Rotary Ireland Conference 2017

ConfFri20 members attended various aspects of the 2017 District Conference held 29-30 September in the La Mon Hotel and we were also delighted to have with us Global Scholar Sarah Markley. Photo shows some of the Club's Friday attendees. Delegates were treated to a varied programme of speakers over the 2 days superbly introduced by Mistress of Ceremonies, our own past member and now a member of Formby Rotary Club, Rtn Claire Savage.

Conf3BallConf4BallWe were delighted to renew friendships with Dublin Club members at the dinner and fellowship evening on Friday night which concluded with the Lagan Seahorses Male Voice Choir and the Conference concluded with a Gala Ball.

Photos show Club members who attended the Gala Ball with Claire Savage and President Rosemary with Dublin Club President Bernadette Mulvey.

The Conference programme was extensive and guest speakers reflected on the wider world beyond Rotary; some of the main highlights were:- a ‘my life’ address by Bill Wolsey, MD Beannchor Group and owner of the Merchant Hotel in Belfast who stressed the need for Rotary to be more “noisey”!; a powerful talk from the Stroke Association in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation on strokes, their causes and prevention incorporating a moving story from a survivor; highly entertaining and amusing addresses were given by Professor Jim Dornan, well-known retired obstetrician and Eric Knowles Rotary Foundation Champion & Ambassador for the Princes Trust who was highly approachable and who also auctioned the painting at the Ball for over £2,000. Youth Action NI gave an excellent performance of 3 songs and we were given “an insiders take on wine” by wine merchant Neil Preshaw with even a tasting of 3 of his “insiders” wines.

DignitypacksconferenceHowever Conference hearts were lost to Rotary Young Citizen Award 2017 winner Molly Comish who was interviewed by Claire Savage – see her story here.

In all it was a most enjoyable experience which all members should consider participating in in future years.

The videos shown during the Conference can be viewed on the District website here.

IPP Ivan McMinn & PP David Boyd played in the Golf Competition held on Thursday at Shandon Park Golf Club which was won by PP David who was also ’closest to the pin’ on hole 13 winning a golf bag, umbrella and holds the Scratch Trophy for the year.