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Rotary
KENT, EAST SUSSEX AND SOUTH LONDON
his edition of Rotary South East spans the months between our early Autumn and the start of a new year. That means being the conference edition with some great photos to remind us of a wonderful time in Eastbourne attended by almost eight hundred delegates. I had a fantastic time; as Ive said in response to the many positive comments, all I had to do was turn up and face the right way. There was always someone there to make sure I was in the right place at the right time.
District
It was good meeting so many of you who I have got to know on my travels throughout this lovely District of ours. By all accounts, it was a success, judging by the positive face to face comments and emails Ive received as has the Conference Team. Not everything was to everyones liking but the overwhelming view is one of a memorable Conference. We learn some lessons for next year. Huge thanks to the conference Team who worked hard to bring you the Conference you deserve and which far exceeded my expectations.
Hayain caused in the Philippines left all of us moved and most to do something to help. Within hours of my launching an appeal via Les Hoskins, District International Chairman, Clubs responded magnificently. Street collections were arranged hastily, donations made to Shelter Box, Red Cross and other aid agencies. I was delighted with your response but frankly not surprised; Rotarians pull out the stops and dig deep when the need is obvious. This is what our RI President Ron Burton means when he asks us to Engage Rotary and Change Lives. So many thanks particularly for the Filipinos who you will never meet but whose lives you have helped.
Reflect
Christmas marks the half way of the Rotary Year and a time to reflect on what we have been up to and what we will be doing in 2014. I am sure you have enjoyed your activities where you turned out dressed as Santa and his helpers, raised money for your nominated charities and in the case of some Clubs giving up their Christmas day to ensure that those on their own feel something of the warmth of the spirit of Christmas.
there are plenty of interesting appointments coming up when I join you for a host of celebrations, competitions and preparations for 2014/15 Rotary really is good at succession planning. The devastation which Typhoon
Complete
As I write this all but a handful of Club visits are complete and in a sense Im sad this phase of my DG task is coming to an end as I have enjoyed the welcome and hospitality from Clubs, the sometimes late night drive home listening to Radio 4 and reflecting on another meeting where Ive been privileged to meet some amazing Rotarians who have their own story to tell about their Rotary life or interesting vocations. But there is still another six months to go and looking ahead,
Family
I trust that this and time with family and friends sees you come back refreshed in this New Year for more Service to make life a bit easier for those who need it. Gloria and I are going to take a week off straight after New Year and fly to dive in the wonderful Red Sea. We look forward to seeing you in 2014 when collectively we really will make a difference. Best wishes, Chris December 2013
Welcome
Channel David Upton, Malcolm Stewart Heathfield and Waldron Nic Hardy Isle of Thanet Sunrise Pamela Sharp Langley Park Andy Butler Margate Mandy Carliell, Keith Puddefoot Rochester Steve Isles Sittingbourne and Milton Donald Jordan
Page 10
As the news and particularly the scenes of destruction began to emerge, the words began in Club meetings and in telephone calls we should do something! The stories are many from around the District so can these mentioned here be taken as a commendation to all and reflection of a great achievement. Collections at Club meetings amongst Rotarians were raising enough to buy one and sometimes more Shelterboxes. Local authorities granted urgent street collections and many town centres saw Shelterbox tents go up on the streets. Some Clubs responded directly to the national, Red Cross and the RIBI appeals. District International Chairman Les Hoskins circulated available information and then heard back from some clubs. He decided to try and contact all the clubs in the District. This is what he found. District 1120 you have all been part of a spontaneous effort that has realised close to 100,000 of aid being raised and directed to the
Philippines. There have been 145 Shelterboxes financed. Plus Lifestraws, Aquaboxes and Aquafilters. Rotarians have been visiting schools to tell them about Shelterbox and a number have decided to put their Christmas collections to the charity. So the total continues to grow.
District Diary:
2014 23 January 26 April 22 May District Council District Assembly District Council Maidstone Snodland Maidstone
Condolences
We are sad to report the deaths of John Roberts, Past District Governor and Past President of Strood Club; Alan North, three times President of Sittingbourne and Milton Club; Marianne Williams, Paul Harris Fellow and Charter Member of Eastbourne AM Club; George Rogers of Bexley Club
Not forgetting the Syria appeal, Senlac Rotary Club took their Shelterbox and collecting buckets to Sainsburys store in Bexhill and raised 481 in two days.
