Rotary Club La Valette Celebrates Handover Dinner and Welcomes New Rotary Year

The Rotary Club La Valette gathered on 18 June at the Marsa Sports Club, by the poolside, for its annual Handover Dinner—an evening marked by fellowship, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. The event brought together members, friends, and guests to celebrate the close of President Clare Vassallo’s year of service and to welcome incoming President Annemarie Bianchi as she begins her new term.
Outgoing President Clare reflected warmly on a year that, in her words, “has flown,” recalling the moment she received the chain of office twelve months earlier. She expressed deep appreciation for the Board members who supported her throughout the year, noting that their guidance and encouragement were invaluable, especially given her relatively recent arrival at the club. Clare also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Rotarian Brian Sullivan, describing him as “one of the pillars of our club,” and inviting members to raise a glass in his memory.
Among the year’s achievements, Clare highlighted two significant service projects. The District Grant supporting ALS research at the University of Malta enabled the full-genome mapping of 10 individuals, with several club members personally contributing blood samples and participating in research questionnaires. She announced that further volunteer visits to the lab will be organised in the coming months.
The second major initiative was the USD 40,000 Global Grant supporting Dar T’Ghanniqa t’Omm in Mosta, a home providing shelter and care for vulnerable mothers and newborns. Clare emphasised the collaborative effort behind the project, thanking members David Dingli and Annemarie Bianchi for their expertise in navigating the complexities of the grant process.
The evening also celebrated the club’s vibrant fellowship. Clare recalled convivial dinners, engaging lectures, cultural visits, and successful social events—from the annual BBQ to the Christmas Drinks gathering—underscoring that Rotary is as much about friendship as it is about service. Membership growth was another highlight, with the club welcoming three new members during the evening: Mr Frederic Villa, Ms Rachel Radmilli, and Ms Emilia Pace. Two members, Sandra La Rosa and David Dingli, were honoured with Paul Harris Recognitions for their outstanding contributions.
Incoming President Annemarie Bianchi, taking up the role for the fourth time, thanked members for their trust. She outlined key events for the coming Rotary year, including the August fundraising BBQ, a spring fundraiser hosted at a member’s home, the club’s 25th Anniversary celebrations in April, and the Rotary International Convention in Barcelona next June. She also highlighted the club’s newly submitted District Grant project at Jeanne Antide in Tarxien, aimed at converting a room into a much needed storage facility.
Annemarie closed by reminding members that the club’s strength lies in its people, emphasising that “every contribution, no matter how small, helps us move forward.”
The evening concluded in true Rotary spirit—warm, convivial, and united in service—setting the tone for another meaningful year ahead.