July 2006
Tuesday 4th This was the evening for Handover. President
Terry gave a brief resume of the activities that the Club had carried out
in his year, and thanked the Committee Chairmen for their commitment and support.
He then presented the regalia to the incoming President, Paul Archer, and
wished him well. President Paul then outlined his thoughts for his year, particularly
as regards the involvement of the family in the Clubs activities. It was then
his turn to welcome Peter Coffin as he moved to the position of Senior Vice
President.
Tuesday 11th The speaker for the evening was Margaret Cross
who spoke on the History of the Gurkhas. She had accompanied her husband,
an officer in the British Army, as he worked with the Gurkhas, initially in
Hong Kong and later in Nepal. It was a fascinating talk covering the founding
of the Gurkha force in the early 19th century and it's activities in many
theatres of war up to their current activities in Iraq. She and her husband
now worked to support the welfare side of the Gurkhas who had left the service
and returned to their homes in Nepal. It was a fascinating talk delivered
with great enthusiasm, and thoroughly enjoyed by the Club
Tuesday 18th A Fellowship evening.
Tuesday 25th The evening was given over to a discussion on
the use of eBay for fund raising. A live presentation of eBay was given for
those members who had previously not see eBay in action and this was followed
by a general discussion. The consensus was that there were a number of possibilities
of using the facility and that a small committee should be formed to decide
the best way forward.
August 2006
Tuesday 1st An open invitation had been extended to the Club by Roger Williams, a former member, who had taken up residence as Warden of St Johns Hospital in Lichfield, to take a tour of the buildings. Over 20 members made the trip and left most impressed with the environment which Roger had moved to. After a short walk through the town to the George Hotel we joined the Lichfield St Chads Club for a warm welcome at their weekly meeting. This included a review of their highly successful fund raising Cars In The Park.Tuesday 8th The Speaker for the evening was Judy Macpherson, pharmacist at one of the Uttoxeter Chemists. Judy is a keen supporter of the Marie Curie Cancer Trust and was raising funds by cycling from Cracow to Warsaw in Poland. After an interesting, and amusing, talk the Club asked Judy to return after her trip to receive a donation for the Charity.
Sunday 13th This was the day for the Club Picnic and Spots Afternoon at Northwood Farm, home of the President. Unfortunately, after so many weeks of fine weather the day dawned with rain, but cleared during the morning. This did not dampen the spirits and the Picnic was attended by nearly 50 people, including a good number of children. After lunch a competition led the guests around the area in an attempt to find where a number of photos had been taken whilst the younger ones were entertained with a number of games.
Tuesday 15th Pat Shaw from Breatheasy was our guest for the evening. Sadly Pat had lost her husband to respiratory problems and this had motivated her to set up a local Breatheasy Club in Stoke. Pat explained with great enthusiasm the trials a tribulations of getting the Club going and some of its future plans. The Club had previously made a donation to the Charity.
Tuesday 22nd It was the turn of Neil Allen to give a My Job Talk. Neil spoke of his early years, training as a civil engineer and spending his early years in Africa. He then decided to further his commercial education and subsequently joined JCB where he had held a number of posts. Having retired from JCB he was asked to go back as a consultant where he spent two years developing and securing a £2bn contract with the US Army for a high speed excavator. He assured the Club that he had now definitely retired for good.
Tuesday 29th Following a Bank Holiday, there was no meeting
September 2006
Tuesday 5th As a fellowship evening the organisation fell to Junior Vice President Bill Pearson. Bill introduced the Club a a management training game requiring a number of teams to devise the Worst TV Programme. Needless to say this provided plenty of scope for certain Club members to show their ingenuity. There were no winners, the entertainment value being judged more than adequate.
Tuesday 12th Tonight was the annual visit by the District Governor, Bill Hitchen. Bill gave a brief talk on the RI plans for the year.
Tuesday 19th A business meeting was the main part of the evening's events. A review of their plans was made by each committee chairman. As it was still quite early in the year much was a progress report of plans made at the commencement of the year. The subject of our current venue, and possible alternatives, was raised. The President, in conjunction with the House Officer, promised to undertake a review.
Tuesday 26th Brian Sharp, Chairman of the Staffordshire Blind Association gave a most interesting talk on the activities of the organisation. Essentially it provided local support to those with seeing difficulties, with bases in the local hospitals.
October 2006
Tuesday 3rd Peter Raine, inducted as a new member earlier in the year, provided us with an entertaining insight into his career. Starting off as a graphic artist in the north-east he took advantage of various changes in the education system and became a lecturer at the local College. This led to opportunities overseas and he spent a fascinating two years in Borneo . He returned and continued in the educational field, becoming head of Staffordshire University Art College before his retirement. He has subsequently become involved in a top grade chocolatier business, samples being offered to the members!