30 year olds. There are two Rotary Clubs in the town, Dover and South Foreland. Dovers St Martins school Rotakids, following the lead of their seniors, have
already decided to help with the worldwide Rotary International campaign to eradicate polio throughout the world as well as taking part in local community projects. District Governor Chris Barnett, a member of Dover RC, told the youngsters at the charter ceremony: You are joining the 1.25 million Rotarians worldwide aiming to improve lives while enjoying fun and friendship. If other District 1120 Rotary clubs are interested in looking at possible Rotakids opportunities within schools in their catchment area please feel free to contact Colin Norgate or Carol Vizzard from the District team.
Young Musician
Young Photographer Club Level District Regional RIBI Young Writer Club Level District Regional RIBI
11/04/2014 NA 23/04/2013
NA 22/04/2014
Competitions organised by District 1120 Rotarians Carol Vizzard (07910-810831 bc.vizzard@virgin.net) AND Steve Elms (07711-34118s steveelms@btinternet.com) RIBI - http://www.ribi.org/committees/new-generations/competitions-for-young-people Go to the above wedsites and/or contact Steve or Carol
Youth Speaks held by the Medway group of Rotary Clubs proved to be a very close contest with some thought-provoking subjects. Jamie Payne took the under-14 honours with some strong facts and views on Smoking while Ryan Mamum challenged listeners on being Environmentalists to win the Senior competition. Mayor of Medway, Councillor Josie Isles and District Governor Chris Barnett presented the awards.
SANTA FUN
Over 500 Santas staged a takeover of Rochester High Street to raise funds for the charity Childrens Hospice Holidays.
With Medway Rotary Club in the lead, there was input from other clubs in the area including Rochester clubs famed mulled wine stall! The Santas paraded along the High Street before the run itself was set off by Mayor of Medway, Councillor Josie Isles. Then they either ran, sauntered or pushed a wheel chair the full length again. Face painting, a bucking reindeer, buffet and auction and street collections all added to the charity effort.
Asking someone if they have got 'ICE' on their telephone can get some curious looks. But when Rotarians such as Bob Denby here explains it means 'In Case of Emergency' then they are soon saying 'thank you.' Gravesend Rotary Club took the opportunity of joining in with the Kent Police Safety Shop at the Bluewater shopping centre to make shoppers aware of having an ICE number on their telephone and also hand out cards to have the same telephone number in their purse, wallet or school bag. Gravesend Club has led the initiative on ICE and cards are also available from the District team.
Air Cadet Ben White is a bandsman with the Welling squadron of the Air Training Corps.
Ben unfortunately also has learning difficulties, so was unable to go for an air experience flight with the rest of his colleagues in the squadron. That is until Bexley Rotary Club heard about his problem. They have a contact with Airmobility, and they arranged a flight for Ben. Airmobility have instructors who specialise in this sort of thing, and one of them took Ben up in their Piper Cherokee, when they got up there Ben had a chance to take the controls. And when he came down he received a certificate to confirm his flight. Here he is with the instructor after his flight. Well done RC Bexley, and thanks go to Airmobility too for their assistance.
Delivered cheer
Amongst projects achieved from the Rotary Club of Margates Father Christmas tours, store and street collections were Christmas dinners delivered direct to 58 people on Christmas Day. This meals were prepared by staff at Ramsgates Royal Oak Hotel and were delivered by 12 noon. The Rotarians are often the only visitors the recipient would see over the Christmas period, thus making the effort all the more rewarding.
nce again Bexhill Rotary Club has got involved with the Mustard Seed Relief Mission by delivering over 120 Love in a Box shoe boxes to the missions base in Eastbourne. Some of these shoe boxes were donated by Bexhill Rotarians and their friends and some were donated by pupils including the Interact Club at St. Marys School in Wrestwood Road. Mustard Seed, which is celebrating its 20th year since formation, has every year for more than a decade been collecting shoe boxes in October and November. The shoe boxes come from far and wide from churches, schools, voluntary organisations such as Rotary clubs, businesses and as well as a host of individuals. Each shoe box contains a selection of goodies which are then transported by lorry to thousands of under privileged children in Eastern Europe. President John Cooper said: I have never seen so many Christmas presents all in one place so I have every admiration for Mustard Seeds huge logistic operation. Our picture shows Stephen White with some of the boxes ready for delivery to Mustard Seed at Eastbourne.
