Week Ten

Monday 2nd September:

September and still such lovely weather, it is said the British talk about the weather when there is nothing else to say but, in this case the fine weather is really is something worth celebrating!

This morning I participated in a 'video conference call' with the other members of the Rotary International in Britain and Ireland (RIBI) Environmental Sustainability Group, part of the RIBI Community Resource Group (Committee). I still find it really strange seeing the other members sitting in front of their computers, just like me, participating in the meeting. Such meetings are part of RIBIs ongoing measures to reduce the costs of running the organisation. They are really an effective way of conducting business as long as the Groups concerned know each other and occasionally meet face to face, and are of course run by a good Chairman such as ours. This meeting was very interesting exploration of all things Environmental (one of my passions) as applied to Rotary's Work and Projects. Rotary as an organisation really has a long way to go to match the best in the world in this aspect. I am proud to be a member of the Group who are striving to exert some influence within Rotary and one of the things announced today at the meeting, was we had been given an award for our work by an organisation called "The Green Organisation" under the heading of THE GREEN APPLE ENVIRONMENT AWARDS for Promoting Environmental Sustainability & Encouraging Carbon Reduction. This award will be presented to the President of RIBI Nan McCreadie and the Chairman of our Group Gabrielle Back, at the House of Commons on 11th November.                                                

Monday Evening, the first Charter of 2013-14 Rotary year, that of the Rotary Club of Alfreton and a prestigious one at that, celebrating 75 years of incredible Rotary Service! I was accompanied to this event by my Club President Andrew Smart.
The Charter was held at the Riddings Community Centre, Riddings, Derbyshire. Just outside of Alfreton. I would like to give credit to all those who organised the event and especially to the catering staff who very professionally and in a creditably short time served a three course meal and coffee to all the 88 guest present with the minimum of fuss and disturbance.

Wow, what enraptured Listeners!!

The Programme followed a traditional Rotary Charter format commencing with Greetings from the fifteen Visiting Clubs.
The Toast to Rotary International was proposed by President Elect Nick Godrich to which I had the pleasure of responding.

With President Keith and Sheila

Toast to Rotary Club of Alfreton was proposed by the President of their Mother Club, Cheryle Berry with the response from Club President Keith Hardy.
Toast to the Visitors was by Vice President Dennis Fretwell.
With the response from the principal speaker Sheila Dibnah, wife of the late Fred Dibnah, with the sub title "Life before Fred".

Sheila in full flight!

At this point all Rotary tradition was thrown to the wind with a most amusing and interesting trip through Sheila's early life and upbringing in Bolton before her impressive and diverse career in show business, 'all before Fred!'
A most enjoyable evening in great company! At the conclusion Sheila signed copies of her book for us, before heading off back to home in Blackpool.

Tuesday 3rd:

President Ray receiving the
Clubs 2013-14 Theme Banner

PP John Dain drove Carol & I to the Rotary Club of Trent Bridge for the DGs visit to their home of Country Cottage Hotel, Ruddington. Club Council called so we were met by Founder Member Alan and members of the Club outside in the Courtyard where we partook of some amber refreshment in the warm evening air. President Ray, at the conclusion of Council business invited us into the dining room to join the Club Meeting.

PP Chris reminiscing

After the pleasant meal the evening commenced with pp Chris Hind talking about his early Rotary Career, a really interesting discourse.
After my presentation, the Club had a discussion about one of their Signature Projects, the fundraiser and annual Firework Display at Wilford, its future and how that can be guaranteed. A really good insight into the stresses and strains of real Rotary Club life as demographics start to bite!

Wednesday 3rd:

The Foundation Committee

I joined one of the important groups within the District this evening, a Meeting of the District Foundation Committee. A team of exceptional and dedicated people ably led by their Chairman Mick White.
During a full and productive evening the agenda covered, the interest shown in the 2013-14 New Grants Model and the resulting extraordinarily large number of diverse request for Grants under this scheme, some of which were discussed in detail the discussion then focussed on Peace Scholars, Global Scholars, Foundation Alumni and the ongoing exploits of our existing Ambassadorial Scholar in China the remarkable Rob Avery-Phipps.

