Saturday 7th July 2018 saw the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin’s (RCRHH) 9th Club Installation evening dinner held in the Ballroom of the Amari Hua Hin Resort & Spa, during which our new President for the year 2018-19 Brian Anderson was elected for the second time.
Brian, who originates from the United States is well known in Hua Hin and works as the Sustainable Development Manager at Chiva-Som International Health Resorts Co., Ltd. And has lived in the city since 2002; interestingly he also used to raise turkeys, all American free-range pastured birds, some of which he says are interesting fowl like some of his friends!
A total of 95 guests and VIPs attended the grand occasion and included the Rotary 3330 District Governor Lt Gen Kanit Jamjuntra, and Immediate Past Governor Dr Peera Farmiboon. Members from the Rotary Clubs of Bangkok South, Bangkapi and Hua Hin also joined the celebrations.Guests were entertained before dinner by Sean Maguire and his acoustic guitar, and following the Thai National Anthem and King’s Anthem sat down to one of Amari’s renowned International Buffets, and freeflow wine, beer and beverages, with musical background provided by DJ Terry Fox Sandy Beach & Section 5. Following dinner entertainment was provided by the excellent Preserve Hua Hin Khon Dancers, a group dedicated to maintaining the cultural traditions and history of Thailand.
President Elect Napa Keawtem then gave a presentation on Service Projects for the year and those which RCRHH had assisted, including a donation of bicycles to local children, a Childrens’ Day at Panyanakul School, two day English Camp and proposed new playground at Nongkhon School, Days for Girls and a number of other activities.
Then came outgoing President, Dr Birger Rexed. Birger has been President of RCRHH for the past 12 months and served the club well during his time in office. He has been a Rotarian for over 30 years and President once before in his home country Sweden.
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n a heartfelt farewell he thanked members of RCRHH for their support and delivery of manpower. He stated that Rotary did not need new members, it needed ‘Rotarians’, those willing t
o become involved in the work of the organisation. He was pleased to see that seven new members had joined RCRHH during his term of office and invited his outgoing Board onto the stage to thank them personally. He paid thanks to the various committees and their work, especially the Golf Tournament Sub-Committee and specifically Steve Brighton & Francis Luns. Birger then thanked the staff at Amari for their support of RCRHH during the year.
n a heartfelt farewell he thanked members of RCRHH for their support and delivery of manpower. He stated that Rotary did not need new members, it needed ‘Rotarians’, those willing to become involved in the work of the organisation. He was pleased to see that seven new members had joined RCRHH during his term of office and invited his outgoing Board onto the stage to thank them personally. He paid thanks to the various committees and their work, especially the Golf Tournament Sub-Committee and specifically Steve Brighton & Francis Luns. Birger then thanked the staff at Amari for their support of RCRHH during the year.Birger then presented PE Napa Keawtem with the Rotarian Of The Year certificate and a bouquet for her sterling efforts with the Service Committee. Finally he paid tribute to his wife Karina for her support during the year, especially as both of his arms had been in plaster at some stage during the past 12 months, and presented her with another bouquet to much applause.
Next to speak was IPDG Dr Peera Farmiboon who thanked RCRHH for their work during the year, he made reference to the increased membership during 2017-18, 46 to 53 making RCRHH the fourth largest club in District 3330. He said RCRHH was, as an English Speaking Club leading in every aspect and setting a standard. He wished the club very best wishes for the forthcoming year.
This was followed by the main event, the installation ceremony, during which the Presidential Jewel was passed from Birger to Brian by DG Lt Gen Kanit.
Following the formality P Brian began a humorous speech during which he provided everyone with a shot of Jim Beam Bourbon. He also thanked Birger for his work during the year describing him as a ‘A Prince of a Man’. He then made reference to this year’s motto Be The Inspiration as well as saying members should not be asking ‘‘How Can I Help?’’ but saying ‘‘How I Can Help’’. This was followed by a pen picture of all his predecessors as President during the last nine years, with some interesting and funny anecdotes thrown in. He referred to next year’s President – Napa and introduced the new Board for 2018-19.
P Brian’s speech was followed by the raffle draw and presentation of bouquets to Lt Gen Jamjuntra for his lady and to Karina Rexed.
Below are a small selection of pictures from the event, CLICK HERE for more and a slide show.