The Foyer provides affordable accommodation for single young people aged 16-24 who have agreed a plan for them to continue in or access employment, training or education. Peter McLean of Maidstone Riverside Rotary Club spearheaded this years project for the club to support the residents' annual Christmas gift scheme. Rotarians and friends provided the gifts, which were each wrapped and decorated and presented to Angela Elkington and Dawn Cateling on behalf of the residents by Peter and Club President Mike Springett.
MEMBERSHIP
Thank you to all those who came to the workshop at District Conference I have been asked to share the information that I issued on the day. Zena Belton District Membership Chair
specific and customized to Rotary. The challenge to the visioning process is how to gather so many ideas (the dreams) and opportunities for the future from a group of 15-30 people and condense it down to the most important goals determined by that club (consensus) all within a very limited time frame. This is where an outside, neutral team of trained Rotary facilitators can make the difference. If anyone has ever tried to selffacilitate their organizations goals and strategies, they probably met with limited success. This is because they and their club may be too close to the issues. A neutral team of Rotarians, understanding both the big picture of how Rotary works in the world today as well as how a facilitator should remain neutral, is the best service we can offer to the visioning process. How can we get this message over in a club meeting perhaps this little sketch will help!
The idea of Service Above Self has been providing Rotarians with a reason for belonging since Rotary began. Today it permeates throughout the world as Rotary club after Rotary club meet on an ongoing basis to serve their communities and each other. However, as any Rotarian can tell you, each club is different. They are unique in how they go about their services, how they organize themselves, and how they are perceived by their communities and the Rotary District of which they belong. So how does your club interpret Service Above Self? Without a conscious awareness of that unique interpretation, clubs have a tendency to lose focus. To a club that has not defined who they are, what they stand for, and what they intend to do; anything and everything is an opportunity. Clubs are made up of many talented personalities all supporting one causeService Above Self. How can we get back to a team that is all pulling in the same direction. A long-range plan provides the framework. Without such a plan, Rotarys annual leadership turnover creates inconsistency, as new leaders come aboard with new ideas. When a plan is in place and a vision has been defined, present and future club leaders work together to move the organization forward with minimal confusion. The visioning process is the start for this new focus. Visioning allows the club members to dream about what their club could become. From this dream comes a new sense of identity and a renewed commitment to make a club better than it is today. The simple act of writing down goals in a group setting builds camaraderie and fosters agreement on a vision. It begins to establish benchmarks for the club. This renewed focus on objectives naturally pushes clubs and districts toward action. When leaders routinely communicate the documented goals to club members, accountability increases. A club visioning session provides a vision for the future and the beginnings of a written plan that promotes consensus, consistency, and continuity. This statement of goals and initiatives provides a road map thats easy for leaders and club members to understand. It serves as the beginning point from which a club can now formulate their strategies; tying their vision to a formal plan (Rotary International promotes all clubs to develop a strategic plan). The visioning process also has an underlying current of training that is highly
Experience is that clubs change as a result (so beware those Rotarian Resistant who will be against from the start and they can be powerful as they probably are Rotarian Control in the club now). Preparation of the clubs is vital so that they know what to expect. There will be questionnaires and surveys to do before the meeting. Rotarian Sorry I wasnt Listening will need some gentle guidance it is important. This meeting is not about food and drink so Rotarian Rubber Chicken Again, and Rotarian Loud When with Wine will not distract the focus of the meeting. Your club will need a Visioning coordinator and they need to get in touch with Zena Belton to see how your club can start on the Visioning process. What about Retention? How do we address this to ensure there are enough pairs of hands working in our communities, making a positive difference to the lives of others? The answer, some might say, is through modernisation, creating a Rotary experience that is attractive to new Rotarians whilst remaining relevant to existing members not easy, but more than possible. Change can be a challenge but this is Change by Choice and, as a collective, we will make the right choices for change that are truthful and fair, build goodwill and better understanding and, above all, beneficial to all concerned Keeping our values at the heart of our decisions will enable Service Above Self in the modern world. One of the challenges is to retain good Rotarians who are thinking of leaving Rotary, but would really like to stay there are alternative solutions. If a person is going to leave, a club would lose them anyway. By helping the member to remain a Rotarian, they can still be involved in club activities and, by retaining the member to Rotary, everyone benefits. Does your club actively support a leaving Rotarian to get in touch with another club in your area, do you let the AG know, often a Rotarian leaves due to concerns and that cannot be discussed openly with the club. The AG is neutral; they are not trying to re-build relationships but keep a Rotarian. Alternatively they could consider joining the Rotary e-Club hub for South East. Joining an e-Club should always be considered as part of the toolbox for membership recruitment and retention. Please keep Rotarians in Rotary not just in your Rotary club.