In Action!

Annual Foundation Giving and its impact on our Districts future ability to meet the demand for grants from Clubs. The state of contributions to the Polio Plus Programme was also considered, the figures suggest some Clubs were too late with their last years money and it has been credited into this year. Clubs were urged not to delay such donations for this worthy cause, especially with the additional 'top-up' (£2 for every £1 from Clubs) available from the Gates Foundation for new donations.
The committee then reviewed planning for the Foundation Seminar, the prospect for a replacement for the traditional Link Evening in the Spring 2014 and the Foundation Stall at the 2013 District Conference Rotary Showcase.
A really productive and positive meeting. I was particularly pleased to see the interest, enthusiasm and participation by the significant number of new and recent additional members of the Committee. May I say a genuine "Thank you" all the committee for their contributions and hard work.


Thursday 4th:

District Executive

This evening I chaired the first District Executive meeting of this Rotary Year. We faced a full and detailed agenda with lots of interest and positive exchanges of views, perhaps what you would expect from the vibrant and forward looking group of District Leaders around the table. The outcome and actions from this meeting will hopefully be seen by Clubs in the near future as it is rolled out.
   


Friday 5th:

I was due to go on a Hot Air Balloon flight this evening. A Christmas present from my children. (Some of my District colleagues, or at least the wags amongst them, suggested the pilot would not need to use the burner much to keep it up if I was on board!!). Unfortunately the heavy rains forecast resulted in the cancellation of the evening flight. So until my trip is rescheduled, all I can say is watch this space!

Week Nine

Monday 26th:

A Public Holiday, even for a DG!!

Tuesday 27th:

Trying to catch up with the backlog of emails and other correspondence plus reading all the minutes and reports which seem to cascade onto my desk. I really should tidy up my desk but as a good friend once told me, if you know what you are looking for is in one of the piles it saves searching in the filing cabinet whilst trying to remember where you have filed it!

Wednesday 28th:

John Carr accompanied me to the Rotary Club of West Bridgford at their meeting place of the Country Cottage Hotel in Ruddington.
President Dennis was at a Council Meeting so we had the pleasure of socialising with members at the bar.  Dennis and the Council joined us at 7.20 and we all adjourned to the Dinning Room for a nice meal and chatty fellowship. I was sat next to Rtn Peter Hewlett, who to my astonishment lives in Gwynedd in Wales and had travelled to attend his Club knowing I was due to visit and wanting to hear what I had to say! What dedication, makes my journey from south Derby seem like a walk in the park.

Presenting President Dennis with
the Clubs 2013-14 Theme Banner

Peter enquired about my family name and what I knew about its origins, family names are of particular interest to him. Subsequently he sent me an email containing an interesting trawl of information based around the anglicised version of my name.

After my presentation club members joined me in a interesting question and answer session on Rotary and District issues. These visits are a constant source of very useful information for me and which I hope is two way exchange.


Thursday 29th:

I chaired the first District Team Briefing Meeting of 2013-14 Year at the Novotel in Long Eaton. It was meeting with a very full agenda, fortunate I was able to generate the interchange and exchange of ideas between the Team Members, the whole objective of such briefings, most of which was positive. I thank all the Team for their attendance and active participation, hey really are a great bunch! We broke up after 10pm with side discussions continuing well after that.


Saturday 31st:

Carols Birthday but, she insisted I go to the Derby County home match against Burnley and celebrate her birthday in the evening with the family. How I wished I had stayed at home, lost 3-0. Still Forest and Leicester fared no better, Burton Albion continued with their success, something to cheer about! The evening with the family did make up for the earlier disappointment, and Carol blew out the candles with the help of the Grandchildren. A relaxing and great night of celebration.

Week Eight

Monday 19th August:

Lunchtime meeting at Rotary Club of Long Eaton, they meet at Cleve Lodge in Long Eaton.
A most impressive place and a really huge airy room for the meeting.

