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.
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| Presenting the Theme Banner to President Clive |
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!
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| Induction of Rtn. David Kent |
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.
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| Shortheath Water |
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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| Presenting the Theme Banner to President Mike |
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!
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| Rtn Bryan White PHF |
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| Rtn John Keeton PHF |
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!
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