Bulletin Highlights July 2010-June 2011
ROTARY CLUB OF ROCHDALE - President: John Cannell
July / August 2010
President’s Remarks
Well here we are at the start of another Rotary Year, another President, Vice President and 2nd Vice President, all looking forward to the year ahead.
Nigel Danby, who visited our club on the 17th of June at our Assembly as representative of the Assistant District Governor, sent us a very complimentary report. Now we must meet or exceed our targets – I’m sure that with the support of you all that we will.
Our handover evening at the Castleton Bowling Club was a Good Night, with ideal weather. Mike Lucas won the bowls, soundly defeating the New President in the final. The supper was well up to the usual standard with several going back for ‘seconds’. I hope that VP Joan will approve a similar evening next year.
As announced previously, my chosen charities this year are Christie’s at Oldham and the Migraine Action Association. My reason for Christie’s is that I strongly believe that this is one disease that desperately needs all the help it can get. The new radiotherapy unit in Oldham will be our prime target. The MAA is a little known charity, despite being around since 1958, which helps migraine sufferers. Mine started in my early teens but went undiagnosed for some 10 years. One in seven of the population has migraine – so on that basis, there are six of us in the club….
Our first big event is the Craft Fair, on Sunday September 12th. David Acton is already well advanced with his plans to make this year’s event bigger and better and will be seeking support from everyone soon.
By the time you read this, those of you present on the 15th will know too much about me. I hope I will still have your confidence and support after this revealing evening!
Congratulations again to Brian Cunliffe who recently became an honorary member.
Camelot Theme Park day trip organised by Rochdale Rotary –
Many thanks to Rotary for a brilliant day out at Camelot. The students were all smiles the next day and want to go again! The staff enjoyed it too which was a welcome relief from the sadness we are all feeling (NB this was due to the sad unexpected death of a young member of staff - Ed). Please pass on our thanks to all.
Carole Finn – Redwood School
A Club Day Out. - Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2010
We arrived early at the Masonic (08:30 hrs) to have a trip into Wales. Thirty of us waited anxiously for the coach that was to take to Llangollen and the International Eisteddfod.
We arrived there soon after 11:00. This was my first visit to the annual event and my first time in Llangollen since my teens, when the family enjoyed holidays in North Wales. Once through the entrance, the international nature was immediately apparent, with strange tongues being heard – and not only Gaelic! Apart from people from Europe, there was evidence of African, South American and Indian peoples too.
Apart from the music, which was everywhere, there were many organisations vying for publicity, including Rotary, the Lions and many others, making for a colourful, dynamic spectacle.
We all wandered off in roughly the same direction – clockwise around the site – to make sure we could find the tent where we would be eating later. Bill advised us to be there in good time to ensure a seat. We soon identified the aforementioned tent, and then our group gradually merged into the crowd, to meet up occasionally at different tents, before finally returning to the hospitality tent around 12:15.
We were certainly in good time – in fact almost the first there! We then found out that the introductory speeches would start at 13:00, and would last 30 minutes before we would see any food…. But it was nice to sit down, and we spent the time exchanging notes and planning the afternoon’s activities.
Just before 13:00, the dignitaries arrived. Apart from the President & Vice President of the local club, the district 1150 DG was there and also the newly installed RIBI President, Jim Moulson.
During the pre-lunch speeches, the list of visiting clubs was read out, including two from Australia. But when Rochdale was announced, the assembled multitude was somewhat taken aback when most of the 34 of us rose together! We will be remembered… And our table won the wine competition, with 5 bottles!
The lunch was excellent, and lasted until 15:00. IPP Elvet took me to task for being somewhat retiring and not wearing my ‘gong’, so after we had more or less finished eating, I plucked up courage and approached the head table and the Head Man. He was very nice, and we exchanged a few words. He was pleased to hear that I’d just returned from Dunoon but disappointed that I hadn’t been at the RIBI presidential handover at nearby Paisley that same weekend. We look forward to seeing him at our Conference in the Isle of Mann in September.
We again went our separate ways after lunch. Sue and I spent some time in the main pavilion, seeing some impressive dancing and then made our way into the town, where we spotted Mr & Mrs Kay enjoying an ice-cream – after that big lunch!! The evocative smell of a steam engine then drew us to the station, where Sue allowed me a few nostalgic minutes, before we made our way back to the Eisteddfod. Our last stop there was at an outside stage, where a young lady by the name of Elin Fflur was singing, accompanied by a keyboard and a guitar. I later ‘Googled’ her and learnt that she is well known in Wales, has been singing since she was three, and now also works for the local radio station. She was very good indeed.
And so back to the coach, where we dozed our way home, after very Grand Day Out. Thanks, Bill!
President John.
Sep / Oct 2010
Just for fun, and to hopefully put you in a quiz mood, please feel free to have a go at the questions below? (Editor)
1. Which is the only football premiership ground containing the letter x?
2. Which is the only bird that can fly backwards?
3. What is the most commonly used word in the English language?
4. Which finger nail grows the fastest?
5. What nine letter word in the English language is still a word when any of one of the nine letters is removed one by one?
Tribute to Past President W. Ramsay, 1915 – 2010
Bill died at the end of a long life, lived to the full, on the 4th of August. By a sad coincidence, he died on the very morning of the funeral of his dear wife Gwen, who had passed away only some eleven days earlier. They were inseparable in life, celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary recently. Now they are united in death.
Bill came from farming stock in County Durham. He graduated from Durham University in Physics and initially took a teaching post in Huddersfield. By happy chance he met Gwen, also a teacher, from Newhey, Rochdale, when they both were attending a course in Blackpool. They married in 1940. Bill was called up and joined the Army, soon to be commissioned in the Signals. He was sent to the East and narrowly missed landing in Singapore as the Japanese invaded.
He was diverted to India, where he spent the next four years training Indian recruits.
After the war, he and Gwen settled in Newhey, when he was appointed as a physics teacher at the Grammar School. He soon rose to become head of department, establishing a fine record of success.
He joined the Rotary Club of Rochdale in 1972 and Gwen joined Inner Wheel. They both served as President in their respective clubs and in many other capacities, putting their hearts and souls into the movement. A fine record of Service.
Bill had not been well for some months so his end was not unexpected, but he and Gwen will be sadly missed by their many friends.
Geoff Howard - Past President
Paul Harris Fellowship Presentation to Rotarian Peter B Smith
Peter first joined the Rotary Club of Rochdale early in 1979 but had to resign in May 1981 through the pressures of his own textile business. He rejoined the club in 1990.
