July 2007
Tuesday 3rd This was the evening of Club Handover. After thanking the Club, and in particular the Committee Chairmen, for their support throughout the year outgoing President Paul handed over the reins to President Peter Coffin. After the routine formalities the new Secretary, Ken Ryder, was formally welcomed into his new post.
Tuesday 10th Tonight it was the turn of Mark Rogers, who had joined the Club earlier in the year, to give his My Job Talk. Mark explained how his early thoughts of becoming a Civil Engineer changed after only one year at University and how he had subsequently moved into the Commercial world. Much of early employment had been in the white goods industry and after a number of years he had decided that true satisfaction lay in having his own business. Building on his experience of service in the Industry he has built up a very successful business acting on behalf of major Insurance Companies
Tuesday 17th The Club welcomed a return visit from Brian Bowker of Water Aid. This is a Charity that has received regular support and Brian reiterated the work of the Charity, with the emphasis of Rotary donations going to Tanzania. A cheque was handed over at the end of the presentation.
Tuesday 24th A Visit had been arranged by Rotn Mike Gent to the A1 Quarry at Spath. Fortunately the weather had improved and nearly 30 members enjoyed leisurely stroll through the current workings. Although the quarry could be seen from the adjacent roads, all expressed surprise at the extent of the excavations. It was explained that the life of the quarry was estimated at another 7-10 years after which it would be landscaped and returned to the local community for leisure use. There followed a meal at The Boars Head, Sudbury
Tuesday 31st The speaker for he evening was Les Lear of the Donna Louise Trust. This is a local Charity caring for terminally ill children, that we have supported over the years. Les updated us on the current developments which includes the opening of a further two sites for children and their families.
August 2007
Tuesday 7th Tonight we were visited by David Askin from District to hear more on the activities of Foundation. This is Rotary's main Charity and whilst it disburses money to a variety of causes within the organisation, its major effort is directed towards the eradication of Polio. David explained how local Clubs could obtain funding for projects involving overseas Clubs.
Tuesday 14th A Car Treasure Hunt had been planned by Rotn Terry Davies. Leaving The Maltings Car Park at 6.00pm some 20 cars containing Members and their families toured an area to the south of the town. It proved challenging in many ways, not the least the ingenious clues. The final destination was at a Pub near Salt, which most people managed to reach in around two hours. , where a meal had been arranged.
Tuesday 21st This was an evening of Fellowship. However reports were given on recent activities including the street collection in support of the Evesham Club Flood Appeal. This had raised nearly £500, bringing our total contribution to £1000.
Tuesday 28th There was no meeting as this followed a Bank Holiday
September 2007
Tuesday 4th Our three RYLA candidates, Jack Bradley, Kora Lee-Holmes and Daniel had been invited to tell us of their experiences at the RYLA camps. Daniel had gone to the first camp at Kibblestone and Jack and Kora had attended the second camp at Buxton. All three spoke enthusiastically of their experience and the benefits, as was evident from the confident way they spoke.
Tuesday 11th Tonight we welcomed David Clayton, CEO of Leicester Tigers Rugby Club. David spoke of his move from industry into the world of sport, including stints at two major Soccer Clubs before joining Leicester Tigers. He commented on the atmosphere at the Club in particular contrasting the general good humour and lack of crowd violence that occurs in Soccer. A short film was shown of the Tigers success in winning a number of titles over the last few years.
Tuesday 18th We had been invited to visit Filter Tow at Spondon, Derby by one of our members, Mike Kelsey, who is their MD. The company site was well known to the Club, mainly as British Celanese in the days when it produced yarn for the clothing industry. Nowadays, with the demise of the clothing industry, it had become a major producer of filter tips for cigarettes, a highly technical process. Mike and two of his colleagues explained the process, starting with wood as the raw material and ending up with the filter tip. It soon became obvious that this was a highly automated plant with very few people in sight. The evening was suitably rounded up with a meal at an Irish Pub in Long Eaton
Tuesday 25th This was the evening for a visit by our District Governor, Peter Barke. Peter brought the greetings from the Presidents of both RI and RIBI and spoke of their key objectives for the year. Inevitably the topic dwelled on Membership, a topic the Club feels quite comfortable with in view of its current high level.
October 2007
Tuesday 2nd A Business Meeting. With the major events just starting, the main thrust was reporting the planning of what is to come. President Peter expressed his confidence in the way things were going.