Presenting the Theme Banner
to President Clive

President Clive and his members welcomed Carol, John Carr and me to the venue.
As it is a lunch Club, time is of the essence and the meal was served with courtesy and considerable efficiency by a fine and well trained team of staff. One thing I have never seen in a Rotary Club before, adjacent to the Presidential Lectern and Bell was a most
handsome clock, so he has no excuse for going beyond finish time!

Induction of Rtn. David Kent

After the meal I had the great pleasure of witnessing the induction of a new member into the Club, David Kent. Welcome to the world of Rotary, Rotarian David.
My presentation was well received and culminated in a few interesting questions covering some of the points I had raised.


Tuesday 20th August:

A regular 10am meeting of the District Strategic Planning Group at the Novotel, another worthwhile get together giving the 'G' Men a chance to talk through some pressing issues from around the District and the wider Rotary world. It must have been productive, or at least I like to think so as we finally broke up at 2.30pm.



Tuesday evening Carol and I accompanied by Rtn Geoff Brown and Linda returned to the Newark Show-ground, Cedric Ford Pavilion for the DGs visit to the Rotary Club of Newark Castle.
I was a little concerned as we approached the venue to see it signposted as leading to an Antiques Fair & Auction!
We were greeted warmly by President David and his members, he expressed his appreciation at having the DG & Carol visit his club twice less than two months (We attended his inauguration as President on the 2nd July).
I had the opportunity to have a short meeting with members of the Club Council, a most interesting and enlightening discussion ensued, demonstrating why this club is moving forward so well.

Following the very pleasant meal and a little urgent Club Business, I was invited to address the Club. At this point a member of the Club produced a brand new amplification system, still in its box, for me to use - the make of the system was called "MEGA MOUTH". I of course declined the kind and thoughtful offer!
After my presentation I invited questions from the members, we discussed District Conference, District Council, Polio and clubs working together. All round a very interesting and stimulation evening!

Wednesday 21st: Early morning found us travelling up to Scarborough with Conference Director David and his wife Sue to meet most of the Conference Organising Team at the Scarborough Spa Centre to discuss with the Spa Centre staff some of the detailed arrangements and logistics for the conference. We were pleased at the reception received and the keenness to please exhibited by all the various sections of the specialist Spa staff. It does auger well for a slick professional event.
The afternoon was spent at the Royal Hotel, (the Conference HQ) again the staff were exceedingly helpful and intent on making our Conference one to remember for all the right reasons! We finally adjourned to another hotel for a quick wash and brush-up before all heading off to a really nice Italian Restaurant for a relaxing evening with the rest of the team. A very pleasant evening with a great group of dedicated and able people!

Thursday 22nd: Morning we again visited both locations to tidy up some of the loose ends before heading back home in the afternoon, just on time to get ready to go to Rotary Club of Swadlincote for their evening meeting at Lakeside, Shortheath Water in Moira.

Shortheath Water

I was greeted by the President Elect Kim Coe and her Husband Rob the Vice President and all the members of the club. It was great to join them outside on the veranda of the Waterside Bistro overlooking the Shortheath Water, a private fishing lake, on this very warm evening, prior to the meeting commencing.
I do like returning to the Derwent Group Clubs and meeting old friends and in the case of Swadlincote, see how well they have transformed it into a much more vibrant club with so many new members and how the age profile has also decreased, all getting along so well. A real buzz.

The Team from William Allitt School

After a very nice meal the Club quickly covered urgent business, then a team from the William Allitt School the Club had helped to travel to Borneo to participate in community projects. A really interesting presentation from a group of young people who had obviously had an experience which had matured them into thoughtful caring young people. And who knows,  perhaps a future generation of Rotarians.

Swadlincote a group photograph!

As part of my presentation I asked Past President Ernie Sutton to talk about his early Rotary career, obviously of interest to me but also a bit of an eye opener for his fellow members too.
A really rewarding enjoyable and worthwhile evening spent with friends old and new!

