“They” say that “All good things must come to an end”, which prompts the question as to who “They” are (?), and how do “They” have the insight and wisdom to know that all good things must come to an end? 

Wouldn’t it make more sense to suggest that “All good things might ‘change’, even for the better, (if at all possible), or maybe become something new”, rather than coming to an end?

I say this because an end is just around the corner for me personally as your President, and, as much as I can’t get my head around the fact that a year of serving you, the Executive Team, and the Club, time has rushed by and life changes. 

As this is my last President’s Message I would ask that you indulge me as I would now like to exercise the privilege of personally thanking each and everyone for your friendship, your support, and your endless contribution to the success that I believe we have experienced as a Club this past year!  

To the SIG Leaders who have devoted their time and effort to offering activities and events in order to further enrich your Probus experience as you continue to meet and share with friends, old and new. 

To all those who have volunteered to quietly serve the Club in a multitude of behind-the-scenes services for monthly meetings, ranging from providing refreshments and goodies, setting-up and tearing down chairs, to serving on social, speaker and communications committees. 

To the incredible Executive Team without whose commitment, from an operational perspective, would have left the Club floundering.  

I wish to name the Team, individually, in recognition of their tremendous dedication and support within their unique portfolios, all contributing to the overall success of the term. 

To our Secretary, Leslie Horsman who has so diligently recorded the proceeding of each and every Executive Management Committee meeting as well as the monthly meetings, and in producing the records of each for posterity purposes. 

To Tim Westinghouse, our Treasurer, who has set the course and managed to steer us in a financially sound and fiscally responsible manner, for now, and into the future. 

To Vera Moore, Membership Chair, who has had her finger on the pulse of the membership, both in serving existing members, as well as coordinating and hosting the number of new members that we have been so fortunate to welcome this past season. 

To Wendy Hayes, Social Chair, and her dedicated team in providing a wealth of interesting excursions, events and activities, as well as shared celebrations throughout the year. Thanks for presenting fun and definitely socially engaging opportunities. 

To Jane Currie, Communications Chair, and her creative team in keeping the membership informed, on a monthly basis, as to Club related information both through our first-class website and newsletter.  Our website is considered the gold standard of Club websites, respected by all fellow Clubs.

To Gail Marlow, Speaker Chair, and her Speaker Committee team for providing a cross-section of highly educational and challenging speakers and topics of interest experienced by all.

To Darrell Robertson, Past President, who has been quietly serving as a guiding light, in the wings, performing the vital function of   researching and preparing reports related to our Constitution, Bylaws and Polices that needed to be reviewed and updated, for presentation to the general membership, and for ratification at a future monthly meeting.

Finally, to Pat Hill, who had not only overseen the SIG’s and assisting with their needs throughout the year, but with whom I have had the pleasure of mentoring in preparation for his opportunity to serve the Club as the newly appointed President, to be recognized at the up-coming AGM. I wish Pat every success in his new term, assuring him that I will always be there, as a silent coach and as required.  

Most importantly of all, I want to thank all the membership for having given me the opportunity and privilege of serving as your President for this past term. It has been a truly remarkable and rewarding experience reinforced by your tremendous support and on-going encouragement!

Thank you!

President Brian