Peter is a former Chairman of Round Table. His interests included serious walking which provided the momentum for us to start our charity fundraising walks (known as water walks). Peter started this project off in the early 1990’s and it continued in that format until a few years ago, raising over £65,000 for Rotary charities. When Peter became President in 1999 he promoted the Feast of a Thousand Years at the Town Hall, raising a further £5,000.
Peter receives his Paul Harris Fellowship from President John.
Peter also enthusiastically supported Rotary Foundation and in particular the exchange visits of the GSE teams.
Council were delighted to award Peter a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his considerable contribution to the Rotary Movement for over twenty years. Congratulations.
President’s Remarks
My first ‘official’ meeting was on the 15th, with the Focus Interview. Only a couple of people nodded off and there were no embarrassing questions…..
The following week, we found out about how new member Bob Chadwick earns his keep at the local council. From his early days helping out at the local rugby club, to his present position in what was the highways department, Bob has spent all his life in the local area and all his working life with Rochdale Council. That makes it sound like a boring experience for both himself and the audience at the Masonic.
Well that couldn’t be further from the truth. In a light hearted and informative talk, it quickly became apparent that life in the local council is interesting, challenging and at times frustrating. Most of us only see biased newspaper reports and it was encouraging to hear that the council is doing their best for the local population under increasingly difficult circumstances.
Bob also touched on his involvement with the NSPCC and his intention to do a sponsored walk in foreign parts to raise some much needed monies. No doubt we will be hearing more about this in the future! (Another talk, Bob)?
Another facet to Bob’s busy life is his involvement in hospital radio, but that is a talk for another day, so we’ll just have to wait to find out about that.
In a change to the published programme, Martin Coupe gave a fascinating and informative talk about the Royal Charter on the evening of the 29th of July. Most of us were expecting an historical yawn about some ancient scroll. Well, we needn’t have been concerned. Martin came up with a transport based illustrated talk, which few of us knew anything about, which held everyone’s attention right to the rather sad end.
The Royal Charter was an iron hulled steam clipper ship, built in 1855 near Chester. She was intended to go from Liverpool to Australia in 60 days – which she successfully achieved on a regular basis. In October 1859, when returning from Melbourne, she ran into bad weather off Anglesey. As the wind rose to hurricane force, she anchored off the north east coast to ride out the storm. Unfortunately, the anchor failed to hold the ship, and she went aground on rocks near Moelfre. Of the 450 passengers and crew, only 21 passengers and 18 of the crew survived. There was a lot of gold bullion on board too, much of which disappeared…. There is a memorial stone near the point where the ship came to grief, and parts of the hull are still visible.
Nice one, Martin!
Robert Namushi called on his experience and historical knowledge to present a fascinating talk on the history of his homeland, Zambia, on the 5th of August.
Our lunch time meeting on the 12th was down to David Acton, who as usual kept us smiling with an interesting insight into the ways of a Community Service Convenor, including the recent developments in the Grow Bag saga and an update on the Craft Fair. We also had the pleasure of ADG Jon Lovgreen, who had a few words at the end of the meeting.
Rotarian Emma Buckley and President John sample some Spanish wine (thankfully the other members of the club did leave them some ….. but only a little).Emma gave us an excellent talk about wine making in Spain at our evening meeting on the 19th. Not only did she keep everyone fully awake but she also brought along examples of a Sherry, a Cava and a Rioja, which we all tried! I have always enjoyed French wines and thought of Cava as a cheap alternative to champagne. In some respects that’s true as it is less expensive but it’s very palatable and certainly a worthy competitor. The success of Emma’s talk can be judged by the fact that I had to call a stop to the questions as we were well over time!
The previous evening, a select few of us took part in Stan Fielding's 2nd evening Car Treasure Hunt. My car had Sue, Lis Kay and Keith Crossley. An excellent team and apart from one small navigational error, we did well, seeing most of the clues. We arrived at the Higher Trap Inn for a very acceptable meal. Having organised these sorts of events myself, I can appreciate the amount of time and effort that Stan and his helpers must have spent to allow the entrants to have such a Good Time. Those who didn’t take part missed out. An excellent event – thanks, Stan!
On the 26th of August the Masonic was closed for holidays so we de-camped to the Church Inn at Birtle. A total of about 30 members and wives enjoyed an excellent choice of food at a Good Price. Thanks to Chris for organising an enjoyable evening of fellowship.
Looking ahead, it’s time to start thinking about our trip to the Annual District 1280 Conference on the Isle of Mann, so can those of you who are going, please check your travel arrangements.
President John.
BULLETIN OCT/NOV 2010
Christmas Concert – Wed 15 Dec 2010 at Heywood Civic Hall
I have been asked by the management at Heywood Civic Hall to organise a Christmas Concert in December with the profits going to our President’s charities.
We have engaged the Ashton-under-Lyne Brass Band and the Cantere Ladies Choir to perform for us. The band are in the highest echelon of brass banding (Championship Section) and the choir are the re-named Debroise Choir, also an outstanding group.
The event will not actually involve our club in selling tickets for the concert (that will be done from the Civic Hall) but I feel we should support, as much as possible, by our attendance. The cost is £5.50 per ticket. Please support this as much as you can. Many thanks.
Rtn Tom Hobson.
* Quiz Challenge – 8th November 2010 at the Norton Grange, commencing @ 7.30 pm Rochdale now have a team of four but reserves and supporters are most welcome. A pie and gateaux supper is included at a price of £8 per person. If any other Rotarians are interested in coming along, please let Neil Helliwell know (tel 01706 657998 or e-mail nineh@btinternet.com).
President John's Remarks
The Conference on the Isle of Mann went well but with disappointingly few Rotarians from District 1280 attending. I’m pleased to say that our club fielded the same as last year in terms of numbers, so we did OK – thank you to all of you who supported me in my special year in my homeland. IPP Elvet will have more to say about the conference elsewhere in this bulletin.
Our lunchtime meeting on the 9th saw District Governor Bernard Tupman at the Masonic, who updated us with the goings on at District level and later congratulated us being a well organised club – thank you team!
The Craft Fair on the 12th was a great success, masterminded by David Acton, heavily supported by his young bride Sheila, who never seemed to be in one place for more than a few seconds on the day. We ran out of raffle tickets before lunch time and Anneliese won the ‘most tickets sold’ award by a big margin – over 60 – and was then frustrated because we’d no more left… Well done Anneliese! The stallholders that I spoke to all said that they would be back next year, so an opportunity for another record breaking year in 2011. We made about £1,900 on the day, including a generous donation from Ted Jenkins – thanks Ted.
Sue & I left for the IoM directly after the Craft Fair, so we missed the talk about the Oldham Coliseum.
