1978-79: PP Paul Young

Message from President Paul Young

The Board of Directors and I hope that the report will give Rotarians and all other interested parties an overview of the aims, achievements during the year and future plans of the Club for the year following.  The report sets out in some detail, the events of the Rotary year ending 30th June, 1979 as well as future programmes for the year 1979/80.

The aim of the club is primarily to service our community through good fellowship and the use of our resources to benefit most people.

Under the successful and experienced guidance of then, President Robin De Morgan “Action” plan was projected for this Rotary year.  The programme planned for the year was in-line with the objective of consolidating and raising our Club’s fund as well as fulfilling the ambitious aims of the Club.

Club Service under our able incoming President Nigel Watt kept members well informed of activities.  The annual Charity Ball at Repulse Bay in November and the Club’s 5th Anniversary Harbour Disco Cruise in June were a great success.  The implementation of the once monthly evening meeting during the latter half of the year further engendered our fellowship.  In this International crossroad of Hong Kong the success in maintaining the number in Club membership is most commendable.

Incoming Vice President Raymond Lu has once again excelled in his dedication and the successful completion of his comprehensive Community Service programme.  His effort particularly in his participation in obtaining the Government subvention of the Prisoner Preventer Organisation demonstrated the “activating” role which Rotary can play in identificating and meeting community’s needs.  The greater success of the 3rd Annual Southern District Athletic Meeting which our club initiated, at Wong Chuk Hang Stadium in December was evident by the number of Rotarians that participated on the day.  Our Club also played a leading role in the successful Joint Rotary Blood Drive.  The many projects that were achieved by Community Service in view of the tight budget was most commendable and once again demonstrated the effective application of our resources to benefit most people.

Director Rtn Rex Huo chairing the Vocational Service Committee and in conjunction with the Urban Council successfully carried out a lengthy programme of talks which was extremely well attended.  Another vocational talks for school leavers of the Southern District was also successfully carried out.

International Service headed by Director Rtn Bob Capes has been kept very busy and he finalized the establishment of the Sister Club relationship with Rotary Club of Taipei South.  The signing took place in Taipei’s Grand Hotel following a Cocktail Reception given for this occasion by Taipei South when our team of 5 visited Taipei.  Also in process is the reaching out to Manila’s Sister Club.

All in all with the strong spirit of fellowship and involvement of all members, the Club this year has further forged ahead during its first half decade, consolidating quality members while exerting greater community effort.  Aside fulfilling the objective of the four avenues of services, the Club has met its aim in building up a stronger financial position for the coming Rotary year.  I would like to express my sincere personal appreciation for the members’ support and in particular to incoming President Nigel Watt and Vice President Raymond Lu and Past President Robin De Morgan and wishing them and the Board of Directors every success next year.