July 2008
Tuesday 1st. Tonight was the occasion for incoming President
Bill Pearson to take over the reins. The formal induction ceremony was performed
and the new Committee Chairmen welcomed. President Bill's intention is to
maintain continuity and this was ensured by many of the Chairmen continuing
with the roles they had held from the previous year.
Tuesday 8th. The Club has always been a strong suporter of
the Marie Curie Foundation, and this year had been particularly successful
in fund raising for them. Boosted by the opportunity to collect outside Tesco
the money raised was neraly £3,000. We were visited this evening by
Sue Rowlett, responsible for the fund raising in the East Midlands, to thanks
us for our efforts. It turned out that our contribution was a major part of
their overall fund raising at tehTesco venues.
Tuesday 15th. A very pleasant evening was spent at the Alrewas
National Arboretum. The Club had been involved in planting a tree in the Rotary
area and it was an opportunity to see its progress. Leylandii has rapid growth!
An excellent tour was given by two established guides, who included some very
interesting background to many of the features. The evening rounded off with
a sandwich supper in the restaurant.
Sunday 20th. The long planned Five a-side Junior
Football Competition. This event had first been held in 2006, but had failed
to take off in 2007. This year a more determined effort was made, resulting
in nearly 70 entries. Despite some concerns the event turned out to be a resounding
success, with nearly 300 games being managed! Comments by the participants
were flattereing and the Club looks forward to this being it's major annual
event involving the Public.
Tuesday 22nd. For the second week in succession the Club
made an outside visit, this time to St Giles Church in Cheadle. The highly
decorated church was designed by Pugin, and is closely associated with Alton
Towers, being sponsored by the Earl of Shrewsbury. The talk by two members
of the church was extremely informative. An excellent, if extended, meal followed
at the Star at Hollington.
Tuesday 29th. Peter Coffin and James Wilks are both Trustees of The Hermitage,
an Old People's home in Uttoxeter. Currently the Home is facing a major decision as regards
its viability and Peter and James spoke of the background to it's existence, which was
initiated by a member of the Bamford family. Prospects are good but inevitably depended on the
financial support that is available. The Club will continue to take an interest in its progress.
August 2008
Tuesday 5th. With no speaker the evening was scheduled as one of "Fellowship". The major point of discussion revolved around a request from a local Resident for help in providing a medical reclining chair for a lady who had suffered a catastrophic stroke immediately following the death of her husband. It was agred that President Bill would investigate the matter further.
Tuesday 12th. Tonight we were visited by the incoming District Governor, John Barker. As is customary, John reported on his visit to the International gathering of Governors in California and passed on the inspiration behind the Annual Theme "Make Dreams Real". He was kind in his remarks as regards the plans for the Club, and its successes.
Tuesday 19th. President Bill reported on his investigation into the background and needs of the lady who had suffered a stroke. It was agreed that the Club should immediately support the pruchase of the appropriate reclinig chair. We also welcomed Richard Taylor, the District Environmental Officer. Richard offered some thoughts on how Rotary can be involved in the changing needs of the environment. It some became obvious that this was a multi faceted and diverse topic, with no simple solutions. Further guidance as to Rotary's approach would be forthcoming from RIBI.
Tuesday 26th. Following the Monday Bank Holiday there was no meeting
September 2008
Tuesday 2nd. Jack Seddon had been sponsored by the Club for RYLA last year. Jack had followed this up by joining and expedition organised by Thomas Alleynes School to Costa Rica earlier in the summer. The Club had contributed towards his expenses and the trip involved a group of some 20 students travelling in the country usual local facilities, as they came upon them. Towards the end of their visit the students spent some time in one of the more remote schools, helping with English tuition and also doing some more practical work on the fabric of the school. It was generally agreed that the Club's "investment" in Jack was a resounding success.
Tuesday 9th The Sports Officer had organised an evening of Ten Pin Bowling at the local Bowl in Uttoxeter. Although a few members had previously used the facility the majority found it a new, and surprisingly enjoyable, experience!
Tuesday 16th. This was a Business Meeting where the plans for the year were reviewed.