Friday 6th This was the weekend of the District Conference, held this year in Plymouth. Some six member of the Club, with partners attended. Friday night was Fancy Dress from The Shows and six couple in Saris and various forms of male Indian dress attended. The weekend took the normal format with a business session on Saturday morning and Dinner Dance in the evening. The Conference finished at lunchtime on Sunday, the highlight of the morning being Gervaise Phinn recounting some of his many tales in Education
Tuesday 10th A very busy evening, with a considerable amount of business being covered, mainly with forthcoming events in mind. This was followed by Mike Marion and Mike Beardmore of the Caldon Canal Society giving an absorbing presentation, complete with photos, of their plans to resurrect the canal between Froghall and Uttoxeter. The evening was drawn to a conclusion at 10.30.
Tuesday 17th There was no meeting this evening as Friday was to be the Charter Night Dinner Dance.
Friday 20th As has become tradition, the Charter Night Dinner and Dance was held at the Platinum Suite at Uttoxeter Racecourse. Over 150 members, partners and friends attended. The evening commenced with the a superb meal, including the now traditional joint of roast beef, carved at the table. Following speeches from the District Governor Elect, the President and the President of Inner Wheel, there was dancing to Wave. The party continued enthusiastically until 12.30 am.
Tuesday 24th This was left as a Fellowship evening
Tuesday 31st This evening was scheduled as a Focus Interview, the Interviewer being Norman Tweddle and the subject Stephen Herbert. Norman's in depth probing was adroitly managed by Stephen, using his solicitor's skills. Nevertheless the Members departed feeling that they all knew Stephen that little bit better!
November 2006
Tuesday 7th The speaker for the evening was Mark McCraken, who had joined the Club earlier this year and was giving his My Job Talk. Mark, an optometrist, is from Northern Ireland and proved a more than able speaker, both educating the members as regards his work, and also entertaining in a way that only the Irish can.
Tuesday 14th Norman Tweddle had been fortunate enough to get the Royal Navy Presentation Team to visit us. As there were a large number of partners and guests, the meeting was held at The Blythe. The team of five from the Royal Navy presented a programme, using extensive audio-visual facities, outlining their role in the 21st Century. It presented a fascinating insight into the future role of the Navy and the subsequent question and answer session proved both informative and entertaining.
Tuesday 21st The main business for the evening was the Induction of a new Member, Mark Rogers.
Friday 24th Race Night, a bi-annual event, was held at the JCB Conference facility. This is a major fund raising event and again proved to be very successful with over 200 people attending and £4,000 being raised.
Tuesday 28th The speaker for the evening was Mrs Anna Felthouse, who had came to talk about Hypnotherapy. Anna was quick to dismiss the theatrical aspect of hypnosis and went on to explain the basic techniques and some of the many benefits that it offered. Clearly from the questions that were asked, Anna, through her talk, had overcome much of the member's scepticism and caution.
December 2006
Saturday 2nd This was the day for the Old Peoples Party, held for the second year running at Wilfred House at lunchtime. Around 50 old persons from the Uttoxeter area attended, collected by Rotarians from their own homes. Following a meal of Turkey and Christmas Pudding they were entertained by our very own Glee Club to a variety of well loved songs. Judging from the enthusiastic singing by the guests, the Club's efforts were well appreciated.
Monday 4th For some years around a dozen members, lead by Mark Johnson, have visited four local Old People's Homes to sing Carols. They were again supported by a number of ladies from the Inner Wheel. Having accepted a number of glasses of sherry and mince pies, the final visit was to The Hermitage where an excellent supper had been laid on by the staff.
Tuesday 5th This was listed as a Special General Meeting, as well as a regular, quarterly Business Meeting. The membership were updated on the progress and plans by the respective Committee Chairmen and also made aware of the nominations for the Executive Committee for 2007-2008. The more significant changes were Ron Oddy declining re-nomination as Secretary after 13 years in post. Ken Ryder was the sole nominee. The Senior Vice President also addressed the Club regarding nominations for the post of Junior Vice President, which was still under discussion.
Tuesday 12th The Venue for The Christmas Party was moved to The Blythe to accommodate the numbers attending. This amounted to over 70 members, partners and guests who, after an excellent meal, enjoyed the now traditional "entertainment". This included a performance with boas (!) by the Inner Wheel and tales told by Geordie and Irish members, as only they can, plus other acts from the more Thespian members. It was almost midnight before proceedings were drawn to a close.