Tuesday 9th Tonight had been scheduled as a Scatter Night and some 25 members participated. Visits were made to eight other Clubs, some being in our District and three in adjacent Districts. An excellent opportunity to broaden our contact with other Clubs.
Tuesday 16th Theresa Walters, Head Teacher of Tinsel Parkes Primary School had been invited to talk to us. Theresa had taken on the role just over a year ago and she explained the steps she had taken to give the school an improved self image. Inevitably much of he changes she had instigated had been done against financial limitations, however she felt she had been able to improve he general fabric and also the attitude both of he staff and the pupils. Limited resources would always be a problem and she asked for help in providing additional reading material, a point the Club took note of.
Tuesday 23rd There was no meeting as Charter Night would be on Friday
Friday 26th. Charter Night was again held at the Platinum Suite at The Racecourse. This is a well tried venue and format and was supported by nearly 140 Members and their Guests, including the District Governor and his wife. A joint of locally supplied Roast Beef, carved at the table, was the basis of a very pleasant meal. Speeches were succinct, to the delight of the diners! The evening was seen out dancing to music provided by a local Band, “Wave”. Overall the event was rated as a great success.
Tuesday 30th Scheduled as a Fellowship evening, tonight was also an opportunity to Induct two new members. Victor Perriman, a Rotarian from Havering in Essex, had recently moved into the area to be nearer his family. Despite having only joined Rotary in his early 50's Victor had already clocked up 30 years service with his former Club before moving here! Clearly a very active member the Club will benefit from his enthusiasm and experience. The other new member is Joe Sumner, who has retired fairly recently from International Trade. Joe, who lives nearer Ashbourne than Uttoxeter, was introduced by Rob Brown who himself is relocating to Devon.
November 2007
Saturday 3rd As part of our Fund Raising activities a Murder, Mystery Evening had been planned. This was held at Wilfred House in Uttoxeter and was supported by nearly 100 people. The scene for the evening was set with a short introduction to the Cast before we sat down to a three course meal. The serious part to the evening the started with the actions of the various Cast Members being carefully scrutinised and noted by the audience. Subsequent questioning of the Cast was allowed after which each table had to draw its conclusion as to who had carried out the Murder. The twists and turn of the script proved sufficiently confusing, with only one table coming up with the correct answer.
Tuesday 6th The guest speaker for the evening was Judge Simon Tomkin, who is responsible for the Stafford District Court. It had been decided that, for this event, wives and other guests would be invited and in view of the numbers, over 60, we moved our venue to the New Broom at Checkley. This proved a good move as there was more than adequate room for the diners, and, despite the service being a little slow, the food was well received. The Judge's talk was well received and elicited a number of interesting questions.
Tuesday 13th For this evening's meeting a Visit had been arranged to the Freedom Micro Brewery at Abbots Bromley. This is located on a farm in the middle of Bagots Wood, some 2 miles from the main road, hence not so easy to find. Never the less some 25 members made their way there and were welcomed by the Sales Director, Geoff Hands and also the Brewer, Ian Ward. Their main product is a German style Lager, and this was well sampled by all the members. Most of the production is sold in the London area under the name of Freedom, and does include an Organic Lager. The Club later repaired to the Cocah and Horses in Abbots Bromley for a meal and a little business.
Tuesday 20th This was Business Meeting, Club Council having met the previous evening. A review was carried out of the forthcoming plans, the most immediate being the various events held around Christmas. Most of these seemed to be under control, although the Santa's Sleigh Collection could be problematic with only part of it being available! Some slight concern was expressed by the Treasurer as regards fund raising covering the existing Club commitments for the year. There are two further events to be held and it was agreed that greater emphasis needed to be placed on the Junior Football competition, which has significant potential.
Tuesday 27th Alan Hopkin had been invited as our Guest Speaker for the evening. Alan had been born into a musical family, his father having a music shop in Derby, and had been involved in playing a number of instruments, mainly woodwind, over the years. In his early days he had been in the Ray Macvay Dance band and had continued with a number of local Orchestras and groups, playing anything from the Classics to Jazz. After a brief introduction to the basics of music he demonstrated on his clarinet different styles of jazz, which is his main interest at the moment. Alan frequently gives talks on behalf of Charity and the Club were pleased to handover a donation for the British Heart Foundation.
JDecember 2007
Monday 3rd As has happened for a number of years, a dozen of the more musical members, accompanied by a few Inner Wheelers, visited several of the local Old Peoples Homes. Their purpose was to entertain the Residents by Carol Singing. As always this proved most successful, lubricated by Sherry at each venue.