I was initially disappointed to discover that the talk about clocks was actually about CLOGS! But my disappointment soon changed, when I realised how little I knew about clogs. Norman Bishop gave a fascinating talk on the history, manufacture and differing styles of clogs – which is still produced today for specialist groups but not, of course, in daily use by very many now.
Our Charities evening on the 30th of September was well attended and took place at the Broadfield. Just as well, as the service was a bit slow and both speakers enjoyed a good twenty minutes each. But as we had the room for the evening, there was no pressure….
Firstly, Lee Tomkins, director of the Migraine Action Association, told us about the work that the MAA has been doing since 1958, helping those who suffer from the disabling headaches that disrupt one in seven people’s lives every day. Interestingly, 60% of sufferers never consult their GP, because they think that nothing can be done to help them. I had given up any hope of help and abandoned myself to putting up with it, having had little success with either GPs or alternative therapies, until a chance comment with one GP at the local practice made him suggest something I hadn’t tried. To my amazement, it actually worked! I wish I’d tried it 18 years ago when it was introduced! In the words of Churchill, “never, never, never give up…”
Then Terry Dean, from Christie’s took the floor. Terry is the Secretary of the Fund Raising Team for Rochdale, Oldham & Middleton. He told us about the new Radiotherapy Unit in Oldham and how it will help those of us to the north of Manchester, when cancer strikes either ourselves or someone close to us, by significantly reducing the travelling time needed for treatment. It is my wish to support this unit, as it is clearly beneficial to us and being new needs as much financial support as possible.
Lee Tomkins, director of MAA, President John, Dr Mercy Nyangulu, Rotary Club of Harare Central and Terry Dean, Hon. Sec, Oldham, Rochdale & Middleton Fund-raising Team at the Charity Evening are all thanked for making the evening so enjoyable
Everyone of us has been touched by cancer, either directly or indirectly, and I’m sure that all of you will support me in doing what we can this year to raise monies for Christie’s and the MAA, both charities trying to make life more bearable for a lot of people.
Report of Art and CRAFT Fair by Bob Chadwick is on another Rotary web page
Visitors Evening
The club was delighted to host a great evening of fun at our Visitors Evening on Thursday 7th October 2010.
Over 60 people enjoyed a meal at the Masonic Rooms including several members of Rochdale East, two Assistant District Governors (one from Zimbabwe) and many visitors who we hope were interested in joining or supporting the Rotary movement and our club.
The speaker was Stephen Pickering better known as The Comedian DUDLEY DOOLITTLE. Stephen lives in Littleborough and gave us an amusing review of his life so far from growing up in Belfield, working as a joiner with David Castree (President of Rochdale East), being a member of several successful groups to his present role as the warm up artist for several TV shows including “Count Down” on Granada.
His brief was to “amuse us” but I see that the instructions had a typo and said he was to “abuse us” which he actually did in his usual friendly way. I think I can say that he was a great success and all present had a super evening.
Rtn John F Kay
Membership Committee Convenor
District Conference IOM 2010
It was rather nice for our President (from a long line of IOM Cannells) to go back to his ancestral home along with 13 Rochdale Rotarians. We had a sea front Douglas hotel the Empress - seaweedy sea breezes, long front, windy mixed weather, nearly every form of transport was tried by different Rotarians. President had a geneological few days with Sue diverted by flora and fauna; hastily appeared at first Session of conference; awoken from his reverie by stage announcement - Rochdale awarded Keith Hoskinson Trophy for the Befriending Community project.Liz Tatman handed over the trophy (or one like it ) to John - well done Mike Tomkinson and John for applying for it and so well deserved!
This years Conference was a bit under subscribed with about 400 attenders; partly distance partly limited local enthusiasm. However the Villa Marina venue a few yards from our Hotel was freely given, provided excellent acoustics, visual effects and space, enhanced by flower beds and a great sea view balcony. DG Bernard Tupman, keen bandsman all his life, led a Manx salute to the Proms on Friday evening with Rushen Silver Band and Meadowside Choral Society. All our club were very hoarse afterwards but soon recovered their normal voluble selves with soothing liquids back at the hotel. Funny thing though was (Stan noticed it first) some disrobed men were spotted lurking at the back of the men's room showing off some gear better suited to a Chippendales evening. This was also confirmed much later by Clive so Stan was allowed to resume normal proceedings. It seems that aside from Rotarians, Hens are also interested in weekends away from the drudgery of modern life and are entertained to brackish music at the rear of the building.
Highlights of Conference presentations were Trade Aid, Salford Sailing group for young people, Royal National Life boats and update on Life boxes by its founder Tom Henderson.RI
RIBI President Jim Moulson gave a good solid and down to earth view of Rotary and how it must modernise to continue to bring in new members. This year's theme from Ray Klingismith, President of RI, is 'Building Communities,Building Continents'. It is designed to speak to the non Rotary world about what Rotary is and what we do.
Entertainment came from Gervais Phinn, Yorkshire wit ex schoolteacher and school inspector; one knew why he'd got Speaker of the Year award - so fluent and relaxed with great humour.
Jan Meek made nonsense of her age, doing ocean racing with her son over 3000 miles, Dot Tilbury is a local comedian and appeared in a Woolworth stores costume haranging Jim Moulson when he didn't find the right article to put in a typical Woolies customer's bag. Jim was as funny as her .
Rochdale East was also there in numbers with President David at the helm and much involved with the entertainment side of the conference.
Another great conference expedition and everyone got back safe and sound! Next years dates are 7th-9th October in Scarborough. .Let Joan know soon if you want to go. You're sure to have a great time.
IPP Elvet Smith
Nov / Dec 2010
President’s Remarks
Our lunchtime meeting on the 14 of October was a business meeting. Several issues were addressed but nothing controversial.
The evening of the 21st of October told us a great deal about Alec Issigonis’s ‘Mosquito’, to become the familiar Morris Minor, when introduced in 1948. But this tale was about the van version, specifically as used by the Post Office Royal Mail Service.
Peter Miller spent many years rescuing and re-building such a vehicle to a high standard and then used it to drive the length of the country! It is now in a museum, having suffered terminal engine failure.
Anne Overton, the Community Fundraising Manager for the RNIB drove up from Burton on Trent on the 28th of October, to tell us about the work that the RNIB does and especially about the Talking Books service that they offer to blind people.
She explained that the readers are all professional actors, who take great care to produce a quality result. The Talking Books are now supplied on CD and a specially designed player has been developed, which is easy for a non sighted person to operate and as demonstrated, has very good audio quality.
The way that we can help is by sponsoring a book. The book in question would be dedicated to our Club and so give us some publicity. Individuals can also sponsor a book, which would be dedicated to them.