We dont understand about Club visioning Nobody tells the club what to do; all ideas come from the club; it is the members' vision; all members and their ideas are equal; that is the uniqueness of this in any club discussion. Rotarian Loud is always heard over Rotarian Good Idea. The team of facilitators is professional, well trained and experienced. There is a dropout rate to the training so we know we only get the best. This will help with Rotarian Done this Before. We need as many members as possible (up to max 30) there. They have to own this. Rotarian I Wasnt There will undermine the activity. The AG should be there too (silent, that can be a challenge but Zena will have Gaffa tape) adding nothing, but learning about the club so that he/she can help later with the action planning if needed, Rotarian Whats it got to do with District will know how the AG can be involved if the club want them. The meeting is an investment in the club, as it is run properly the event has real pace and nobody gets bored, even though it will be 3 hours long. Rotarian Too Busy will have to be convinced, there is plenty of participation and movement, and this will help Rotarian Sleepy. You need a big venue with many walls to put up lots of flip charts. This whole club involvement means that Rotarian It Wasnt My Idea has no place to hide.
for teachers from 18 schools, after which they visited five other schools to take part in a programme to support the teaching of English. The dental team carried out a survey of 100 local Pokot tribes people covering the age spectrum of permanent teeth to allow dental equipment appropriate to the needs of patients to be provided when a Yellowman Dentist is available. Also on the medical side the team distributed 13,000 worth of medicines and
demonstrated the Electro Cardiograph machine and Cardio Pulsometer. They also worked with resident Dr. Thomas at the Wayside clinic and held clinics at the village of Tikeet on two days seeing well over two hundred patients. Following the treatment of one of the Kenyan workers at the clinic who needed stitches to a head wound at the Sub District Hospital Runo it was realised that the provision for emergency treatment at the hospital was very poor and so a donation was made consisting of razors, suture kits, and suture packs together with a sample medicine pack. It was decided that the hospital may feature in a future project. The visit ended with an invitation to lunch by Father Pat who worked with the team throughout the time they were in Kenya and who has been a very welcome visitor to the club in Bexhill
It was the full show for Maidstone Mela a music and food festival attended by thousands of people. Maidstone Dawn Patrol Rotary Club led a presence of Shelterbox and the Iron Lung to promote End Polio Now. They were also handing out ICE emergency cards and aiming to recruit more Rotarians. Maidstone Club helped with the stand and Maidstone Riverside Club provided car park organisation.
Together
This was truly a multi club, multi District and International project and it shows what Rotary can achieve when we work together and use the Rotary Foundation. There is still a balance of some recent donations and this will now be passed to Hope and Homes for
Conference REVISITED Close to 800 delegates gathered at Eastbourne for the 84th Annual Conference of Rotary District 1120. Promoted with a Maritime theme, this Conference also brought home the key strengths of Rotary in navigating ways of helping, achieving progress for others and recognising courage in its many forms.