Tuesday 23rd One of PP Peter Coffin's chosen Charities was Help for Heroes. Tonight we were given a presentation by Jeremy Hobbs from the Wolverhampton Club and who helps locally to promote the activities of the Charity. Following his talk he played a brief video showing in graphic detail the problems faced by many wounded service personnel and how the funds raised were assisting in their recuperation. This had a major impact on the members, to the extent that no one felt able to ask further questions. Clearly a Charity with total support from the Club
Tuesday 30th. Our speaker for the evening was Debbie Rushbrooke from the Princes Trust. It had been decided that the Club would support this Charity and Debbie gave us some insight into the working of the Trust, and also the support that they were looking for. It became clear that this would most likely be by members offering their experience in mentoring young people with start-up businesses.
October 2008
Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th. The District Conference was aagin held at Llandudno and this year a party of sixteen attended. Deckchairs was the our theme for Fancy dress on Friday Night. Saturday was Business meetings, with guest speaker Michael Portillo as the highlight; the evening saw us attending the Dinner Dance. The Sunday morning service was followed by Gervaise Phinn giving a very entertaining talk on his experiences with young children, which led to the close of the Conference.
Tuesday 7th There being no speaker, this was dedicated as an evening of Fellowship.
Tuesday 14th There was no meeting as our Charter Night was being celebrated on the Friday.
Friday 17th Charter Night was again held in the Platinum Suite at the Racecourse, as it has for the last few years. Numbers were down, possibly reflecting the current economic climate. It was a well tried format of a meal, including Roast Beef being carved at the table, followed by speeches for and on behalf of the Club. Dancing to The Wave band kept the party going until after midnight.
Tuesday 21st We had again sponsored two RYLA candidates, Stephanie Mabey and Georgina Selwyn, for the District training session in the summer. This evening they visited us to report on their experience and the way in which they had benefitted. Much of this was self evident from the confidence and their general demeanour.
Tuesday 28th The Club was successful in getting two "volunteers" to participate in a Focus Interview. Norman Tweddle took the part of Interviewer and incoming President Gerry Higginbottom was the Interviewee. As always with this event the Club felt the benefit by getting to know Gerry a little better, but fortunately no dark secrets were revealed.
November 2008
Tuesday 4th. Bob Cliff, District Group Study Exchange Officer visited us to talk about his experiences in handling these overseas visits. Clearly Bob found the experience very rewarding and spoke highly of the various visitors that had been sponsored by the overseas Clubs. The Club found it an enlightening experience.
Tuesday 11th. Another visitor from District, this evening it was Greg Watson, the District Protection Officer. Greg brought a sense of reality to the question of what "protection" was needed, and the need for CRB checks.
Friday 14th Race Night This Event has been on the Club's calendar for a number of years and had proved most popular. Again it was held in the JCB Hospitality Suite, courtesy of Sir Antony Bamford, with many of the superb facilities available to us; a hot meal was included in the cost of the ticket. The presentation and sound systems worked well, much to the relief of the MC, Rotn Norman Tweddle! From the noise level it was clear that the evening was well enjoyed by all those who attended.
Tuesday 18th Rotarian David Platt has been acting as coordinator for our contribution to Pune Eye Clinic Charity, a joint effort with the local Rotary Club in India. David had been able to obtain a a DVD presentation of the Pune Eye Clinic, which gave us a good idea of the activities of the organisation.
Tuesday 25th. Our Meeting this week was declared as a "Scatter Night". Rotn Pat Loaring had conatcted a number of local Clubs and the result was that around 16 Members visited Clubs in Ashbourne, Blythe Bridge, Rugeley, Lichfield St Chads and Blaydon (in the North East). The subsequent reports highlighted the vast differences in the way each Club operates.
December 2008
Tuesday 2nd. This was scheduled as a Business Meeting and Special Annual General Meeting. Approval was given for the Officers for 2009-2010, The President to be Gerry Higginbottom, Senior Vice Ted Preston and the role of Junior Vice to be determined. Reports were given on the past and future activities of the various Committees. The Treasurer highlighted the shortfall in funds in the Charity Account against the planned donations and it was agreed that any further donations would be carefully reviewed. He also pointed out the need to replenish the funds in the Club's own account, particularly if we are to meet our committments to entertaining guests from the International Conference in Birmingham next year. A very healthy debate followed.
Tuesday 9th Scheduled as a Fellowship evening, the Communications Officer spent some time showing Members the development of the Members side of the Club Website. His proposals to make it more inter-active, particularly with the collection of names for "Boards", was welcomed.