Tuesday 19th With an over 90% turnout, the evening centred around the now traditional Christmas Dinner at our regular venue, the Robin Hood. The remainder of the evening was one of Fellowship and as this was the last regular meeting of the year, members took the opportunity thank the Staff for their attention.
Thursday 21st A dozen members met at 5.00pm in the Birdland area of Uttoxeter for their annual tour of the area with Father Christmas. Despite the bitterly cold weather Father Christmas was greeted by many young children as he travelled around the estate. Rotarians were again delighted with the response from the families as they made their Collection, realising over £300 for their efforts.
Tuesday 26th As today was a Bank Holiday, there was no meeting.
January 2007
Tuesday 2nd As this followed a Bank Holiday, there was no meeting
Tuesday 9th As a variation the Club offered five members the opportunity to put forward their thoughts on 2007. This proved to be quite entertaining with topics ranging from the development of Uttoxeter to the prospects of the next generation
Tuesday 16th The speaker for the evening was Matthew Dimbleby from Dovegate Prison. The Club is developing contact with the Prison to assist in certain areas of Education. Matthew explained his role in one section of the prison in rehabilitating offenders; the techniques used and the facilities provided quite an eye opener to many members and resulted in many questions.
Tuesday 23rd Rob Davies had previously spoken to the Club on his Cave Diving activities in the UK and Europe. This further presentation followed his trip the Siberia where he was involved in diving in Artic conditions in caves no one had previously visited. Video and photos of his activities proved even more awe inspiring than those at his alst visit.
Tuesday 30th David Sneyd was the guest for the evening. He was suppporting the Charity Well Child by running in the London Marathon; the charity is the main one for the event. A donation will be made on completion of the event.
February 2007
Tuesday 6th Our guest for the evening was Julie McPherson. Julie was involved in fund raising for the Marie Curie Charity and had participated in a cycle ride through Poland to Warsaw, along with several hundred other supporters. She recounted some of the highlights of the journey and the various "characters" that she had met on the journey. The Club presented her with a cheque for £500 for the Charity
Tuesday 13th We were pleased to welcome yet another new member, the third this year, to the Club. Mike Kelsey, introduced by Paul Lane, was Inducted by the President.
Tuesday 20th This was a Business Meeting. Reports from the respective Committee Chairmen confirmed the pre Christmas flurry of activities had been well received and supported. Prospects for the remainder of the year were discussed, the main fund raisers being the Big Auction and the Youth five-a-side Football.
Tuesday 27th The speaker for the evening was James Archer, Chairman of the local Chernobyl Childrens Life Link. James gave a presentation of the activities of the Charity with specific reference to the Rehabilitation Camps. These are facilities where children who were unable to travel outside the country could be given treatment for the effects of radiation and educated in managing their diets. CCLL is a preferred Charity of the President and a cheque for £1000 was presented to the speaker.
March 2007
Tuesday 6th The annual Theatre trip took nearly 50 members and their wives to Birmingham to a performance of Starlight Express at the Alexander Theatre. Organised, as ever, by Secretary Ron Oddy a light meal was provided on the coach, along with suitable refreshments, hosted by Ron. This contributed to the evenings entertainment, which seemed to be well enjoyed by everyone.
Tuesday 13th A "My Job Talk" was given by Ted Preston. Ted is not a new recruit to Rotary having belonged to other Clubs in Norfolk and Worcestershire. His background was in Education, mainly with students at Agricultural Colleges both in the South and East of England.
Tuesday 20th JCB had recently beaten the World Speed record for diesel engine cars. David Brown, our guest for the evening, had been the project leader and tonight he told the story of the development of the car right up to the actual setting of the record at the Utah Flats in the USA. As with all such events there were many anecdotes which kept us well entertained. After the presentation the questions flowed thick and fast.
Tuesday 27th Tonight we welcomed Irena Beaumont, a Reflexologist. Irena took us through the history of Reflexology, with origins in China. She explained the basic concepts and the proven theories as regards the various meridian lines in the body affecting a wide range of ailments. Inevitably there was a certain amount of scepticism from the all male audience, but undoubtedly Irena had opened some eyes.
April 2007
Tuesday 3rd The evening was dedicated to a fellowship evening, however some time was spent in discussion on the progress of our Big Auction project, using eBay.