Representing Rotary International President Ron Burton, Past District Governor Mohammad Ali from Lincolnshire, related how one particular Rotary Club has close to doubled its membership by concentrating on hands on Rotary. They moved away from raising funds for charities to doing hands on projects using their time and vocations, he said. This gave a sense of satisfaction and feel good factor and exposed the Club to the community. Raising funds for charities does a lot of good but is it good enough. Is it good enough for Rotary. Will it get young people in and keep people in Rotary. Hands on service is at the core of Rotary and defines us from any other organisation. The key word is engage and to me that is hands on engagement He reminded Conference that if Clubs were raising funds then one of the best places for that money is The Rotary Foundation as it allows Rotarians all over the World to carry out hands on work. And for the Club to feel they are part of that happening too. Many people do not reach their full potential. We are capable of much more than we achieve. Rotary gives us the opportunity to do more. A new departure from the District Governors annual key note speech at this years conference was on stage interview conducted by BBC Southeast Todays newscaster Rob Smith. In a relaxed thirty minute session Chris was asked his views on the future of Rotary both locally and world wide. On the whole he was optimistic about the future but there were issues which needed tackling. Membership remained a priority for all Rotarians. Recent retirees were a good source but we also need to be looking for tomorrows Rotary leaders amongst the thirty to forty year olds. Foundation continued to play its part in funding both small and large projects at home and abroad and Chris emphasised that the new system made the application process more straightforward. Chris was particularly pleased at the part Rotary is playing in the eradication of polio and emphasised the need to keep on fund raising and not let up until the world is polio free hopefully by 2018. Asked what irritated him, Chris was clear that very little got under his skin but did confess that he had little patience with Members who spent more time agonising over things like dress code and whether men should wear ties at the expense of more important issues. Chris also worried over Rotarys reluctance to speak out against social injustice for fear of becoming involved in the political debate. He gave as an example the excellent work Clubs are doing to support food banks without questioning the need. No easy answers Chris conceded. RIBI Secretary Amanda Watkin challenged delegates with why would you not want to join Rotary. You can meet new people, create good friendships, do something in the community, learn skills and enjoy yourself, she said. I have gained from my Rotary experiences and I have benefitted as an individual from that experience. There is great flexibility for clubs to adjust to changing times and work patterns. To attract people at both ends of their careers including those who are just retiring who make fantastic members. Membership is often seen in isolation it is everyones responsibility. If half of the Rotarians in RIBI brought in a new member across the next few years the downward trend would be turned around. We should embrace all ways of communicating including social media to get across to people what it is like being in Rotary. Then we have to keep them. Exit surveys have shown the two main causes of new Rotarians leaving are irreconcilable differences in the club and boredom. Member retention is about overall satisfaction, said Amanda. Rotary is an experience we do feel it. If new members feel they want to stay then they will want to ask someone else to come along as well. We need more hands to give more service. We need the hands. We need the people. We need the enthusiasm.
Conference REVISITED
Don and June Ingram from Malling Club told us about the 1,600 calls a year answered by Service of Emergency Riders Volunteers delivering blood and urgent medical results
DG Chris thanks the Mayor, Councillor Mike Thompson, for his welcome to Eastbourne
Brian Vizzard and Paul Alcock descrbed the Urban Blue bus in action providing help and a haven for Maidstones evening visitors
Richard Kemball-Cook explains the juvenile iron lung for polio patients now history which is what we want polio to be
Conference REVISITED
Making an entrance is George Cole from Sittingbourne Invicta Club who updated us on the Tour de Kent 160 mile cycle ride
Then George presented DG Chris with a cheque for 10,800 from the ride which with the help of Bill Gates will become over 32,000 for the End Polio Now campaign
Louise Ingham, fundraiser with the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation and Helen Ordever, mother to twin boys and with a husband all with Type 1 diabetes, told us how life gets turned upside down
Peter Snow took audiences behind the scenes at television, to historic battlefields worldwide and afloat on the special tall ships of The Jubilee Sailing Trust
The challenge to build a bridge to give seven villages in India safe passage and a better life was taken up by North Downs Rotary Club and their partners with a Rotary Foundation grant. Thakor Patel explained
Conference REVISITED
Sarah Pat
Stuart Tootal, former commander of 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, told us of the courage and tenacity those soldiers showed in the early days of the Afghanistan campaign
Esme
Alex
DG Chris presents to Stuart Tootal a Paul Harris Fellowship for 3 Para for their service above self
VTT Team Member Esme Butterworth this was a primary school of 750 pupils and we had 36 classroom observations in the first week Alex Charlton the energy of the VTT team was being mirrored by the school staff Sarah Ford we handed over laptop computers and other resources to help make the teaching ideas widely available. Pat Unwin we are aiming to keep in touch and extend the sustainability of our months presence there.
Euan Eddie explained that examinations in Kwazululand are in English and so revitalising its teaching was a major contribution for a Vocational Training Team to make
Inner Wheel President Judith Cooper reminded us that their clubs raised over 2 million in the UK for charities at home and abroad but, perhaps like Rotary, need to publicise themselves more
Rachel Eberlein and Nisha Kotecha emphasised that Rotaracters go on to become great Rotarians while proving young people can make a positive contribution to their community
Conference REVISITED
Philip Woodman of Sidcup Club described how young people seeking jobs were being mentored by Rotarians at the local Job Centre.