Tuesday 4th Listed as a Special General Meeting, this was the evening when the Club met to vote for the Officers for the next Rotary Year. In practice the voting was limited as there was only one nomination for each position; the meeting was consequently brief.
Saturday 8th Another regular event at this time of the year is the Old Peoples Party. Members welcomed nearly 60 Guest at Lunchtime at Wilfred House for a traditional Christmas meal. This was followed by the Glee Club, a miscellany of musical members, entertaining the Guests with some well known songs. The guests were finally returned to their homes at around tea time.
Tuesday 11th The Christmas Party this year was held at the New Broom at Checkley. Partners were invited, as well as a number of widows of former Rotarians, and with over 80 people this venue is ideal for the larger numbers. After an excellent meal the Club was entertained with the "talents" of several of the Members, coordinated by the Community Committee Chairman, Duncan Mackenzie. He managed the proceeding with a carefully scripted programme and kept the audience well entertained until nearly midnight.
Tuesday 18th This was the final meeting of the year and a Traditional meal of Turkey and Christmas Pudding was held at our normal venue.
Thursday 20th Despite a biting cold wind a dozen Rotarians assembled in "Birdland", complete with Father Christmas, to tour the surrounding streets. A Collection was taken from the households and the children greeted by Santa Claus. Over £200 was raised for Rotary Funds.
Tuesday 25th This being Christmas Day no meeting was held.
January2008
Tuesday 8th Father Joules of Denstone College provided us with the "New Year Message".
Tuesday 15th Michael Evans introduced us to the William Salt Library in Stafford. Set up in the middle of the 19th century it has been dedicated to recording all aspects of Staffordshire. As with all collections there is a huge depth of information, a lot donated and still to be investigated.
Tuesday 22nd Alan Holdsworth, District Chairman of the International Committee addresses the Club on the subject of Malaria in Tanzania. Alan reiterated the low cost of providing simple but effective precautions against malaria, such as mosquito nets. The Club supported the initiative with a donation.
Tuesday 29th The speaker for this evening was Peter Mitchell, former headmaster of Thomas Alleynes. Peter explained his involvement in EDGE, an organisation that had evolved from the Excel Examination Board. The aim of EDGE was to develop the opportunities and recognition of vocational courses in the education system, including the support of new schools dedicated to this direction of education.
February 2008
Tuesday 5th Tonight was the turn of Joe Summers to give his My Job talk.
Tuesday 12th Dai Powell kept the Club entertained with a proliferation of stories, some based on his childhood experiences, others apocryphal. All had an amusing side.
Tuesday 19th Tim Vincent came along to talk to us about the Charity "School of Joy" established on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. Currently helping to educate over 300 young children, Tim is involved in raising funds to support the development of the School, which the Club agreed to support.
Friday 22nd This was a social evening held at the Bramshall Village Hall where the main event was "Pig Racing"! This proved to be less dangerous than many thought, the "pigs" being posters on boards which were then manipulated on rope. Racing was carried out in groups of six and betting took place. Open to all ages it proved a most entertaining evening and also helped to swell the Trust Account by around £700
Tuesday 29th Billed as a Fellowship evening, the Club were persuaded to partake in a game of "Call my Bluff", organised by Secretary Ken Ryder. Ken's knowledge, and abuse, of the English language came to the fore and no winners were declared!
March 2008
Tuesday 4th Another Fellowship evening, this time in the hands of Pat Loaring. "Just a minute" was the theme and Pat produced a variety of subjects for members of the Club to talk on. Attempting to speak without "repetition, deviations or hesitation" proved too much for most members but the efforts were well appreciated!
Tuesday 11th A Business meeting. President Peter brought the Club up to date with the various activities that were outstanding for his year, and also the state of the finances. Again we seem to be maintaining our reputation as an active and successful Club
Tuesday 18th The venue for this evening meeting was the New Broome at Checkley, which had adequate space for the 70+ members and their wives who came to hear about "The Mississippi Paddle". Three local lads, one of whom is confined to a wheelchair, had set out to canoe the length of the Mississippi in the aid of Spinal Research. Needless to say they had more than a few stories to tell about the epic trip, which amazed the audience. The Club presented them with a cheque for £250 for the Charity.
Tuesday 25th Ron Oddy excelled himself, yet again, with his organisation of our Theatre Trip to see "Fiddler on the Roof". The performance was at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, and 50+ members and their wives were in good time for the coach, following Ron's cajoling threats and promises! With food and drink provided on the coach, "air hostess style", the party arrived in good time and enjoyed an excellent performance. The return journey was no less entertaining, with liquid refreshments readily available.
