District Governor 2006 - 2007
David Curtis
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Adapted from the introduction speech at
District Assembly 2006 by SVP Stephen Bird (Mapperley). |
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 Rarely do the two qualities of respect and popularity come together
to focus on one individual. Rotary Clubs, like most organisations
have members of varying commitment and we all know there are many
different characters in RotaryThere are the happy go lucky
Rotarians who manage - despite themselves to get the job nearly
done.
There are the gung ho members, who really go for it, who badger and
cajole their fellows to set and meet targets and deadlines. But
then, there are the calm organised, totally committed Rotarians.
Rotarians like David Curtis. The do-ers and achievers, who with a
quiet efficiency and good humour make that extra effort deliver
results and are liked and respected by all who know them. But what comes next shows why he was so necessary to the success of the club. Having served his apprenticeship as an effective and popular “Rotary foot soldier” - he edited the Club Magazine and started and still maintains a Club Archive. He became Club treasurer, and was President in 1991-92 – after only 5 years in Rotary. Then, when in the middle of David’s Presidential year the Club Treasurer resigned for personal reasons, David took both jobs on, and carried on as treasurer the following year. Not content with just looking after his orn club, David became a member of the District Finance Team and then later, District Treasurer, an office he held for the maximum five years. You can tell he has a Financial background can’t you? David has
recently retired after 43 years as a Local Government Accountant. It was while working at the Guildhall that he first met his wife Susan. He has also worked for Beeston & Stapleford and Broxtowe
Councils, and finally at Mansfield District Council. I recently came across one of those encouraging statements you find in Rotary Paperwork, it said: "Don’t be a Rotarian Wanabee – Be a Rotarian HaveDoneabit." David Curtis has already done a lot and is about to do a bit
more. |
We also have David the sportsman, a
keen footballer he played 5 a side at Mansfield – (Council !) -
until he retired, so he must be pretty fit, an example to us all.
How many District Governors Elect still play football? I am assured that he was awarded the man of the match prize once – after his last game – in goal. His interest in football continues and although borne in Derbyshire he supports both Notts County and Nottingham Forest. David and Sue live in Woodthorpe – under the watchful gaze of his good friend - Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow Alan Langton. He has a number of other interests, including gardening. As you would expect from an accountant, his beans are all in a very orderly row. He knows exactly how many there are at any given time because they are audited weekly. He lists many other interests – including eating traditional hot puddings with lashings of custard. We admire his dedication to money and treasury matters, and doubtless accountancy rules of mind boggling complexity BUT I have to pass on a staggering allegation - that there is one person he cannot keep within budget –and that is Susan. David and Sue were married on his 27th birthday in 1972 – They have a son Peter, who they sent to Coventry -UNIVERSITY,
from where he escaped according to his father “with a degree – an
overdraft – and debts.” We know that David and Susan enjoy their Rotary. They put a lot in to it and they deservedly get a lot out of it. Their year together as Mr & Mrs D G has already got off to a special start with their trip to San Diego. They will have the total support of the Mapperley Club of which I am proud to be a member and will be honoured to become
President. Please welcome District Governor Elect David Curtis ! |
Susan has always supported David in Rotary and is an enthusiastic
Member of Inner Wheel.