If anyone wishes to help, Anne can be contacted on 01283 812 074, or by e-mail at anne.overton@rnib.org.uk
The 4th of November’s meeting was all about bowel cancer – not a very exciting subject, you might think, but Audrey Howarth’s bubbly character made for a very interesting, informative and at times amusing presentation. A more detailed report will appear elsewhere.
The International committee organised the meeting on the 11th of November. David Cook told us about the Hillary Dell Cook Memorial Fund. Dell & David met whilst studying dentistry and soon married. Dell spent her life helping others in many ways, much of it in Uganda. Her sudden death at only 65 came as a great shock to all who new her. David gave an interesting and informative synopsis of her life. More information can be found here:-
http://www.thehilarydellcookmemorialfund.co.uk/
This meeting was also the first use of the club’s recently acquired projector, which worked perfectly with my vintage (2001) laptop and should prove to be a useful asset.
Our curiosity about ‘A life Sentence’ was finally resolved on the 18th of November, when Paul Hazelhurst told us of his intimate involvement with Rochdale Football Club. Not a subject that I have any great interest in but as Paul’s perspective was from the financial aspect, it proved an interesting and informative talk about one of the few successful clubs in the country, owing to sound financial management.
I’m looking forward to our Charter night on the 3rd of December. I have it on good authority that the musical entertainment by the John Hallam Trio is not to be missed and have been lent one of his CDs, which is excellent. I look forward to your company on our Special Night!
President John.
District Conference - A Virgin in the Isle of Man
Yes it was my first time and I did not know quite what to expect. The experience was a very pleasant surprise so I was glad that my wife Joan had persuaded me to take this step into the unknown.
Rotary District Conference was indeed a whole new experience for me. In fact I had never ever attended a conference of this kind before. Nothing I had been told about Conference in the months leading up to the event came close to making me believe that it could possibly rise above “hum-drum” and rather boring. That misconception I am pleased to say was quickly dispelled.
I have met my fellow Rotarians in party mood before. This time they were in holiday - party mood which made for a very pleasant week-end. Indeed the pleasure of which was heightened by the fact that all the other attendees and others connected with Conference had gone with the same carefree spirit.
The conference itself did not live up to my expectations, it far exceeded them insofar that all the speakers, both Rotarian and invited professionals were lively, interesting and informative. Entertainments, in session and in the evenings, were excellent and most enjoyable. All the Conferenceites seemed to enjoy it too.
I know that many in our club have probably been to Conference so many times that they have possibly become bored with it and no longer bother to attend. Why not have a break from staying at home in October 2011 when we seasoned Conference goers will travel to Scarborough?
For members who think about Conference as I thought about it prior to September 17th should also “give it a whirl”. Go on, you know it makes sense.
Rtn Keith Banks – Conference Old Hand.
Cancer Screening for Bowel Cancer
Rotary Club of Rochdale was updated by Audrey Howarth on the NHS bowel cancer screening programme, at a special awareness evening for members at the Masonic hall recently.
The Northwest has a high rate of Colon cancer which can be fatal if left undetected. The screening programme automatically sends a special testing kit every two years to all 60 to 70 year olds in our area.
By using the simple to use kit, blood can be detected and this can indicate the early stages of a cancer in approx. 10% of positive people, who are then offered further scanning and colonoscopy tests.
Screening for breast cancer has been successful in picking up early problems and this project looks to be even more helpful
Already hundreds of people with colonic polyps and cancer have been found and successfully treated. They wouldn't have known otherwise as it picks up problems before symptoms develop.
Even if you are not in the age category by ringing the freephone number 0800 7076060 a kit will be sent to you.
Audrey, a born communicator, gave a detailed talk, with a lively and light hearted question and answer session afterward,
Rotarian Dr Ravi Sharma has for many years been seeing the ravages of bowel cancer in the community and thanked Audrey for her great energy and commitment
IPP Elvet Smith
Jan / Feb 2011
Bag Packing – Part 1
The amounts raised at the three bag packing events were Tesco £612, Morrisons 1st visit £618 and Morrisons 2nd visit £325. Many thanks again to everyone who helped
President’s Remarks
Well I’m almost half way through my Presidential year. As several people, both in our club and others told me, the year really flies by. It certainly does….
A couple of bag packing sessions raised over £1,200 – thanks to all who helped – with a third, rather last minute session on the Wednesday before Christmas, which only managed just over £300, but not bad, considering the limited number of people who could take part.
I was disappointed not to see anyone else at the Youth Orchestra’s Christmas Concert, apart from Peter & Gill Smith. You missed an excellent evening.
Charter Night has been & gone, I hope those of you who were there enjoyed the night – I certainly did! Also the SGM on the 9th of December is now a distant memory. The Christmas Concert at the Heywood Civic Centre was First Class, to be expected from one of the best brass bands in the country, the Ashton–under-Lyne Band, who can be heard again, at the same venue, for our fund raising event in April. Don’t miss it!
The Christmas Meal on the 16th of December, ably organised by Mike Lucas, was the penultimate meeting of the year, with Rotarians in Good Voice.
For our last meeting of 2010, IPP Elvet reviewed his Presidential Year, and it was good to be reminded of his enthusiastic style, with some amusing memories being revived. A fitting end to 2010.
Sue & I went up to our friends at Dunoon and enjoyed New Year’s Eve as guests of the local hotelier and his wife. A few days earlier, we took our friends out for a special lunch, to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. I hope that we are in as good a shape as they are now, in 2025 when, all being well, we will be celebrating ours.
Our 1st meeting of 2011 was a presentation by our own Paul Rowen, who surprised us with his exploits as a mountaineer, having been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award when he was teaching. Not just any mountain, not even in the UK - Mount Kilimanjaro! A challenge in anyone’s book! Just doing it with a team of experienced adults would be enough for most, but doing it with a collection of enthusiastic youngsters…. As Paul explained, preparation is the most important aspect, including acclimatisation to the rarefied atmosphere. Very few failed to achieve the climb – an impressive record of success.
This was also our second use of the new projector. There was an unforeseen problem, when Paul’s new laptop didn’t have the appropriate socket for the interconnecting cable. So Paul kindly went home and collected his old laptop, which had the correct socket, but they still wouldn’t communicate!! After some 15 minutes of head scratching and button pushing, Bob Chadwick got us close to the solution and a little more button pushing solved the problem. To avoid this happening in future, I will always bring my old laptop too and a means of transferring any presentations to it, so we won’t be embarrassed in the future!
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy & Successful 2011.
President John.
