PRESIDENTS CHATTER –JULY 2005

In my previous ‘Chatter’ I spoke of the four friends that we lost on the Fly Around. What I would now like to do is to recognize the efforts of those who had put in months of work prior to the event. This is not is intended as a report on the event – an article in the next edition of the Rotary Flyer will do that. What was different and special about this Fly Around was the hospitality that we enjoyed from Rotary Clubs all along our route. This added an extra dimension to the enjoyment of visiting new places

At the start point in Lansing the two local Clubs along with the local chapter of the EAA put together a superb pancake breakfast to send us on our way. The Clubs had also met arriving IFFR members and ferried them to the Chicago city centre prior to the Convention.  This set the standard in hospitality. Before we left our next stop at Niagara Falls we enjoyed a full breakfast with the Kenmore club. Rotary friendship, a beautiful lakeside setting and an excellent breakfast - what more could you ask for? The French toast was out of this world! At Portland, Maine, we joined the Club on a cruise around the rugged islands, which dominate the bay. During this I received, on behalf of the Fellowship, a proclamation signed by the Mayor of Portland welcoming us to that beautiful part of the USA.

Mystic was our next destination – the kindness, consideration and understanding of the members of the Mystic Club, President Barry and retiring DG Pamela, in the wake of the tragedy will make us, ever in their debt. This was a time when the extended family of Rotary showed its full support.

After Mystic we had been due to fly to Manassas but the weather conspired against that. That prevented us from meeting the Manassas club and enjoying their home hospitality. We all felt for Dan Radtke and his team who had put in so much work planning our stay only to see their efforts come to naught. Perhaps another time? To all the Rotarians involved along the way many, many thanks.

I now come to the IFFR team – led by Brain Andersen and assisted by Caryl (or was it the other way round?) we had Phil Yoder, Herman Hassinger, Dan Nalvin, Tom Johnston and Dan Radtke. Each of you, in your own way, made a special contribution and on behalf of all the participants I thank you for that.

Angus Clark

World President 2004-2006