Presenting the Theme Banner
to President Mike

Friday 23rd:
Lunchtime John Carr and I drove to meet the President Mike and the members of the Rotary Club of Chesterfield at their Hq The Olde House, Newbold just outside Chesterfield. We were welcomed and enjoyed some socialising with members prior to going into the dining room for the Club meeting. This is one of the largest clubs in District 1220 and they know the challenges they face. President Mike discussed these over Lunch and their plans to address them. I do wish him and the club well with these endeavours. A club with such a distinguished history has to survive and prosper!

Rtn Bryan White PHF

Rtn John Keeton PHF

After the lunch, President Mike asked me to present Paul Harris Awards to Rotarians John Keeton and Bryan White, it was indeed a great honour to carry out this presentation on behalf of the Club to these two worthy recipients.

We then had the pleasure of Past President John Heath talking about his being invited to the Club many years ago only to be, using his words, 'Black Balled" not once but twice when going through the membership process. He eventually was accepted into the Club some years later and found out the reason for his earlier refusal was because he ran a Public House which of course dispensed alcoholic drinks. The older worthies in the Club considered this to be an immoral occupation. John of course became an exemplary Rotarian and a credit to his Club rising eventually to President!

Week Seven

Sunday & Monday 11th/12th:

Back down to RIBI HQ again for the two day General Council Meeting (RIBI Governing body). My first experience of this august body in action.

General Council in Session under the Chairmanship
of RIBI President Nan McCreadie

I don't know what I expected but it was certainly a unique and different experience. The best thing about this experience was meeting all my cohort of fellow District Governors in RIBI, and of course enabling Carol to meet the partners (they enjoyed a day shopping in Warwick). We all also had a superb meal together on the Sunday evening in the convivial setting of a country hotel enabling us to exchange stories of now being a DG and also hearing about some of the highs and lows.

Tuesday 13th:

Carol & I together with John Dain, our driver for the evening, went to a Joint meeting of the two Rotary Clubs of Ashfield, Kirkby and Sutton at the Kirkby Club's Hq. Coxmoor Golf Club.

Kirkby President John giving me
a Banner with Sutton President
John Bates and Carol looking on. 

We were welcomed by the two Johns Presidents of their respective Clubs. John Peacock of Kirkby & John Bates of Sutton. the third John, John McEwen, joint President of Kirkby, could not be with us on the night, he decided the customers of his coach business needed his attention!!

Rtn. Baden Powell

The two Clubs were obviously at ease together and the banter was incredible. Carol, John Dain & I really enjoyed the evening.
I particularly enjoyed meeting one of the older Kirkby members, Rtn. Baden Powell, yes this is his name and not a mistake! The audience were enthralled when he spoke briefly about his early Rotary career. A truly inspiring story from a very dedicated long serving Rotarian!
Prior to my talk I promised not to mention Past District Governors, Accountants and Sheep. A most enjoyable evening with good company at our table.

Wednesday 14th:
An evening meeting of the AGs Forum, with my team of Assistant Governors who are supporting me on my journey as DG throughout this year. A very interesting and thought provoking discussion which was due to finish at 9.30pm but actually finally broke up at 10.40pm. A worthwhile Forum meeting with considerable positivity coming from it, I would like to take this opportunity to thank this team of six really dedicated people for their support.

Thursday 15th:
Up before the crack of dawn, or at least it did seem like it, to visit the Rotary Club of Derby Daybreak at their home, the Derby College, Roundhouse Building. Another of my old Derwent Group Clubs.

Presenting Theme Banner
to President Brenda

If you haven't been there, it is well worth a visit and even more so if you visit the Daybreakers for a "Full English", if that is your scene. I just settled for porridge but my didn't that bacon smell good!!
President Brenda and her members gave Carol, Vic Trigwell and myself a very warm welcome, and after breakfast we all adjourned to the 'Board Room' for the Club meeting.
President Brenda spoke of how well the Club were doing in recruiting new keen young members (as was evident by the new faces around the table) and if  they were not careful they would outgrow this room. I must admit I did think to myself, I know a lot of our District Clubs who would like to have that problem.
Following my presentation I was asked some very searching and thought provoking questions and my answers were well received. A very pleasant way to spend the early morning, and coming out into the sunshine made the early rise worthwhile.

