Rotary Armidale North's 50th Anniversary

 I'm a member of Rotary's North Armidale branch and, just over a week ago, we celebrated our 50th anniversary in grand style. It took place in the local Bowling Club's auditorium, where well over 80 guests were present. Like many such events, we had a great 3-course meal, heard long-serving members recall important occasions, applauded prominent members as they obtained various awards, listened to a prominent Aboriginal leader as he reminisced about his tribe's past, and networked with members of other Rotary clubs. Armidale has no less than 3 other such clubs in a town of just 25,000 people. Here's our leader, Bob Ryan, introducing the event.

Then a prominent Aboriginal leader, shown here, welcomed us 'to country'.

Then there was a ceremonial cutting of a cake

Here's a long-serving, and indeed founding, member voicing his recollections of club history and events.

Awards were then made to a range of individuals, and the recipient here was Adam Marshall - our member of the NSW Parliament and Minister for Agriculture.

More awards to a variety of people.

Alas. this event also marked the end of our group since Armidale Rotary North will fold from the 1st July 2021 - the start of the Rotary New Year. Loss of a series of members over the last 2 years has meant that we can no longer deliver services effectively and efficiently. For me, this marks the end of my role as the club's youth director and I am tossing up whether to join one of the other groups whose meeting times are unfortunately incompatible with my other activities. I gather than many such organisations are facing membership difficulties in our fast moving and complex age.

AS