Richard Davis told us of the Sleepin championed by Canterbury Sunrise Club that not only increased awareness of homelessness but raised over 30,000 for supporting charities
If you need a helping hand ask Rotary which is what the local Community Hub did, said David Brake from Rochester Club. Support provided has included advice, hands on work and co-ordination
Team Williams Martin and Wendy invite you to Eastbourne for 24 to 26 October, 2014 when conference will have a strong hint of cricket
The Sunday Celebration of Rotary was led by Sir Richard Stilgoe and the musicians of the Orpheus Foundation
DG Chris and Simon Fanshawe scanned the papers and then Simon got us thinking on diversity
Conference REVISITED
It may be blood pressure but it is definitely stroke awareness The Inner Wheel welcome in the House of Friendship
Contraptions
Fifty minutes were allowed for the teams to complete their contraptions. Battle, Uckfield and Crowborough all showed promise with distances of four to five feet but the runaway winners were Haywards Heath who propelled their egg almost fifteen feet. A hugely enjoyable event that raised 60 for Rotary Foundation. Our pictures show the winning team.
As part of its service in the Shepway community, the Channel Club provides hands-on help to other local organizations where they do not have the manpower. Recently, eleven Club members rallied round when Edith Baker, local organizer of Diabetes UK, asked for assistance with a Tesco collection. The result was approaching 1,000 of much needed funds and a great deal of fun and laughter on our collection day. Our picture shows a young supporter in her wonderful onesie donates to Diabetes UK organizer Edith Baker and Channel Rotarian John Jenkins.
Gates Foundation
Also every pound raised will have an extra 2 added from the Gates Foundation through their support for End Polio Now. The brochure with all the details is being circulated to Clubs via newsletter and will be on the District web site. New also for this year is the Crocus in the Schools Project where pupils grow baskets of crocus. There is a very good information booklet that tells the polio story including from Paralympian Ade Adepitan, himself a polio sufferer at 15 months old. www.rotarycrocus.com. and the facebook page www.facebook.com/rotarycrocus has even more information
Triathalon challenge
Canterbury Forest of Blean Rotary Club presented the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury with an early Christmas present when it donated a cheque for 2,500 raised from the Canterbury Half Marathon. Club members and their supporters acted as marshalls for the race and raised a further 780 from a collection at Sainsburys. They were also marshalls for the hospices very successful Light Up the City event. The cheque was presented to Deborah Kellond the regional fundraising manager of Pilgrims Hospice by President David Baxter here with Matthew Sutton, a partner with Burgess Hodgson accountants who sponsored the race. The Rotary Club of Eastbourne Sovereign invited Howard Wardle, a supporter of the Eastbourne Food Bank to join them for supper at the Chatsworth Hotel and after his talk, presented him with 250 worth of Christmas fare,including Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies, Christmas Cake and chocolates. Club President Elizabeth Wilton said that she hoped that the gifts would help to bring some cheer to those in need during the festive season
Over the past year, Maidstone Rotarian Clive Bradburn has trained for and competed in triathlons throughout the country. With some good results he successfully qualified to represent Great Britain at the ITU age-group World Championships, which was part of the Pru Health World Triathlon Grand Final held in London. The 66 year old competed against 70 other athletes in his 65-69 age group for the world title and managed a very commendable 20th position and was the 8th fastest Britain. The race consisted of a 750 metre swim in Hyde Parks Serpentine followed by a 40k bike section on closed roads passing by Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. The final part was a 10k run
around Hyde Park. Thousands of spectators were there to cheer on over 5,000 age group competitors from all over the world. Following the days event Clive said It was a privilege to compete on the same platform with the best in the world and to represent my country was such a great honour. To ride my bike along traffic free roads in central London was something I will never forget. This will be my last triathlon as I do not want to aggravate my eight year old knee replacement, which has served me well. I urge anyone who undergoes joint replacement to maintain their fitness and make the most of their revitalised lives. I was grateful to my family and friends who came to watch me race and for all the good wishes I received from many others.
summers afternoon, cucumber sandwiches, and a bottomless jug of Pimms, where am I? Actually in the garden of Peter and Wenche Georgiadis, two members of Hastings Rotary Club. And what are all these people doing dressed up as it looks like characters from that classic of childrens bed-time reading, Alice in Wonderland. Now the more cynical of you may say that Rotary is quite like the adventures of that eponymous young lady already, without members trying to make it even more so. They would say that they were doing it in a very good cause. The International committee of that club had a mad hatters tea party and Alan Russell devised a quiz with some suitably wacky answers; they had a paper plane competition to go with the sandwiches, cakes and jelly. And to add to the merriment the weather was fine and the Red Arrows gave an unscheduled fly-past. Adventures are made of this. and the bottom line 500 for Aqua Boxes.
