The new Rotary Year starts on the 1st July and so it’s all change at the Club. Today was the handover from the existing to the new President and it also marked the last Thursday lunchtime meeting the Club will hold at Orsett Hall.
Current President Paul Smith, made an enthusiastic speech about his 18 months as President and thanked all those who had helped him throughout his term of office. Whilst already a Rotarian when he joined the Club in early 2024, he volunteered to be President and was rushed through the learning process and jumped straight in at the deep end as President in October 2024. In his closing speech he said he was honoured to have served as President of such a high achieving and established Club and referred to the Club record breaking collections at Christmas 2025 and the fun he had at two Tripartite weekends with the Iserlohn and Voorschoten Rotary Clubs and two Club Mystery Trips, as particular favourites.
The Presidents jewel of office was handed to the new President, Dave Wheatley, who thanked Paul for all he had done in a memorable Presidency and applauded his enthusiasm and character, that made him a true Rotarian.
Paul was thanked by the Club with a standing ovation while his Past Presidents pin was presented. Dave then went on to thank various people who had agreed to stand on the Club Committees in the new Rotary Year.
As Orsett Hall was closing for redevelopment, the meeting today was the last one to be held at Orsett Hall. The relationship between the Club and Orsett Hall management was unfortunately coming to an end and as a show of appreciation the Club presented, flowers, an engraved glass and chocolates to Julia and an engraved beer glass and chocolates to Alfie who had served members over the many years we had attended Orsett Hall.
As the new Rotary Year starts there are lots of plans to make this another memorable Club year, with a Golf Tournament at Orsett Golf Club on 18th August (see www.rotarygolf.uk), the Christmas activities in Thurrock, various Youth Competitions including Young Musician, Chef, Writer, Artist and Technologist (to name but a few), all the usual members fellowship activities and this year a few new projects President Dave has in mind.
Now is the time to join the fun and help make a difference in our Grays Thurrock Community, so if you are interested please don’t hesitate to look for more information upon the Club website or email us on info@graysthurrockrotary.org.uk.
 Paul presents Dave with the President's chain of office |  Dave pins on Paul's Past President's Jewel |  Julia is thrilled with her bouquet of flowers |
Paul (Immediate Past President) and Dave (President) |  Julia and Alfie who have looked after us so well for many years |
You think up the caption for this one! |