A Big Thank You
On behalf of the Community Committee, I would like to thank all the members who helped with the bag packing at Morrisons and Tesco, also to those members who collected and delivered the Christmas parcels particularly in the snow, to Brian Cunliffe and his staff for the use of his premises and their help. Thanks.
Rtn David Acton
Dr H Padmanabhan
For those who do not see the Rochdale Observer, I thought you should know that "Pad", a former member, died suddenly at home on Christmas Day aged 78. His funeral is on Friday 14/01/11 at 11.50 am at Rochdale Crematorium.
Pad was a friendly and well respected member. I was particularly sad when he decided to leave the club in 1997.
Rtn Dean Sherriff
Shelter Boxes
I have just received advice note for the two shelter boxes we sent in August. They went to Indonesia, for the homeless, after the eruption of Mount Merapi.
Rtn John Whitley
March / April 2011
A BRIEF HISTORY OF GLASS
On the 10th of February, our lunchtime gathering was entertained and educated by our guest John Haslam, who spoke about antique glass: drinking glasses that is. John gave us a most interesting insight into the development of the manufacture and design of glasses from a range of examples on display, dating from Roman to the 19th Century but mainly the 18th Century when the development of the modern decorative, sophisticated designs began.
We learned that there were several centres of excellence in Britain where glassware was produced and most of us were surprised to learn that in the 19th and early 20th centuries Manchester was the principal U.K. producer of glassware of all types manufactured by the pressing process rather than the traditional blowing and hand forming method. John delivered a most informative talk, much appreciated by all who were able to attend. - Rtn Keith Banks
President’s Remarks
Our meeting on the 20th of January was at the Broadfield. It memorable for two things, Keith Swift’s job talk and the unbelievable time it took to serve the meal. Chris Bryning took the establishment to task before we left, as we have several more meetings here this year. He was told that they were short staffed – something of an understatement – but provided we spoke to them a few days before, they assured him that they would bring extra staff in to ensure that we don’t have a repeat performance.
Keith’s job talk was most entertaining, in every sense of the word. I was interested to hear that he was born and lived in Wythenshawe in his early life, not far from where I started life in nearby Brooklands four years earlier. The coincidence continued, with Keith moving to this area in 1974, just a year before Sue & I moved north of Manchester.
However that’s as far as the similarities went. Keith had a desire to see the world, and thought that a job in surveying might achieve this. Wrong! But his enjoyment of singing, from being in various choirs to acquiring a Karaoke machine, led to being involved with a group. This, at last, allowed his desire to travel to be somewhat satisfied, touring at one point with David Bowie. He worked for various companies in their logistics departments, owned and ran a shop and had his own taxi, before becoming involved with local government.
But along with the day job, he has an alter ego – Frank Sinatra. His success as a tribute act to the late great man has been growing steadily and he ended his talk with three numbers from Sinatra’s repertoire, to rapturous applause. Thanks for an excellent evening, Keith!
Our lunchtime meeting on the 27th was presented by Kath Halstead. Following the loss of her husband, she decided to take up a major challenge. Wanting to do something for charity, she elected to go to China and walk part of the Great Wall. Some of the pictures she showed us were daunting, with the Wall stretching away almost to infinity and it wasn’t all flat, with steep valleys to negotiate too. Just seeing the pictures was enough to put any normal person off even considering such a task! I can’t recall the charity, or the exact amount, but I think Kath raised over £4,000. It makes our efforts at Nidderdale seem insignificant…
On the 3rd of February Steve Carroll and Anna Reeves, representing Ace Centre North, arrived with an impressive collection of “toys” – but all with a very positive purpose – to allow those who have difficulty in communicating to do so. A quote from Stephen Hawking in their literature says it all: ‘Even more basic than the freedom of speech is the freedom to speak’. A fascinating half hour of demonstration followed, with all manner of clever switches, special keyboards, unusual joysticks and on a more basic level, special small spiral-bound sets of pictures. All with the one aim, to allow those who can’t communicate in the usual way to make themselves understood. Modern technology makes this so much easier than only a few years ago. The one thing that I found most impressive is a system that allows the eye to control the cursor of a computer, which is under development. Amazing stuff.
The lunch time meeting on the 10th of February was unusual in that it introduced us to another collector. John Haslam presented us with a very expensive table full of old glasses – the drinking kind – and gave us a fascinating insight into the development of mainly wine glasses over the years. The oldest specimen was 300BC but was far from being the most expensive. The biggest surprise of the day came to Anneliese, when I asked her to give the vote of thanks. Owing to a misunderstanding, she wasn’t expecting to do it…. However, with hardly any hesitation, she performed perfectly. Thanks and apologies, Anneliese!
The ‘do’ at the Bella Vista on Friday the 11th was well attended. We had an excellent evening, raising some £300 for the International Committees of Inner Wheel and Rotary. A full report appears elsewhere.
Our first evening poetry meeting also went well, with some first class performances from members. It would take up too much space to enlarge on them – suffice it to say that the evening was a success. The best new poem was by Liz Smith, especially for this evening, to introduce the final act of the evening – the presentation to Mike Lucas of a Paul Harris Fellowship. The citation reads as follows:-
Mike Lucas is made a Paul Harris Follow
“Known to us as Mike, he joined the Rotary Club of Rochdale in mid 1981 sponsored by Bill Ramsay.
Mike was soon participating in Club and District Service being a member of the Club and The District Youth Exchange Committee for 10 years. Indeed he was Chairman of it for most of this period.
Mike became Club President in 1992/3 and in his year of office he organised a musical event at The Oulder Hill Theatre raising several thousand pounds for the Hospital Silver Heart Appeal.
He has contributed much to the continued success of the District Life Education Unit and served on that committee for 7 years.
Mike has been deeply involved for with the Rochdale Youth Orchestra which we sponsored for many years and helped co-ordinate their programmes and involvement with our club. In particular he organised a float for them to appear at our first open air craft fair.
His own musical talents are utilised by the Club at our annual Christmas Meal when Mike kindly leads us in the carol singing.
Mike has served on your Club Council, on and off, for over 6 years and has carried out the important duty of Speaker’s Secretary for the past 5 years. A job which he has undertaken with considerable enthusiasm and commitment to ensure the Club is never let down through having a vacant spot. Indeed this evening’s Poetry night is Mike’s brainchild.
Overall Mike has never failed us in his commitment to all our Club activities over the years and in recognition of this and his considerable contribution to the Rotary Movement over 30 years, your Council is delighted to award to you Mike, this Paul Harris Fellowship which I am pleased to present to you on behalf of all members of the Rochdale Rotary Club.”
