship awards and for nominating the Future President Thank you to those involved.

 

Congratulations to those that have received Paul Harris fellowship (PHF) awards during the year. Our Club feels very proud of all those that receive this award, and this year particularly proud of Rhys Jenkins PHF for his District wide work with Youth and Paul Checketts for his Sapphire Award for his work as District Finance Chair, presented to them at the Rotary Conference for the work they have done at a District level. Gil, Elliott and Steve Robertson, for the Paul Harris Fellowship awards through our Club.

 

Each year there are many thank you’s and once started it is hard to know where to stop so to all those that take a specific role or at the moment just come along and enjoy Rotary - Thank you. All your contributions make our club the success it is and to our partners that have to put up with the ‘Rotary talk,’ thank you!

 

 

 

The Geoffrey D Taylor Award recognizes outstanding, significant and tangible service to Rotary. Geoff Taylor was a local orchardist and like his son, John, heavily involved in Rotary for many years.  This award is given at the discretion of The President (secret squirrel stuff, except Bob knows as he kindly again engraved the tray... thank you Bob)

 

This year’s recipient is Graham Quinn.

Graham joined Rotary in 2002 and has served for many years as Treasurer.

 

This year, alongside Hugh McIntyre, Rhys Jenkins, and Paul Checketts, he helped lead the important constitutional work for our club.

 

On a personal level, Graham has been my go-to person. Whenever I had a question—or confused Rotary Trust business with club business—he always had the answer. His calm advice, institutional knowledge, and steady presence have been invaluable to me and the Board.

Graham, thank you for your outstanding service and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

 

As I reflect on being the 81st President of the Rotary Club of Alexandra, I can honestly say I have enjoyed it immensely.

Our club is in good heart. It is rewarding to look back and see the difference Rotary continues to make through service, friendship, generosity and good humour. Thank you everyone—for your service, your support, and your friendship.

 

And now the chain of office passes to Paddy Ford. Paddy, I wish you every success for the year ahead. I know Rotary will continue to thrive under your leadership. I formally hand over the chain and pronounce you President of the Rotary Club of Alexandra for 2026–2027.

 

Thank you everyone—for your service, your support, and your friendship.

 

 

 

 

(Review prepared by Paul Checketts)

 

Andy explained that Central Otago is a unique region in the world for a night sky reserve due to its proximity to the magnetic south pole where auroras occur.

 

He said the Winterstellar Charitable Trust is undertaking the dark sky project and is aiming for completion in time for the 2028 eclipse which promises to be a major event for Otago.

The proposed Central Otago Dark Sky Reserve will ideally include the Vincent, Maniototo, and Teviot wards.

 

The project will require the Central Otago District Council to commit to lighting provisions in its District Plan.

Andy noted that a Dark Sky Reserve would bring economic benefits to the region.

 

Anyone interested in learning more about the Dark Sky Reserve project can attend a meeting to be held at Central Stories on Saturday 4 July, where several expert speakers will discuss the project and answer questions.