At Lunchtime I visited the Rotary Club of Bingham & District with Rtn. Vic Trigwell the Bretby President Elect. acting as driver. Their meeting place is the Horse & Plough Inn right in the middle of Bingham.

Presenting the Clubs Theme Banner
to President Maureen

President Maureen and her members were in fine form and greeted us warmly. Their meeting is held in part of the upstairs dining room, with the members sitting all around one big rectangular table which makes talking and socialising with all but the persons immediately adjacent very difficult. A cosy arrangement in a very nice place with excellent appetising food.
As it is a lunchtime meeting the presentation was by necessity delivered quickly which left no time for questions, a pity as some members indicated they would have liked to have done so.

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Carol & I rounded off the week with two exceptional events! One on Saturday 17th and the second on Sunday 18th.

Jill & John and two sons!

We were invited to attend the Golden Wedding Celebrations of two couples, friends of long standing who we booth greatly admire and love. Alistair and Ann Heyward and John & Jill Weil.
It was an a great honour to be invited and to join so many members of their respective families and other friends to share these happy events.
Both events were so different, as are the couples but, both so very enjoyable!

Ann & Alistair second left and far right.
Photograph taken at their lovely cottage in France

Week Six

Here we are in August already, the height of the Summer holiday season, roads full of cars going hither and thither full of happy children going for a day out, why is this relevant to a District Governor's Blog you may well ask?
Monday 5th August:
Travelled down to the Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) Head Office in Alcester, near Warwick in Warwickshire. Not an easy journey at the best of times. A38 onto the M42 around Birmingham and then cross country.

The necessity for this journey was to enable me to fulfil another of my Rotary responsibilities as the Liaison Governor on the RIBI Leadership Development & Training Committee (LDTC). The meeting started at 10.30am, normally an easy time to arrive, but the cars with happy children in do not respect normal peak travel times!
The meeting proved to be a very interesting one, covering all the training and development issues associated within RIBI including the RIBI Annual Assembly, both looking back to 2013 event and forward to 2014 Assembly. The meeting finished at 4pm.
Followed by another rush to get home I then set off to a joint visit of the Rotary Clubs of Retford and Worksop Dukeries together with club members from Ashbourne, Hope Valley, Worksop & Bolsover.

Indian Team Leader
Dr Shantanu Abhyankar

This Joint Meeting at Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor (on the old A1) Retford, was to say farewell to a team of Rotarians and partners from the Indian Rotary Club of Wai who had been in our District for a few weeks as members of a Friendship Exchange. I was greeted warmly by President Roger Stenson took me through to the hotels magnificent banqueting suite and introduced me to the Leader and all the members of the Indian      Team, all dressed in their wonderfully colourful ethnic costumes!

Dr Rupai Abhyankar
Husband of the Leader

Mohit Abhyanker Son of
Shantanu and Rupai
He gave his presentation in perfect English!

The evening commenced with the Indian Team each giving short presentations in followed by individual and group recitations and culminating in the whole team singing and dancing. During the buffet style banquet meal which was greatly enjoyed by all, we were shown a PowerPoint illustrating scenes from the Teams home area.




              After the coffee an exchange of banners was followed by the Indian Team inviting members of the audience to join in their traditional dances, much to my relief the Indians were particularly urging their hosts to join in! As the photographs testify the evening was a superb example of Rotary Fellowship at its best!

Tuesday 6th: A very different evening when I visited the Rotary Club of Hucknall at their Hq. The Horse & Groom at Linby, a small village  in rural Nottinghamshire.

Presenting the Theme Banner
to President Ian.