Tuesday 16th. The Club's Christmas Party was again held at The New Broom. An excellent meal was provided for almost 70 members and guests. There followed a variety of entertainment, organised and hosted by Club Sec Ken Ryder. With the current flu epidemic a numbers of performers were unable to attend, never the less there were over half a dozen "acts" varying from songs by the Inner Wheel choir, Flower Pott Men Interviews, accompanied parodies of Christmas and a rather confusing skit on Google. Overall the party appeared to be well enjoyed!
Tuesday 23rd. This being the last meeting before the Christmas break we enjoyed the traditional Christmas Dinner and fellowship.
Tuesday 30th. Following a Bank Holiday there was no Meeting.
January 2009
Tuesday 6th. Following a Bank Holiday there was no Meeting.
Tuesday 13th. This being the first meeting of the New Year it was appropriate for us to hear a "New Year Message". This year it was given by John Lander, who now has the responsibilty for the Parish of Bramshall. John, who also works as a qualified industrial chemist, gave us some insight into his ministry as well as a few chosen words on his concerns, and hopes, for the forthcoming year.
Tuesday 20th. The venue for the evening was The In on the Park. The speaker was Robin Matham who has had a longstanding interest in the HS125 train used on our main line railways. Robin gave a fascinating talk on the history of this engine, from the early development days in the 1960's through to it's latest variant of today, and it's likely future developments. He was also at pains to point out that he was a railways enthusiast and not an "anorak"!
Saturday 24th. Permission had been given for us to make a collection at the Uttoxeter Racecourse on behalf of the Marie Curie Charity. Almost a dozen members with collecting buckets awaited the "punters" as they left at the end of the Racing. They were supported by the Eddie Stobart "girls" who had also been collecting during the Meeting, and who were somewhat more successful in extracting donations! An extremely successful event with £1600 being raised.
Tuesday 27th. No speaker had been arrranged as there was to be general discussion as regards the plans for our future Membership Evening.
February 2009
Tuesday 3rd Tonight we welcomed half a dozen members from the Walsall Club. As an evening of Fellowship it proved very successful, the highlight being a short Quiz by JvP Ted Preston.
Tuesday 10th Past President Norman had been able to arrange a visit to the Stoke Incinerator. Just over 20 Members made the journey to the location adjacent to the Stoke City Football ground. We were treated to a presentation of the working of the plant, followed by an extensive tour. All were impressed by the scale, with some 200,000 tonnes of general waste being burnt each year which, in turn, generated 25% of the electricity consumed by Stoke. Great emphasis is placed on the cleanliness of the emissions from the flue, with Health & Safety standards being significantly exceeded. There followed a meal at the New Broom.
Tuesday 17th For the second week running Members took the road to Stoke. This time over 50 Members and wives enjoyed an Italian meal at La Bella Napolli, followed by a short walk to the Regent Theatre. This year the Club had booked to see Calendar Girls, an interesting change from the usual musical, and which proved to be very entertaining.
Tuesday 24th The Business Meeting. This was a review of the remaining events planned for the year. The Treasurer drew the Club's attention to the reduced level of funds anticipated at the end of the year. Discussions also covered the hosting of Visitors from the RI Convention, the choice of venue, and the level of support by members for future events, such as Charter Night.
March 2009
Tuesday 3rd. The talk this evening was given by two members of the GSE Team that had recently visited Kansas, USA., Hayley Goodwin and Amy Shenton. They were most enthusiastic with their visit, both as an experience of the American lifestyle, as well as the pesonal benefits they had gained from the trip. Clearly a Rotary success.
Tuesday 10th Dr Tukmachi spoke to us about his involvement in Acupuncture. Having trained and practiced conventional medicine for a number of years, he developed in interest in acupuncture and eventually spent time in China seeing how it was practiced. This led him to returning to the UK and being recognised as a leading practitioner in this field. He is continuing his research into the effectiveness of the treatment and now has regular clinics in the Midlands.
Tuesday 17th. Our speaker for the evening was Anita Epple of Positive Touch.
Tuesday 24th. A Fellowship Evening with an opportunity for six prospective newmembers to attend. A presentation was given by Rtn David Sargeant on the Club's activities.
Tuesday 31st. Past President Alf Hawksworth had arranged for some ten members and guests to visit a Burton Albion football match. The evening was declared as a Scatter Night, although only 3-4 members actually participated.
