Mr Joe Gaggero’s speech - Gala NIght

President Raju Alwani – Ladies and Gentlemen

This present by the Rotary Club of Gibraltar has given me much joy.

It revives such happy memories of my weekly evenings at the Rock, particularly throughout the time of the closed frontier, when Rotary performed a very special contribution to our community that we all can be so proud of.

A membership then spanned over every sector of Gibraltar.

Ministers, professionals, Civil Servants, MOD, Retailers and other Businessmen etc.

A most powerful platform before the business of the day, weekly defused so many problems and pre-empted serious potential pitfalls, by carrying out important relation building united us all.

Thank you all and my very best wish to the continued success of the Rotary Club of Gibraltar.

Toast to Joe Gaggero, Honorary Member by Secretary. Leif Bank Jorgensen

Dear Guests, Visiting Rotarians and Fellow Members of the Rotary Club of Gibraltar.

Dear Joseph J. Gaggero CBE KHS - Dear Joe.

The Rotary Club of Gibraltar is delighted to welcome you tonight as our very special guest. You were a founding member and are a Past President of this club, and when your residence changed to London you continued to take a keen interest in our activities.

You are the President of the 200 years young Bland Group that has survived depression, political isolation and several wars – with flying banners. Starting in 1810 in Mediterranean shipping and trade, the Group has diversified to harbour and airports services, transport and tourism. In the UK the Group produces the renowned Hovercrafts and highly advanced technical products to defence, aviation and oil exploration to customers globally. A remarkable success.

You have conducted your professional life with the highest degree of ethical standards and always strived (and succeeded) in serving others above yourself. A true Rotarian indeed.

This has been widely recognised internationally. Included in a wide range of honorary positions and honours received –two already mentioned - , you are:

• Vice President Moroccan-British Business Council.
• President British Moroccan Society
• Patron Hispanic British Foundation
• Hon. Vice President Gibraltar Philharmonic Society
• Commander Royal Order of the Polar Star, Sweden
• Commander Royal Order, Al Alaoui Morocco

In addition you have received::

• Gibraltar Medallion of Honour
• UK Air League Founders Medal

But not to be forgotten – The Rock Hotel – your hotel – where we are now celebrating - it has been the home of The Rotary Club of Gibraltar through all the years. We truly feel at home here and this is in large part due to the extremely friendly staff.

The Rotary Club of Gibraltar is therefore delighted that you have accepted an Honorary Membership of our club and we are pleased to confirm this by presenting this Certificate to you. (Certificate to be handed over).

Dear Guests, Visiting Rotarians, Fellow Members of The Rotary Club of Gibraltar – please be upstanding for a toast to our new Honorary Member:

To Joe Gaggero

Rotary Presidents’ Gala

The Rotary Club of Gibraltar recently held their annual Presidents’ Gala Dinner at the Rock Hotel. Outgoing president Raju Alwani handed over to Julian Risso for the new year 2010/11. In his farewell address Mr. Alwani thanked everyone for their support over the past year, particularly those on the Committee who together have raised more funds than ever before for local and international charities.

The event was well attended, with a number of distinguished guests such as the Commander of British Forces Adrian Bell and his wife Hayley; Lt. Col Colin Risso MC; District Governor of District 1120 Mr. John Dunkley; President of Rotary Club Estoi Palace, Portugal, Capt. Kent Ringborn; President of The Rotary Club of Almancil (Portugal) Mr. Keith Johnson; The Presidents of Lions Club and Round Table, Gibraltar as well as a large number of Rotarians from Clubs in Spain and Portugal.

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment Corps of Drums delighted everyone with their marching and music.

In his first address as the new Rotary Club President, Julian Risso made tribute to the work of Rotarians though the years, promised that this would continue through his presidency and thanked all for their contributions to the Club and to the local community. He expressed the hope that both the Rotary Club of Gibraltar and the local community will be able to continue working closely together for the benefit of Gibraltar.

Mr. Joe Gaggero, CBE KHS, founder member and Past President of Rotary Club of Gibraltar was made Honorary Member of the club and was awarded with a Certificate by outgoing Secretary Mr Leif Bank Jorgensen, Raju Alwani and Julian Risso.

The Fund Raising Committee headed by Ms Jane Hart together with Ms Barbara Sellors and Mr Gordon Vickers during the evening held a tombola and auction which raised over £1400 for local charities. The evening ended with dancing to the music of local band Horizon.

Rotary Club Award to Charity

The Rotary Club of Gibraltar met on the 6th July to present the proceeds to charity of their recent 'Las Vegas' night. Rotarians' President Raju Alwani and Gordon Vickers from the fund-raising committee presented the cheques from the money raised to representatives from local charities that were promised support.

These included Mark Ferrary of the Downs Syndrome support group and Angela Lucas from St Martin's special school. The third charity, the Alzheimers and Dementia group were unfortunately unable to attend and

the cheque will be sent directly to them. Each of the three organisations received £428.

The Rotarians explained that these were but three of the many causes that the Club is working to support throughout 2010.