Gill Davey was inducted as the 54th president of the Rotary Anns of Benoni Van Ryn in Rynfield on July 12, taking over from Lynne Mehigan.
A member of the Anns since 1972, Davey said it was one of the best moves she’s ever made when she and husband, Brian, joined the Benoni van Ryn Rotary.
“Some 54 years ago, Brian came home from work and said he had a problem. He had been invited to join Rotary but his problem was he had been selected to represent South Africa at the World Go Kart champs in Sweden and neither of us knew too much about Rotary. He went to the meeting and we proudly joined Benoni Van Ryn Rotary. It was one of the best moves we made,” she said.
Davey will be supported by Elaine Stathacopoulos as secretary, Maureen Fox as treasurer and Priscilla Fuller as the sergeant. Judy Bath, Maria Pinho and Shiela Norray will head the fellowship and caring desks.
“I have a strong team and a group of willing Anns. I am confident that together we will make Rotary District 9400 and Benoni proud of the Benoni Van Ryn Rotary Anns.
She thanked the outgoing Mehigan for looking after the club in the past year.
In her report, Mehigan acknowledged Davey and Bath for their assistance in making her tenure a success.
“It’s with great pleasure that I hand over the reins to Gill. As a newby, without the assistance of Gill and Judy, I would have definitely made a mess of this. One thing I learnt from these ladies with so much experience, the Anns is run on a well-oiled machine,” Mehigan said.
Among some successes she highlighted were the beautiful gardens of Benoni fundraiser, donating toiletries to the Salvation Army and their champion raffle.
Delivering the memoriam of Ann Smith, who passed away on January 2 aged 81, Sally Matthee lauded Smith for her active involvement in various projects including Hobbi Tech, Colin House at Benoni Child Welfare and Knittered Knockers prosthesis for women who lost their breasts to cancer.
The induction was also attended by District Governor Ann, Frances Hyson and District Governor-elect Grace van Zyl.
Also Read: Andrews, Mehigan to do more for community
Also Read: Rotary Anns give thanks