Tuesday 10th This being the day after Easter Monday, there was no meeting
Tuesday 17th It was the turn of Mike Kelsey, who had joined the Club earlier in the year, to give his "My Job Talk". Mike had been trained as an engineer in the steel industry but had subsequently moved on and has spent much of his life in the synthetic fibre industry. His current work was predominantly involved in producing the material for filter tip cigarettes and Mike gave a fascinating explanation of the technology involved. Members were left to draw their own conclusions as to the merits of the product!
Tuesday 24th One of our members, Gerry Higginbottom, had been able to secure a private conducted tour of Lichfield Cathedral. The visit was well supported by over 25 members and some partners and a the history of the building was vividly brought to life, albeit in a regrettably limited time. An excellent supper had been laid on at a restaurant adjacent to the Catherdral, with some members indulging to excess in the puddings.
Thursday 26th Under the auspices of the International Committee, a party of 18 members and wives took the evening flight from East Midlands to Cologne. At least it should have been 18, but only 16 were on the flight, the organiser having got the time wrong! Despite this the party regrouped on the Friday morning for a guided tour of the City in brilliant sunshine, which continued for the rest of the visit. Saturday was clearly a "shopping" day and the evening was spent on a Dinner Cruise on the Rhine, made memorable by temperatures in the early 20's. Sunday was planned as a trip down the Rhine from Koblenz however the German Railway system proved even less reliable than British Rail. Eventually the boat was caught two hours later than planned and the more attractive parts of the river were seen. Monday was spent in the City and the party arrived back at East Midlands Airport shortly before midnight, mutually agreeing that it had been an entertaining and most enjoyable weekend.
May 2007
Tuesday 1st This evening was to be the Club Annual General Meeting. The normal format was followed and approval given for those holding the various post in the Club. Significantly Club Council, requiring six people, was oversubscribed and a ballot held. Such is the strength of the Club.
Tuesday 8th The finals of the Youth Speaks competition were held at Denstone College and this was considered as the meeting place for this week. The event was well supported with some 25 members attending. Denstone College had kindly provided the facilities and the event had the support of 14 students from five local schools, giving excellent representation. The high standard of the speakers was commented on, with the first place being given to a pupil from Rycroft School, Rocester.
Tuesday 15th Back at our normal venue, The Robin Hood, we welcomed Gill Wright and her colleague from the Staffordshire Youth Service. Gill spoke on the aims of the Service and explained some of the plans that were in place for Uttoxeter. The Club had previously been involved in improving some facilities at Thomas Alleynes School but were aware that the service had had problems of late. It is hoped that for the forthcoming year the Club will be able to work with the Youth Service in developing their offering.
Tuesday 22nd Viv Edwards spoke on "Life as a Millionairess". Her husband was the first person to win a Million on Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Viv told of the years of "quizzing" that lead to his success, and also to being a Brain of Britain. Despite fame and fortune they both still lived locally and maintained their social life much as normal.
Tuesday 29th. Following the Bank Holiday, there was no meeting
June 2007
Tuesday 5th Rotarian Peter Raine, and his wife Jayne, are currently custodians at Norbury Manor, a National Trust Property. They had invited Members to a conducted tour of the property and the adjacent Norbury Church; it proved to be a fascinating insight into local history. The tour was followed by and excellent buffet supper.
Saturday 9th A Cub Scout Orienteering Competition had been arranged for a number of local groups. The event took place at the Thorswood Nature reserve, which proved an ideal venue. Two events were held around an established course with a lunch break in between. With excellent weather the event proved a major success for the Club with requests from the Leaders that we keep this as an annual event.
Tuesday 12th Dr Bob McCracken, father of one of our Members, spoke on his career and experiences as a Vet in Northern Ireland. Much of his time had been spent as the Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland which involved travelling and advice to a number of overseas governments. Needless to say this produced some extremely interesting, and amusing, anecdotes.
Tuesday 19th With the end of the year approaching, this was the evening for Club Assembly. It was attended by District Governor Elect Lynn Deavin. The normal formalities were proceeded with, plans for the forthcoming year being presented by incoming President Peter Coffin.
Sunday 24th As has been the custom for the last few years, the President's Valedictory Party was held at lunchtime on this Sunday. The fellowship of the Club prevailed despite some atrocious weather, culminating in a torrential downpour as the President attempted to make his speech! It was also an opportunity for the Club to thank the departing Secretary, Ron Oddy for his thirteen years of service. It was marked in two ways, firstly by making Ron a Paul Harris Fellow, and secondly presenting him with a gift of a Whisky decanter and tumblers. The hospitality was appreciated and despite the inclement weather, everyone enjoyed the event.
Tuesday 26th There was no Meeting this evening, it being replaced by the Valedictory Party