Community News

Caption: Grafton Midday outgoing President Bob Booth and incoming 2020-21 President Robert Blanchard handing over Rotary International lapel pins, at a COVID-19 social distance. Image: contributed.

Midday Rotary changeover amid COVID-19

Midday Rotary is not letting COVID-19 get in the way of having a good time and keeping the club relevant.

Incoming 2020-21 President, Robert Blanchard said, “Our recent changeover was held at Roches Hotel, our long-time regular Wednesday meeting venue. It was limited to our board members to ensure that we complied with the 10 seated persons COVID-19 limit. We plan to hold a bigger event, with our partners and friends of Rotary, after the restrictions are lifted.”

In the meantime, the changeover was marked with a photo outside the hotel of outgoing President Bob Booth and incoming 2020-21 President Robert Blanchard handing over their Rotary International lapel pins, at the now normal social distance.

Mr Blanchard explained that whilst COVID-19 has placed restrictions on what we can do, Midday Rotary is still functioning.

“We are rescheduling some projects and making applications for grants and the like that will bring life to projects that will benefit our community as face to face fundraising events, such as BBQs and raffle ticket selling, are out for the moment.”

“We ‘Zoom’ for larger club meetings and hold small team face to face meetings for our projects. This will see us through until we get back to a new normal.”

Brian Lane