President Ian Young and President Elect Jack welcomed me and my driver for the evening John Carr. The Horse & Groom is like a cross between a small Coaching House and a traditional Village Pub. The Club meeting room bears a strong resemblance to an old style bowling alley, or perhaps a Chapel, a very cosy atmosphere prevailed, enhanced by the group of friendly members.

Thursday 8th: At another Derwent Group Club. Our only District Club in Leicestershire, Castle Donington at their home, Donington Manor Hotel right in the centre of the village.

President Ray receiving the Theme
Banner

When I was their AG I remember they met in a small cafe just up the road from the Hotel, just as well they have moved as I don't think their current membership could have all fitted in the Cafe.

Banter with IPP Sukh Atwall!!

President Ray Webb and many old friends welcomed and greeted me warmly, the lovely atmosphere I remembered from the Cafe days has transferred untarnished to this larger venue and reflects on all the members both old and new.


 Sunday & Monday 11th/12th:

Back down to RIBI HQ again for the two day General Council Meeting (RIBI Governing body). My first experience of this august body in action.
I don't know what I expected but it was certainly a unique and different experience. The best thing about this experience was meeting all my cohort of fellow District Governors in RIBI, and of course enabling Carol to meet the partners (although they enjoyed a day shopping in Warwick). We all also had a superb meal together on the Sunday evening in a convivial setting of a country hotel enabling us to exchange stories of being a DG and also hearing about some of the highs and lows.

Week Five

Monday July 29th:

Visited the Rotary Club of Beeston on Monday evening at their Hq. Beeston Fields Golf Club, Beeston, Nottingham. Accompanied by my Clubs President Elect, Vic Trigwell.
It was a lovely evening and the greens looked magnificent from the Clubhouse windows.

President David receiving
the Clubs Theme Banner

 During the Q&A Session

We were warmly greeted by President David Biggs and the club members and shown into the meeting room. The Clubs is obviously efficiently well run and looking at the planned programme for the year they are going to be exceedingly busy. A very good and interesting meeting followed an excellent meal. After my presentation some very searching questions were asked, of particular concern was the lack of feedback on how monies collected by RIBI following emergencies was spent. A particular example was the money collected following the Haiti Earthquake. Much of the money was spent initially on getting urgent relief supplies to the victims including assisting ShelterBox and AquaBox to deploy and also in funding essential medical supplies, clothing and food aid. The questioner said there seemed to be a considerable sum unspent until recently.
I have investigated this and all the money has now been dispersed, with the balance spoken of above being given to Rotary's "Haiti Jaipur Limb Centre" to assist them in finding suitable permanent home and for the purchase of much needed equipment to secure their essential long term future in Haiti.

 Wednesday evening found me with on the other side of the Trent visiting the Rotary Club of Bolsover in their meeting place, Ringwood Hall Hotel, Brimington on the outskirts of Chesterfield. A truly magnificent hotel much used for Charters and other celebrations.

Giving President Pam the
Theme Banner

Carol, John Carr and I were warmly welcomed by President Pam and the members, I was also greeted by John one of the waiting on staff, he remembering me from a previous visit to this Club. President Pam said she thought John must have been at the Hotel since a very young age and even though well past retirement prefers to continue with the job he loves!
I had the great pleasure of sitting near one of the Bolsover members who had the hobby of Skydiving, he obviously loves the sport and the thrill and excitement he gets from it. In particularly he recounted in graphic detail, the feelings he experienced prior to and during his first solo jump! All in all a memorable and enjoyable evening.

Friday: I am happy to report I have just taken the first annual output meter reading for my Solar Panels and sent it to my Feed in Tariff supplier. The panels have actually produced 118% of the annual estimated output. We appear to have made a sound investment.
It still seems to me to be a considerable irony, selling electricity to a Gas Company!



Sunday 4th August:

I attended the first, under 12 years of age, Rotary Inter District National Football Competition organised by the Rotary Club of Burton upon Trent, this project is the brainchild of their Immediate Past President William Saunders.

William Saunders,
Rory Delap & Nan McCreadie

The winners receiving the "Cup"
look at those Boots!

