Rotary Club of Heidelberg Changeover Luncheon
Friday 27 June 2008 The Heidelberg Golf Club

Assistant District Governor Alan Anderson
President Leigh
Ladies and Gentlemen
Fellow Rotarians

When I told Past President Max Campbell last night that I was still writing my acceptance speech, he said don't write too much. I heeded his advice.

My first important task is to congratulate Immediate Past President Leigh for the excellent job, he and his team have done in the past twelve months (and for his words of encouragement) . I also know what wonderful support Leigh has had from his wife Janine, and I would ask you Janine, to step forward to accept this token of appreciation from the Club.

Now Leigh's turn. Leigh, please accept this gift from the Club in recognition of all the hard work you have put in to making this year a success.

This Club has a long and proud tradition dating back to 1956 and I must confess to having been somewhat daunted when asked to take on the role of President, on looking back at the names of the Presidents who have preceded me. Many of them are here tonight! However, I feel honored and privileged and I will do my best to fulfill the duties of President of this Club.

I have been a member of this Club for twenty years and it is now fifty years since my father Roy Nichols was President. It is nice to see some of his contemporaries here tonight! Noel Walker's son Greg was the first to follow in his father's footsteps as President. Who's next? As an aside, Greg and I were a pretty formidable tennis combination mainly due to Greg's enormous serves.

Margaret Little was due to be inducted as the first female President of the Club but unfortunatelyt her ill health prevented it, but we all earnestly hope that Margaret will be well enough to take up the position next year.

My late wife Jenny bravely attended last year's changeover lunch and I am deeply saddened by her not being here today. However, I have all of my family here to support me.

Rotary International President's theme for the coming year is:
Make Dreams Real with the focus on Water, Health, Hunger and Literacy and directed mostly towards the next generation, children.

I feel confident our Club can support these objectives through our Avenues of Service in the coming year. To carry out our projects we of course need funding. You heard earlier from Neil Wilson about our Kurrumbus Sports Luncheon which is to be held on October 17 th . This is our major fund-raising event for the year, as we did not have our traditional Art Show in June, and it is critical that we get support from all members and we also need support from other Clubs in the District.

I would now like to introduce the members of the Board for 2008-2009 and would ask each of those present to stand and remain standing until I have read out all the names.

Thank you all for your support in coming here tonight. I look forward to serving the Club as President for 2008-2009 with the support of the team you see standing here.

I'll now hand back to Chairman Rodger.


President Bruce Nichols