Rotary Christmas Dinner 2015

110 Rotarians and guests gathered at Darwin College, University of Kent on the evening of December 12th to celebrate the annual Rotary Christmas Party.

photos by Robin Hendy. Click or tap any image to enlarge

The Honoured Guest and after-dinner speaker was Lifetime Honorary Member Lord George Carey, who was accompanied by his wife Lady Eileen Carey, seen here with President Peter Hermitage.

Among the early arrivals was Robin Vickers, with his wife Avril. Not even a ruptured Achilles Tendon was going to keep her away from the Christmas celebration.

 

 


Left to right: Jayne Ward & President-Elect Martin Ward, Robert Waters, President Peter and Lord Mayor of Canterbury Sally Waters.

Other honoured guests included the Rotary District 1120 Governor Ray Dixon, on the right in the photo with (L to R) Diana Forrest, Margaret Davison and pp Alan Forrest.

We all sat down to a delicious three-course supper, complete with flying balloons. A table raffle during the meal raised the sum of over £XXX for the President's Benefit (Cumbrian Flood Relief?). Lord Carey gave the keynote speech and wished us all a peaceful and happy Christmas.

President Peter thanked the serving staff for the food and for their smooth and unobtrusive table service. He also presented Vice-President Sharon Jordan with a special award for masterminding the whole evening.
Ian Wright had written a Birthday poem for members with birthdays in November and December, including Lord Carey.

After the speeches we were entertained by a delightful all-female vocal group led by Kerry Boyle.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a District Citation to Rtn Richard Kemball-Cook by District Governor Ray Dixon for his outstanding efforts in promoting End Polio Now. Alas, Richard was in Nigeria, but joined in the presentation via a mobile phone link.

Richard was also honoured by the presentation of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding service to Rotary and the Community. Both honours were accepted in his absence by his wife Cora.

Rtn PP Dr David Barton was also honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding service to Rotary and the Community.

 

This is the first time that any of us had ever seen him speechless!

A selection of photographs of the Rotarians and their guests by Robin Hendy appears below.

click or tap on any small image to enlarge, then use your Back button to return.

 

 

 

Friday 18th December 2015

Published by: The Rotary Club of Canterbury

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