President's Report to the Club Annual General Meeting 2006

1. Overview

The RCA is currently in a very strong position. As detailed below club membership has grown steadily over the past period with new members prepared to become fully involved in all aspects of club activities. The financial position is equally good in both the Club and Charitable accounts. Looking forward we have presidential nominations for both of the next two years.

2. Membership

RCA currently has 32 members of which 4 have been inducted this Rotary Year. We have accepted 9 new members in the past 21 months primarily via the Friends Programme with one member resigning due to availability problems.

3. Major Fundraising achievements

Committee chairman will report in more detail on our fundraising achievements, but I would like to record that we have now set in place a raft of excellent activities that will ensure an adequate flow of finance for our foreseeable requirements.

4. Vocational Activities

The most significant achievement this year has been the establishment of a programme of children's concerts on behalf of the RBWM. Many members contributed to the success of the two concerts held earlier this year but it must be placed on record the magnificent and persistent efforts of David Jones in securing the attention of RBWM Education Department to get the programme accepted.

5. Links with other Clubs

The RCA has always maintained strong links with other local clubs. Of particular interest is the 'Windsor Borough Plus' initiative, which seeks to bring together all the clubs within the Royal Borough plus a couple on the periphery. This approach has already led to the acquisition of a support dog for a person without hearing.

6. Foundation

We are looking forward to our annual Garden Party in June that features our efforts for Foundation.

7. Fellowship

This aspect of Rotary is taken very seriously. As mentioned under membership RC Ascot maintains a strong 'Friends of Rotary' grouping who are invited to the second meeting of every month. The level of support for these meetings permit the attraction of very strong speakers which have included top representatives from the Ascot Racecourse, 2012 Bid Team, the RAF, Navy and Army and a fascinating guide to a cycle ride throughout South America.

Alan Penny
President 2005-2006