The Rotary Clubs of Phoenix-Pattaya and Jomtien-Pattaya installed new presidents for the 2012-2013 year in a ceremony that mixed magic and serious business.
Jomtien club member Brendan Kelly served as master of ceremonies at the June 30 dinner at the Royal Cliff Grand hotel as Heiner Moessing took over as head of the German speaking Phoenix chapter and fellow German Dieter Reigber as president of the English-speaking Jomtien club.
Newly elected president Dieter Reigber (right) receives his medal from the district governor (not shown), while his predecessor Gudmund Eikson looks on.
Outgoing Jomtien President Gudmund Eiksund opened the ceremony with a speech, followed by former District 3340 Gov. Premprecha Dibbayawan offering a toast before the buffet dinner.
Martin Brands, member of the Jomtien club, resumed business with a short presentation introducing the exchange students who had helped at the recently organized Rotary World Conference.
The new board for the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya.
Things then got magical, as exchange student Alejandro of Mexico enchanted the audience with his sleight of hand.
Eiksund turned back to serious business with his farewell speech, which reviewed the year’s charitable work. Current District Gov. Thirayud Watanathirawood then installed the new president Reigber.
In his inauguration speech, Reigber pledged to continue Eiksund’s work at the Jomtien club, but added he wanted to do more to boost Thailand’s educational system. He closed by introducing the club’s new board of directors.
Heiner Moessing (right) receives his presidential medal, while his predecessor, Hubert Maier has his removed. On the far right is Brendan Kelly.
In his parting speech, outgoing Phoenix President Hubert Meier reviewed his busy term and thanked members for their support before officially installing his successor.
Moessing gave a short, but dynamic, inauguration speech, saying he’d continue Phoenix’s ongoing projects and try to create new ones.
After a presentation of scholarships, guests enjoyed music and got the answers to the evening’s trivia questions.
The new board members of the Rotary Club of Phoenix Pattaya.
