President and Members Page
View Our Club Website: www.middletonrotary.org.uk for even more detail on club activities.
Dates to remember:
Club Council Meeting on 27/1/10 Club business meet on 1/2/10
A very warm welcome to Audrey Riches & Pauline Journeaux the latest Rotarians to join the club in January. We are sure you will enjoy the fellowship and service to those in need.
Anyone who like what they see on these pages, and our website, why not get in touch and arrange a visit to see for yourself what we get up to?
President Peter Speaks
May I wish all members and Friends of Middleton Rotary Club a prosperous new year, six months down and six to go.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as president with some interesting meetings, a very enjoyable Charter Night, fund raising at Sainsbury’s, whisky tasting and then being a Father Christmas in the Arndale as well as walking the streets of Middleton, raising over £7,000 for many different charities. Then to finish December with the excellent Christmas address which I’m sure you all enjoyed.
I am looking forward to the cheque presentation evening on Monday 8th February, meeting the representatives of the ten charities, listening to them explaining where the money is going and giving out the cheques to local charities. It really makes all the hard work we put in through December really worthwhile.
On Sunday 17th January we are holding a social luncheon at the Old Boars Head and I hope you can all join me. The following day John Fiddler is our speaker on ‘Old Hollinwood’ for this month’s Friends night.
In October we hosted the GSE team from Srilanka, it is five years since the tsunami hit the island and last year saw the opening of the RIBI built village. On Monday 15th February we will host Colin Ince, AGD, to our friends night talk about the task of leading the District International effort to build a safe new village in Sri Lanka.
So half way through and a lot achieved, it is not time to put our feet up! We have achieved much, but there is still much more to do. I look forward to your continued support and do hope you continue to enjoy life with Rotary.
President Peter's hopes
Since our last bulletin a number of members attended the District Conference in Llandudno, but the highlight for me was our recent 76th Charter night; where we had 68 people attending, including DG Elizabeth and many dignitaries. A Paul Harris award was presented to Rotarian John Brooker for his service to Mikoroshoni Primary School, Kenya and his District work for Rotary Foundation, and the evening finished off in fine style by “Hindle Wakes” Lancashire’s own folk group.
Over the next two months our major fund raising events are to be held. International Service Committee has the whisky tasting on Friday 27th November at the Old Boars Head. The following day sees the start of Community Committee’s major event, the arrival of Father Christmas sleigh drawn by real reindeer, the parade starts at 12 arriving at 12:30 in Arndale centre. Those wishing to see him are asked to give a donation; with more dates scheduled for Saturday 5th, 12th and 19th December (times 10 am to 4 pm) and Sunday 6th, 13th and 20th December (11 am to 3 pm).
Monday 7th December we walk the streets of Middleton with the start of the Christmas Rotary float, schedule to starts at Woodlands Way, Dingle Road, Alkrington Hall Road and hopefully Moss lane.
In November, I am looking forward to two friend’s nights with speakers; on the 16th Shirley Davis “pets for therapy” and the following week part 2 with Brian Clark on “English Customs”.
It was great to see Norman Wellens back, looking so well; also our best wishes go out to Donald Pickup who is recovering from his operation.
President Peter's hopes
July and August have flown by, after a slow start, the pace of work ahead for all of us is increasing day by day. So with the holiday season over (for some) the next few months are important for good planning and preparation are essential, if our major fund raising events are to be successful as last years.
We have had two very good friends nights, so far, with very interesting speakers, with more to follow. In September we have Brian Clark on “English Customs” and October we have the new District Governor, Elizabeth Tatman, on her club visit. Then, of course, our main social event of the year, our 76th anniversary Charter night. We will have many dignitaries attending, including DG Elizabeth, with the entertainment coming from “Hindle Wakes” Lancashire’s answer to folk music.
We have two new friends joining us John Campbell and his sister Eileen Pritchard, and
I do hope this will be just the beginning of new members into the club.
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Jeanette Hallett and Donald Pickup who are both awaiting operations, we really wish them every success.
New President Peter speaks!
I’d have never thought when I joined Rotary, 4 and half years ago, that I would be standing as President of the club at this point. Given the success of the club last year, a lot of which is down to the leadership of Norman, it certainly will be a hard act to follow. My thanks (as I know also those of the club) go to Norman for that.
As I’ve heard on as few occasions the Rotary wheel never stops turning, and this year, yet again, we have set ourselves an ambitious programme. I know, with the team I have around me, we can achieve our aims. I know also that it will not be easy, certainly in times of such financial hardship. However I do want us to achieve, and I do want us to continue enjoying Rotary. Rotary is fun and is even more enjoyable when you are able to reflect on the good we are doing for so many outside of our club.
I look forward to your support and seeing those ‘smiley faces’ continue to bring sunshine to us all.
Peter.