Mark Knowlton organised the annual Coastal Litter Pick, for the Rotary Club of The Isle of Thanet Sunrise. It started at Palm Bay in Cliftonville and finished at The Turner Centre in Margate Harbour. Twenty five sacks of rubbish were collected on what felt like the windiest day of the year. Pictured is Mark with some of the treasures, which included a push chair, a buoy and a wooden oar.
Ramsgate Rotary Club members have never taken part in the town carnival, until now. On his three wheeled motorcycle President Simon Wallace, and his wife Tina, led several members of the club in the procession, handing out to those making up a large crowd, leaflets setting out the aims and objects of Rotary, and inviting people to be considered for membership for fellowship, fun and fundraising to help make a difference.
Bexhill Rotary Club has given the glad eye to Senlac District Scouts Kiteye Wood Development Plan by presenting a cheque for 2,000 to them via Senlac District Commissioner Cliff Wilson. Guest speaker Mike Clark gave a power point talk all about Kiteye Wood in Frieseland Lane, a designated campsite for Senlac District which currently numbers some 700 scouts from eight Scout groups. Much work has already been completed over the years with Bexhill Rotary Club supporting the building of a toilet block back in 2007. The next big project is the development of a single storey building designed by Scouts with fitting out to include heating, a kitchen and security plus a generator to provide light and power. The Scouts have already been busy raising a large chunk of money and this is where the 2,000 presented by Bexhill Rotary will come in very useful indeed. Mike Clark rounded off his talk by quoting the virtues of Scouting which he said most definitely changes lives by providing the skills for life which can lead for each member to getting a better job and better prospects for life.
M
Senlacs weekly meeting saw us hosting a very special canine guest called Lucky who came with his owners Sharon and Brian.
Brian and Sharon were looking to find a dog as a pet and went to a rescue centre where, by chance, they were introduced to the charity Medical Detection Dogs. As Brian is very severely diabetic and struggles to recognise early symptoms it seemed that a detection dog would be a great help to them. Medical alert dogs are, as well as cancer and diabetes, also involved in 30 other partnerships including pain crisis, Addisons disease, nut detection, asthma, epilepsy, and narcolepsy among them. Lucky is trained to pick up on breath samples to detect low blood sugars and as Brian has recently been diagnosed with MS he thinks the dog may also be picking up on that. Pictured is Brian with Lucky.
embers of The Rotary Club of Senlac with their families, friends and many Jazz enthusiasts were treated to a great afternoon of music and dancing to the fabulous Golden Eagles band at their annual Jazz Picnic. The weather was sunny but there were plenty of umbrellas for a traditional jazz brolly parade. The event was held in Pat and Judy Connors idyllic, landscaped garden in Westfield Lane, St Leonards. Over 1,500 was raised during the afternoon, with money going to the main beneficiary The Parchment Trust and other local childrens charities. John Cosson, Chairman of the Trustees and Andrew Phillips Chief Executive of the Parchment trust were there to thank everyone.
The Old Thatched Barn at Littlebourne was full as Rotarians and guests danced to Contraband and raised 3,700. The Canterbury Forest of Blean Rotary Clubs 9th Annual Charity Barn Dance was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and the clubs own Charity Fund. The event was generously sponsored by Cardy Construction Limited. Club President David Baxter said Everybody enjoyed themselves and raised 3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support with the substantial balance going to local charities.
Encouraging recruitment
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Members of Deal Rotary Club held a publicity event promoting Rotary and encouraging recruitment. Setting up their promotional material and a Shelter Box Tent next to the bandstand in Deal gave them the opportunity to engage with the public and bring attention to Rotary, although they did have to compete with the music ! Here three members of Deal RC are chatting to their honorary member, Admiral The Lord Boyce, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. 18 Rotary South East
embers of the Rotary Club of The Isle of Thanet Sunrise had a unique opportunity to co-ordinate local efforts and ensure that donated Toy Boxes were delivered to their destination in time for Christmas.
