It’s all change as new president takes over
Proud John handed club’s chain of office
How time flies when you are enjoying yourself.
The year has rolled around and it was time for the annual general meeting of East Kilbride Probus Club.
President Allan Stevenson opened the meeting with general remarks and then the minutes of last year’s AGM were read out by secretary John Mitchell and approved.
The death of Harry Ballantine was announced and marked with Mr Mitchell saying he had been a long-time member of the club.
The roll-keeper’s report of Tom Kennedy was then read out. Although numbers had dropped by two, at 62, the membership was still high compared to some other clubs – with an average attendance of 75 per cent.
Treasurer Bill Lennie stated that the club was in good financial health. To that extent, various charity donations were granted to Loaves and Fishes, Kilbryde Hospice, East Kilbride Dementia Carers Group, East Kilbride Talking Newspaper and the Lanarkshire Cancer Care Trust.
Mr Stevenson began his report and talked about the speakers who had visited the club and trips members had embarked on.
He also looked forward to the final outing to Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire.
Mr Stevenson added: “EK Probus is a successful and vibrant club and that success is due to you, the members.
“Most of all it is your attendance, commitment and repartee which has made my year as president so enjoyable – my grateful thanks to you all.”
Members applauded to show their appreciation.
At this point, there was the handover to the new president, John Walker, who accepted the chain of office.
Mr Stevenson was presented with a pastpresident tie and lapel badge to mark the occasion and his first duty was to announce the tea break during which Jim Dunlop showed a montage of photos and humorous videos of past and present Probus and other events.
After this interlude followed the election of the new committee for 2018/2019: President John Walker; vice-president Drew Kean; treasurer Bill Lennie; secretary Eddie Holmes; roll-keeper Tom Kennedy and committee members Ken Lawton (publicity officer) and Ray Jones.
Mr Walker then thanked the club for both putting its trust in him and honouring him to take them through next season and said he would carry out his duties to the best of his abilities over the next 12 months.
He realised the importance of Probus in the community and added that he liked that the club ran itself with no higher power directing.
The next meeting, heralding the start of the new programme, will be on Wednesday, October 3, at 2pm for 2.30pm in the Old Parish Church hall in Glebe Street.