District Governor's Newsletter - October 2019

DG Dave Writes

October is Economic and Community Development Month, so I would particularly like to commend all those Clubs who support individuals and organisations around the world involved in this type of project. From Lend with Care where very small amounts of capital can help someone develop a business to planting trees in Tanzania through Sustainable Global Gardens again giving a living to the local farmers.

During September I have visited the Clubs of Luton Chiltern, Amersham, Hemel Hempstead, Flitwick Vale, St Albans Verulamium, Ampthill & District and Hertford Shires as well as attending Bedford’s 95th Anniversary, Baldock’s 65th Anniversary, the official opening of Horatio’s Garden at Stoke Mandeville, the District Bowls competition won by Luton Chiltern together with a Race Night run by MK Watling, East meets West Dinner with Milton Keynes Satellite and a Quiz with Ampthill. Not forgetting an afternoon outing with Ware to Wilkins Fruit Farm, who provided us all with the Purple for Polio jam not too long ago and a brief time in Hitchin Market Square buying our Sunday evening curry from Hitchin Tilehouse’s Curry for Kerala Stall.

We had the first District Council Meeting of the year in early September where some excellent presentations were given on Rotary Global Rewards Scheme by Jeremy Wyman of Chesham, Peace One Day by Brenda Lowe of Hitchin Tilehouse, crocus planting on World Polio Day at Stoke Mandeville by our Rotary GB&I President Debbie Hodge and the in-District Global Grant for the Fibroscanner by Paul Denton of Luton North. If Clubs would like to volunteer to help with the planting of the crocus corms or donate £10 towards the cost, please contact Debbie. If Clubs would like to donate between £100 to £500 towards the Grant please contact either myself or Paul Denton.  

On October 18th at Tilsworth we have a Membership Seminar where past RI Director Bradford R Howard will be talking about Engaging with Young Professionals. Everyone is welcome but if you could please let our District Membership Chair Paul Johnson know how many of you are coming.

So far this month I have visited the Clubs of Potters Bar, Berkhampsted Bulbourne and MK Watling with further visits planned to Amwell, Royston, Barton-le-Clay, Milton Keynes Grand Union, Hitchin Priory and Watford. We shall also be attending Milton Keynes 40th Anniversary, Buckingham’s 50th Anniversary and Letchworth Garden City’s celebrations, together with the Bill Huntley Peace Seminar in Bradford at the end of the month.

There are a number of workshops happening during October and November. Details are on the website. Please contact Jenny Muir if you are interested.

Please continue supporting Economic & Community Development Projects wherever they may be and continue to Be the Inspiration

DG Dave Ford

Membership Presentation - 18th October 2018

We in District 1260 have been given the opportunity to listen to past RI Director and member of RI Membership Committee Bradford R Howard address us on the subject of Engaging Young Professionals on Thursday 18th October at Tilsworth Golf Centre at 7.30pm. This would be a great chance for every Club to send at least one representative to hear what Brad has to say on this subject, one which, I know, is of keen interest to many Rotarians. Having heard Brad speak twice before he can be quite inspirational.
Please let our District Membership Chair Paul Johnson know if your Club will be in attendance and how many of your members will be coming on rpjcuffley@gmail.com

World Polio Day

One of the biggest dates in the Rotary calendar will soon be upon us! World Polio Day takes place on Wednesday 24^th October 2018 and is one of the best opportunities to tell the Rotary Polio Story.

Whilst tremendous progress has been made, the final steps on any journey are often the some of the hardest and 2018 has been far from easy. To date there have been 14 wild poliovirus cases this year and positive environmental samples show that we cannot take our foot off the accelerator.

Significant challenges lie ahead in the battle to eradicate polio and that is where our members, People of Action just like you, can really make a difference.

To help you and your club mark World Polio Day, a number of resources have been put together for you to download.

This is an ideal opportunity to engage with your local community, celebrities and media to remind them about the Rotary Polio Story and how everyone can get involved.

Promotional Resources

To support your club in spreading the word about your World Polio Day and Purple4Polio awareness and fundraising activities, and Rotary’s polio campaign in general, a number of other resources are available.

• World Polio Day 2018 club template press release
• Facebook and Twitter profile header graphics
• Facebook and Twitter sample posts
• “Rotary on the brink of polio history” video for sharing on social media
• Top 5 reasons to eradicate polio poster

Develop your skills with Rotary

Rotary Fellowships

1. Share a common interest in recreational activities, sports, hobbies, or professions
2. Further their vocational development with others in the same profession or field
3. Enhance their Rotary experience by exploring new opportunities and making connections around the world