It was run in conjunction with the Football Association at their new National Training Centre, St Georges Park, just outside Burton upon Trent. Thirteen Rotary Districts had teams entered in the Competition. The weather stayed dry if overcast for most of the morning and even when the rain came in the early afternoon it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participating teams.
The final was played in a very competitive manner with the victors being a team from Preston.
The medals were presented to the winners and runners up by the RIBI President Nan McCreadie and Rory Delap (Burton Albion Football Club).


The afternoon continued with Carol taking me along to her Bretby Inner Wheel Club, Summer Tea Party, the inclement weather meant this had to be taken inside President Eileen's home.
Who says cakes are the sole province of The Women's Institute, those on display and consumed today would have been hard to beat anywhere!
I was warmly welcomed by the Inner Wheelers and their partners after President Eileen and husband David had made sure I took off my wet coat (and the muddy shoes|) I had worn at St Georges Park!!

Week Four

Monday 22nd July:

President John receiving the
Theme Banner

A most enjoyable lunchtime meeting with President John Lund and the members of the Rotary Club of Derby at their home; The Lund Pavilion, County Cricket Club in Derby. I really should have asked President John if the Pavilion was named after a member of his family!!
 The Derby Club, as part of the Derwent group, know me from my time as Assistant Governor and I received this Clubs renowned warm friendly welcome and genuine hospitality.

Meeting of the 'G' Men!

Tuesday morning I attended the regular four weekly meeting of the District Strategic Planning Group, an innovation by the Governorship Team last year to develop the District Strategic Implementation Plan in line with the RI Strategic Plan and to produce a District Leadership Strategy and Goals for the period 2013-16. The purpose of all this work last year was to ensure continuity as the Annual District Governor succession takes place, as well as getting the members of the District Team to set their own Goals for this year 2013-14.
These regular get togethers proved so valuable we have decided to continue them.

Tuesday Evening Carol & I accompanied by Rt. Geoff Brown and Stella attended the Joint Meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Amber Valley & Ripley at Ripley's Hq. Lumb Farm Country Club in Marehay.

Trapped by the Presidents!!

Mike, Carol, Paul & myself 

Presidents Paul Rose of Ripley and Mike Teale and the members of both Clubs gave us all a very warm welcome. During the meal the room was a buzz of conversation and laughter, a really nice atmosphere of enjoyable Rotary Fellowship.




To show in District 1220, Governors do not solely restrict themselves to issues associated with their year, I set off with DGN Steve very early on Wednesday morning to travel to Llandudno on a reconnaissance visit as part of the preparations for the 2014 District Conference. I am pleased to be associated with this event and saw for the first time how much goes into the early preparations for a District Conference. It was encouraging to find how far into the detailed preparations Steve's Conference Team led by Conference Director Michael Longdon have reached.



Thursday I visited the Rotary Club of Clay Cross at Santo's Higham Farm Hotel, Higham. I was accompanied by Cedric Insley from my Club arriving early we had the opportunity to visit the viewing platform adjacent to the Hotel overlooking Amber Valley, a really wonderful sight and one that made me feel really pleased to be alive!

The 'Endeavour" Trophy

Giving the Theme Banner
to President Cheryle

President Cheryle and all the members of Clay cross welcomed us and showed us into the dining room.
After a very nice meal and prior to the start of the formal Club meeting, I had the pleasure of formally presenting the District "Endeavour" Trophy. This Trophy is given to the District Club who had succeeded against huge odds to turn themselves around. Clay Cross have amply demonstrated they are now an organisation which can now claim to be supporting their community in the Rotary way, having active links with schools and other groups in their community. They are not though resting on their laurels but are seeking new and innovative ways to spread their impact.
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Friday I had the very sad task of attending in both a private capacity and as the District Representative at the funeral of one of the most dedicated Rotarians I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The moving funeral service celebrating the life of Rotarian John Ploughman of the Rotary Club of Burton upon Trent was held at the Bretby Crematorium, with the wake at the Pirelli Stadium.

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