In response to an appeal from the Kids Out charity to specifically help children who had been victims or witnesses of domestic violence, the staff at Laleham Gap Primary School in Broadstairs worked together collecting soft toys, games, clothing for children and toddlers, jigsaws, books, colouring books and toiletries. President Richard Parkin visited the school to thank them for their efforts and arranged for Hannah Jenkins, a fundraiser for the local domestic violence abuse service Oasis, to visit the club
where he presented her with the generous donations from the staff at Laleham Gap Primary School. On this occasion the club was only acting in the role of a co-ordinator, but all the local Rotary clubs have regularly supported Kids Out and Oasis over the years.
Charter anniversary
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Charter of the Rotary Club of Darent Valley, members gathered to plant a fine willow tree in Swanley Park. The rain and bitter wind did not dampen their cheer and good humour.
editorsnotes
With Rotary South East now four editions a year, this time we cover the most changeable time of the year. Sunny picnics to freezing Santa sleighs and wet supermarket collections. But there is much warmth in the hearts of Rotarians as shown by the response to the Philippines disaster. All achieved through the commitments and responsibilities we accept by being Rotarians. Our new presence or signature as it is now known with its 'mark of excellence' or Rotary wheel as we know it is making an impact because for the first time it tells people we are Rotary more than asking them to guess. But also read the booklet that has come from RI and you will see that the main task is telling Rotary's story. It is not just the signature but the way that we individual Rotarians describe Rotary to others. We are smart, good organisers, honestly care about people at home and abroad and we deliver! Be it homes for orphans in Eastern Europe or a roof for the homeless in Canterbury both are important to us and we should be telling people that. So make good use of the extra copies of RSE you get and also use those copies that Rotarians choose to leave behind to tell people about Rotary and grow new Rotarians. Copy and photographs for the next edition to the usual addresses by 7 April. 5 Haven Way, St Marys Island, Chatham ME4 3LB 01634 891708. e-mail: one@barpinuk. wanadoo.co.uk
MGS Interact is a club for young people at Maidstone Grammar School who want to connect with others in their community. Interact club members have fun while carrying out service projects and learning about the world. The club this year has raised over 1,500 for three local charities. The club's chairman John Haines is seen here at the school presenting a cheque for 1,000 to Emma Halpin from the Blackthorn Trust which helps rebuild lives when illness has taken over. MGS Interact was set up in 2002 under the guidance of Maidstone Riverside Rotary Club. President Mike Springett and other Rotarians were there to proudly see the handover.
Philippines response
Rotary Clubs across Kent, East Sussex and South London have contributed and helped the public to respond to the appeals for the Philippines typhoon disaster. Over 100,000 was raised over just two weeks and forwarded mostly in the shape of Shelterboxes, shelter and dignity all in a big green box. Over 140 have been funded and our picture shows one of the first shipments of 500 Shelterboxes with their tents that have been given to families in Leyte. Our thanks to all the public, local authorities and others who have made this great response possible. See page 3.
Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon has raised over 38,000. President Terry Cooke-Davies said This is a tremendous achievement and all proceeds will be supporting local and international causes. The Half Marathon event since it started in 2006 has now raised over 246,000
event went extremely well and assistance was received with sincere thanks from members of the Folkestone Rotary Club, Hythe and Folkestone Channel Rotary Clubs. Folkestone Running Club, Folkestone Interact, other running clubs and the local community. I would also like to thank our sponsors, in particular Independent Insurance Services and
The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, but most importantly the runners who without their participation would have not made this event as successful. The main charity was Folkestone & District Mind and we were delighted to help them raise over 3,000 this year. Many runners also donated to their own chosen causes.
Well if you have read this far you may want to join
There are Rotary Clubs in all the towns in our District, some have more than one. There are breakfast, lunch or supper clubs so you can take your pick to match your time. We are also starting an E-Club with membership via the web. We are looking for more men and women of all ages and backgrounds to join us to use their time, talents, professional skills and energy to improve the lives of people in their area or others around the World. The easiest way to contact us is by sending your details to membership@rotary1120.org Do look at our website www.rotary1120.org Or write to Rotary 1120 15 Johnson Avenue, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent TH14 7AX
Go on tear off this strip. It may start a whole new life for you!
? RY Y E T A T O R H AV E Y OU TO INTRODUCED A N Y O N E