PRESIDENTS CHATTER
Firstly I would like to welcome Peter More as our new International Webmaster. Peter has done an excellent job with the Americas South West site and I am sure will be equally effective with the International site. Peter takes over from Simon Barlow and I would particularly thank Simon for his most professional contribution to this vital aspect of Fellowship communication.
Since my last ‘Chatter’ I have visited one of the ‘mega’ aviation events in the calendar - Sun ‘n Fun – held at Lakeland, Florida. As ever it was a light aviation feast with more aircraft than you could hope to see in the time available. The organisation of this event is truly awesome and is something that our American friends do extremely well. My only regret was that, surprisingly, we did not bump into other IFFR members in spite of wearing our IFFR hats for identification.
Back in the UK we attended our first event of the year – the UK Section Fly in to Swansea in South Wales. As ever the fellowship was of the highest order – and whilst it is always dangerous to pick a highlight on this occasion it was rather different. On our visit to the Gower Peninsula we came to rocky outcrop, which was separated from the mainland by a rocky causeway. This can only be crossed 2½ hours either side of low tide. Two unfortunates had ignored the warning notice and found themselves waist deep in the rapidly advancing tide. Fortunately they made it back to the outcrop – onlookers called the coastguard and then, impressively, within 15 minutes a helicopter had arrived to pluck them to safety. A very practical demonstration of the value of aviation.
Next month is approaching fast with the ‘big one’. The Chicago Convention and the associated IFFR events. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the Convention, at the Booth and at the IFFR Annual Banquet. This is very special this year as it is not only Rotary’s 100th birthday but also IFFR’s 40th. To mark this a special anniversary Members Directory is being produced and should be in the hands of all current members in June.
See you in Chicago!
Angus Clark
IFFR World President 2004-2006