Finally, on the 24th of February, our lunchtime meeting enjoyed an excellent presentation from our very own Stan Fielding, after reminding the assembled audience, in verse, that I managed to arrive at Tesco’s instead of Morrison’s to relieve him for my stint shaking the bucket for Polio Plus. When the unsympathetic laughter had died down, he started.
His talk was entitled ‘After the Battle of Britain’, and focussed initially on the work of Coastal Command throughout the war, who initially guarded our shores from marauding U boats, intent on preventing our ships from arriving and leaving port. Later, with the help of Bletchley Park and the addition of longer-range aircraft such as the Sunderland, submarine hunting could take place over the Atlantic to protect our convoys of supply ships.
Stan then turned to his part. After his initial training in Canada, he returned to the UK and was assigned to Coastal Command, initially flying Bristol Blenheims. He progressed onto another from the Bristol company, the Beaufighter, known by the Japanese as ‘the Whispering Death’ because of its speed and firepower. Finally he flew the de Havilland Mosquito, in its shipping strike configuration, attacking various enemy shipping. Having completed his front line tour of duty, Stan became a ferry pilot, and amused us with some of his tales in that role.
The audience listened intently and after a few questions, and the vote of thanks, applauded well beyond the usual polite response. Thanks, Stan.
President John
International Fundraiser - Bella Vista
Some 50 years ago Marion and I used to sit holding hands, listening to “Songs for Swinging Lovers”, the Frank Sinatra LP: that’s how we did our courting!
So when I learned that the joint Inner Wheel / Rotary event at the Bellavista, 11th February, was to feature “Old Blue Eyes”, I looked forward with great anticipation.
Sure enough, we were treated to all the old Sinatra favourites sung by our very own Jonathon Swift (see below), complete with 1930’s mike, trilby and flashy shoes. The elegant phrasing, the consummate Nelson Riddell arrangements were all there. Marion and I particularly enjoyed Keith’s rendering of “You Make Me Feel So Young”, our special theme song.
Sixty four “Francophiles” gathered for this excellent evening of food and music, raising money for Inner Wheel and Rotary Overseas charities. Our knowledge of the lad from Hoboken was tested by an exacting quiz set by Kate Walmsley. Somehow Table 1 managed to win. I think Mike Tomkinson had something to do with that.
As the evening warmed up, some of the young at heart took to the dance floor; 14 of us high kicked our way through the big finale “New York, New York”
Pauline Smithard and Sue Cannell organised an excellent raffle, which boosted the overall amount raised by the evening to £319.
After it was officially over, Jonathon sang on and dancing continued, I am told, until 3.00 am.
Rtn Dean Sherriff
Mike the Muse (A tribute to Mike Lucas- latest Club Paul Harris Fellow)
O Poetry Muser:
You have a love of prose and rhyme.
Keep us aware of that deep art,
Force our minds to think deep thoughts,
But not so deep that we’ll depart.
O Poetry Master:
You have other art forms divine,
Not least the classical music theme.
Tinkling fingers hymned Christmas gone
Keeping all our faces a beam.
O Poetry Revealer:
Let your mind expand beyond
Mere words and rhythm’s plane.
Get on your laptop, fingers wild.
This won’t be against your grain.
O Poetry Spirit:
Gone are gloved catches of yore,
Gone Silver Heart sales making magic.
Ongoing is the Speaker’s shore
With just a nudge, sometimes tragic.
O Poetry Receiver:
Keep blasting on your trade,
Keep singing church and choral song.
Paul Harris had your sort in mind.
Rotary is where you belong!
Liz Smith
April / May 2011 (2011-02)
CLUB OUTING ON THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE RAILWAY 8.7.11
As David Smithard will be away on holiday until late May will you please contact Mike Tomkinson if you have any enquiries about the trip.
Rtn Mike Tomkinson
Sad News for Family Action Rochdale
As a result of Government funding cuts, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council has allocated a much lower level of funding which has resulted in a much reduced level of service, combining elements of the services formerly provided. Staff levels have been reduced from 13 to 3.5, two admin posts have disappeared altogether and 9 existing professional staff have been interviewed for the reduced number of posts.
Also, to achieve economies in running costs, Family Action has vacated 37, St. Alban’s Street and the staff re-located to premises on Langley Estate, where the rent is considerably lower. The move took place at the end of March.
This is very sad news and the atmosphere, when I visited St. Alban’s Street during those last days, felt just like a bereavement. Memories of all the good work done by the Unit over the years came flooding back.
The work with families in desperate need still goes on and it is hoped that the Club will feel that it has become even more important in these straightened circumstances to continue to support Family Action as we have done in the past.
Rtn Dean Sherriff
President’s Remarks
Our meeting of the 3rd of March was notable for several reasons. It was at the Broadfield and I think we were all wondering how long the meal would take this time. Well we were pleasantly surprised. The food was served promptly (it would have been at exactly 18:30, had not members been a bit slow vacating the bar area!) and the food was good, even down to introducing Summer Rations. Thanks due to Chris Bryning for sorting them out.
Our speaker was Alan Shackleton, who had us all guessing with the intriguing title ‘She made me love her’. Well it was nothing to do with the present Mrs Shackleton, nor with some previously unmentioned assignation, but a thought provoking essay on modern life and the difference between ‘want’ and ‘aught’ – what should I do and what aught I do? The material world & peer pressure have a lot to answer for, I think….
Some weeks ago Allan Beswick introduced two half hour programmes on R4 entitled ‘Wheels Coming off at the Rotary’. I recorded these and edited them down to one half hour presentation. At our lunchtime meeting on the 10th, I played this back. It generated a certain amount of controversy, but as time was against us, it was agreed that we should discuss the programme at length at another lunchtime meeting.
On the 17th, Mary Davidson gave us an excellent slide presentation about the American National Parks. Despite an enthusiastic and time consuming session with the smile box, Mary still managed to get through all her slides, accompanied by an amusing and informative commentary.
The meeting on the 24th of March was entitled ‘Musical Musings’, by Noel Broadbent, who kept us well entertained with his stories with a musical twist, delivered at breakneck speed, and finishing with seconds to spare! A roller coaster musical journey with humour…
Our visitor’s evening on the 31st of March was an excellent evening, with 41 of us present. The delectable Catherine Tydlesley told us about her life so far – and we now wait to see if any of the guests decide to join Rotary….
On the 2nd of April Sue & I went to the Gracie Fields Theatre to enjoy the Youth Orchestra’s Spring Concert. Another enjoyable evening and I was pleased to see one or two other members of our club there this time.
At our first meeting in April, we had a delegation from Redwood, including their head, Stuart Pigeon. A report will appear elsewhere in this bulletin.
Our AGM was well attended on the 14th, and was notable for the lack of controversy this year. All went smoothly, thanks to careful preparation by secretary Martin.