April 2008
Tuesday 1st Tonight it was the turn of our latest recruit, Victor Perriman, to give his "My Job Talk". Victor had started in the Printing Industry at an early age, during the Second World War, finally retiring in 1990 after over 50 years service with the same company. During that time his knowledge of the company and its products gave him the opportunity to travel extensively. The enthusiasm he gave to the job is now very much carried forward in his Rotary activities.
Saturday 5th As one of the Club's fundraising events, a "Bavarian Evening" was held at the Kingstone Village Hall. The entertainment was provided by "Von Winkels Band" with traditional Wurst and beer for sustenance. Guests joined in enthusiastically with the various songs. The nett result was over £1300 raised ofr Rotary Charities.
Tuesday 8th The speaker for the evening was Mrs Trimble from SHINE. This is a comparatively new local Charity dedicated to providing accommodation for young people with social handicaps.
Saturday 12th The Club had been given permission to make a collection from Racegoers at the end of the day's meeting at The Racecourse. Funds were for Rotary Charities, but with the specific target of the Kirk House Minibus, which was on display. In total just over £700 was raised.
Tuesday 15th It was a return visit for Inspector Andy Mason, who had overseen policing in Uttoxeter for a number of years. Although the theme was "Trust and Confidence" a large part of the talk revolved around the changes in Policing Policy. In particular the fact that there was a distinct move away from targets to a more discretionary role.
Tuesday 22nd The Rotary Club of Evesham had been invited to our meeting and we were delighted to welcome members and their wives. During the floods of last summer the Club had actively supported the funds raising efforts of the Evesham Club and it was an opportunity to be updated on the way the funds had been disbursed.
Tuesday 29th IThis evening had been dedicated as a Scatter Night. Members visited other local Clubs, including Blythe Bridge, Ashbourne, Rugeley, Lichfield St Chads, Hilton & Etwall
May 2008
Sarurday 3rd The Rhos Male Voice Choir returned to Uttoxeter and performed in the Main Hall at Oldfields School. This was another fund raising event and netted the Club £700 As previously, the quality of this world class choir was very much appreciated by all those who attended. As a bonus a number of their members delayed their departure and gave a further impromptu performance at the Golf Club.
Tuesday 6th This was the Club's AGM where Officer for the coming year were nominated and voted for.
Tuesday 13th Tonight coincided with the departure of a number of members and their wives for the International Trip to Florence. As a result the attendance was reduced. Never the less a very warm welcome was given to Ron Lucas and Maureen Powell who had come to talk to us on the Jaipur Limb project. This is a Charity that has been supported by Rotary for many years and was one of the Club's nominated Charities for the year. A cheque for £500 was presented.
Tuesday 20th The guest speaker for the evening was Ken Webb, from the Lichfield St Chads Club. Ken had been a keen amateur photographer all his life and had brought along photos of birds he had taken in the UK, and also pictures he had taken whilst on holiday in Africa. The quality and excellence was appreciated by the members.
Tuesday 27th As this evening followed a Bank Holiday there was no meeting
June 2008
Tuesday 3rd Rotary "Foundation" had been a mystery to many members. Our guest for the evening, Richard Green from District, gave it new meaning when he asked us to substitute the word "Charity" for "Foundation". Rotary Foundation is the main charitable cause for the movement and Richard brought to our attention many of its actions over the years. It was also noted that Uttoxeter Rotary was a leading donor Club in the District.
Tuesday 10th Nick Brown, head teacher at Oldfields Middle School, had taken 3 months leave of absence to join VSO in Namibia. He told us of his experiences in helping the local schools and of the general conditions under which they worked. Mainly through a local charity he was supporting their efforts to improve conditions and the Club had already made a donation. Following his talk it was readily agreed that the Club would continue to give support.
Tuesday 17th Club Assembly, attended by District Governor Elect, Lynn Deavin. Unfortunately our incoming President was unable to be present, however President Peter read from his prepared speech. Again the Club set out a very full year of activities and this was complimented on by DGE Lynn.
Tuesday 24th. Presidents Valedictory, held in the Bramshall Village Hall and attended by nearly 80 Rotarians, spouses and friends. This was an opportunity to say farewell to President Peter and for him to thank the Committee Chairmen and their teams for the stirling work done throughout the year.