AGM 2017 & Business & Fellowship

The distinction of establishing the first satellite Rotary club in Wales – possibly in the whole of the United Kingdom – linked to a district general hospital is moving increasingly nearer fulfilment, Rhyl Rotarians were told at their annual meeting at Faenol Fawr. President Rod Brocklehurst announced that following a number of exploratory soundings with management and staff at Glan Clwyd Hospital over the past eighteen months, supported by neighbouring St Asaph and Abergele clubs, the prospects were now beginning to take positive shape. The idea of creating a satellite club attached to the busy Bodelwyddan hospital, situated adjacent to parent club’s established home base at Faenol Fawr, he revealed, has recently progressed to discussions with the Chief Executive of the Betsi Cadwallader Trust, which runs the Glan Clwyd hospital. “We have opened up correspondence at a high level and the response seems to be positive and encouraging,” he added. “It is an aspiration we have been pursuing for many months, even years, since we realized the vital importance of exploring every possible avenue to rebuild our falling membership.” “Retaining and even expanding a secure Rotary presence in the area has remained a high priority for our club and the fact that a number of satellite clubs have been established in other parts of Rotary District 1180, has shown that it can be achieved and with success.” “There is still some way to go before we can claim to have turned this ambition into reality but I think I can go so far as to optimistically say – watch this space!” Earlier senior vice-president Keith Roberts announced that the recent Plant Fair at Trefnant Village Hall had raised over £530 for charity and he expressed particular thanks to past President Hari Hughes for his outstanding contribution. Looking ahead, he said he was hoping to arrange a novel Open Golf Fun Day event at Bodelwyddan in early September, again with support from neighbours St Asaph, while Vocational Secretary Mike Howarth said as well as a repeat day trip to Bangor-on-Dee Races he was looking to organise visits to several vineyards in the region as well as to Airbus UK at Broughton, among numerous others. Meanwhile, Community Service chairman Hari Hughes confirmed that the elderly gents’ free holiday was again set for October following the popular senior citizens’ coach outing and tea set for Sunday June 11, for which volunteer drivers were urgently required. Officers elected to serve during the coming Rotary year were Programme Secretary Keith Roberts, Youth Service Gareth Davies, Digital Management Services Mike Howarth, Press & Public Relations Michael McEvoy. The Bishop of St Asaph Rt Rev.Gregory Campbell and former treasurer Peter Wistow were both re-elected honorary members with David Thomas continuing as Honorary Auditor.