April 2009
Tuesday 7th. Some time ago a group of young people had developed a skateboard facility in the Bramshall Road Park. This was now reaching a point where it needed redeveloping and George Lowe and Peter Whitehouase had formed a committe to raise funds. They gave an excellent presentation showing how skateboard parks had developed and the plans they had on hand. Funding was their major concern, with over £100,000 being needed. Much of this was already underwritten from various sources and the Club promised to support them in their final "push" for funds.
Tuesday 14th. Following Easter there was no Meeting
Tuesday 21st. Our Guest this evening was Louise Cooper-Bevan. Based in Uttoxeter, Louise had been trained in special massage for Infants, which she now taught to other Health Professionals in this country. By chance she had been invited to visit an Orphanage whilst in Romania and she had immediately been struck by the needs of the children for the skills she had. As a result she had spent some time teaching the local Carers some of the basic skills and was now committed to developing a network of people in the Orphanages using her techniques. The Club agreed to support her in her work.
Tuesday 28th. The Club has supported the Charity, Pump Aid for many years. Tonight Alan Holdcroft re-visited us to update us with the progress of the Charity's work in the countries it covered.
May 2009
Tuesday 5th May. This was the Annual General Meeting, chaired by the Senior Vice President, Gerry Higginbottom, in the absence of President Bill. Many of the Reports had been previously circulated and were adopted by a simple vote. Officers and Club Council were also approved, although the post of Junior Vice President remained unfilled.
Tuesday 12th May. Apiary was the topic of the talk given by Capt Spacey of Littleover Apiaries. Capt Spacey retired from the SAS about ten years ago and came into bee-keeping by chance. Realising the commercial potential he had developed the business from a modest 70 hives to a multi-million pound business throughout the world. Ineveitably this did not happen without a few hiccoughs on the way, providing some amusing anecdotes. His particular concern was the use of chemicals by hobby bee keepers and the effect this was having on the UK bee population and the potential risk to the consumers. His comments left the Club with much food for thought.
Friday 15th. As a Fundraiser the Club had organised an "Irish Evening", held at Kingstone Village Hall. Entertainment was by "Murphy's Marblers" who combined some story telling along with traditional Irish Music. A cheese and pate buffet was provided as was a bar. Nearly 100 members and guests attended and the Club raised over £1,000.
Tuesday 19th May. Past President Norman Tweddle had arranged a visit to the new Sea Life Centre at Alton Towers. Over 40 Members and their wives were given a guided tour of the facility and had ample opportunity to observe the many varieties of fish on display. Following the tour an excellent meal was had at the main Alton Towers Hotel.
Tuesday 26th May. Following May Bank Holiday there was no Meeting
June 2009
Tuesday 2nd June This was an evening of Fellowship
Tuesday 9th June. The Club's Quiz Team had excelled themselves this year and tonight was The Final, held in Wolverhampton. Over a dozen members travelled to support them and were not totally disappointed. The competiton proved to be extremely close and it was only decided in the final round but sadly we were placed fourth. Incredibly the scores were such that fourth position was just seven points below the winner, who scored 155.
Tuesday 16th June This was Club Assembly
Monday 22nd June. With the RI Convention taking place this year in Birmingham, we joined with the Walsall Club to host over 60 Visitors for the evening. This took the form of a tour of Lichfield Cathedral followed by a meal at a local Restaurant. Some 80 Members and partners from the two Clubs acted as Hosts. The weather was kind, the Cathedral as impressive as ever, and the meal first class. The plaudits were many from the guests and the event voted as a resounding success
Tuesday 23rd June "Life in Kazakhstan" was the topic for tonight's talk, Gunara, partner of Rotarian Alan Durose, spoke of her life growing up in this country, and explained some of the problems the population faced, both from the logistics of a single country the size of Europe, and it's many climates. Central Asia is an area of the world not known to many people and there were plenty of questions.
Sunday 28th June. President's Valedictory. President Bill hosted nearly sixty members and their partners for Lunch at his home. Fortunately the weather was kind and shade rather than shelter was necessary. An excellent barbecue was offered, followed by the inevitable wealth of "healthy" puddings, courtesy of wives of members and the ladies of Inner Wheel. A very pleasant ending to another Presidential year.
Tuesday 30th June As this followed the President's Valedictory there was no meeting
.