Joelle Searle was inducted as the 31st president of the Rotary Club of Hout Bay on Wednesday, June 13.
The event, held at Pure at the Hout Bay Manor Hotel, saw Ms Searle taking over from outgoing president Hans Kuhn. She has been instrumental in increased membership of the club, and while she has big shoes to fill, she has already been working closely with Mr Kuhn over the past 12 months.
After toasts to Rotary International, Rotary Club of Hout Bay and Coolamon Rotary Club, the Rotarians enjoyed a sumptuous meal followed by the passing of chain of office from Mr Kuhn to to Ms Searle.
Ms Searle then introduced her new board for the year. They are: Keith Bull (president elect); Mr Kuhn (past president); Alison Rice (secretary); Denise Hopkins (treasurer); Harriet Purser (club services); Keith Bull (vocational/educational); Colin Sutherland (international); Butch Liebenberg (community services); Mr Kuhn (youth services); Ms Searle (membership and development); Peter Dutton (communication); and Don Peters (foundation).
Ms Searle then bestowed honourary membership on a number of Hout Bay residents.
Kevin and Pat Whelan were honoured for their support of the bursary scheme and youth development; Adele Heyden and Elise de Beer for their contribution to the club on a quarterly basis with proceeds from the 790 Directory; and Bernadette Dutton for her collecting and distributing to the needy of clothes, toys, books and household items.
Joanne Chemaly was honoured for her work with Thula Thula Hout Bay, while Liz Huckle was recognised for her work among the sick and needy in Hangberg and Imizamu Yethu.