Our next Important Event is the St George’s day concert on the 23rd. I hope to see you all there, as it is my last major fund raising ‘do’ of my term in office.
President John
Sydney Cove Rotary Club Visit
At the end of my recent cruise along South Australia and New Zealand, Merrilyn and I spent 3 days in Sydney. As well as climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visiting the Opera House and Darling Harbour, we both attended a breakfast meeting of the Sydney Cove Rotary Club. The meeting was held on a Captain Cook ferry in Circular Cove no.6 in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge itself. A cooked breakfast followed Rotary Grace and that was followed by a presentation to the ferry’s Captain who was retiring and then the induction of a new member to the Club.
The Master of Arms then proceeded to ‘fine’ the majority of Rotarians for various misdemeanours e.g. not wearing their Rotary pin. One Rotarian was fined for not informing the previous week’s meeting that their adopted race horse was running, thus depriving members from placing bets on it. To make matters worse, it came second in its race so an each way bet would have produced funds for the Club!
Merrilyn and I were made very welcome by Rotarian Gary who it turned out used to visit north-west England on a regular basis as he was in the textile business. He said he had stayed in a hotel, on a hill, about a mile outside Rochdale about 15 years ago but could not remember its name. As we were leaving my northern accent was commented upon by another Rotarian who was an exile from Blackburn.
(Above) Bob Chadwick exchanging Club pennants with President Robert Lee and Master of Arms, John Walker looking on.
The meeting itself ended not with the Rotary Final Toast, but with a rendition of the Australian National Anthem. Merrilyn and I mimed unsuccessfully, not unlike John Redwood MP when he was Welsh Secretary!
Rtn Bob Chadwick
Sports at Redwood School
Our meeting 7th April was “taken over” by the “Dynamic Duo” from Redwood’s Sports Department, Garry Smith and Dave Butterworth. They overwhelmed us with details of all the activities they organise: 27 different sports, after school clubs, an aquathon and skiing. No one could fail to be impressed by the “can do – we’ll try anything” attitude of the staff. This indefatigably positive attitude obviously has spread to the pupils. At times it was difficult to remember that all the pupils at Redwood have some sort of disability, physical, mental or both.
Garry and Dave’s enthusiasm was infectious and their presentation, which included DVD’s produced in-house, was thoroughly professional. (Note for the Club Service Committee: The Club’s digital projection equipment badly needs a stand alone amplifier and loudspeakers to ensure that the sound track of DVD’s can properly be heard).
We were delighted to welcome other representatives from the School, namely Marion Sherriff, Chair of the Governors and Stuart Pidgeon, Head Teacher. A “Sports Personality of the Year” event is to be held 7th July in the Gracie Fields Theatre. Your support would be greatly welcomed. (Diary Note: This is a Thursday evening when there isn’t a Rotary Meeting – The Settle-Carlisle trip is the next day, so you may be at a loose end!). Finally G and D left us with a challenge. The School needs a sponsor for one of the various awards that are to be presented that evening. Come on, Rochdale Club, see what you can do!
Rtn Dean Sherriff
Rotary Club of Rochdale supports Northern Cleft Foundation
A cheque of £500 was presented to Dr George Tetursamy by our President John Cannell and Joan Banks on 17th March 2011.
The team performed corrective surgical procedures on 86 individuals in India this year and brought a lot of smile to them.
Rtn Ravi Sharma
Youth Speaks Competition – Falinge School Excels
I am delighted to report our team from Falinge School participated in the Regional Finals and came runners up – missing by a whisker in the Intermediate group of the competition.
Our President John Cannell, Sue Cannell, David and Pauline Smithard and I were impressed with the high standards of the participating teams at the Regional finals held at Winnington Park, Northwich on Sunday 13th march 2011.
With the title ‘please may I have time to grow’, our team speaker, Zainab Kauser, explained how the pressures of modern society make children grow up too quickly and how the teachers and parents conspire to deny them of their childhood. Children are working too hard to maximise opportunities at cost of their childhood. She made a passionate plea to grow at her own pace and answered the question regarding the duty of parents and teachers in a thoughtful and mature way.
The chairperson introduced the subject and conducted the session in a confident and mature style and the vote of thanks delivered with humour and incorporated the reflections in a thoughtful yet spontaneous manner.
Our journey began in February with a win at the zonal heats and runners up at the District finals at Frodsham in March the week before the regional finals. Our thanks and appreciation goes to Mrs Theresa Crossland their teacher for inspiring the team and preparation of a very high standard.
For us the event was very enjoyable and we appreciated the challenging topics delivered with confidence humour and maturity. The teams brought their personalities through gestures and depth and made it feel spontaneous. We remain optimistic to make it to National finals in the year to come.
Rtn. Ravi Sharma
Something for nothing!!!!!!!!!!(Saucy Idea to further Polio Eradication)
Fellow Rotarians,
Some years ago, you may remember the free jars of marmalade that each Rotarian in the district was given free of charge. These jars were kindly donated by Wilkin & Son, branded as Tiptree Marmalade.
The Rotarian who instigated that idea was our incoming RIBI Chairman Ray Burman and he has managed to twist the company’s arm to do something for us again AT NO COST!
Our original idea was to ask for barbecue sauce and link this with the joint District barbecues on a large scale. Unfortunately, the cost to Wilkins & Son would have been over £100,000. However, they were willing to give us tomato ketchup which we agreed to take.
Each Rotarian in the district will be given a free bottle of tomato ketchup in exchange for a donation. They can enjoy the product and then fill the glass bottle with coins and hand it back to the club treasurer. The bottles have a special label promoting Rotary.
We, as a district, will be receiving 1,500 bottles of ketchup. If each Rotarian donates £1 and then on average fills it with another £3, we as a district would raise around £6,000. This is only one way of using the bottles (if you think of a more creative way then go for it).
Here is the best bit. The money raised is for you to decide so if your club decide to donate it to end polio now then so be it. If you have a special event where they could be used then that would be great. The decision is yours.
Good luck as you prepare for your Presidential year.
Regards
David Ellis
District 1280 Governor 2011/2012
President: John Cannell
Incoming President: Joan Banks
June / July 2011 (2011-03)
Bulletin for Rtn
Date Programme Time
2 Jun New Committee’s Evening E
9 Jun Ken Davies – Visit to the Palace L
16 Jun President’s Charity Presentaiton
Migraine Action E
23 Jun Presidential Handover E
Broadfield Hotel
30 Jun *** HOLIDAY ***
8 Jul Settle / Carlisle Railway Trip
** (No Meeting on 7 July) **
14 Jul Shelter Box – Bob Chadwick L
21 Jul Focus Interview with President E
Nidderdale Walk
After a cloudy start and much perusing of weather forecasts, thirteen doughty Rochdale Rotarians and friends tackled the foothills of Nidderdale this Sunday. A warning to Rotary drivers from Keith that Neanderthal drivers lie in wait near Burnley ready to pounce on readers of the modern Highway code.
