Week 7 & 8

 

Well, what a very busy, but enjoyable, couple of weeks that has been.

Am 2 months in to my DG-ship and where has the time gone? It’s hard to believe we’re hurtling towards the end of August and already some shops are talking about Christmas. Even work have been sending out invitations to Christmas parties and my local Club are asking about Santa’s Sleigh duties!!

We had the District Executive meeting on the 8th of August and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. To get myself prepared I read what seemed like a book of papers beforehand. I then decided I’d be better off printing them out, not something I like to do to be honest, but wanted to be prepared as best I could.

I remember once going to the Home Office to deliver a presentation to a Parliamentary cross-party Committee on the subject of vulnerable families. Unbeknown to me I was to deliver my presentation from half way up an open stairwell to the seated Committee below. As I climbed the stairwell I was that nervous I dropped all my notes and then thought to myself, sod it, I'm going to say it as it is. It was the best speech I had given; it came from the heart and I was congratulated by many Ministers because of the passion for the subject I had shown.

I make no apologies for continuing in the same vein and if I believe that something needs saying then I will just say it as it is.

Suffice it to say the Executive meeting went very well with 26 members out of 27 attending. It makes me realise how many people are supporting the District in the background, and their work is immeasurable and very much appreciated.

Directly following this meeting was a District Governor (DG) meeting, a supportive group made up of DG’s from throughout RGB&I. Through this group I have made many new friends who come together to share their experiences and knowledge for the benefit of all. The discussion at this meeting was around ideas for membership. We listened to a talk from Rotaract about a conference being held in Ireland later this year and other conferences. It is good in that we are individuals all with the same values and ways of working.

A smaller meeting met with our International Lead, ICC and Ukraine Lead where we discussed how feeding through our shared lines of work would make a District more joined up and give it some structure.

On Monday 15th August I had the pleasure of attending the Rotary Club of Workington Derwent for their weekly meeting. What a warm and welcoming group of Rotarians, I was made to feel extremely welcome. I was amazed to hear the number of projects the Club is involved in and this is all balanced with the fellowship and friendship. They have an excellent venue for their meetings and the meal was lovely. I'm sure I will visit again before my year is over. Thank you to President Doug and all members.

An Assistant Governors meeting was also held mid-week and it was another great opportunity to come together to talk about different things especially the events for Polio this Year. One such event is the Walk a Mile for Polio which I hope all Clubs will participate in this year. Another, of course, is the Purple for Polio tins of Quality Street chocolate which I am currently promoting. I hope to place the next order for more tins in September.

Foundation, our Charity, needs us more than ever before with the push for Polio. We are getting so close but we need to make a massive District effort this year to try to eradicate this awful disease and prevent it affecting more children.

Finally, can I take this opportunity to mention the District Conference which is taking place on 18 March 2023 at Barton Manor Hotel, Preston. The Conference theme this time is “A Voice for Young People”. There are 250 places available and bookings are now open, please contact Larry Branyon our District Treasurer.  It is a one-day Conference with the cost of £35.

If you care to stay overnight this booking is to be made separately with the Barton Grange Hotel, but please do mention the Rotary Conference when making the booking.

Please note I am happy and willing to attend any Club in the District, I would love to see you all, at some point in my year, to say thank you to each and every-one for the work you continue to do.

That’s all for now folks... Looking forward to our meetings.


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