1998 Rotary Convention Indianapolis (U S A )

1998 saw the R I convention assemble in Indianapolis. As usual our booth was kept very busy. On the Wednesday at the Radisson Hotel some 65 Iforian's enjoyed a succulent Luncheon followed by our AGM. It was proposed at this meeting that the following years AGM be held in Singapore that the Annual dues be raised to U S $ 10.00. Commodore Arnold reported that we had suffered the loss of some 270 members. Some had been lost, but we had also gained some. The new Fleets they were:-British Virgins Islands, The Northwest Washington Fleet, South West Fleet of Naples, The Weser-Jade, and North East Fleet Germany. Like all other Commodores Arnold expressed his thanks to all who had given him and Koosje just great hospitality during their term of office, Thanks were also given to the wonderful team he had around him. I R C Admin Evert van der Stroom and I R C (Roster) Frits Stavast and also I R C Felix Keller.

Following the AGM some 24 Iforian's drove in cars to Davenport on the Mississippi River. The evening was spent in the Radisson Hotel where we were joined by another 24 Iforian's. The next day we all boarded the "Twilight" for our two day cruise on the Mississippi River. We learned that the river freezes in the winter at this latitude. During the navigational season it is used extensively for moving grain. During our stay aboard the crew really pampered us. The on board activities included besides sun-tanning, idle chatter, bridge-playing sessions, and some very interesting cross-cultural discussions. During the afternoon we experienced a short but very intensive storm on the river with a fascinating "Linesquall" After breakfast the following morning we visited Galiena Lowa, this town like its namesake in Missouri is named after the Lead Ore present in the surrounding hills and has been extensively mined. On our return to the "Twilight" we were very surprised to see the extensive damage caused by the storm the previous day. Large trees were down everywhere. Having now been used to early rising in the mornings we gathered at the local University where we were treated to a truly scrumptious breakfast and given a very humourous talk and video show by Rotarian Peter Pohi who had been invited to spend time on a yacht sailing the Windward Islands in the Caribbean working as a jack of all trades.

Mississippi River Boat Cruise 'Twilight'

Sadly next morning saw us bidding our farewells to many old and new friends before returning back to our normal lives.

A week later saw our International Commodore and his First Mate travelled to Istanbul (Turkye) to take part in the Governors Parade organised by the Turkish Fleets a ritual which takes place every year to welcome the new District Governor into Office. Out Turkish hosts planned a fantastic programme for our Commodore Arnold and 1st Mate Koosje. They sailed the Bosporus and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Istanbul. During this visit at the Sunday Luncheon a charter was presented to Fleet Commodore M Sabin Yalim of the Izmit Fleet

It is with great regret that we have to announce that Past Commodore (G B & I) Geoff Pearce passed away in August. Geoff served our fellowship during many years in various positions. As Commodore G B & I he signed with ICmdre George Kent the Agreement of Affiliation meant to be the first step to full integration. He served as ICmdre Administration during the years of 1991-1993. We are most grateful for all has done for our fellowship and our thoughts go out to Angela.

During the Convention in Indianapolis contact were made between ourselves and Assistance District Governor Charlie Clemmons and on the 22nd October 1998 at the invitation of our International Commodore Arnold Verkade the Charter for the newly formed Texas Fleet was presented to them by Vice Commodore Joe Phillips. This new Fleet now has some 42 members.

It was reported that 11 Yachts from the East Coast, Medway, and Suffolk Fleets sailed to Holland for a meeting with the Netherlands South West Fleet at Wemeldinge for a rally which it was reported was very successful, and great fellowship was enjoyed by all.