Two ladies sensibly stayed back to compare notes on their recent joint replacements thus avoiding metal rust (AND MOST IMPORTANTLY PREPARE A SCRUMPTIOUS TEA). New to the walk, Derek and Christine mistakenly thought the long walk from the distant Pateley bridge car park to the registration at the Scout hut qualified as part of the 7 miles but no such luck!
We all had a blowy breezy dampish walk o'er tops and down dales. On a 1 to 10 scale for wetness it was about a 4 so not too bad. The Harrogate Rotary Awning at the refreshment station had to be taken down due to it blowing away so damp bickies resulted -a minor blip.
Martin tried a short cut straight up a rock face to give himself time to eat something while the rest of us went the usual trusty route through the lead mining slag heaps. The Reids and Whitleys paused awhile to discuss rare sheep breeds with a local farmer. An emergency call was made by 'concerned 'Dr Smith who was relieved that it was only sheep that slowed their pace. No doubt a good breather was another reason. No injuries occurred and fun was had back at the debriefing Scout hut with the Rotary donation box which swirled your coins round and round a large funnel into the money box at the bottom.
Back at our Glasshouses cottage everyone squeezed in together and compared notes on life, the universe and everything. Liz and I haven't seen such hearty eating since last Christmas - obviously exercising in the fresh air followed by salmon sarnies and refreshments are a good mix. Next year's date is 20th May so see you then!
Rtn Elvet Smith
President’s Remarks
The St. George’s Day concert went well. Very well, in fact. The packed hall enjoyed a musical extravaganza, featuring the Rossendale Male Voice choir and the Ashton Brass Band, ably compered by Rtn. Ken Davies MBE. The first part concluded with a rousing performance of ‘River Dance’ and to me was the highlight of the evening. The show finished with a ‘last night of the proms’ selection, with much flag waving and enthusiastic singing.
Thanks are due to Tom Hobson and his team for a First Class Job well done. I don’t have the final figures to hand, but it looks as if we will have netted over £1,000 for my charities. My thanks to all involved, and for the support of the many members of our club and their friends who came on the 23rd.
The discussion prompted by the Radio 4 broadcast about Rotary took place on the 21st of April. Some interesting points were raised, which will be discussed in Council and implemented where appropriate.
On the 28th, our own David Acton told us about his adventures in Africa, which apart from the ‘eureka’ moment of the Asda plastic bags, was memorable for ‘plumptious female thighs’, bananas and the sacrifice of one leg of his best new trousers…. You should have been there!
Sue & I attended the RIBI Conference in Dublin over the weekend of the 16th of April. We arrived late Friday afternoon, too late to attend the first session but in good time to meet David & Sheila Acton for dinner in the hotel. We agreed that the Conference Dinner was far too expensive and that the hotel fare was very good. The first session on Saturday morning was interesting for the live broadcast by the BBC of the Young Citizen’s Awards, very professionally presented by a young lady from BBC’s News Channel, Ellie Crissell. David & I attended the business meeting in the afternoon, whilst the girls did their own thing. The business meeting was more entertaining that we had anticipated, with a certain Rotarian from Altrincham putting forward some very controversial proposals which, after rather more discussion than they justified, were soundly defeated. We considered going to the Irish Folk Band entertainment in the evening but since it was a taxi ride away and didn’t start until 21:30, we decided just to enjoy a leisurely evening meal and have an early (ish) night. Are we getting too old for this sort of thing??
Sunday morning’s session started at 09:15. The main speaker was Terry Waite, as impressive as ever and followed after the break by Jeremy Gilley, founder of ‘Peace One Day’ (Google it – it’s amazing!). Our return flight was not until late evening, so we enjoyed a long walk from the hotel, before heading for the airport, where we had our evening meal before returning to Manchester. My overall opinion was that we do it better in 1280 – better organised & less expensive!!
Our annual crown green bowling evening, now held at the Castleton Bowling Club, took place on the evening of the 5th of May. The fine weather waited until about 5:30 before deteriorating to light rain, which conveniently lasted over night, before clearing up again on Friday morning. Fortunately I had a Cunning Plan, just in case, which was instigated following a brief consultation with those present at 18:30. We repaired into the comparative warmth of the clubhouse and whilst members made use of the bar, the snooker table was uncovered and a set of carpet bowls produced.
So we enjoyed a table-top version of flat green bowls, Elvet’s vintage shove ha’penny board and at the far end of the room, a dart board. An enjoyable evening was had by all, rounded off with a meat & potato pie and (for me) apple pie to follow. Neil & Stan won the men’s bowling, and Heather Tomkinson the lady’s.
Several of us attended the District Assembly on Saturday the 7th of May. The incoming RIBI President, Ray Burnham, came to speak and I was very impressed. He will make an excellent President. I attended the membership / PR meeting and came away with some good ideas to bring to our committee for 2011/12. A useful morning.
Our lunch time meeting on the 12th was a book & DVD auction. Keith Crossley dusted off his grandfather’s brief case & gavel and demonstrated his auctioneering skills to good effect, raising well over £100 for club charities. Thanks to all who attended and took part and to Keith & Mike Lucas for running the event.
Our Club Assembly on the 19th of May followed the usual format, with President elect Joan taking over the meeting after the usual business had been attended to, putting forward her intentions for the year ahead. The convenors added their programmes, before yours truly closed the meeting.
Maralyn Williams enlightened us about the very good work that the Rochdale Music Service does on the 26th of May. Whilst primarily aimed at teenagers, RMS also accepts OAPs, pre teenagers and all in between, offering tuition on almost all instruments, with the exception of the harp. There is a staff of 45 currently. Keeping young people off the streets and giving them a skill that will be with them all their life has so much to commend it. For more information, look at their web site here:- http://www.rochdalemusicservice.org.uk/
This is an organisation that deserves much more recognition and support. Please do have a look at their website and get along to some of the concerts that they put on. I’m sure that you won’t be disappointed.
Well, this will be my last ‘President’s Remarks’, as by the time the next bulletin is published, I’ll be history… Back to the rank and file, sitting in the body of the Kirk once more. I’ve very much enjoyed my year ‘in charge’, and thank everyone for their very much appreciated support over the last 12 months. I hope that I have upheld the standard of my predecessors!
President John.